WO2019008813A1 - Beacon device and beacon transmission/reception system - Google Patents

Beacon device and beacon transmission/reception system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019008813A1
WO2019008813A1 PCT/JP2018/005454 JP2018005454W WO2019008813A1 WO 2019008813 A1 WO2019008813 A1 WO 2019008813A1 JP 2018005454 W JP2018005454 W JP 2018005454W WO 2019008813 A1 WO2019008813 A1 WO 2019008813A1
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Prior art keywords
beacon
shield case
transmitter
beacon signal
beacon device
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PCT/JP2018/005454
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
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裕彦 芹澤
崇 佐伯
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スター精密株式会社
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Publication of WO2019008813A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019008813A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S1/00—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith
    • G01S1/02—Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using radio waves
    • G01S1/68—Marker, boundary, call-sign, or like beacons transmitting signals not carrying directional information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q13/00—Waveguide horns or mouths; Slot antennas; Leaky-waveguide antennas; Equivalent structures causing radiation along the transmission path of a guided wave
    • H01Q13/10—Resonant slot antennas
    • H01Q13/18—Resonant slot antennas the slot being backed by, or formed in boundary wall of, a resonant cavity ; Open cavity antennas
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q23/00—Antennas with active circuits or circuit elements integrated within them or attached to them
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K9/00—Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
    • G07G1/00—Cash registers
    • G07G1/01—Details for indicating
    • G07G1/06—Details for indicating with provision for the noting of the money to be paid

Definitions

  • the surface facing in the positive direction of the Z axis is also referred to as the upper surface of the beacon device 10.
  • the surface facing the negative direction of the Z-axis corresponding to the opposite side of the upper surface is also referred to as the bottom surface of the beacon device 10.
  • the surface facing the positive direction of the X axis is also referred to as the front surface of the beacon device 10.
  • the surface facing the negative direction of the X axis corresponding to the opposite side of the front surface is also referred to as the back surface of the beacon device 10.
  • the names of the surfaces of the beacon device 10 may be applied as the names of the upper cover 110, the lower cover 120, and the shield case 130.
  • the descriptions “lower” and “upper” are identifiers for distinguishing the configurations.
  • the configuration shown as the lower cover 120 is located at the lower part of the configuration shown as the upper cover 110, but it is not limited to the lower part, and may be located at the upper or side.
  • the cap 123 is fixed to the lower cover 120 by, for example, a double-sided tape.
  • Each cap 123 is a blindfold of the screw 122 and constitutes a leg of the beacon device 10 and supports the beacon device 10 at four points.
  • Each cap 123 suppresses rattling and slipping at the location where the beacon device 10 is disposed.
  • the reception threshold in order to be able to receive the beacon signal from the beacon device 10 by any mobile terminal including the mobile terminal Z with low sensitivity, the reception threshold needs to be less than about ⁇ 45 dB from FIG. 8 (b) .
  • the detection limit distance is 20 cm from which the correlation with the received signal strength is obtained
  • no beacon signal is received at the detection limit distance by any portable terminal including the portable terminal Y with high sensitivity.
  • the reception threshold needs to be about -65 dB or more. Based on these values, the reception threshold is set to -55 dB, which is intermediate between -45 dB and -65 dB.
  • the specific direction for increasing the signal strength of the beacon signal is the positive direction of the Z axis
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the signal strength of the beacon signal may be increased in the normal direction of the upper surface of the upper cover 110.
  • the upper surface of the shield case 130 is opened so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110.
  • the shield case 130 may be inclined and stored so that the opening surface of the shield case 130 is parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110.
  • the transmitter 140 may be housed in the shield case 130 so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110.
  • the direction inclined toward the user is a specific direction in which the strength of the beacon signal is increased.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Aerials With Secondary Devices (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Shielding Devices Or Components To Electric Or Magnetic Fields (AREA)

Abstract

Provided are a beacon device and a beacon transmission/reception system, which are capable of improving the signal intensity of a beacon signal in a specific direction. The present invention has: a transmitter 140 that transmits a beacon signal; and a shield case 130, which is provided with a bottom surface 131, and a side wall 132, and which houses the transmitter 140, said shield case being a conductive member. The upper surface of the shield case 130 is an open plane 133, and the size of the open plane 133 is half the wavelength of the beacon signal or within a predetermined range from the half wavelength.

Description

ビーコン装置及びビーコン送受信システムBeacon device and beacon transmission / reception system
　本発明は、ユーザの携帯端末と近接通信を行うビーコン装置及びビーコン送受信システムに関する。 The present invention relates to a beacon device and a beacon transmission / reception system that perform proximity communication with a portable terminal of a user.
　従来から、店舗に設置されたビーコン装置が、ユーザの有するスマートフォンと近接通信をし、商品の清算処理をする技術がある（例えば特許文献１）。 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology in which a beacon device installed in a store performs close proximity communication with a smartphone owned by a user and performs product clearing processing (for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２０１６－２４６０６号公報JP, 2016-24606, A
　特許文献１では、近接した携帯端末のみとの通信を行うために、発信するビーコン信号の信号強度を抑える技術が提案されている。しかしながら、携帯端末によって受信感度にばらつきがあるため、発信出力を抑えることで適切に通信できなくなる恐れがある。そこで、必要な携帯端末とのみ通信を行うように特定方向以外に対する発信出力を抑えつつ、かつ、近距離通信を行う特定方向においてビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることが望まれる。 In patent document 1, in order to communicate only with the portable terminal which approached, the technique which suppresses the signal strength of the beacon signal to transmit is proposed. However, since the reception sensitivity varies depending on the portable terminal, there is a possibility that the communication can not be properly performed by suppressing the transmission output. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the transmission output in other than the specific direction so as to communicate only with the necessary portable terminal, and to increase the signal strength of the beacon signal in the specific direction in which the short distance communication is performed.
　従って、上記のような問題点に鑑みてなされた本発明の目的は、特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることができるビーコン装置及びビーコン送受信システムを提供することにある。 Therefore, an object of the present invention made in view of the above problems is to provide a beacon device and a beacon transmission / reception system capable of enhancing the signal strength of a beacon signal in a specific direction.
　上記課題を解決するために本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置は、
　ビーコン信号を発信する発信器と、
　底面及び側壁を備え、前記発信器を収納する導電性部材のシールドケースと、を有し、
　前記シールドケースの上面が開口面であり、前記開口面の寸法は、前記ビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内である。 In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, a beacon device concerning one embodiment of the present invention is:
A transmitter for transmitting a beacon signal,
And a shield case of a conductive member having a bottom surface and a side wall and housing the transmitter.
The upper surface of the shield case is an opening surface, and the dimension of the opening surface is within a predetermined range from a half wavelength or half wavelength of the beacon signal.
　また、本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システムは、
　ビーコン信号を発信する発信器と、
　底面及び側壁を備え、前記発信器を収納する導電性部材のシールドケースと、を有し、
　前記シールドケースの上面が開口面であり、前記開口面の寸法は、前記ビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内であるビーコン装置と、
　前記上面側から前記ビーコンを受信可能な携帯端末と、を備える。 Further, a beacon transmission / reception system according to an embodiment of the present invention is
A transmitter for transmitting a beacon signal,
And a shield case of a conductive member having a bottom surface and a side wall and housing the transmitter.
The beacon device whose upper surface of the shield case is an opening surface, and the size of the opening surface is within a predetermined range from a half wavelength or half wavelength of the beacon signal;
And a mobile terminal capable of receiving the beacon from the upper surface side.
　本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置及びビーコン送受信システムによれば、特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることができる。 According to the beacon device and the beacon transmission and reception system according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to increase the signal strength of the beacon signal in the specific direction.
本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システムの概要図である。It is a schematic diagram of the beacon transceiver system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置の斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a beacon device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置の上部カバーを外した斜視図である。It is the perspective view which removed the upper cover of the beacon device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of the beacon device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. シールドケースの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a shield case. 図２のＡ－Ａ矢線に沿った断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 2; 本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置の受信信号強度特性を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the receiving signal strength characteristic of the beacon device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 受信感度の異なる携帯端末による、ビーコン信号の受信信号強度特性を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the receiving signal strength characteristic of a beacon signal by a portable terminal from which receiving sensitivity differs. 垂直方向の受信信号強度特性と受信閾値との関係、及び垂直方向の受信信号強度特性とシールドケースの寸法との関係を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the relationship of the received signal strength characteristic of a perpendicular direction, a reception threshold value, and the relationship of the received signal strength characteristic of a perpendicular direction, and the dimension of a shield case.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
（実施の形態）
　図１は本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システム１の概要図である。本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システム１は、少なくともビーコン装置１０と、携帯端末２０とを備える。本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システム１は、例えば店舗等における商品の精算処理において用いることが可能である。この場合、ビーコン送受信システム１は上記の構成に加え、レジ端末３０、クラウドサーバ４０を備える。携帯端末２０及びレジ端末３０は、ネットワークＮを介してクラウドサーバ４０に接続可能である。ネットワークＮは例えばインターネット等の通信回線であり、携帯端末２０及びレジ端末３０は、無線及び有線の少なくとも一方によりネットワークＮを介してクラウドサーバ４０と通信する。 Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a beacon transmission / reception system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A beacon transmission and reception system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least a beacon device 10 and a portable terminal 20. The beacon transmission / reception system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used, for example, in settlement processing of goods in a store or the like. In this case, the beacon transmission / reception system 1 includes the cashier terminal 30 and the cloud server 40 in addition to the above configuration. The portable terminal 20 and the cash register terminal 30 can be connected to the cloud server 40 via the network N. The network N is, for example, a communication line such as the Internet, and the portable terminal 20 and the cashier terminal 30 communicate with the cloud server 40 via the network N by at least one of wireless and wired.
　以下ではビーコン送受信システム１が、精算処理において用いられる例について説明する。概略として本実施形態に係るビーコン送受信システム１は、レジ端末３０において商品等の精算処理後に、ビーコン装置１０からビーコン信号を受信した携帯端末２０が、クラウドサーバ４０からレシートデータを受信する。レシートデータとは、精算処理に関するレシートの画像データ（イメージデータ）、つまり電子化されたレシートである。レシートデータのデータ形式は画像データに限られず、テキストデータ又は任意のバイナリデータであってもよい。 Hereinafter, an example in which the beacon transmission / reception system 1 is used in the settlement process will be described. The beacon transmission / reception system 1 according to the present embodiment, as a schematic, receives the receipt data from the cloud server 40 after receiving the beacon signal from the beacon device 10 after the checkout process of the product etc. in the cashier terminal 30. The receipt data is image data (image data) of a receipt related to the settlement process, that is, an electronic receipt. The data format of the receipt data is not limited to image data, and may be text data or arbitrary binary data.
　ビーコン装置１０は、ビーコン信号を周期的に送信する。ビーコン信号の通信規格は、例えばＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ（登録商標）、ＢＬＥ（Ｂｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ（登録商標） Ｌｏｗ Ｅｎｅｒｇｙ）等の近距離無線通信規格である。ビーコン装置１０が送信するビーコン信号には、ビーコンＩＤが含まれる。ビーコンＩＤは、ビーコン装置１０を一意に特定するための識別情報である。ビーコン装置１０は、レジ端末３０の近傍に設けられる。なおビーコン装置１０は、ビーコンＩＤに加えて、又はビーコンＩＤの代わりに、ＰＯＳＩＤを送信するようにしてもよい。ＰＯＳＩＤとは、レジ端末３０を一意に特定するための識別情報である。すなわち、ビーコン装置１０は、装置が設置された位置（ロケーション）を示す何らかの情報をビーコン信号として送信する。 Beacon device 10 transmits a beacon signal periodically. The communication standard of the beacon signal is, for example, a short distance wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). The beacon signal transmitted by the beacon device 10 includes a beacon ID. Beacon ID is identification information for identifying beacon device 10 uniquely. The beacon device 10 is provided near the cashier terminal 30. The beacon device 10 may transmit the POS ID in addition to the beacon ID or in place of the beacon ID. The POS ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the cashier terminal 30. That is, the beacon device 10 transmits, as a beacon signal, some information indicating a position at which the device is installed.
　携帯端末２０は、顧客（以下、ユーザともいう。）が保有するスマートフォン、タブレット等の携帯型の通信装置である。携帯端末２０には本システムにおける情報処理に必要なプログラム（以下、アプリという。）がインストールされており、アプリが実行（起動）された状態で、携帯端末２０の本実施形態に係る動作が実現される。なお、携帯端末２０には専用のプログラムがインストールされていなくてもよく、携帯端末２０のＯＳ（Ｏｐｅｒａｔｉｎｇ Ｓｙｓｔｅｍ）等の標準的なソフトウェアに基づいて本実施形態に係る動作を実現してもよい。携帯端末２０は、精算処理時にビーコン装置１０からのビーコン信号を受信する。ここで携帯端末２０のアプリには、ビーコン信号に係る受信閾値が設定されており、受信したビーコン信号の信号強度が当該受信閾値以上である場合に、ビーコン信号として受信する。ビーコン信号を受信した場合に携帯端末２０は、ユーザＩＤ、受信したビーコン信号に係るビーコンＩＤ及び第１タイムスタンプを、クラウドサーバ４０に送信する。ユーザＩＤは、ユーザを一意に特定するための識別情報である。第１タイムスタンプは、携帯端末２０がビーコン信号を受信した時刻のデータである。携帯端末２０は、ビーコン信号を受信した時刻を第１タイムスタンプとして記憶している。 The portable terminal 20 is a portable communication device such as a smartphone or a tablet owned by a customer (hereinafter, also referred to as a user). A program (hereinafter referred to as an application) required for information processing in the present system is installed in the mobile terminal 20, and the operation according to the present embodiment of the mobile terminal 20 is realized in a state where the application is executed (activated). Be done. A dedicated program may not be installed in the portable terminal 20, and the operation according to the present embodiment may be realized based on standard software such as an operating system (OS) of the portable terminal 20. The portable terminal 20 receives the beacon signal from the beacon device 10 at the time of settlement processing. Here, in the application of the mobile terminal 20, a reception threshold related to the beacon signal is set, and when the signal strength of the received beacon signal is equal to or higher than the reception threshold, it is received as a beacon signal. When receiving the beacon signal, the portable terminal 20 transmits the user ID, the beacon ID according to the received beacon signal, and the first time stamp to the cloud server 40. The user ID is identification information for uniquely identifying the user. The first time stamp is data of a time when the portable terminal 20 receives a beacon signal. The portable terminal 20 stores the time of receiving the beacon signal as a first time stamp.
　レジ端末３０は、店舗における商品購入時の精算処理に用いられる端末である。レジ端末３０は、近傍に設けられたビーコン装置１０のビーコンＩＤを記憶している。レジ端末３０により精算処理が行われると、レジ端末３０は、レシートデータ、ビーコンＩＤ及び第２タイムスタンプをクラウドサーバ４０に送信する。第２タイムスタンプは、レジ端末３０が精算処理を完了した時刻のデータであり、レジ端末３０は、精算処理毎の当該データを記憶している。なおビーコン装置１０がビーコンＩＤの代わりに、ＰＯＳＩＤを携帯端末２０に送信する場合、レジ端末３０も、ビーコンＩＤの代わりにＰＯＳＩＤをクラウドサーバ４０に送信する。すなわちこの場合、レジ端末３０は、レシートデータ、ＰＯＳＩＤ及び第２タイムスタンプをクラウドサーバ４０に送信する。なおレジ端末３０は、携帯端末２０を有していないユーザ、アプリのインストールされていない携帯端末２０のユーザ等のために、紙のレシートを発行する機能を備えていてもよい。 The cashier terminal 30 is a terminal used for the settlement process at the time of purchase of a product in a store. The cashier terminal 30 stores the beacon ID of the beacon device 10 provided in the vicinity. When the checkout process is performed by the cashier terminal 30, the cashier terminal 30 transmits receipt data, a beacon ID, and a second time stamp to the cloud server 40. The second time stamp is data of the time when the cashier terminal 30 completes the settlement process, and the cashier terminal 30 stores the data for each settlement process. When the beacon device 10 transmits POSID to the portable terminal 20 instead of the beacon ID, the cashier terminal 30 also transmits POSID to the cloud server 40 instead of the beacon ID. That is, in this case, the cashier terminal 30 transmits the receipt data, the POS ID, and the second time stamp to the cloud server 40. The cashier terminal 30 may have a function of issuing a paper receipt for a user who does not have the portable terminal 20, a user of the portable terminal 20 in which the application is not installed, or the like.
　クラウドサーバ４０は、携帯端末２０から送信されたユーザＩＤ、ビーコンＩＤ及び第１タイムスタンプを受信する。またクラウドサーバ４０は、レジ端末３０から送信されたレシートデータ、ビーコンＩＤ、第２タイムスタンプを受信する。クラウドサーバ４０は、ビーコンＩＤ、第１タイムスタンプ及び第２タイムスタンプに基づき、ユーザＩＤとレシートデータとを対応付ける。具体的には、同一のビーコンＩＤで、かつ、第１タイムスタンプと第２タイムスタンプが所定時間以内である場合、これらのデータに係るユーザＩＤとレシートデータとを対応付ける。クラウドサーバ４０は対応付けたユーザＩＤとレシートデータをデータベースに格納する。またクラウドサーバ４０は、対応付けられたレシートデータを、携帯端末２０に送信する。ユーザは携帯端末２０によりレシートデータを受信し、受信したレシートデータを閲覧することができる。なお、図１ではクラウドサーバ４０として機能する装置を６台示しているがこれに限られず、任意の台数の装置により構成してもよい。 The cloud server 40 receives the user ID, the beacon ID, and the first time stamp transmitted from the mobile terminal 20. Also, the cloud server 40 receives the receipt data, the beacon ID, and the second time stamp transmitted from the cashier terminal 30. The cloud server 40 associates the user ID with the receipt data based on the beacon ID, the first time stamp, and the second time stamp. Specifically, when the same beacon ID and the first time stamp and the second time stamp are within a predetermined time, the user ID associated with these data is associated with the receipt data. The cloud server 40 stores the associated user ID and receipt data in a database. Further, the cloud server 40 transmits the associated receipt data to the portable terminal 20. The user can receive the receipt data by the portable terminal 20 and can view the received receipt data. Although six devices functioning as the cloud server 40 are shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of devices may be used.
　ここで、ビーコン装置１０によるビーコン信号は、レジ端末３０において精算処理をしたユーザの携帯端末２０が受信でき、精算処理をしていない他人（例えばレジに並んでいる他人）の携帯端末では受信できないようにする必要がある。すなわちビーコン信号を、ビーコン装置１０に近接した携帯端末２０には受信できるようにする必要があり、かつ近接していない携帯端末には受信させないようにする必要がある。そのため本実施の形態に係るビーコン装置１０は、ビーコン信号に指向性を持たせている。具体的には本実施の形態に係るビーコン装置１０は、特定方向の信号強度を高め、当該方向に位置する携帯端末２０と確実に通信できるような構成にしている。また、当該方向以外の信号強度を弱め、特定方向以外に位置する携帯端末とは通信が困難なようにしている。 Here, the beacon signal by the beacon device 10 can be received by the portable terminal 20 of the user who has performed the settlement process at the cashier terminal 30, and can not be received by the portable terminal of another person who has not performed the settlement process You need to do so. That is, the beacon signal needs to be able to be received by the portable terminal 20 in proximity to the beacon device 10, and it is necessary to prevent the portable terminal not in proximity from receiving it. Therefore, beacon device 10 concerning this embodiment is giving directivity to a beacon signal. Specifically, beacon device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to increase the signal strength in a specific direction, and to be able to reliably communicate with portable terminal 20 located in that direction. In addition, the signal strengths in the directions other than the direction are weakened, and communication with portable terminals located in directions other than the specific direction is difficult.
　以下、ビーコン装置１０の構成について図面を参照して説明する。図面は、模式的なものである。図面上の寸法又は比率等は、現実のものとは必ずしも一致していない。各図面における各構成部の描写は、部分的に簡略化されることがある。 Hereinafter, the configuration of the beacon device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic. The dimensions or proportions in the drawings do not necessarily match the actual ones. The depiction of each component in each figure may be partially simplified.
　図２は、本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０の外観斜視図であり、図３は、ビーコン装置１０の上部カバー１１０を外した状態を示す外観斜視図であり、図４は、図１に示すビーコン装置１０の分解斜視図である。ビーコン装置１０は、上部カバー１１０と、下部カバー１２０と、シールドケース１３０と、発信器１４０と、給電端子１５０と、ＬＥＤ表示器１６０と、発信器保持具１７０と、を備える。ビーコン装置１０は、略直方体形状である。Ｙ軸の正の方向に向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の第１側面ともいう。Ｙ軸の負の方向に向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の第２側面ともいう。Ｚ軸の正の方向に向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の上面ともいう。上面の反対側に対応するＺ軸の負の方向に向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の底面ともいう。Ｘ軸の正の方向を向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の前面ともいう。前面の反対側に対応するＸ軸の負の方向を向く面は、ビーコン装置１０の背面ともいう。ビーコン装置１０の各面の名称は、上部カバー１１０、下部カバー１２０及びシールドケース１３０の名称として適用されうる。「下部」及び「上部」の記載は、構成を区別するための識別子である。本実施形態において、下部カバー１２０として示される構成は、上部カバー１１０として示される構成の下部に位置するものとするが、下部に限られず、上部又は側部等に位置してもよい。 FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the beacon device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the beacon device 10 with the upper cover 110 removed, and FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the beacon device 10 shown in FIG. The beacon device 10 includes an upper cover 110, a lower cover 120, a shield case 130, a transmitter 140, a power supply terminal 150, an LED display 160, and a transmitter holder 170. Beacon device 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The surface facing in the positive direction of the Y axis is also referred to as the first side surface of the beacon device 10. The surface facing in the negative direction of the Y axis is also referred to as the second side surface of the beacon device 10. The surface facing in the positive direction of the Z axis is also referred to as the upper surface of the beacon device 10. The surface facing the negative direction of the Z-axis corresponding to the opposite side of the upper surface is also referred to as the bottom surface of the beacon device 10. The surface facing the positive direction of the X axis is also referred to as the front surface of the beacon device 10. The surface facing the negative direction of the X axis corresponding to the opposite side of the front surface is also referred to as the back surface of the beacon device 10. The names of the surfaces of the beacon device 10 may be applied as the names of the upper cover 110, the lower cover 120, and the shield case 130. The descriptions “lower” and “upper” are identifiers for distinguishing the configurations. In the present embodiment, the configuration shown as the lower cover 120 is located at the lower part of the configuration shown as the upper cover 110, but it is not limited to the lower part, and may be located at the upper or side.
　上部カバー１１０は上面、第１側面、第２側面、前面及び背面を備え、底面側が開口した略直方体形状の部材である。上部カバー１１０は、例えば樹脂製である。上部カバー１１０の前面側の高さは約３１ｍｍであり、背面側の高さ（約４１ｍｍ）よりも低い。そのため上部カバー１１０の上面は、背面から前面にかけて傾斜している傾斜面である。上部カバー１１０の上面はユーザが視認する部位であるため、ユーザ側に向けた傾斜面とすることで、前面側から視認した場合の上面の視認性を向上できる。上部カバー１１０の上面は略正方形状であり、一辺の長さは約７０ｍｍである。上部カバー１１０の背面には、給電端子及びＬＥＤ用の、開口１１１及び１１２が設けられている。 The upper cover 110 has a top surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a front surface, and a back surface, and is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member whose bottom side is opened. The upper cover 110 is made of, for example, a resin. The height on the front side of the upper cover 110 is about 31 mm, which is smaller than the height on the back side (about 41 mm). Therefore, the upper surface of the upper cover 110 is an inclined surface which is inclined from the back surface to the front surface. Since the upper surface of the upper cover 110 is a portion visually recognized by the user, the visibility of the upper surface when viewed from the front side can be improved by forming an inclined surface facing the user. The upper surface of the upper cover 110 is substantially square, and the length of one side is about 70 mm. The back face of the upper cover 110 is provided with openings 111 and 112 for the feed terminal and the LED.
　下部カバー１２０は上部カバー１１０の底面側を塞ぐ、矩形の板状部材である。下部カバー１２０の形状は、上部カバー１１０の底面の開口の形状に対応し、ここでは略正方形状である。下部カバー１２０は、例えば樹脂製である。下部カバー１２０には、矩形の四隅にそれぞれ係合孔１２１が設けられており、上部カバー１１０の対応する位置にも係合孔が設けられる。上部カバー１１０と下部カバー１２０とは、これらの各係合孔に挿通されるネジ１２２により係合する。上部カバー１１０と下部カバー１２０とがねじ止めされた後、係合孔１２１の底面側から、それぞれキャップ１２３により封止される。キャップ１２３は、例えば両面テープ等により下部カバー１２０に固定される。各キャップ１２３は、ネジ１２２の目隠しであるとともに、ビーコン装置１０の脚部を構成し、ビーコン装置１０を４点で支持する。各キャップ１２３は、ビーコン装置１０が配置された場所におけるガタつきや滑りを抑制する。 The lower cover 120 is a rectangular plate-like member that closes the bottom side of the upper cover 110. The shape of the lower cover 120 corresponds to the shape of the opening at the bottom of the upper cover 110, and in this case, is substantially square. The lower cover 120 is made of, for example, a resin. The lower cover 120 is provided with engagement holes 121 at the four corners of the rectangle, and the engagement holes are also provided at corresponding positions of the upper cover 110. The upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 are engaged by screws 122 which are inserted into the respective engagement holes. After screwing the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120, the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120 are respectively sealed by the cap 123 from the bottom surface side of the engagement hole 121. The cap 123 is fixed to the lower cover 120 by, for example, a double-sided tape. Each cap 123 is a blindfold of the screw 122 and constitutes a leg of the beacon device 10 and supports the beacon device 10 at four points. Each cap 123 suppresses rattling and slipping at the location where the beacon device 10 is disposed.
　シールドケース１３０は、上部カバー１１０及び下部カバー１２０の内部に設けられる。図５に、シールドケース１３０の斜視図を示す。シールドケース１３０は、底面１３１及び側壁１３２を備える有底形状であり、上面が開口面１３３である。本実施の形態では、側壁１３２は円筒状であり、シールドケース１３０全体として有底円筒状である。シールドケース１３０のサイズは、開口面の寸法Ｌと、側壁の高さＨにより定義される。本実施の形態では、開口面は円形であり、開口面の寸法Ｌは開口面の直径（内寸）に相当する。図５に示すように側壁１３２は、給電端子用孔１３４及びＬＥＤ用孔１３５を備える。底面１３１は、発信器保持具１７０を固定するための２つの係合孔１３６を備える。シールドケース１３０は金属等の導電性部材であり、発信器１４０を収納する。本実施形態では、シールドケース１３０は軽量かつ加工が容易なアルミニウムを用いている。 The shield case 130 is provided inside the upper cover 110 and the lower cover 120. The perspective view of shield case 130 is shown in FIG. The shield case 130 has a bottomed shape including a bottom surface 131 and a side wall 132, and the top surface is an opening surface 133. In the present embodiment, the side wall 132 is cylindrical, and the entire shield case 130 is cylindrical with a bottom. The size of the shield case 130 is defined by the dimension L of the opening surface and the height H of the side wall. In the present embodiment, the opening surface is circular, and the dimension L of the opening surface corresponds to the diameter (inner size) of the opening surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the side wall 132 includes a feed terminal hole 134 and an LED hole 135. The bottom surface 131 comprises two engagement holes 136 for securing the transmitter holder 170. The shield case 130 is a conductive member such as metal and houses the transmitter 140. In the present embodiment, the shield case 130 uses aluminum which is lightweight and easy to process.
　発信器１４０は、ビーコン信号を発信するモジュールである。発信器１４０は２つの係合孔１４１を有し、後述する発信器保持具１７０によりシールドケース１３０内においてねじ止めにより固定される。 The transmitter 140 is a module that transmits a beacon signal. The transmitter 140 has two engagement holes 141, and is fixed by screwing in the shield case 130 by a transmitter holder 170 described later.
　給電端子１５０は、ビーコン装置１０の外部から発信器１４０に給電するための端子である。例えば給電端子１５０は、マイクロＵＳＢ端子であり、家庭用電源の他、レジ端末３０、パソコン等の機器を外部電源として、ＵＳＢインターフェースを介した給電が可能である。給電端子１５０は、発信器１４０の裏面の背面側端部に設けられる。給電端子１５０の先端部は、シールドケース１３０の側壁１３２に設けられた給電端子用孔１３４からシールドケース１３０の外面方向に突出する。上部カバー１１０の背面の対応する位置の開口１１１から給電端子１５０が露出し、外部電源と接続することができる。 The feed terminal 150 is a terminal for feeding power to the transmitter 140 from the outside of the beacon device 10. For example, the power supply terminal 150 is a micro USB terminal, and it is possible to supply power via a USB interface using devices such as the cash register terminal 30 and a personal computer as an external power supply in addition to the household power supply. The feed terminal 150 is provided at the rear end of the back surface of the transmitter 140. The tip end of the feed terminal 150 protrudes in the direction of the outer surface of the shield case 130 from the feed terminal hole 134 provided in the side wall 132 of the shield case 130. The feed terminal 150 can be exposed from the opening 111 at the corresponding position on the rear surface of the upper cover 110 and connected to an external power supply.
　ＬＥＤ表示器１６０は、発信器１４０への給電の状態、すなわちビーコン装置１０の電源のＯＮ状態又はＯＦＦ状態を、ＬＥＤの点灯又は消灯により示すものである。ＬＥＤ表示器１６０は、発信器１４０の上面の背面側端部に設けられる。ＬＥＤ表示器１６０のＬＥＤは、シールドケース１３０の側壁１３２に設けられたＬＥＤ用孔１３５からシールドケース１３０の外面方向に突出する。上部カバー１１０の背面の対応する位置に設けられた開口１１２からＬＥＤが露出し、ＬＥＤの点灯状態を視認することができる。 The LED indicator 160 indicates the state of power supply to the transmitter 140, that is, the ON state or the OFF state of the power of the beacon device 10, by turning on or off the LED. The LED display 160 is provided at the rear end of the top surface of the transmitter 140. The LEDs of the LED display 160 protrude from the LED holes 135 provided in the side wall 132 of the shield case 130 in the direction of the outer surface of the shield case 130. The LEDs are exposed from the openings 112 provided at corresponding positions on the rear surface of the upper cover 110, so that the lighting state of the LEDs can be viewed.
　発信器保持具１７０は、矩形板状の基材１７１と、基材１７１から上方向に突設された支持部１７２～１７５とを備える。支持部１７２～１７５は、それぞれの位置で発信器１４０を支持する。支持部１７２～１７５は、中心軸部に係合孔が設けられた筒状の部材である。支持部１７２及び１７４の係合孔は、それぞれ発信器１４０の係合孔１４１に対応する位置に設けられ、発信器保持具１７０と発信器１４０とは、これらの係合孔に挿通されるネジ１４２より固定される。また基材１７１には、支持部１７３及び１７５が設けられた位置の背面側に係合孔がそれぞれ設けられている。当該係合孔は、シールドケース１３０の底面の係合孔１３６に対応する。発信器保持具１７０と、シールドケース１３０とは、これらの係合孔に挿通されるネジ１３７により固定される。 The transmitter holder 170 includes a rectangular plate-shaped base 171 and supports 172 to 175 protruding upward from the base 171. The supports 172-175 support the transmitter 140 at each position. The support portions 172 to 175 are cylindrical members provided with an engagement hole in the central shaft portion. The engagement holes of the support portions 172 and 174 are provided at positions corresponding to the engagement holes 141 of the transmitter 140, and the transmitter holder 170 and the transmitter 140 are screws that are inserted into these engagement holes. It is fixed from 142. Further, in the base material 171, engaging holes are respectively provided on the back side of the positions where the support portions 173 and 175 are provided. The engagement holes correspond to the engagement holes 136 on the bottom of the shield case 130. The transmitter holder 170 and the shield case 130 are fixed by screws 137 inserted through the engagement holes.
　図６は、図２のＡ－Ａ矢線に沿った断面図である。図６に示すように、発信器１４０はシールドケース１３０内において発信器保持具１７０により底面から所定距離（ｈ）離れた位置で固定されており、また開口面１３３以外は、シールドケース１３０により覆われている。シールドケース１３０は上述したようにアルミニウムである。すなわちシールドケース１３０が導電性部材であるため、発信器１４０から底面方向及び水平方向に発信されたビーコン信号は、シールドケース１３０の底面１３１及び側壁１３２により、その大部分が反射する。一方で、上面方向は、開口面１３３が設けられているため、上面方向に発信されたビーコン信号は反射しない。また図６に示すように、発信器１４０とシールドケース１３０の上面（開口面１３３）との間は、空洞である。つまり発信器１４０から開口面１３３に向けた方向においてビーコン信号を阻害するような部材が設けられていない。 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the transmitter 140 is fixed in the shield case 130 at a position separated by a predetermined distance (h) from the bottom surface by the transmitter holder 170, and is covered by the shield case 130 except the opening surface 133. It is The shield case 130 is aluminum as described above. That is, since the shield case 130 is a conductive member, most of the beacon signal transmitted from the transmitter 140 in the bottom direction and in the horizontal direction is reflected by the bottom surface 131 and the side wall 132 of the shield case 130. On the other hand, since the opening surface 133 is provided in the upper surface direction, the beacon signal transmitted in the upper surface direction is not reflected. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the space between the transmitter 140 and the upper surface (opening surface 133) of the shield case 130 is a cavity. That is, no member is provided to block the beacon signal in the direction from the transmitter 140 toward the opening surface 133.
　上述のように本実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０は、水平方向（ＸＹ平面の方向）と垂直方向（Ｚ方向）とで、ビーコン信号の反射の態様が異なり、水平方向と垂直方向とでビーコン信号の受信強度特性が異なる。図７に本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０のビーコン信号の受信信号強度特性を示す。図７では、シールドケース１３０の開口面の寸法Ｌ（ここでは直径）が約６２ｍｍであり、側壁１３２の高さＨが約２６ｍｍである場合の結果を示す。図７における横軸はそれぞれビーコン装置１０からの距離（水平距離又は垂直距離）であり、原点はビーコン装置１０の開口面１３３の中央である。図７では比較例として、シールドケース１３０がない場合（取り外した場合）の受信強度特性の結果も示している。 As described above, the beacon device 10 according to the present embodiment differs in the aspect of reflection of the beacon signal in the horizontal direction (direction of the XY plane) and in the vertical direction (Z direction), and beacon signals in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction Reception strength characteristics are different. FIG. 7 shows received signal strength characteristics of the beacon signal of the beacon device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows the result when the dimension L (here, diameter) of the opening surface of the shield case 130 is about 62 mm and the height H of the side wall 132 is about 26 mm. The horizontal axis in FIG. 7 is the distance (horizontal distance or vertical distance) from the beacon device 10, and the origin is the center of the aperture 133 of the beacon device 10. FIG. 7 also shows, as a comparative example, the result of the reception strength characteristic in the case where the shield case 130 is not present (when removed).
　図７（ａ）は、水平方向の受信強度特性を示す。図７（ａ）の横軸は水平距離（原点から受信装置までの距離）である。なお図７（ａ）では、水平距離のみを変更し、垂直方向の距離は０のまま変更していない。図７（ａ）に示すように、シールドケース１３０がある場合は、シールドケース１３０が無い場合と比較して、水平方向の受信強度が低下している。すなわち、水平方向のビーコン信号は、シールドケース１３０がある場合に抑制される。 FIG. 7A shows received intensity characteristics in the horizontal direction. The horizontal axis in FIG. 7A is the horizontal distance (the distance from the origin to the receiving device). In FIG. 7A, only the horizontal distance is changed, and the distance in the vertical direction is not changed. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the shield case 130 is present, the reception intensity in the horizontal direction is lower than in the case where the shield case 130 is not present. That is, the beacon signal in the horizontal direction is suppressed when the shield case 130 is present.
　図７（ｂ）は、垂直方向の受信強度特性を示す。図７（ｂ）の横軸は垂直距離（原点から受信装置までの距離）である。なお図７（ｂ）では、垂直距離のみを変更し、水平方向の距離は０のまま変更していない。図７（ｂ）に示すように、シールドケースがある場合は、シールドケース１３０が無い場合と比較して、垂直方向の受信強度が高くなっている。すなわち垂直方向のビーコン信号は、シールドケース１３０がある場合に強度が向上する。これは、開口面の寸法Ｌが６２ｍｍであり、ビーコン信号の波長の約１／２であることに起因する。本実施形態におけるビーコン信号の周波数は２．４ＧＨｚであり、波長は約１２４．９ｍｍである。開口面の寸法Ｌがシールドケース１３０の約１／２波長（約１／２波長から所定範囲内）であれば、シールドケース１３０内において空洞共振が生じ、開口面１３３から放射されるビーコン信号の強度が高まっているものと考えられる。 FIG. 7 (b) shows the reception intensity characteristic in the vertical direction. The horizontal axis in FIG. 7B is the vertical distance (the distance from the origin to the receiver). In FIG. 7B, only the vertical distance is changed, and the horizontal distance is not changed to zero. As shown in FIG. 7B, when there is a shield case, the reception intensity in the vertical direction is higher than when there is no shield case 130. That is, the intensity of the beacon signal in the vertical direction is improved when the shield case 130 is present. This is because the dimension L of the aperture is 62 mm, which is about 1/2 of the wavelength of the beacon signal. The frequency of the beacon signal in the present embodiment is 2.4 GHz, and the wavelength is about 124.9 mm. If the dimension L of the opening surface is about half the wavelength (within about a half wavelength to a predetermined range) of the shield case 130, cavity resonance occurs in the shield case 130, and the beacon signal emitted from the opening surface 133 It is thought that the strength is increasing.
　図８に、複数の異なる携帯端末２０（以下、それぞれ携帯端末ＸからＺともいう。）により、本実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０からのビーコン信号を受信した場合の受信強度特性を示す。携帯端末Ｘは、平均的な感度の携帯端末の一例であり、携帯端末ＹとＺの中間程度の感度である。携帯端末Ｙは感度が高い端末の一例であり、携帯端末Ｚは感度が低い端末の一例である。図８（ａ）は、水平方向の受信強度特性を示す。図８（ａ）の横軸は水平距離（原点から各携帯端末までの距離）である。図８（ａ）において垂直方向の距離は０で一定である。図８（ｂ）は、垂直方向の受信強度特性を示す。図８（ｂ）の横軸は垂直距離（原点から各携帯端末までの距離）である。図８（ｂ）において水平方向の距離は０で一定である。 FIG. 8 shows reception intensity characteristics when the beacon signal from the beacon device 10 according to the present embodiment is received by a plurality of different mobile terminals 20 (hereinafter, also referred to as mobile terminals X to Z, respectively). The portable terminal X is an example of a portable terminal having an average sensitivity, and is about the middle of the portable terminals Y and Z. The portable terminal Y is an example of a terminal with high sensitivity, and the portable terminal Z is an example of a terminal with low sensitivity. FIG. 8A shows received intensity characteristics in the horizontal direction. The horizontal axis in FIG. 8A is the horizontal distance (the distance from the origin to each mobile terminal). In FIG. 8A, the distance in the vertical direction is constant at zero. FIG. 8 (b) shows the reception intensity characteristic in the vertical direction. The horizontal axis in FIG. 8B is the vertical distance (the distance from the origin to each mobile terminal). In FIG. 8B, the distance in the horizontal direction is constant at zero.
　ここで、感度の低い携帯端末Ｚを含むいずれの携帯端末でもビーコン装置１０からのビーコン信号を受信できるように、ビーコン信号の受信閾値を設定する必要がある。その一方で、感度の高い携帯端末Ｙを含むいずれの携帯端末でも、水平方向に所定距離（以下、検出限界距離という。）離れた場合にビーコン信号を受信しないように、ビーコン信号の受信閾値を設定する必要がある。 Here, it is necessary to set the reception threshold value of the beacon signal so that any mobile terminal including the mobile terminal Z with low sensitivity can receive the beacon signal from the beacon device 10. On the other hand, in any mobile terminal including the mobile terminal Y with high sensitivity, the threshold value for receiving the beacon signal is set so that the beacon signal is not received when it is separated in the horizontal direction by a predetermined distance (hereinafter referred to as detection limit distance). It is necessary to set it.
　上記基準に従うと、感度の低い携帯端末Ｚを含むいずれの携帯端末でもビーコン装置１０からのビーコン信号を受信できるためには、図８（ｂ）から受信閾値を約－４５ｄＢ未満とする必要がある。一方、検出限界距離を受信信号強度との相関が得られる２０ｃｍとすると、感度の高い携帯端末Ｙを含むいずれの携帯端末でも検出限界距離においてビーコン信号を受信しないように、図８（ａ）から受信閾値を約－６５ｄＢ以上とする必要がある。これらの値に基づき、受信閾値として－４５ｄＢと－６５ｄＢの中間である－５５ｄＢと設定する。 According to the above criteria, in order to be able to receive the beacon signal from the beacon device 10 by any mobile terminal including the mobile terminal Z with low sensitivity, the reception threshold needs to be less than about −45 dB from FIG. 8 (b) . On the other hand, assuming that the detection limit distance is 20 cm from which the correlation with the received signal strength is obtained, from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8A no beacon signal is received at the detection limit distance by any portable terminal including the portable terminal Y with high sensitivity. The reception threshold needs to be about -65 dB or more. Based on these values, the reception threshold is set to -55 dB, which is intermediate between -45 dB and -65 dB.
　シールドケース１３０の開口面の寸法Ｌは、上記受信閾値に基づき定められる。図９は、垂直方向の受信信号強度特性と受信閾値との関係（図９（ａ））及び垂直方向の受信信号強度特性とシールドケースの開口面の寸法Ｌとの関係（図９（ｂ））を示すグラフである。なお図９では、携帯端末Ｘでビーコン信号を受信した一例を示している。図９（ｂ）に示すようにシールドケース１３０の開口面の寸法Ｌに応じて、垂直方向の受信信号強度特性が変わる。当該受信信号強度特性を考慮し、シールドケース１３０の寸法を適切な値とすることが好ましい。 The dimension L of the opening surface of the shield case 130 is determined based on the reception threshold value. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the received signal strength characteristic in the vertical direction and the reception threshold (FIG. 9A) and the relationship between the received signal strength characteristic in the vertical direction and the dimension L of the opening surface of the shield case (FIG. 9B) It is a graph which shows). FIG. 9 shows an example in which the mobile terminal X receives a beacon signal. As shown in FIG. 9B, the received signal strength characteristic in the vertical direction changes in accordance with the dimension L of the opening surface of the shield case 130. It is preferable to set the dimensions of the shield case 130 to appropriate values in consideration of the received signal strength characteristics.
　上述の受信閾値をＡ、測定誤差をＢ、寸法Ｌの変化による出力低下量をＣ、標準通信距離における受信信号強度をＤとした場合に、標準通信距離にてビーコン信号を受信するためには、以下の式（１）を満たす必要がある。
　Ｄ－｜Ｂ｜－Ｃ＞Ａ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・（式１） To receive a beacon signal at a standard communication distance where A is the above reception threshold, B is a measurement error, C is an output reduction amount due to a change in dimension L, and D is a received signal strength at a standard communication distance. It is necessary to satisfy the following equation (1).
D- | B | -C> A ................. (Equation 1)
　ここで、寸法Ｌの変化による出力低下量とは、原点における受信信号強度が最大となるシールドケース１３０の寸法を基準に、その寸法を変更した場合の受信信号強度の低下量を表す。標準通信距離とは、標準的な感度の携帯端末２０が、ビーコン装置１０のビーコン信号を検出可能な垂直距離である。すなわち式（１）は、標準通信距離における受信信号の強度が、測定誤差による低下量及び寸法Ｌの変化による出力低下量を差し引いても、受信閾値Ａよりも大きいという条件式である。 Here, the output reduction amount due to the change of the dimension L represents the reduction amount of the reception signal intensity when the dimension is changed based on the dimension of the shield case 130 at which the reception signal intensity at the origin is maximum. The standard communication distance is a vertical distance at which the portable terminal 20 of standard sensitivity can detect the beacon signal of the beacon device 10. That is, Equation (1) is a conditional expression that the intensity of the received signal in the standard communication distance is larger than the reception threshold A even if the amount of decrease due to measurement error and the amount of output decrease due to change of the dimension L are subtracted.
　ここで測定誤差Ｂは、実験により±６ｄＢであることが分かっている。また標準通信距離を３ｃｍとすると、図９（ａ）からＤは－４５ｄＢと定まる。この場合、上記式（１）から、出力低下量Ｃに関して以下の式（２）が導出される。
　Ｃ＜４・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・（式２） Here, it is known that the measurement error B is ± 6 dB by experiments. Further, assuming that the standard communication distance is 3 cm, D is determined as -45 dB from FIG. In this case, the following equation (2) is derived for the output reduction amount C from the above equation (1).
C <4 ........................ (Equation 2)
　図９（ｂ）において横軸はシールドケース１３０の開口面の寸法であり、縦軸は、原点における受信信号強度を示す。図９（ｂ）に示すように、開口面の直径がビーコン信号の半波長（約６２．５ｍｍ）と略等しいときに、受信信号強度が最大となり、半波長から離れるに伴って、受信信号強度が低下する。式（２）を満たす領域は、図９（ｂ）において受信信号強度の低下量が４ｄＢ未満の領域、具体的には約５１ｍｍから約８５ｍｍの範囲である。当該範囲はビーコン信号の半波長を含む範囲であり、このような範囲内であれば、受信強度の低下量を一定程度に抑えることができる。なおここでは図９（ｂ）の受信強度特性に基づき所定範囲を定めたが、所定範囲を理論的に定めてもよい。例えば所定範囲を、ビーコン信号の半波長を基準として±１／８波長の領域（３／８波長以上５／８波長以下の領域）としてもよい。この範囲であれば空洞共振が生じると考えられ、受信強度の低下量を一定程度に抑えることができる。なお図９（ｂ）の実測値から定めた約５１ｍｍから約８５ｍｍの範囲と、理論値（３／８波長以上５／８波長以下の領域）とは完全には一致していないものの、概ね範囲は重なっている。そのため所定範囲は、実測値又は理論値のいずれを採用してもよい。 In FIG. 9B, the horizontal axis represents the dimension of the opening surface of the shield case 130, and the vertical axis represents the received signal strength at the origin. As shown in FIG. 9 (b), when the diameter of the aperture plane is approximately equal to a half wavelength (about 62.5 mm) of the beacon signal, the received signal strength is maximized, and as the distance from the half wavelength is increased, the received signal strength is increased. Decreases. The region satisfying the equation (2) is a region where the reduction in received signal strength is less than 4 dB in FIG. 9B, specifically, in the range of about 51 mm to about 85 mm. The range is a range including a half wavelength of the beacon signal, and within such a range, the reduction amount of the reception intensity can be suppressed to a certain extent. Although the predetermined range is determined based on the reception intensity characteristic of FIG. 9B here, the predetermined range may be determined theoretically. For example, the predetermined range may be an area of ± 1/8 wavelength (an area of 3⁄8 to 5⁄8 wavelengths) based on a half wavelength of the beacon signal. Within this range, cavity resonance is considered to occur, and the amount of reduction in reception intensity can be suppressed to a certain extent. Although the range of about 51 mm to about 85 mm determined from the measured values in FIG. 9B does not completely coincide with the theoretical value (region of 3/8 to 5/8 wavelengths), the range is approximately Are overlapping. Therefore, either a measured value or a theoretical value may be adopted as the predetermined range.
　以上説明したように、本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０によれば、シールドケース１３０を用いることで、特定方向（ここでは垂直方向）の放射特性を高めることにより、当該特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることができる。これにより、当該特定方向に位置する携帯端末２０によるビーコン信号の受信の確実性を向上させることができる。また特定方向以外のビーコン信号の信号強度は弱めているため、特定方向以外に位置する携帯端末２０による受信を抑制することができる。 As described above, according to the beacon device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the beacon in the specific direction is enhanced by enhancing the radiation characteristics in the specific direction (here, the vertical direction) by using the shield case 130. The signal strength of the signal can be increased. Thereby, the certainty of reception of the beacon signal by the portable terminal 20 located in the said specific direction can be improved. Moreover, since the signal strength of the beacon signal other than a specific direction is weak, reception by the portable terminal 20 located in other than a specific direction can be suppressed.
　また本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０によれば、発信器１４０とシールドケース１３０の上面（開口面１３３）との間は空洞である。そのため、発信器１４０から開口面１３３の方向に進むビーコン信号の強度が阻害されにくく、特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度をより高めることができる。 Moreover, according to the beacon apparatus 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, between the transmitter 140 and the upper surface (opening surface 133) of shield case 130 is a cavity. Therefore, the intensity of the beacon signal traveling from the transmitter 140 toward the opening surface 133 is unlikely to be disturbed, and the signal intensity of the beacon signal in the specific direction can be further enhanced.
　また本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０によれば、シールドケース１３０の外面に発信器１４０への給電端子１５０を有し、給電端子１５０に接続された外部電源から発信器１４０に給電するようにしている。このため、ビーコン装置１０内（特にシールドケース１３０内）に、ビーコン信号の空洞共振を弱める要因となり得るバッテリーを設ける必要が無くなり、特定方向におけるビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることができる。さらに、内蔵のバッテリーの交換等、バッテリーのメンテナンス等を行う手間を省くことができる。 Moreover, according to the beacon apparatus 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, it has an electric power feeding terminal 150 to the transmitter 140 in the outer surface of shield case 130, and electric power is fed to the transmitter 140 from the external power supply connected to the electric power feeding terminal 150. It is like that. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the battery which may become a factor which weakens the cavity resonance of a beacon signal in the beacon apparatus 10 (especially in shield case 130), and it can raise the signal strength of the beacon signal in a specific direction. Furthermore, it is possible to save time and effort for maintenance of the battery, such as replacement of the built-in battery.
　また本発明の一実施形態に係るビーコン装置１０によれば、シールドケース１３０の開口面の寸法Ｌがビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内としている。このような寸法であると、シールドケース１３０内において空洞共振が生じると考えられ、特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度を高めることができる。 Moreover, according to the beacon device 10 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, the dimension L of the opening surface of shield case 130 is made into the predetermined range from the half wavelength or half wavelength of a beacon signal. With such dimensions, cavity resonance is considered to occur in the shield case 130, and the signal strength of the beacon signal in a specific direction can be increased.
　また、上記所定範囲は、開口面の寸法Ｌの変化によるビーコン信号の出力低下量に基づき定められ、具体的には出力低下量が所定値未満であるように定められている。当該所定範囲内であれば、特定方向のビーコン信号の信号強度を適切に高めることができる。具体的には例えば開口面の寸法Ｌは、ビーコン信号の波長の３／８以上５／８以下としてよく、この範囲であれば受信強度の低下量を一定程度に抑えることができる。 Further, the predetermined range is determined based on the output reduction amount of the beacon signal due to the change of the dimension L of the opening surface, and specifically, the output reduction amount is determined to be less than a predetermined value. If it is in the said predetermined range, the signal strength of the beacon signal of a specific direction can be raised appropriately. Specifically, for example, the dimension L of the opening surface may be 3/8 or more and 5/8 or less of the wavelength of the beacon signal, and in this range, the reduction amount of the reception intensity can be suppressed to a certain degree.
　なお本実施の形態では、シールドケース１３０がアルミニウムである例を示したがこれに限られない。シールドケース１３０は、他の金属であってもよく、また金属でなくてもよい。金属でない場合、例えば導電層を含む部材を用いるようにしてもよい。この場合、任意の材質の部材に、導電性材料を塗布することにより導電層を形成してもよい。 In the present embodiment, an example in which the shield case 130 is aluminum is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shield case 130 may or may not be another metal. If it is not metal, for example, a member including a conductive layer may be used. In this case, the conductive layer may be formed by applying a conductive material to a member of any material.
　なお本実施の形態では、上部カバー１１０が樹脂製である例を説明したがこれに限られず、導電性の低い材質のものであれば、任意の材料を用いることができる。 In the present embodiment, an example in which the upper cover 110 is made of resin has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any material can be used as long as it has a low conductivity.
　なお本実施の形態では、シールドケース１３０の側壁１３２が円筒状であり、シールドケース１３０全体として有底円筒状である例を示したがこれに限られない。例えばシールドケース１３０は、直方体状であってもよい。この場合、開口面の形状は長方形である。開口面の形状が長方形である場合、長辺の長さが開口面の寸法に相当する。この場合は長辺の長さがビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内とする。また例えばシールドケース１３０は、楕円柱状であってもよい。この場合、開口面の形状は楕円形であり、長軸の長さが開口面の寸法に相当する。この場合は長軸の長さがビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内とする。このように、シールドケース１３０の形状は任意の形状でよく、開口面の寸法は、シールドケース１３０の側壁１３２間の距離（例えば直径、長辺の長さ、長軸の長さ等）に基づき、適宜定められる。 In the present embodiment, the side wall 132 of the shield case 130 is cylindrical, and the whole of the shield case 130 is cylindrical with a bottom. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shield case 130 may have a rectangular shape. In this case, the shape of the opening surface is rectangular. When the shape of the opening surface is rectangular, the length of the long side corresponds to the dimension of the opening surface. In this case, the length of the long side is within a predetermined range from the half wavelength or half wavelength of the beacon signal. Also, for example, the shield case 130 may have an elliptic cylindrical shape. In this case, the shape of the opening surface is elliptical, and the length of the major axis corresponds to the size of the opening surface. In this case, the length of the major axis is within a predetermined range from the half wavelength or half wavelength of the beacon signal. Thus, the shape of shield case 130 may be any shape, and the dimension of the opening surface is based on the distance between side walls 132 of shield case 130 (for example, diameter, length of long side, length of long axis, etc.) , As appropriate.
　なお、本実施の形態では、ビーコン信号の信号強度を高める特定の方向をＺ軸の正方向としたがこれに限られない。例えば上部カバー１１０の上面の法線方向にビーコン信号の信号強度を高めるようにしてもよい。具体的には、例えばシールドケース１３０の上面が、上部カバー１１０の上面と平行になるように開口するようにする。あるいはシールドケース１３０の開口面が、上部カバー１１０の上面と平行になるように、シールドケース１３０を傾斜させて収納してもよい。あるいは、発信器１４０を、上部カバー１１０の上面と平行になるようにシールドケース１３０内に収納してもよい。このようにした場合、ユーザの方向に向けて傾斜した方向が、ビーコン信号の強度が高まる特定方向となり、好適である。 In the present embodiment, although the specific direction for increasing the signal strength of the beacon signal is the positive direction of the Z axis, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the signal strength of the beacon signal may be increased in the normal direction of the upper surface of the upper cover 110. Specifically, for example, the upper surface of the shield case 130 is opened so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110. Alternatively, the shield case 130 may be inclined and stored so that the opening surface of the shield case 130 is parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110. Alternatively, the transmitter 140 may be housed in the shield case 130 so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the upper cover 110. In this case, it is preferable that the direction inclined toward the user is a specific direction in which the strength of the beacon signal is increased.
　本発明を諸図面や実施例に基づき説明してきたが、当業者であれば本開示に基づき種々の変形や修正を行うことが容易であることに注意されたい。従って、これらの変形や修正は本発明の範囲に含まれることに留意されたい。例えば、各手段等に含まれる機能等は論理的に矛盾しないように再配置可能であり、複数の手段等を１つに組み合わせたり、或いは分割したりすることが可能である。 Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various changes and modifications based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions and the like included in each means can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and it is possible to combine or divide a plurality of means or the like into one.
　１　ビーコン送受信システム
　１０　ビーコン装置
　２０　携帯端末
　３０　レジ端末
　４０　クラウドサーバ
　１１０　上部カバー
　１１１、１１２　開口
　１２０　下部カバー
　１２１　係合孔
　１２２　ネジ
　１２３　キャップ
　１３０　シールドケース
　１３１　底面
　１３２　側壁
　１３３　開口面
　１３４　給電端子用孔
　１３５　ＬＥＤ用孔
　１３６　係合孔
　１３７　ネジ
　１４０　発信器
　１４１　係合孔
　１４２　ネジ
　１５０　給電端子
　１６０　ＬＥＤ表示器
　１７０　発信器保持具
　１７１　基材
　１７２～１７５　支持部 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 beacon transmission / reception system 10 beacon device 20 portable terminal 30 cash register terminal 40 cloud server 110 upper cover 111, 112 opening 120 lower cover 121 engagement hole 122 screw 123 cap 130 shield case 131 bottom 132 side wall 133 opening 134 hole for feed terminal 135 LED hole 136 engagement hole 137 screw 140 transmitter 141 engagement hole 142 screw 150 power supply terminal 160 LED indicator 170 transmitter holder 171 base material 172 to 175 support part

Claims (9)

  1. 　ビーコン信号を発信する発信器と、
    　底面及び側壁を備え、前記発信器を収納する導電性部材のシールドケースと、
    を有し、
    　前記シールドケースの上面が開口面であり、前記開口面の寸法は、前記ビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内であるビーコン装置。     A transmitter for transmitting a beacon signal,
    A shield case of a conductive member having a bottom surface and a side wall, the conductive member housing the transmitter;
    Have
    The beacon device whose upper surface of said shield case is an opening side, and the size of said opening side is within a predetermined range from the half wavelength or half wavelength of said beacon signal.
  2. 　前記発信器と前記シールドケースの前記上面との間は空洞である、請求項１に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon device according to claim 1, wherein a space between the transmitter and the upper surface of the shield case is hollow.
  3. 　前記シールドケースの外面に前記発信器への給電端子を有し、前記給電端子に接続された外部電源から前記発信器に給電する、請求項１又は２に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a power supply terminal for the transmitter on an outer surface of the shield case, and supplying power to the transmitter from an external power source connected to the power supply terminal.
  4. 　前記開口面の寸法は、前記ビーコン信号の波長の３／８以上５／８以下である、請求項１乃至３のいずれか一項に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a dimension of the opening surface is 3/8 or more and 5/8 or less of a wavelength of the beacon signal.
  5. 　前記所定範囲は、前記ビーコン信号を受信する携帯端末の受信閾値と、前記開口面の寸法の変化による前記ビーコン信号の出力低下量とに基づき定められる、請求項１乃至４のいずれか一項に記載のビーコン装置。 The said predetermined range is determined based on the reception threshold value of the portable terminal which receives the said beacon signal, and the output fall amount of the said beacon signal by the change of the dimension of the said opening surface. Beacon device as described.
  6. 　前記受信閾値は、前記ビーコン信号の水平方向の検出限界距離に基づき定められる、請求項５に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the reception threshold is determined based on a horizontal detection limit distance of the beacon signal.
  7. 　前記シールドケースは導電層を含む部材又は金属である、請求項１乃至６のいずれか一項に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shield case is a member including a conductive layer or a metal.
  8. 　前記シールドケースの材質はアルミニウムである、請求項７に記載のビーコン装置。 The beacon device according to claim 7, wherein a material of the shield case is aluminum.
  9. 　ビーコン信号を発信する発信器と、
    　底面及び側壁を備え、前記発信器を収納する導電性部材のシールドケースと、
    を有し、
    　前記シールドケースの上面が開口面であり、前記開口面の寸法は、前記ビーコン信号の半波長又は半波長から所定範囲内であるビーコン装置と、
    　前記上面側から前記ビーコンを受信可能な携帯端末と、
    を備えるビーコン送受信システム。     A transmitter for transmitting a beacon signal,
    A shield case of a conductive member having a bottom surface and a side wall, the conductive member housing the transmitter;
    Have
    The beacon device whose upper surface of the shield case is an opening surface, and the size of the opening surface is within a predetermined range from a half wavelength or half wavelength of the beacon signal;
    A portable terminal capable of receiving the beacon from the top side;
    Beacon transmission and reception system comprising:
PCT/JP2018/005454 2017-07-07 2018-02-16 Beacon device and beacon transmission/reception system WO2019008813A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2017133998A JP2019016957A (en) 2017-07-07 2017-07-07 Beacon device and beacon transmission and reception system
JP2017-133998 2017-07-07

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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02244803A (en) * 1989-03-16 1990-09-28 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic circuit with plane antenna
JPH1174723A (en) * 1997-08-28 1999-03-16 New Japan Radio Co Ltd Electromagnetic element antenna
WO2000048269A1 (en) * 1999-02-15 2000-08-17 Communications Research Laboratory, Independent Administrative Institution Radio communication device
JP2004015160A (en) * 2002-06-04 2004-01-15 Tdk Corp Module with antenna
JP2005167833A (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-06-23 Alps Electric Co Ltd Slot antenna
JP2005191636A (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-07-14 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Antenna system
WO2008122831A1 (en) * 2007-04-10 2008-10-16 Nokia Corporation An antenna arrangement and antenna housing
US20090153412A1 (en) * 2007-12-18 2009-06-18 Bing Chiang Antenna slot windows for electronic device
US20130244739A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2013-09-19 Nokia Corporation Antenna Arrangement and Antenna Housing

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02244803A (en) * 1989-03-16 1990-09-28 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic circuit with plane antenna
JPH1174723A (en) * 1997-08-28 1999-03-16 New Japan Radio Co Ltd Electromagnetic element antenna
WO2000048269A1 (en) * 1999-02-15 2000-08-17 Communications Research Laboratory, Independent Administrative Institution Radio communication device
JP2004015160A (en) * 2002-06-04 2004-01-15 Tdk Corp Module with antenna
JP2005167833A (en) * 2003-12-04 2005-06-23 Alps Electric Co Ltd Slot antenna
JP2005191636A (en) * 2003-12-24 2005-07-14 Aisin Seiki Co Ltd Antenna system
WO2008122831A1 (en) * 2007-04-10 2008-10-16 Nokia Corporation An antenna arrangement and antenna housing
US20090153412A1 (en) * 2007-12-18 2009-06-18 Bing Chiang Antenna slot windows for electronic device
US20130244739A1 (en) * 2009-11-12 2013-09-19 Nokia Corporation Antenna Arrangement and Antenna Housing

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