Position data setting apparatus and environmental data obtaining apparatus

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to, for example, a position information setting device for setting position information of various OA devices in a floor. The present invention also relates to an environmental information acquisition device for obtaining information on the environment in which various OA devices are installed, for example, floor information.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Recently, a network system called LAN is becoming widespread, and computers installed in relatively narrow places such as offices and buildings can be connected to exchange data and share peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. It is done. At that time, in order to improve the utilization efficiency of various OA devices (for example, personal computer, server, printer, scanner, digital copier, facsimile machine, etc.) on the network, the physical position of each OA device, that is, each OA It is necessary to input (register) the location information of where the equipment is installed on the floor or indoors (hereinafter simply referred to as "inside the floor") in each OA equipment in advance. In some cases, it is also necessary to register environmental information such as information on the floor on which each OA device is installed (shape, size, height, etc.).

【0003】

Conventionally, the input of the position information of each OA device has been manually performed by the network administrator for each OA device. In addition, the input of environmental information such as floor information was also performed manually by the administrator.

【0004】

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in such a conventional method, since the position information is manually input to each OA device by the administrator, the administrator installs a new OA device or separates the already installed OA device. Every time you move to another location, that is, every time a layout change occurs, you have to do the troublesome work for the administrator to input the location information one by one. Therefore, not only is it time-consuming to manage the network, but if the layout is changed but not re-entered, the location information itself will eventually become inaccurate, and the convenience of the network itself will be reversed. It can even be damaged. In addition, it becomes difficult to operate an application using location information at low cost if it takes time to manage it. Such defects also apply to environmental information such as floor information that is manually entered by the administrator.

【0005】

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the first object thereof is to easily and automatically acquire accurate position information of OA equipment installed on the floor. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a position information setting device that can be input to a device.

【0006】

The second purpose is to provide an environmental information acquisition device that can automatically acquire environmental information such as information on the floor on which OA equipment is installed.

【0007】

[Means for solving problems]

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

【0008】

(1) A position information setting device for setting the position information of a device, using a reference position member installed at a predetermined position, a connection portion that can be attached to and detached from the device, and a predetermined physical medium. A position recognition member including a position information acquisition means for detecting a positional relationship with the reference position member and acquiring position information, and a position information transmission means for transmitting the acquired position information to the device via the connection portion. A position information setting device characterized by having.

【0009】

(2) The position information setting device according to (1) above, wherein the physical medium is light.

【0010】

(3) The reference position member has a back reflector that reflects incident light in the direction opposite to the incident direction, and the position information acquisition means emits light to the reference position member and is reflected. Optical means for receiving the returning light, time difference detecting means for detecting the time difference between light emission and light reception, direction detecting means for detecting the direction of the reference position member, and position information based on the detected time difference and direction. The position information setting device according to (2) above, which comprises a position information calculation means for calculation.

【0011】

(4) A plurality of reference position members are installed at different positions, and each reference position member has a back reflector that reflects incident light in the direction opposite to the incident direction. Based on the optical means that emits light to each reference position member and receives the light that is reflected and returned, the time difference detecting means that detects the time difference between light emission and light reception for each reference position member, and the detected time difference. The position information setting device according to (2) above, which comprises a position information calculation means for calculating position information.

【0012】

(5) The position information setting device according to (1) above, wherein the physical medium is a radio wave.

【0013】

(6) The physical medium is a data line capable of transmitting data, one end of which is attached to the reference position member and the other end of which can be connected to the position information setting device, and at least a part thereof is said. The position information setting device according to (1) above, wherein the position information setting device is stored in a reference position member so that it can be pulled out and wound up.

【0014】

(7) The reference position member has a drawer length detecting means for detecting the drawing length of the data line and a drawing direction detecting means for detecting the drawing direction of the data line, and the position information acquiring means It has a receiving means for receiving the drawer length and the drawer direction detected by the reference position member through the data line, and a position information calculation means for calculating the position information based on the received drawer length and the drawer direction. The position information setting device according to (6) above.

【0015】

(8) The position information setting device according to (1) above, wherein the physical medium is sound.

【0016】

(9) The reference position member has a back reflector that reflects the incident sound in the direction opposite to the incident direction, and the position information acquisition means emits sound to the reference position member and is reflected. The acoustic means for receiving the returning sound, the time difference detecting means for detecting the time difference between the sound and the sound receiving, the direction detecting means for detecting the direction of the reference position member, and the position information based on the detected time difference and the direction. The position information setting device according to (8) above, which comprises a position information calculation means for calculating the above.

【0017】

(10) A plurality of reference position members are installed at different positions, and each reference position member has a back reflector that reflects the incident sound in the direction opposite to the incident direction. The acoustic means that emits sound to each reference position member and receives the sound that is reflected and returned, the time difference detecting means that detects the time difference between the sound and the sound received for each reference position member, and the detected time difference. The position information setting device according to (8) above, which has a position information calculation means for calculating position information based on the above.

【0018】

(11) A plurality of reference position members are installed at different positions, each reference position member has a sounding means for emitting a sound, and the position information acquisition means receives a sound emitted from each reference position member. The position according to (8) above, which comprises a sound receiving means, a time difference detecting means for detecting a time difference of received sounds, and a position information calculating means for calculating position information based on the detected time difference. Information setting device.

【0019】

(12) The position information setting device according to (1) above, wherein the physical medium is an image pickup device.

【0020】

(13) The reference position member has a shape that can be seen differently depending on a viewing angle, and the position information acquisition means is obtained by imaging with an imaging means that images the reference position member and acquires image data. A size recognition means that analyzes the image data and recognizes the imaged size of the reference position member, and a shape recognition that analyzes the image data obtained by imaging and recognizes the imaged shape of the reference position member. The position information setting device according to (12) above, which comprises means and a position information calculation means for calculating position information based on a recognized size and shape.

【0021】

(14) The position information acquisition means has a storage means for storing the absolute position of the reference position member in a predetermined coordinate system, and uses the stored absolute position of the reference position member to store absolute position information. The position information setting device according to any one of (1) to (13) above, which is characterized in that it is calculated.

【0022】

(15) A position information setting device for setting the position information of a device, which is installed at a predetermined position and has a plurality of electromagnetic wave transmitting means for transmitting electromagnetic waves, and each electromagnetic wave arranged in close proximity to the device. An electromagnetic wave receiving means for receiving an electromagnetic wave transmitted from a transmitting means, a time difference detecting means for detecting a time difference between the received electromagnetic waves, a position information calculating means for calculating the position information of the device based on the detected time difference, and a position information calculating means. A position information setting device characterized by having.

【0023】

(16) An environmental information acquisition device for obtaining information on the environment in which the device is installed. Multiple electromagnetic wave transmitting means that are installed at a predetermined position and transmit electromagnetic waves, and a corner in the environment in which the device is installed. Position information of the corner section based on the electromagnetic wave receiving means for receiving the electromagnetic wave transmitted from each of the electromagnetic wave transmitting means, the time difference detecting means for detecting the time difference of the received electromagnetic wave, and the detected time difference. An environmental information acquisition device, characterized in that it has a position information calculating means for calculating a value, and a storage means for storing the calculated position information as environmental information.

【0024】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0025】

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a position information setting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

【0026】

In FIG. 1, a plurality of OA devices (for example, personal computers 20a, 20b, scanner 30, printer 40) connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other through a network (for example, LAN such as Ethernet) are installed in the floor 10. There is.

【0027】

In the present embodiment, a specific light is emitted from the position recognition member 100 toward the reference position member 150, and the reflected light reflected by the reference position member 150 is received again by the position recognition member 100, whereby the position recognition member 100 automatically measures its current position. The reference position member 150 is composed of, for example, a back reflector that reflects incident light in a direction parallel to the incident direction. In addition, the reference position member 150 sees through all the OA devices in the floor 10 so that the light from the position recognition member 100 is not blocked by the partition plate, desk, shelf, OA device, etc. installed in the floor 10. It is fixed in a position where it can be, for example, on the ceiling of floor 10 or on the top of a wall near the ceiling.

【0028】

Of course, the types and number of interconnected OA devices existing on the floor 10 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, the type of OA equipment may be a workstation, a server, a digital copier, a facsimile machine, or the like, in addition to the personal computer 20, the scanner 30, and the printer 40. Also, regarding the number of installed units, a plurality of OA devices of the same type may be installed. Further, the network is not limited to the wired type using a cable, and may be a wireless type (so-called wireless LAN) that uses infrared rays, radio waves, or the like instead of the cable. In the following, for convenience, any OA equipment installed on the floor 10 is represented by the symbol 50.

【0029】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position recognition member 100.

【0030】

As shown in FIG. 2, the position recognition member 100 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a volatile normal RAM 106 in which the stored contents are erased when the power is turned off, and a non-volatile memory in which the stored contents are stored even when the power is turned off. The sex RAM 108, the operation panel 110 where the administrator inputs various inputs for operation, the interface 112 for connecting the position recognition member 100 to the OA device 50, and the position data (distance) of the position recognition member 100 with respect to the reference position member 150. It has a position data detection unit 114 that detects (and direction), an installation direction measurement unit 116 that measures the absolute direction in which the position recognition member 100 is installed, and a general-purpose bus 118 for exchanging signals between the above units. ..

【0031】

The ROM 104 stores the program, and the RAM 106 temporarily stores the data as a working area. The non-volatile RAM 108 stores various set values and parameters, including information on the installation position of the reference position member 150 (hereinafter referred to as reference position information), for example.

【0032】

The interface 112 preferably takes any suitable form, such as connector type, adapter type, card type or board type, and supports so-called plug and play. Therefore, the position recognition member 100 can be attached to and detached from the OA device 50 by the interface 112, and can be used immediately just by being connected to the OA device 50. The OA device 50 for which position information is to be acquired is provided with a connection portion 52 corresponding to the interface 112.

【0033】

The installation direction measuring unit 116 measures the posture or direction (absolute direction in which it is installed) of the position recognition member 100 by, for example, a built-in gyrometer. Here, the absolute direction is represented by, for example, a horizontal angle θ with respect to the north direction (0) in the horizontal plane and an elevation angle φ with reference to the horizontal plane (0). Further, hereinafter, the measurement result of the installation direction measuring unit 116, that is, the absolute direction of the position recognition member 100 is represented by the installation direction information (θ0, φ0).

【0034】

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position data detection unit 114.

【0035】

The position data detection unit 114 is a light emitting unit 120 that emits light, a modulation unit 122 that characteristically modulates the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 so as to be distinguishable from outer peripheral light, and a reference position member 150 that is emitted from the light emitting unit 120. From the light receiving unit 124 for receiving the reflected light, the detection unit 126 for detecting the light received by the light receiving unit 124, and the light emitting unit 120 to being reflected by the reference position member 150 and being received by the light receiving unit 124. Time management (delay time), that is, the time management unit 128 that detects the time difference between light emission and light reception, and the optical unit 130 that houses the light emitting unit 120 and the light receiving unit 124 are movable to rotate and drive in two predetermined directions. A movable unit control unit 134 that controls the unit 132 and the movable unit 132 to change the direction of the optical unit 130, an interface 136 for connecting the position data detection unit 114 to the general-purpose bus 118 in the position recognition member 100, and a general-purpose unit. Has bus 138. The modulation unit 122 and the detection unit 126 are connected to the time management unit 128, respectively, the modulation process of the modulation unit 122 is controlled by the time management unit 128, and the detection result of the detection unit 126 is the time management unit 128. Will be sent to.

【0036】

The light emitting unit 120 is composed of, for example, a laser light source or an LED (light emitting diode).

【0037】

Since the light emitted from the movable light emitting unit 120 is characteristically modulated by the modulation unit 122 as described above, the light reflected by the reference position member 150 and received by the light receiving unit 124 is detected by the detection unit 126. By detecting the modulation with, it can be easily distinguished from the outer peripheral light. This detection result is sent to the time management unit 128. The time management unit 128 emits light after confirming the identity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 and the reflected light from the reference position member 150 from the modulation state of the modulation unit 122 and the detection result of the detection unit 126. The delay time d until the light emitted from the unit 120 is reflected by the reference position member 150 and returned to the light receiving unit 124 is measured. As will be described later, this delay time d can be used to calculate the distance I between the position recognition member 100 (and thus the OA device 50 to which the position recognition member 100 is connected) and the reference position member 150. it can.

【0038】

The movable unit control unit 134 drives the movable unit 132 according to the direction instruction input through the operation panel 110, and controls the direction of the optical unit 130, that is, the direction of the light emitting unit 120.

【0039】

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing an example of the structure of the movable portion 132.

【0040】

The movable portion 132 has a horizontal angular direction rotating portion 140 capable of rotating the optical unit 130 in the horizontal angular direction (θ direction), and an elevation angle rotating portion 142 capable of rotating the optical unit 130 in the elevation angle direction (φ direction). .. The horizontal azimuth rotation unit 140 is provided on the immovable portion 144 of the position data detection unit 114, and the elevation angle rotation unit 142 is provided on the horizontal azimuth rotation unit 140. The optical unit 130 is attached to the elevation angle rotating portion 142. The horizontal azimuth rotation unit 140 and the elevation angle rotation unit 142 are each driven by, for example, a motor (not shown). By such a mechanism, the optical unit 130 is driven independently in the horizontal angle direction (θ direction) and the elevation angle direction (φ direction).

【0041】

Here, the reference direction of the movable portion 132 is the optical unit when the position recognition member 100 is in the absolute reference direction (the horizontal angle with respect to the north is 0 radians and the elevation angle with respect to the horizontal plane is 0 radians). 130 is also set to be in the absolute reference direction. Hereinafter, the direction of the movable portion 132, that is, the relative orientation of the optical unit 130 with respect to the position recognition member 100 is represented by a horizontal angle θm and an elevation angle φm with the reference direction of the movable portion 132 as a reference (0). The direction (θm, φm) of the movable part 132 is, of course, grasped by the movable part control unit 134.

【0042】

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the OA device 50. Note that FIG. 5 shows only the configuration common to all OA equipment for convenience.

【0043】

The OA device 50 includes the connection portion (interface for the position recognition member) 52 for connecting the OA device 50 to the position recognition member 100, a network interface 54 for connecting the OA device 50 to the network, a CPU 56, and a program. It has a ROM 58 for storing, a RAM 60 for temporarily storing data, a non-volatile RAM 62 for storing various setting values and parameters, and a general-purpose bus 64 for exchanging signals between the above parts.

【0044】

FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing the overall operation of the position recognition member 100 corresponding to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is stored as a control program in the ROM 104 of the position recognition member 100, and is executed by the CPU 102. In this case, for example, the position recognition member 100 confirms the connection with the OA device 50, presses the start key (not shown) provided on the operation panel 110, and then executes the processing procedure shown in FIG. It is configured as follows.

【0045】

First, in step S1000, the currently stored reference position information (position information of the reference position member 150) is read from the non-volatile RAM 108.

【0046】

Then, in step S1100, the installation direction information (θ0, φ0) of the position recognition member 100 measured by the installation direction measuring unit 116 is read.

【0047】

The order of these two steps S1000 and S1100 may be reversed.

【0048】

Then, in step S1200, it is determined whether or not the management mode is set. This determination is made, for example, by whether or not a key (not shown) for setting a management mode provided on the operation panel 110 is pressed. Here, the management mode is a mode for the administrator to operate the operation panel 110 and manually input the reference position information. If the management mode is set (S1200: YES), the process proceeds to step S1300, and if the management mode is not set (S1200: NO), the process proceeds to step S1700.

【0049】

<When the management mode is set> In step S1300, the reference position information is manually input by the administrator through the operation panel 110. Here, the reference position information is information representing the reference position where the reference position member 150 is installed as an absolute position in a predetermined coordinate system. Specifically, the reference position information is, for example, the installation altitude Hr (see FIG. 8 (A)) with respect to the altitude reference plane (floor surface or altitude reference plane), and / or the defined two-dimensional absolute coordinate system ( It is composed of installation coordinates (Xr, Yr) in the XY coordinate system). Alternatively, the reference position information may be given, for example, as a combination of the absolute position information (latitude, longitude, altitude, or the address of the building, the number of floors) of the floor 10 and the relative position information of the reference position member 150 with respect to the floor 10. Good.

【0050】

Then, in step S1400, it is determined whether or not to update the reference position information in the non-volatile RAM 108. This determination is made, for example, by whether or not an update confirmation key (not shown) provided on the operation panel 110 has been pressed. If the reference position information is updated (S1400: YES), the process proceeds to step S1500. If the reference position information is not updated (S1400: NO), the process proceeds to step S1600.

【0051】

In step S1500, the reference position information previously stored in the non-volatile RAM 108 is deleted, and the new reference position information input in step S1300 is saved in the non-volatile RAM 108 to update the contents. Exit the control program in Figure 6.

【0052】

In step S1600, after discarding the reference position information input in step S1300, the control program of FIG. 6 is terminated.

【0053】

<When the management mode is not set> On the other hand, in step S1700, the position (and thus the position recognition) of the position recognition member 100 is used by using the reference position information read in step S1000 and the installation direction information (θ0, φ0) read in step S1100. The position of the OA device 50 to which the member 100 is connected) is automatically measured. Specifically, in this position measurement process, light is emitted from the position recognition member 100 toward the reference position member 150, and the reflected light reflected by the reference position member 150 and returned is again reflected by the position recognition member 100. This is done by receiving light, but the details will be described later using the flowchart of FIG.

【0054】

The position information automatically acquired here is, for example, relative coordinates in the floor 10 (coordinates on a two-dimensional plane or in a three-dimensional space), and absolute position information (latitude, longitude) of the floor 10 itself. , Altitude, or building address, number of floors). Therefore, it is possible to automatically create layout drawings of various OA devices 50 on the floor 10 based on the acquired position information.

【0055】

Then, in step S1800, as a result of the position measurement process in step S1700, it is determined whether or not the position measurement is successful. This determination is made by checking the value of the position measurement failure flag (see step S1725 in FIG. 7), which will be described later. If the position measurement is successful (S1800: YES), the process proceeds to step S1900, and if the position measurement is unsuccessful (S1800: NO), the control program shown in FIG. 6 is immediately terminated.

【0056】

In step S1900, the position information acquired in step S1700 is transmitted to the OA device 50 through the interface 112, and then the control program of FIG. 6 is terminated. The OA device 50 sets the input position information as its own position information.

【0057】

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the position measurement process in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the ROM 104 of the position recognition member 100 as a subroutine control program, and is executed by the CPU 102.

【0058】

First, in step S1705, various initial settings are performed. For example, the position measurement failure flag indicating that the position measurement has failed is reset to "0".

【0059】

Then, in step S1710, a control signal indicating that light emission should be started is sent to the position data detection unit 114 at regular time intervals, and light modulated so as to be distinguishable from the outer peripheral light from the light emitting unit 120 at regular time intervals. Start firing.

【0060】

Then, in step S1715, the administrator manually inputs an instruction for adjusting the direction of the movable portion 132, that is, the orientation of the optical unit 130 (particularly the light emitting portion 120) through the operation panel 110.

【0061】

Then, in step S1720, it is determined whether or not the operation has been cancelled. This judgment is made depending on whether or not there is an instruction from the operation panel 110 by the administrator, specifically, whether or not a key (not shown) for canceling the position measurement provided on the operation panel 110 is pressed. .. If the operation is canceled (S1720: YES), the process proceeds to step S1725, and if the operation is not canceled (S1720: NO), the process proceeds to step S1730.

【0062】

In step S1725, assuming that the position measurement has failed, the position measurement failure flag is set to "1", and then the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

【0063】

On the other hand, in step S1730, the control signal corresponding to the direction instruction input in step S1715 is sent to the position data detection unit 114, and the movable unit 132 is moved through the movable unit control unit 134 so that the optical unit 130 faces in a desired direction. Control. As a result, light is emitted from the light emitting unit 120 in the optical unit 130 in a desired direction. At that time, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 hits the reference position member 150, the light is reflected in the direction opposite to the incident direction, so that the reflected light from the reference position member 150 is optical. The light is received by the light receiving unit 124 in the unit 130.

【0064】

Then, in step S1735, it is determined whether or not the light is received, that is, whether or not the light (reflected light) emitted from the light emitting unit 120 and reflected by hitting the reference position member 150 is received by the light receiving unit 124. To do. This determination is made by confirming the identity of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 120 and the light received by the light receiving unit 124 from the detection result of the detection unit 126. If the reflected light is received (S1735: YES), proceed to step S1740. If the reflected light is not received (S1735: NO), return to step S1715 and indicate the direction until the reflected light is confirmed. Continue input and direction control based on this.

【0065】

In step S1740, the administrator is notified that the reflected light has been received. As a method of notification, for example, a message is displayed on the display (not shown) of the operation panel 110, a dedicated indicator lamp (not shown) provided on the operation panel 110 is turned on, or the operation panel 110 is displayed. Any appropriate method (or combination thereof) such as sounding a built-in dedicated buzzer (not shown) may be adopted.

【0066】

Then, in step S1745, a control signal to the effect that light emission should be stopped is sent to the position data detection unit 114, and the light emission operation of the light emitting unit 120 is stopped. The order of each process of step S1740 and step S1745 may be reversed.

【0067】

Then, in step S1750, the delay time (time difference between light emission and light reception) d measured by the time management unit 128 when the reflected light is received is acquired from the time management unit 128.

【0068】

Then, in step S1755, the movable portion direction information (information regarding the relative orientation of the light emitting portion 120 with respect to the position recognition member 100) (θm, φm) indicating the direction of the movable portion 132 when the reflected light is received is provided. Obtained from control unit 134.

【0069】

Then, in step S1760, the reference position is based on the installation direction information (θ0, φ0) read in step S1100, the delay time d acquired in step S1750, and the movable part direction information (θm, φm) acquired in step S1755. The relative position of the position recognition member 100 with respect to the member 150, for example, the relative coordinates (x, y, h) expressed with reference to the position of the reference position member 150 are calculated.

【0070】

Here, the calculation method of the relative position (x, y, h) will be specifically described using the elevation view shown in FIG. 8 (A) and the plan view shown in FIG. 8 (B). The altitude reference plane in FIG. 8 (A) is a defined floor plane or altitude reference plane. The directions (θ, φ) in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B) are the absolute directions of the optical unit 130 when the reflected light is received, and the north is used as a reference (0 radian). It is represented by the horizontal angle θ (positive counterclockwise) and the elevation angle φ (positive upward) with respect to the horizontal plane (0 radians). These horizontal angles θ and elevation angles φ are calculated by the following equations, respectively. θ = θ0 + θm φ = φ0 + φm Given by.

【0071】

First, the distance I (m) between the position recognition member 100 and the reference position member 150 is calculated by the following formula. I = (c d) / 2 = d × 1.5 × 10⁸However, d: delay time (sec) c: Speed of light (= 3.0 × 10)⁸m / sec) Asked by.

【0072】

Next, the altitude difference h (m) between the position recognition member 100 and the reference position member 150 and the horizontal distance L (m) between the position recognition member 100 and the reference position member 150 are calculated by the following formulas, respectively. h = I sin φ = I sin (φ0 + φm) L = I cos φ = I cos (φ0 + φm) Asked by.

【0073】

Then, the north-south displacement (horizontal distance in the north-south direction) x (m) and the east-west displacement (horizontal distance in the east-west direction) y (m) of the position recognition member 100 and the reference position member 150 are calculated by the following formulas, respectively. x = L cos θ = I cos (θ0 + θm) y = L sinθ = I sin (θ0 + θm) Asked by. In this way, the relative position (x, y, h) of the position recognition member 100 with respect to the reference position member 150 is calculated.

【0074】

Then, in step S1765, after further calculating the absolute position of the position recognition member 100 based on the reference position information read in step S1000 and the relative position (x, y, h) of the position recognition member 100 calculated in step S1760. , Return to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

【0075】

For example, using the installation altitude Hr (m) of the reference position member 150 as the reference position information, the absolute altitude H (m) of the position recognition member 100 can be calculated by the following formula. H = Hr -h Asked by.

【0076】

If an absolute Cartesian coordinate system (XY coordinate system) is defined on a two-dimensional plane, the position information (Xr, Yr) of the reference position member 150 in this absolute coordinate system is further used as the reference position information. By using, the two-dimensional absolute coordinates (X, Y) of the position recognition member 100 can be calculated using the following formula. X = Xr -x Y = Yr -y Can be obtained by.

【0077】

It should be noted that the administrator can appropriately and arbitrarily decide what kind of content is to be calculated as the absolute position of the position recognition member 100, and the reference position information necessary for that purpose is obtained each time. It is set and input by the administrator when the management mode is set as described above, and is stored in the non-volatile RAM 108 (see steps S1200 to S1500 in FIG. 6).

【0078】

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, only by connecting the position recognition member 100 to the OA device 50 whose position information is to be acquired, the position recognition member 100 automatically measures its own current position and the OA device. Since it is transmitted to 50, accurate position information of the OA device 50 installed on the floor 10 can be easily and automatically acquired and input to the OA device 50. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0079】

In the present embodiment, the position recognition member 100 is connected to the OA device 50 for which the position information is acquired only when it is desired to set the position information, but the present invention is not limited to this. The position recognition member 100 may be incorporated in each OA device in advance.

【0080】

Further, in the present embodiment, the orientation of the optical unit 130 is electrically changed according to the instruction of the administrator, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the orientation of the optical unit 130 may be changed completely manually, or conversely, the orientation of the optical unit 130 may be changed completely automatically until the reflected light is received.

【0081】

Further, in the present embodiment, after calculating the relative position of the position recognition member 100, the absolute position thereof is further calculated, and the obtained absolute position is transmitted to the OA device 50 as position information. The invention is not limited to this. For example, only the relative position may be calculated and transmitted to the OA device 50. In this case, the calculation of the absolute position is performed by the OA device 50 in which the relative position information is input or the management server (not shown) on the network to which the information is transferred, if necessary. Further, in some cases, it is possible to transmit the data required for the calculation of the relative position to the OA device 50 immediately after the acquisition without even calculating the relative position. In this case, the position (relative position, absolute position) of the position recognition member 100 is calculated by the corresponding OA device 50 or the management server on the network, if necessary.

【0082】

Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

【0083】

The feature of this modification is that, as shown in FIG. 9, the position recognition member 100a does not have the installation direction measuring unit 116 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, four different (generally, generally) four are different from the first embodiment in which only one reference position member 150 needs to be installed at one reference position. By installing one reference position member 150a, 150b, 150c, 150d at each of the four or more reference positions), the installation direction information of the position recognition member and the direction of the movable part 132 when the reflected light is received. Even if the information (the relative orientation of the light emitting unit 120 with respect to the position recognition member) is unknown, the three-dimensional position of the position recognition member 100a can be calculated. However, when obtaining a two-dimensional position, it is possible to obtain position information using three reference position members, and further, when obtaining a two-dimensional position, the device, that is, the position recognition member It is also possible to obtain position information using two reference position members when they are on a predetermined side of the reference position member.

【0084】

Since the other configurations are the same as those of the position recognition member 100 corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4), the description thereof will be omitted.

【0085】

Further, regarding the overall operation of the position recognition member 100a corresponding to this modification, the first implementation shown in FIG. 6 is performed except that the installation position information of the four reference position members 150a to 150d is handled as the reference position information. Since it is the same as the overall operation of the position recognition member 100 corresponding to the form, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0086】

Next, the position measurement operation of the position recognition member 100a will be described according to the control flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM 104 of the position recognition member 100a as a subroutine control program, and is executed by the CPU 102.

【0087】

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 11, in order to handle a plurality of (four in this case) reference positions, step S1706, step S1707, step S1751, and step S1752 are inserted into the flowchart shown in FIG. S1755 has been deleted.

【0088】

Since step S1705 is the same as the step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0089】

Then, in step S1706, the first target reference position for which the distance to the position recognition member 100a should be measured is selected from the four reference positions. This selection may be made by any suitable method. For example, the order of selection may be the order of the numbers assigned to each reference position, or the order specified by the administrator.

【0090】

Then, in step S1707, the target reference position selected in step S1706 or step S1752 described later is displayed, for example, on the display of the operation panel 110. The light emitted from the position data detection unit 114 is sequentially emitted toward the reference position members 150a to 150d installed at the displayed target reference position.

【0091】

Since steps S1710 to S1750 are the same as each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0092】

Then, in step S1751, it is determined in order whether or not the target reference position displayed in step S1707 is the last reference position. If it is not the last reference position (S1751: NO), the process proceeds to step S1752, and if it is the last reference position (S1751: YES), the process proceeds to step S1760.

【0093】

In step S1752, the target next reference position is selected from the unselected reference positions, and then the process returns to step S1707.

【0094】

On the other hand, in step S1760, the relative position of the position recognition member 100a with respect to each reference position member 150a to 150d (here, for example, with respect to each reference position) based on the delay time (time difference) d acquired in step S1750 for each reference position. Calculate the distance I).

【0095】

Specifically, the distance between the position recognition member 100a and each reference position member 150a to 150d is set to I1, I2, I3, I4 (m), respectively, and the reflected light from each reference position member 150a to 150d is used. Assuming that the delay times are d1, d2, d3, and d4 (sec), respectively, the distances I1 to I4 (m) are calculated by the following formulas, respectively. I1 = (c d1) / 2 = d1 × 1.5 × 10⁸I2 = (c d2) / 2 = d2 × 1.5 × 10⁸I3 = (c d3) / 2 = d3 × 1.5 × 10⁸I4 = (c d4) / 2 = d4 × 1.5 × 10⁸However, c: speed of light (= 3.0 × 10)⁸ Given by m / sec) (see Figure 10).

【0096】

Then, in step S1765, after calculating the absolute position of the position recognition member 100a based on the reference position information read in step S1000 and the relative position information (I1 to I4) of the position recognition member 100a calculated in step S1760, the figure is shown. Return to the main flowchart shown in 6.

【0097】

That is, for example, the coordinates of the reference position members 150a to 150d in the defined three-dimensional absolute coordinate system (XYH coordinate system) are set to (Xr1, Yr1, Hr1), (Xr2, Yr2, Hr2), (Xr3, respectively). , Yr3, Hr3), (Xr4, Yr4, Hr4), based on these reference position coordinates (Xr1, Yr1, Hr1) ~ (Xr4, Yr4, Hr4) and the corresponding distances I1 ~ I4 (m). The three-dimensional absolute position coordinates (X, Y, H) of the position recognition member 100a can be calculated by a well-known calculation method.

【0098】

In the first embodiment including the modified example, the position is measured by using light, but the position is basically the same as that of the first embodiment by using radio waves belonging to the same electromagnetic wave. It is also possible to measure the position depending on the configuration.

【0099】

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a position information setting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

【0100】

As shown in FIG. 12, the feature of the second embodiment is that the position recognition member 200 automatically measures its own current position by using the data line 270 capable of transmitting data.

【0101】

One end of the data line 270 can be connected to the position recognition member 200, and the other end is fixed to the reference position member 250. That is, the position recognition member 200 and the reference position member 250 can be connected to each other by a physical string-shaped data line 270. A part of the data line 270 is housed in the reference position member 250 in a wound state at the time of non-measurement (see non-measurement state P).

【0102】

When inputting information (position information) regarding the installation position of the OA equipment 50 (for example, the personal computer 20a, 20b, the scanner 30, the printer 40a, 40b) on the floor 10 as in the case of the first embodiment. The position recognition member 200 is connected to. At this time, by pulling the position recognition member 200, the data line 270 is pulled out from the reference position member 250, and the distance and direction between the position recognition member 200 and the reference position member 250 can be detected in the reference position member 250. By transferring these detected values to the position recognition member 200 through the data line 270 (see measurement state Q), the position recognition member 200 automatically measures its own current position, and the measurement result (position information). Can be output as position information to the OA device 50 to which the position recognition member 200 is connected.

【0103】

Here, the data line 270 is composed of, for example, an electric wire or cable having a shape and size suitable for drawing and winding. Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, the reference position member 250 is located at a position where all the OA equipment 50 in the floor 10 can be seen, for example, the ceiling of the floor 10 or the upper part of the wall near the ceiling. It is fixed to.

【0104】

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of each configuration of the position recognition member 200 and the reference position member 250.

【0105】

As shown in FIG. 13, the position recognition member 200 includes a CPU 202, ROM 204, RAM 206, a non-volatile RAM 208, an interface 212 for connecting the position recognition member 200 to the OA device 50, and the position recognition member 200 as a reference position member 250. It has an interface 214 for connecting to and a general-purpose bus 218 for exchanging signals between the above-mentioned parts. One end (position recognition member 200 side) of the data line 270 is connected to and fixed to the interface 214.

【0106】

The position recognition member 200 can be attached to and detached from the OA device 50 by the interface 212. The position recognition member 200 is preferably a card type and is made small and lightweight.

【0107】

The reference position member 250 has a distance data detection unit 252 that detects the length of the drawn data line 270 (corresponding to the distance between the reference position member 250 and the position recognition member 200) and the direction in which the data line 270 is drawn out. It has a direction data detection unit 254 for detecting (corresponding to the direction of the position recognition member 200 with respect to the reference position member 250).

【0108】

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the structure of the reference position member 250 as viewed from diagonally below.

【0109】

The reference position member 250 has a fixed portion 256 fixed to the ceiling or a wall, and a first rotating portion 258 and a second rotating portion that can rotate independently of the fixed portion 256 about the center line of the fixed portion 256, respectively. Has 260 and.

【0110】

As shown in FIG. 15, the data line 270 is wound around the first rotating portion 258, and the first rotating portion 258 is constantly urged in the direction of winding the data line 270 by, for example, a spring force. ing. The other end of the data line 270 (reference position member 250 side) is fixed to the first rotating portion 258. Instead of the spring force, a drive means such as a motor may be provided to wind the data line 270.

【0111】

A through hole 262 for passing the data line 270 is formed in the second rotating portion 260. The data line 270 is pulled out through the through hole 262.

【0112】

The distance data detection unit 252 is composed of, for example, a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the first rotation unit 258, and the detection result (rotation angle of the first rotation unit 258) is transmitted to the position recognition member 200 through the data line 270. Send to. That is, the distance data detection unit 252 detects the rotation angle of the first rotation unit 258 to obtain data on the length of the extracted data line 270 and, by extension, the distance between the reference position member 250 and the position recognition member 200. get.

【0113】

On the other hand, the direction data detection unit 254 is composed of, for example, a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the second rotation unit 260, and the detection result (rotation angle of the second rotation unit 260) is also positioned through the data line 270. It is transmitted to the recognition member 200. That is, the direction data detection unit 254 obtains data regarding the direction in which the data line 270 is drawn (direction on the two-dimensional plane) by detecting the rotation angle of the second rotation unit 260. That is, here, it is assumed that each OA device is installed on a substantially predetermined two-dimensional plane.

【0114】

Next, the operation of the position recognition member 200 will be described according to the control flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is stored as a control program in the ROM 204 of the position recognition member 200, and is executed by the CPU 202.

【0115】

First, in step S2000, a connection confirmation request, which is a request for confirming whether or not the position recognition member 200 is connected to the OA device 50, is transmitted to the OA device 50.

【0116】

Then, in step S2100, it is determined whether or not there is a connection with the OA device 50. This determination is made based on whether or not the response signal to the connection confirmation request transmitted in step S2000 has been received from the OA device 50. The response signal from the OA device 50 to the connection confirmation request is such that the position recognition member 200 is connected to the OA device 50 through the interface 212 in a state where the position recognition member 200 is pulled by the administrator and the data line 270 is pulled out. Will be received when At this point, the drawing of the data line 270 is completed (see the measurement state Q in FIG. 12). If it is connected to the OA device 50 (S2100: YES), proceed to step S2200, if it is not connected to the OA device 50 (S2100: NO), return to step S2000 and connect to the OA device 50. Wait until.

【0117】

In step S2200, data regarding the drawing length of the data line 270, that is, the distance between the reference position member 250 and the position recognition member 200 from the distance data detection unit 252 and the direction data detection unit 254 of the reference position member 250 through the data line 270 (No. 1). 1 The rotation angle of the movable part 258) and the data related to the drawing direction of the data line 270 (the rotation angle of the second movable part 260) are taken in respectively.

【0118】

Then, in step S2300, based on the data from the reference position member 250 received in step S2200, the relative position of the position recognition member 200 with respect to the reference position member 250, for example, the distance and the two-dimensional direction are calculated.

【0119】

Specifically, for example, a data table showing the correspondence between the rotation angle of the first movable portion 258 of the reference position member 250 and the distance between the reference position member 250 and the position recognition member 200, and the first of the reference position member 250. 2 A data table showing the correspondence between the rotation angle of the movable part 260 and the two-dimensional direction of the position recognition member 200 with respect to the reference position member 250 (the two-dimensional extraction direction of the data line 270) is created in advance for each of the non-volatile RAM 208. The distance between the position recognition member 200 and the reference position member 250 and the two-dimensional direction of the position recognition member 200 with respect to the reference position member 250 are obtained by referring to these data tables.

【0120】

Then, in step S2400, the reference position information (information regarding the installation position of the reference position member 250) is read from the non-volatile RAM 208.

【0121】

Then, in step S2500, the absolute position of the position recognition member 200, for example, the third order, is based on the relative position information (distance and two-dimensional direction) of the position recognition member 200 obtained in step S2300 and the reference position information read in step S2400. Calculate the original absolute position coordinates (X, Y, H). This calculation result is treated as the position information of the OA device 50.

【0122】

Then, in step S2600, after transmitting the result (position information) calculated in step S2500 to the OA device 50 through the interface 212, the control program of FIG. 16 is terminated. The OA device 50 sets the input position information of the position recognition member 200 as its own position information.

【0123】

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, only by connecting the position recognition member 200 to the OA device 50 whose position information is to be acquired, the position recognition member 200 automatically measures its own current position and the OA device. Since it is transmitted to 50, accurate position information of the OA device 50 installed on the floor 10 can be easily and automatically acquired and input to the OA device 50. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0124】

(Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the position recognition member using sound is used as opposed to the first embodiment in which the position of the position recognition member is automatically measured by using light. The difference is that the position of is automatically measured.

【0125】

The position information setting device and the position recognition member in the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention are the position information setting device and the position recognition in the device corresponding to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Since it has the same basic configuration as the members, the illustration is omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the position recognition member corresponding to the third embodiment is represented by the reference numeral "300", the reference position member is represented by the reference numeral "350", and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. Use.

【0126】

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position data detection unit corresponding to the third embodiment. The position data detection unit 314 has the same basic configuration as the position data detection unit 114 shown in FIG. 3, and the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

【0127】

As shown in FIG. 17, the position data detection unit 314 is a sound receiving unit 320 for emitting sound and a sound receiving unit for receiving sound (reflected sound) emitted from the sounding unit 320 and reflected by the reference position member 350. Has 324 and. The sound emitted from the sounding unit 320 is characteristically modulated by the modulation unit 122 so as to be distinguishable from the outer peripheral sound. The time delay (delay time) d of the sound emitted from the sounding unit 320, reflected by the reference position member 350, and received by the sound receiving unit 324, that is, the time difference d between the sound and the sound received is determined by the time management unit 128. , It is detected from the modulation state of the modulation unit 122 and the detection result of the detection unit 126. The sounding unit 320, the sound receiving unit 324, and the movable unit 132 are housed in the acoustic unit 330.

【0128】

The sounding unit 320 is composed of, for example, an arbitrary suitable oscillator that generates ultrasonic waves having relatively good directivity (straightness) due to its short wavelength.

【0129】

The reference position member 350 is composed of, for example, a back reflector that reflects the incident sound in the direction opposite to the incident direction.

【0130】

Next, the operation of the position recognition member 300 corresponding to the third embodiment will be described.

【0131】

First, since the overall operation of the position recognition member 300 can be similarly described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the description here will be omitted.

【0132】

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the contents of the position measurement process corresponding to the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 18 is stored in the ROM 104 of the position recognition member 300 as a subroutine control program, and is executed by the CPU 102.

【0133】

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, step S1711, step S1736, step S1741, and step S1746 are inserted into the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, and step S1710, step S1735, step S1740, and step S1745 are deleted. ing.

【0134】

Since step S1705 is the same as the step in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0135】

Then, in step S1711, a control signal is sent to the position data detection unit 314 to the effect that sounding should be started at regular time intervals, and the sounding unit 320 transmits a sound modulated so as to be distinguishable from the outer peripheral sound at regular time intervals. Start firing.

【0136】

Since steps S1715 to S1730 are the same as each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0137】

Then, in step S1736, whether or not the reflected sound has been received, that is, the sound (reflected sound) emitted from the sounding unit 320 and hit by the reference position member 350 is received by the sound receiving unit 324. Judge whether or not. This determination is made by confirming the identity of the sound emitted from the sounding unit 320 and the sound received by the sound receiving unit 324 from the detection result of the detecting unit 126. If there is a reflected sound (S1736: YES), proceed to step S1741. If there is no reflected sound (S1736: NO), return to step S1715 and check the reception of the reflected sound. Continues direction instruction input and direction control based on this.

【0138】

In step S1741, the administrator is notified that the reflected sound has been received. The method of notification is the same as in the case of the first embodiment (see step S1740 in FIG. 7).

【0139】

Then, in step S1746, a control signal indicating that the sounding should be stopped is sent to the position data detection unit 314 to stop the sounding operation of the sounding unit 320. The order of each process of step S1741 and step S1746 may be reversed.

【0140】

Since steps S1750 to S1765 are the same as each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted. However, in this case, in step S1750, the delay time (time difference between pronunciation and sound reception) d measured by the time management unit 128 when the reflected sound is received is acquired from the time management unit 128, and in step S1755. , Information on the direction of the movable unit 132 when the reflected sound is received (information on the relative orientation of the sounding unit 320 with respect to the position recognition member 300) (θm, φm) is acquired from the movable unit control unit 134. The method of calculating the position is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.

【0141】

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, only by connecting the position recognition member 300 to the OA device 50 whose position information is to be acquired, the position recognition member 300 automatically measures its own current position and the OA device. Since it is transmitted to 50, accurate position information of the OA device 50 installed on the floor 10 can be easily and automatically acquired and input to the OA device 50. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0142】

Next, some examples of modification of the third embodiment will be described.

【0143】

The feature of the first modification is that it does not have the movable portion 132 (and the movable portion control unit 134) in the third embodiment shown in FIG. This is because sound has poor directivity (straightness) compared to light, so the range of sound waves has a certain extent, so by appropriately installing multiple reference position members within the range of sound waves. This is because it is possible to apply sound waves to the plurality of reference position members without moving the acoustic unit. In this case, the reference position member (back reflector) 350 is three or more (however, not on the same straight line, the same applies hereinafter) (when seeking a two-dimensional position) or four or more (however, not on the same plane). , And so on) (when finding a three-dimensional position) It is installed, and the frequency of the reflected sound is changed for each back reflector so that the reflected sound from which back reflector can be identified. .. It is also possible to obtain position information by using two reference position members when a device, that is, a position recognition member is located on a predetermined side with respect to the reference position member in the case of obtaining a two-dimensional position. Is.

【0144】

The outline of the position calculation method corresponding to this modification is as follows. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the case of finding the two-dimensional absolute coordinates (X, Y) will be described as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 19, only two back reflectors 350a and 350b are installed, but this means that one of the coordinates (X, Y) of the position recognition member 300a is known. This is because it is premised on. Let the absolute coordinates of the back reflectors 350a and 350b in the defined two-dimensional absolute coordinate system (XY coordinate system) be (Xr1, Yr1) and (Xr2, Yr2), respectively.

【0145】

Since the reflected sound from each of the back reflectors 350a and 350b can be identified from the frequency by the detection unit 126, this detection is performed by detecting the time difference between the sound generation and the sound reception, that is, the delay times d1 and d2 by the time management unit 128, respectively. Based on the results (d1, d2), the two-dimensional absolute position (X, Y) of the position recognition member 300a can be determined using the following equation. However, as a premise, for example, X> 0 or Y> 0.

【0146】

(Xr1-X)²+ (Yr1-Y)²= [(v d1) / 2]²(Xr2-X)²+ (Yr2-Y)²= [(v d2) / 2]²Here, v is the speed of sound (m / sec) in the air and is generally a function of temperature. Therefore, in order to obtain a more accurate position, it is preferable to detect the temperature of the air at the time of measurement.

【0147】

In the second modification, three or more (when finding a two-dimensional position) or four or more (when finding a three-dimensional position) or four or more (when finding a three-dimensional position) is obtained with respect to the third embodiment using the reflected sound from the back reflector. The difference is that the position of the position recognition member is automatically measured by receiving the sound emitted from the reference position member at the same time. It is also possible to obtain position information by using two reference position members when a device, that is, a position recognition member is located on a predetermined side with respect to the reference position member in the case of obtaining a two-dimensional position. Is.

【0148】

In this case, the sounding unit 320 (and the modulation unit 122 and the movable unit 132 and the movable unit control unit 134) in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 17 can be omitted. Further, in this case, a sounding unit and a modulation unit are provided in each reference position member 360 (both are not shown), and in order to be able to identify which reference position member 360 the sound is from, the modulation unit is used for each reference position member 360. Try to change the frequency of the firing sound. Further, the pronunciation is configured to be performed simultaneously from all the reference position members 360 and at regular time intervals.

【0149】

The outline of the position calculation method corresponding to this modification is as follows. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the case of finding the two-dimensional absolute coordinates (X, Y) will be described as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 20, three reference position members 360a, 360b, 360c are installed, and each reference position member 360a, 360b, 360c in the defined two-dimensional absolute coordinate system (XY coordinate system) is installed. Let the coordinates be (Xr1, Yr1), (Xr2, Yr2), (Xr3, Yr3), respectively.

【0150】

All the reference position members 360a, 360b, 360c sound at the same time, and the sound from each reference position member 360a, 360b, 360c can be identified from the frequency by the detection unit 126, so that between any two sets of the two reference position members. The time difference t of the sound reception, for example, the time difference t1 of the sound reception between the reference position member 360a and the reference position member 360b, and the time difference t2 of the sound reception between the reference position member 360a and the reference position member 360c are set by the time management unit 128. Each can be detected. Then, based on the detection results (t1, t2), the two-dimensional position (X, Y) of the position recognition member 300b can be determined by using the following equation.

【0151】

(Xr1-X)²+ (Yr1-Y)²= L1 ²(Xr2-X)²+ (Yr2-Y)²= L2 ²(Xr3-X)²+ (Yr3-Y)²= L3 ²| L1 -L2 | = v t1 | L1 -L3 | = v t2 However, v is the speed of sound (m / sec) in the air and is generally a function of temperature. Therefore, in order to obtain a more accurate position, it is preferable to detect the temperature of the air at the time of measurement.

【0152】

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment utilizes the first embodiment utilizing the reflection of light, the second embodiment utilizing the string-shaped data line, and the reflection of sound. It differs from the third embodiment in that optically acquired image information is used.

【0153】

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the position recognition member in the position information setting device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

【0154】

In FIG. 21, the position recognition member 400 captures images of the CPU 402, ROM404, RAM406, non-volatile RAM408, operation panel 410, the interface 412 for connecting the position recognition member 400 to the OA device 50, and the reference position member 450. It has an optical system sensor 414 that acquires image information, and a general-purpose bus 418 for exchanging signals between the above-mentioned parts. The optical system sensor 414 is composed of, for example, a small camera using a CCD as an image sensor, and preferably includes a mechanism capable of manually or automatically adjusting the image pickup direction.

【0155】

Further, although not shown, the reference position member 450 is shaped so that the visible shape differs depending on the viewing angle (direction), such as a cone. Therefore, since the shape of the reference position member 450 projected differs depending on the imaging direction (angle), the direction of the position recognition member 400 with respect to the reference position member 450 can be detected by recognizing the shape. As for the distance between the position recognition member 400 and the reference position member 450, the size (size) of the reference position member 450 projected differs depending on the distance between the two. Therefore, by recognizing the size, the position recognition member 400 And the distance of the reference position member 450 can be detected.

【0156】

The position recognition member 400 analyzes the image information obtained by imaging the reference position member 450 fixed at the reference position with the optical system sensor 414, recognizes the imaged size and shape of the reference position member 450, and recognizes the imaged size and shape of the reference position member 450. From this recognition result (imaging size and shape of the reference position member 450), the current position of oneself is automatically measured by obtaining the distance and direction with respect to the reference position member 450. In this case, preferably, a size / distance data table showing the correspondence between the recognition size of the reference position member 450 and the distance between the position recognition member 400 and the reference position member 450, and the recognition shape of the reference position member 450 and the reference. A shape / direction data table showing the correspondence relationship between the position member 450 and the direction of the position recognition member 400 is created in advance and stored in the non-volatile RAM 408.

【0157】

In the present embodiment, in order to detect the direction, the reference position member 450 is made so that the visible shape differs depending on the viewing angle, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reference position member 450 may be colored so that the visible color changes depending on the viewing angle. In this case, the optical system sensor 414 is composed of, for example, a small color camera. Further, the direction may be detected by combining the shape and the color.

【0158】

Next, the operation of the position recognition member 400 will be described according to the control flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is stored as a control program in the ROM 404 of the position recognition member 400, and is executed by the CPU 402.

【0159】

First, in step S3000, a connection confirmation request, which is a request for confirming whether or not the position recognition member 400 is connected to the OA device 50, is transmitted to the OA device 50.

【0160】

Then, in step S3050, it is determined whether or not there is a connection with the OA device 50. This determination is made based on whether or not the response signal to the connection confirmation request transmitted in step S3000 has been received from the OA device 50. The response signal from the OA device 50 to the connection confirmation request is received when the position recognition member 400 is connected to the OA device 50 through the interface 412. If it is connected to the OA device 50 (S3050: YES), proceed to step S3100, if it is not connected to the OA device 50 (S3050: NO), return to step S3000 and connect to the OA device 50. Wait until.

【0161】

In step S3100, a control signal indicating that imaging should be performed is sent to the optical system sensor 414, and the image of the reference position member 450 imaged by the optical system sensor 414 is captured as image information. In this case, the imaging direction must be adjusted so that the reference position member 450 fits within the angle of view of the optical system sensor 414. Here, the position recognition member 400 is an OA device for adjusting the imaging direction. It is assumed that it has already been done when connected to 50.

【0162】

Then, in step S3150, the video (image information) captured in step S3100 is analyzed to search for the reference position member 450.

【0163】

Then, in step S3200, it is determined whether or not the reference position member 450 is found in the image of the optical system sensor 414 as the search result of step S3150. If the reference position member 450 is found (S3200: YES), the process proceeds to step S3250. If the reference position member 450 is not found (S3200: NO), the process returns to step S3150 to find the reference position member 450. Continue the search process until.

【0164】

In step S3250, the size and shape of the searched reference position member 450 are recognized. This recognition is performed using a well-known and suitable recognition technique. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, when the reference position member 450 is projected in the captured image 470, the size and shape of the projected reference position member 450 are recognized. The reference numeral C in FIG. 23 is the imaging center of the optical system sensor 414.

【0165】

Then, in step S3300, the distance between the position recognition member 400 and the reference position member 450 is detected by referring to the size / distance data table stored in the non-volatile RAM 408 based on the size recognized in step S3250.

【0166】

Then, in step S3350, the direction of the position recognition member 400 with respect to the reference position member 450 is detected with reference to the shape / direction data table stored in the non-volatile RAM 408 based on the shape recognized in step S3250. This completes the calculation of the relative position (here, the distance and direction) of the position recognition member 400 with respect to the reference position member 450. The order of each process of step S3300 and step S3350 may be reversed.

【0167】

Then, in step S3400, the reference position information (information regarding the installation position of the reference position member 450) is read from the non-volatile RAM 408.

【0168】

Then, in step S3450, the absolute position of the position recognition member 400, for example, the third order, is based on the relative position (distance and direction) of the position recognition member 400 obtained in steps S3300 and S3350 and the reference position information read in step S3400. Calculate the original absolute coordinates (X, Y, H). This calculation result is treated as the position information of the OA device 50.

【0169】

Then, in step S3500, after transmitting the result (position information) calculated in step S3450 to the OA device 50 through the interface 412, the control program of FIG. 22 is terminated. The OA device 50 sets the input position information of the position recognition member 400 as its own position information.

【0170】

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, only by connecting the position recognition member 400 to the OA device 50 whose position information is to be acquired, the position recognition member 400 automatically measures its own current position and the OA device. Since it is transmitted to 50, accurate position information of the OA device 50 installed on the floor 10 can be easily and automatically acquired and input to the OA device 50. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0171】

(Fifth Embodiment) The feature of the fifth embodiment is that the distance between the transmitting device and the receiving device is obtained by the time difference between the transmission of the electromagnetic wave (radio wave or light) and the reception of the electromagnetic wave (radio wave or light). It is to automatically acquire the location information of. In addition, information on the environment in which the OA device 50 is installed, for example, floor information can be automatically acquired in the same manner. In the following, radio waves will be described as an example of electromagnetic waves.

【0172】

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of the position information setting device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

【0173】

In FIG. 24, in the floor 10, a position information management server 500 that manages the position information of various OA devices 50 in the floor 10 and three transmission radios 510a that are fixed at predetermined positions and mainly transmit radio waves. 510b, 510c, a receiving radio 520 installed in the OA device 50 for which location information is to be acquired and mainly receiving radio waves, and a reference radio 530 installed in an arbitrary appropriate position and mainly transmitting radio waves are provided. ing.

【0174】

The transmission radios 510a to 510c are fixed to the ceiling of the floor 10 which is the highest position, for example, at a position where all the OA devices 50 in the floor 10 can be seen. The transmitting radios 510a to 510c are used in combination with the reference radio 530 to measure the position of the receiving radio 520.

【0175】

However, when determining the two-dimensional position, it is possible to obtain the position information of the device, that is, the receiving radio by using two transmitting radios and one reference radio, and further, two-dimensional positions can be obtained. When the position is determined and the device, that is, the receiving radio is on the predetermined side of the transmitting radio and the reference radio, one transmitting radio and one reference radio are used. It is also possible to obtain location information using.

【0176】

The receiving radio 520 is a compact and movable device similar to the position recognition members 100, 200, 300, 400 in other embodiments, and can be freely moved to the OA device 50 whose installation position is to be measured for measurement. it can.

【0177】

The reference radio 530 is used to determine the three-dimensional position of the receiving radio 520, which cannot be determined only by using the three transmitting radios 510a to 510c, from the three transmitting radios 510a to 510c. Can be installed at any position as long as it is below.

【0178】

The location information management server 500 determines the position of the receiving radio 520, that is, based on the data sent from the receiving radio 520 (here, the reception time of the radio waves from the radios 510a to 510c and 530). , Has a function to calculate and save the position of the OA device 50 for which position information is to be acquired. At this time, the method of transmitting data from the receiving radio 520 to the location information management server 50 is not particularly limited, and may be a wired type or a wireless type. When the transmission radios 510a to 510c and the reference radios 530 are installed for the first time, the location information management server 500 must know the positions where the radios 510a to 510c and 530 are installed. The method of automatically acquiring these position information will be described later.

【0179】

The transmitting radios 510a to 510c, the receiving radios 520, and the reference radios 530 all have a function of transmitting and receiving radio waves. That is, each of the radios 510a to 510c, 520, 530 has a transmitting unit 540 (see FIG. 25) for transmitting radio waves and a receiving unit 550 (see FIG. 26) for receiving radio waves. Preferably, each of the radios 510a to 510c, 520, 530 is provided with any suitable adjustment mechanism for adjusting the transmission / reception direction of radio waves.

【0180】

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transmission unit 540.

【0181】

The transmission unit 540 is a transmission command reception unit 541 that receives a transmission command from the location information management server 500, a transmission data processing unit 542 that adds the ID and transmission time of the transmission unit 540 to the transmission data, and the transmission data in the form of radio waves. The radio wave transmission unit 543 transmitted by, the timer synchronization unit 544 that synchronizes with the time data sent from the location information management server 500, and the timer 545 that counts the time and publishes the current time to the transmission data processing unit 542. Have.

【0182】

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving unit 550.

【0183】

The receiving unit 550 includes a band filter 551 that limits the frequency band to be received as a filter for received radio waves, an identification unit 552 that analyzes received data to identify the transmitting unit ID and deletes erroneously received data. It is sent from the reception time recording unit 553 that records the time, the data transmission unit 554 that transmits data including the transmission unit ID, transmission time, and reception time to the location information management server 500 by a predetermined method, and the location information management server 500. It has a timer synchronization unit 555 that synchronizes with time data, and a timer 556 that counts the time and publishes the current time to the reception time recording unit 553.

【0184】

Next, a method of measuring the position of the receiving radio 520 will be described. Here, for convenience, the transmitting radios 510a to 510c are referred to as "transmission points A1, A2, A3", the receiving radio 520 is referred to as "reception point B", and the reference radio 530 is referred to as "reference point G". I'll call you.

【0185】

First, the distance I between the transmission point A (collective term for A1, A2, and A3) and the reception point B is the difference between the time T1 when the transmission point A transmits the radio wave and the time T2 when the reception point B receives the radio wave (T2 -T1). ) To the following formula, I = (T2 -T1) c However, c: speed of light (= 3.0 × 10)⁸It is calculated by m / sec).

【0186】

Here, for example, consider a measurement space composed of a three-dimensional XYZ coordinate system including three transmission points A1, A2, A3 and one reception point B. In this case, assuming that the positions of the transmission points A1, A2, and A3 are known, the position of the reception point B is calculated using the above formula, and the position of the reception point B is calculated with respect to the plane passing through the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3. Two plane-symmetrical points (measurement positions) are obtained. Therefore, a reference point G (which functions as both transmission and reception) is set in the measurement space, and the position of the reception point B is determined. At this time, as a condition, the reference point G is not on a plane passing through the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3. For example, when the plane is an XY plane, the Z coordinate value is in a negative region (downward). It is necessary to be.

【0187】

The specific measurement procedure when the reference point G is used is as follows.

【0188】

(a) Radio waves are transmitted from the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3 to the reception point B, respectively, and the position of the reception point B is measured to obtain the two measurement positions P1 and P2.

【0189】

(b) Similarly, radio waves are transmitted from the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3 to the reference point G, and the position of the reference point G is measured. At this time, since the position of the reference point G is limited to a predetermined region depending on the conditions, it is determined to be one of the two measurement positions obtained by calculation.

【0190】

(c) Radio waves are transmitted from the reference point G and the two transmission points A1 and A2 to the reception point B, respectively, and the position of the reception point B is measured. If the reference point G and the two transmission points A1 and A2 are aligned on the same straight line, the transmission point A3 is used instead of the transmission point A2. By this measurement, two measurement positions P3 and P4 are obtained.

【0191】

(d) From the four measurement positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 obtained in the above steps (a) and (c), two points indicating the same position (for example, measurement positions P1 and P3) are extracted. , Let this position be the position of the receiving point B.

【0192】

The above assumes that the positions of the transmission points A1, A2, and A3 are known. Assuming that the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3 are on the same plane, for example, on the ceiling in the floor 10, it can be considered that Z = is on a constant coordinate plane. The method for automatically acquiring the positions of these three transmission points A1, A2, and A3 is as follows.

【0193】

That is, radio waves are transmitted from the two transmission points A1 and A2 to the remaining transmission points A3, and the relative positions of the transmission points A3 with respect to the transmission points A1 and A2 on the same plane are obtained. In the same way, the relative position of the transmission point A1 with respect to the transmission points A2 and A3 and the relative position of the transmission point A2 with respect to the transmission points A3 and A1 are obtained. As a result, the relative positions of the three transmission points A1, A2, and A3 can be obtained, respectively.

【0194】

Furthermore, by adding the reference point G, the three-dimensional relative positions of the four points A1, A2, A3, and G can be obtained (see step (b) above). As a result, the position of the receiving point B in the three-dimensional space can be measured by the method described above.

【0195】

Next, the operation of the position information setting device corresponding to the fifth embodiment will be described. Here, the environment shown in FIG. 24 will be described as an example.

【0196】

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the initial setting work procedure by the administrator.

【0197】

First, in step S4000, the administrator installs three transmission radios (transmission points) 510a to 510c on the ceiling in floor 10.

【0198】

Then, in step S4100, the position information management server 500 is operated to acquire the relative positions of the three transmission radios 510a to 510c by the above-described method. The acquired location information is stored in the location information management server 500.

【0199】

Then, in step S4200, the reference radio (reference point) 530 is installed on the floor of one of the four corners F1, F2, F3, and F4 on the floor 10. The order of the corners in which the reference radio 530 is installed may be arbitrarily determined.

【0200】

Then, in step S4300, the position information management server 500 is operated to acquire the relative positions of the reference radios 530 with respect to the three transmission radios 510a to 510c by the above-mentioned method (see the above procedure (b)). The acquired location information is stored in the location information management server 500.

【0201】

Then, in step S4400, the administrator determines whether or not the acquisition of the position information has been completed for all the corners of the floor 10, that is, whether or not the information (environmental information) regarding the panoramic view of the floor 10 has been acquired. If you have a panoramic view of floor 10 (S4400: YES), proceed to step S4500, if you have not obtained a panoramic view of floor 10 (S4400: NO), go back to step S4200 and follow the reference radio 530. Install it on the floor of the corner and measure the position.

【0202】

That is, in steps S4200 to S4400, the administrator installs the reference radio 530 in the four corners F1, F2, F3, and F4 on the floor 10 in order, measures the respective positions, and manages each result in the position information. Store in server 500. By having the position information of each corner in this way, the position information management server 500 can acquire information on the shape, width, height, and the like of the floor 10. If the floor has a complicated shape, the reference radio 530 is installed in each corner in sequence to measure the position. The above work only needs to be performed once when the transmission radios 510a to 510c are installed for the first time.

【0203】

Then, in step S4500, the reference radio 530 is viewed at an arbitrary appropriate position on the floor within the floor 10, for example, the transmission radios 510a to 510c and all the OA devices 50 for which the position information is to be acquired. Install it in any position where it can be installed and finish the initial setting.

【0204】

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the position information management server 500 when measuring the position of the OA device 50. The flowchart shown in FIG. 28 is stored as a control program in the ROM (not shown) of the location information management server 500, and is executed by the CPU (not shown). Here, the location information management server 500 shall execute the processing procedure shown in FIG. 28 after confirming the connection with the receiving radio 520 and synchronizing with the timer of the receiving radio 520. At that time, the receiving radio 520 is already placed close to the OA device 50 for which the location information is to be acquired by the administrator (specifically, it is placed on the OA device 50, or It shall be attached).

【0205】

First, in step S5000, synchronization signals are sent to all radios, that is, transmission radios (transmission points) 510a to 510c, reception radios (reception points) 520, and reference radios (reference points) 530, respectively. (Time data) is sent to synchronize with all timers.

【0206】

Then, in step S5100, a transmission command indicating that transmission data should be transmitted is transmitted to the three transmission radios 510a to 510c, and the transmission data is transmitted from the three transmission radios 510a to 510c to the reference radio 530. Data (including transmitter ID and transmission time) is transmitted by radio waves.

【0207】

Then, in step S5200, it is determined whether or not the reference radio 530 has received all the transmission data from the three transmission radios 510a to 510c. This determination is made by confirming the transmitter ID included in the data (including the transmitter ID, transmission time and reception time) from the reference radio 530. If all have been received (S5200: YES), proceed to step S5300, if there are radios that have not been received (S5200: NO), return to step S5100 to send and receive related radios 510a to 510c, 530. After waiting for the direction adjustment, the send command is sent again.

【0208】

In step S5300, the position of the reference radio 530 is acquired by the above-mentioned method based on the data from the reference radio 530 (see step (b) above).

【0209】

Then, in step S5400, a transmission command indicating that transmission data should be transmitted is transmitted to the three transmission radios 510a to 510c, and the transmission data is transmitted from the three transmission radios 510a to 510c to the reception radio 520. Data is transmitted by radio waves.

【0210】

Then, in step S5500, it is determined whether or not the receiving radio 520 has received all the transmission data from the three transmitting radios 510a to 510c. This determination is made by confirming the transmitter ID included in the data from the receiving radio 520. If all have been received (S5500: YES), proceed to step S5600, if there are radios that have not been received (S5500: NO), return to step S5400 to send and receive related radios 510a to 510c, 520. After waiting for the direction adjustment, the send command is sent again.

【0211】

In step S5600, a transmission command is transmitted to the reference radio 530 and any two transmission radios (for example, transmission radios 510a, 510b) to the effect that transmission data should be transmitted, and the reference radio is transmitted. The transmission data is transmitted by radio waves from the unit 530 and the two transmission radios 510a and 510b to the reception radio 520, respectively.

【0212】

Then, in step S5700, it is determined whether or not the receiving radio 520 has received all the transmission data from the reference radio 530 and the two transmitting radios 510a and 510b. This determination is made by confirming the transmitter ID included in the data from the receiving radio 520. If all have been received (S5700: YES), proceed to step S5800, if any radio has not been received (S5700: NO), return to step S5600 to send and receive related radios 5300, 510a, 510b. After waiting for the direction adjustment, the send command is sent again.

【0213】

The order of the processes of step S5400 (and step S5500) and step S5600 (and step S5700) may be reversed.

【0214】

In step S5800, the position of the receiving radio 520 is calculated by the above method based on the data from the receiving radio 520 (see step (d) above), and is registered as the position information of the OA device 50. ..

【0215】

The receiving radio 520 is then returned to its original location by the administrator.

【0216】

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, by using the five radios 510a to 510c, 520, 530, accurate position information of the OA equipment 50 installed in the floor 10 can be automatically acquired. .. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0217】

In addition, by using four radios 510a to 510c, 530, it is possible to automatically acquire environmental information such as the shape, size, and height of the floor 10 where the OA equipment 50 is installed. From this point as well, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the administrator.

【0218】

In each of the above embodiments, the operations of the position recognition members 100, 200, 300, 400 and the position information management server 500 are the above-mentioned processing procedures (see FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 11, 16, 18, 22, and 28). This is performed by the CPU executing a predetermined program that describes the above, and this predetermined program is provided by a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a CD-ROM). You can also do it. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to the hard disk and stored. Further, this predetermined program may be provided as application software that executes each of the above processes independently, or software of each of the devices 100, 200, 300, 400 and the server 500 as a function of the devices 100, 200, 300, 400 and the server 500. It may be incorporated into.

【0219】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the position information setting device of the present invention, the current position information of the position recognition member is automatically acquired only by connecting the position recognition member to the device for which the position information is acquired. Since it is transmitted to the device, accurate position information of the device installed on the floor can be easily and automatically acquired and input to the device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the location information at low cost.

【0220】

Further, by using a plurality of electromagnetic wave transmitting means and one electromagnetic wave receiving means, it is possible to automatically acquire accurate position information of the equipment installed on the floor. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor of network management and improve the convenience of the network, and it is possible to operate the application using the installation location information at low cost.

【0221】

In addition, by using multiple electromagnetic wave transmitting means and one electromagnetic wave receiving means, it is possible to automatically acquire environmental information such as floor information on which equipment is installed, and from this point as well, the administrator. It is possible to reduce the time and effort of.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

[Figure 1]

It is a figure which shows the structure of the position information setting apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention.

[Figure 2]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the position recognition member corresponding to 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 3]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the position data detection part shown in FIG.

[Fig. 4]

It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the movable part shown in FIG.

[Fig. 5]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of OA equipment.

[Fig. 6]

It is a main flowchart which shows the whole operation of the position recognition member corresponding to 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 7]

It is a flowchart which shows the content of the position measurement process in FIG.

[Fig. 8]

It is a figure which provides the explanation of the calculation method of a relative position.

[Fig. 9]

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the position recognition member corresponding to one modification example of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 10]

It is a figure which provides the explanation of the position calculation method corresponding to one modification example of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 11]

It is a flowchart which shows the content of the position measurement processing corresponding to one modification example of 1st Embodiment.

[Fig. 12]

It is a figure which shows the structure of the position information setting apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 13]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of each structure of the position recognition member and the reference position member corresponding to the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 14]

It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the reference position member corresponding to the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 15]

It is the schematic which shows the winding state of a data line.

[Fig. 16]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the position recognition member corresponding to the 2nd Embodiment.

[Fig. 17]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the position data detection part corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 18]

It is a flowchart which shows the content of the position measurement process corresponding to the 3rd Embodiment.

[Fig. 19]

It is a figure which provides the explanation of the position calculation method corresponding to 1st modification of 3rd Embodiment.

[Fig. 20]

It is a figure which provides the explanation of the position calculation method corresponding to the 2nd modification of the 3rd Embodiment.

[Fig. 21]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of the position recognition member in the position information setting apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 22]

It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the position recognition member corresponding to 4th Embodiment.

[Fig. 23]

It is a figure which shows an example of the image image | captured by an optical system sensor.

[Fig. 24]

It is the schematic which shows an example of the structure of the position information setting apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention.

[Fig. 25]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a transmission part.

[Fig. 26]

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the structure of a receiving part.

[Fig. 27]

It is a flowchart which shows the work procedure of the initial setting by the administrator in the position information setting apparatus corresponding to the 5th Embodiment.

[Fig. 28]

It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the position information management server at the time of measuring the position of the OA device in the position information setting apparatus corresponding to the 5th Embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 floors 50 OA equipment 100,200,300,400 Position recognition member 150,250,350,360,450 Reference position member 114 Position data detector 116 Installation direction measuring unit 120 light emitting part 124 Receiver 130 optical unit 132 Moving parts 252 Distance data detector 254 Direction data detector 270 data line 320 Pronunciation section 324 Sound receiver 330 acoustic unit 414 Optical system sensor 500 Location management server 510a, 510b, 510c Transmission radio 520 Receiving radio 530 Standard radio 540 transmitter 550 receiver