JP2011257260A - Altitude estimating method, portable terminal, and information providing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new method for estimating the altitude of a portable terminal carried by a user.SOLUTION: In an altitude estimating system 1, a mountaineering portable terminal 2 carried by a user who is a mountaineer obtains a predicted atmospheric pressure change pattern, in which a change in atmospheric pressure with time at the location of a starting point for a climb corresponding to a predetermined range of carry is predicted, through direct communication from a mountain climb aiding device 3 installed at the starting point for the climb. Based on the predicted atmospheric pressure change pattern thus obtained, the mountaineering portable terminal 2 obtains a predicted atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time. Using the measurement value of the atmospheric pressure sensor and the predicted atmospheric pressure obtained, the mountaineering portable terminal 2 estimates its own altitude at the current time.

Description

  The present invention relates to an altitude estimation method, a portable terminal, and an information providing apparatus.

  As a technique for performing altitude estimation in a portable terminal carried by a user, for example, in Patent Document 1, using the sea level pressure at the position of the portable terminal acquired from a wide-area atmospheric model and the atmospheric pressure measured by the portable terminal, A technique for estimating the altitude of the position of the portable terminal is disclosed.

Special table 2008-544216

  In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to estimate the altitude of the portable terminal, the position (position coordinates) of the portable terminal is required. That is, the position of the portable terminal is obtained by using a GPS (Global Positioning System) which is a kind of satellite positioning system. Then, the atmospheric pressure at the obtained position is derived from a wide-area atmospheric model, and the altitude of the position of the portable terminal is estimated using the derived atmospheric pressure and the atmospheric pressure measured by the portable terminal.

  In order to realize the technique of this Patent Document 1, theoretically, an atmospheric model capable of deriving the atmospheric pressure at all positions on the earth is created, or the atmospheric pressure models are individually obtained for all positions on the earth. It is not realistic to prepare. Further, since it is necessary to obtain the position of the portable terminal, it is necessary to incorporate a position calculation device into the portable terminal. There is also known a method for calculating the position of the portable terminal by an external server or the like without incorporating the position calculation device. However, for this purpose, it is necessary to incorporate a means for communicating with an external server in the portable terminal. In addition, if communication with an external server is not possible, the altitude of the portable terminal cannot be estimated, for example, altitude estimation in a mountain becomes impossible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to propose a new technique for estimating the altitude of a portable terminal carried by a user.

  A first form for solving the above-described problem is an altitude estimation method executed by a portable terminal carried by a user, and is an estimated atmospheric pressure that predicts time fluctuations of atmospheric pressure at a reference position corresponding to a planned carrying range. Obtaining a fluctuation pattern; measuring an atmospheric pressure; obtaining an expected atmospheric pressure corresponding to a current time based on the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern; and a measured value that is the measured atmospheric pressure and the predicted atmospheric pressure. And estimating the current altitude using the altitude estimation method.

  Further, as a seventh aspect, an acquisition unit that acquires an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern that predicts temporal fluctuations of atmospheric pressure at a given reference position within a planned carrying range, a measurement unit that measures atmospheric pressure, and the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation Constructing a portable terminal comprising: an expected atmospheric pressure calculation unit that calculates an expected atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time based on a pattern; and an estimation unit that estimates a current altitude using a measurement value by the measurement unit and the predicted atmospheric pressure May be.

  According to the first form and the like, an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is obtained in which the atmospheric pressure time fluctuation at the reference position corresponding to the carry-in scheduled range is predicted. Then, the predicted atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time is obtained based on the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern, and the current altitude is estimated using the measured pressure value and the predicted atmospheric pressure.

  The range in which the user is expected to move with the portable terminal is expected to be a wide range. As will be described later in detail in Examples, the inventor of the present application has found that the tendency of pressure fluctuations over time can be identified within a certain distance range. Therefore, an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern that anticipates the time fluctuation of the atmospheric pressure at the reference position corresponding to the planned carrying range of the portable terminal is determined, and the current altitude is calculated using the predicted atmospheric pressure at the current time obtained from the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern. It was decided to estimate. With this method, the current altitude of the portable terminal can be estimated appropriately.

  Further, as a second mode, the altitude estimation method according to the first mode provides local information including at least the altitude at the installation position and the current atmospheric pressure at the installation position by direct communication at the installation position. Acquiring the local information from the information providing device, calculating a measurement error using the local information and the measurement value, correcting using the measurement error when estimating the current altitude, or An altitude estimation method further comprising calibrating the measurement may be configured.

  Further, as an eighth aspect, an information providing apparatus that provides the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at the installation position to the portable terminal of the seventh aspect by direct communication at the installation position may be configured.

  The measurement value of the atmospheric pressure measured by the portable terminal may include a measurement error such as a sensor bias value. Therefore, in the second embodiment, at the installation position of the information providing apparatus, local information including the current atmospheric pressure at the installation position is acquired by direct communication, and the measurement error is calculated using the local information and the measured value of the atmospheric pressure. To do. Then, when estimating the current altitude, the accuracy of altitude estimation can be improved by correcting using the measurement error or calibrating the measurement.

  Further, as a third mode, the altitude estimation method according to the second mode, wherein the information providing device further includes the predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern at the installation position in the local information, You may comprise the altitude estimation method which further includes using the said estimated atmospheric | air pressure fluctuation pattern contained in the said local information acquired from the information provision apparatus as an estimated atmospheric | air pressure fluctuation pattern of the said carrying range.

  According to the third aspect, the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern included in the local information acquired from the information providing apparatus is used as the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern of the scheduled carrying range. Thereby, the altitude estimation in the carrying range including the installation position of the information providing apparatus can be appropriately performed.

  Further, as a fourth mode, the altitude estimation method according to any one of the first to third modes, wherein the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is based on the land atmospheric pressure at the reference position, and the current altitude is calculated. The estimation is to determine the altitude difference from the altitude of the reference position using the predicted atmospheric pressure and the measured value, and to estimate the current altitude by adding the altitude difference to the altitude of the reference position. A certain altitude estimation method may be configured.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the current altitude is obtained by a simple calculation such as obtaining the altitude difference from the altitude at the reference position using the predicted atmospheric pressure and the measured value of the atmospheric pressure, and adding the altitude difference to the altitude at the reference position. Can be estimated.

  Further, as a fifth aspect, the altitude estimation method according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is based on a land air pressure at the reference position, and the predicted atmospheric pressure is Obtaining the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is converted into an expected sea level air pressure fluctuation pattern based on the sea level air pressure, and an expected sea level air pressure at a current time is obtained based on the predicted sea level air pressure fluctuation pattern, and the current Estimating the altitude may constitute an altitude estimation method in which the current altitude is estimated using the predicted sea level pressure and the measured value.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the current altitude can be simply estimated simply by obtaining the predicted sea level pressure at the current time based on the predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern and using the predicted sea level pressure and the measured value of the atmospheric pressure. Can do.

  Further, as a sixth aspect, the altitude estimation method according to the third aspect, wherein the portable terminal is a mountain-carrying portable terminal, and the information providing device is installed at a predetermined position on a mountain trail, You may comprise the altitude estimation method further including considering the movement range along a mountain path as the said carrying range.

  According to the sixth aspect, the portable terminal is a mountain-carrying portable terminal, and the information providing apparatus is installed at a predetermined position on the mountain trail. Then, the altitude is estimated by regarding the moving range along the mountain trail as the scheduled carrying range. A user who carries the mountain-carrying portable terminal causes the mountain-carrying portable terminal to acquire the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern from the information providing device installed on the mountain trail. Then, during climbing, the altitude estimation is performed by the climbing portable terminal, so that the altitude at the current position of the user can be known.

Explanatory drawing of the system configuration | structure of an altitude estimation system. Explanatory drawing of an estimated atmospheric | air pressure fluctuation pattern. Explanatory drawing of altitude estimation. The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a mountain climbing assistance apparatus. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of mountain climbing information. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of a mountain-climbing expected land pressure fluctuation pattern. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of sensor data. The block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the portable terminal for mountaineering. The flowchart which shows the flow of a mountain climbing assistance process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of an altitude estimation process. Explanatory drawing of the area structure in a modification. The figure which shows an example of a data structure of 2nd mountain climbing assistance information. (A) is an example of a normal display screen. (B) is an example of a notification screen at the time of abnormality.

  Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, an embodiment of an altitude estimation system for realizing altitude estimation in a mountain climbing portable terminal (hereinafter referred to as a “climbing portable terminal”) carried by a user who is a mountain climber explain. However, it goes without saying that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the embodiments described below.

1. System Configuration FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a system configuration of an altitude estimation system 1 in the present embodiment. The present embodiment is an embodiment in which when the user of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 that is a mountain climber climbs, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 estimates the current altitude.

  In FIG. 1, “Mt. Yari” is illustrated as an example of a mountain on which a climber climbs. In “Mt. Yari”, there are two climbing routes, “front route” and “back route”. The front route is a mountain trail leading to the summit starting from the N mountain trail, and the back route is a mountain trail leading to the summit starting from the T mountain trail. Each mountain trail is a single route from the trailhead to the summit. The altitude estimation system 1 includes a mountain climbing portable terminal 2, a mountain climbing support device 3, and a server 4.

  The mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 is a small-sized portable terminal that is carried when a climber climbs a mountain, and is used for referring to information such as altitude and atmospheric pressure of the current position while the climber is climbing. The mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 includes a sensor unit including an atmospheric pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, and measures information on the outside world necessary for the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 to estimate the current altitude.

  Further, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 acquires the mountain-climbing support information by directly communicating with the mountain-climbing support apparatus 3 installed at the mountain-climbing entrance at the installation position. Specifically, mountain climbing support information is acquired by a short-range wireless method such as non-contact short-range wireless communication. For example, the climber touches the mountain-climbing support device 3 installed at the mountain-climbing entrance before starting mountain climbing. Accordingly, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 and the mountain-climbing support device 3 are connected by communication, and the mountain-climbing support information, which is information for supporting the climbing of the climber, is acquired from the mountain-climbing support device 3. Then, when the climber starts climbing, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 estimates the current altitude of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 using the mountain-climbing support information acquired from the mountain-climbing support device 3. This altitude estimation method will be described later in detail.

  The mountain climbing support device 3 is an information providing device installed on a mountain trail in order to support climbing by climbers. In the present embodiment, the mountain climbing support device 3 is individually installed at a mountain climbing entrance of each mountain climbing route. The mountain climbing support apparatus 3 is installed at a position where a mountain climber can easily see at a mountain climbing entrance. For example, it is preferable to be attached to an installation such as a guide map, a map, a sign, or a mountain climbing post at a mountain climbing entrance. It is more preferable to install a signboard describing how to use so that the climber can know how to use the climbing support device 3.

  The mountain climbing support device 3 displays or outputs a button switch for a climber to operate the mountain climbing support device 3, a proximity communication panel for touching the mountain climbing portable terminal 2, and various information related to mountain climbing. It is configured with a display and speakers.

  The mountain climbing support device 3 generates mountain climbing support information that is a kind of local information, and transmits and provides it to the mobile terminal 2 for mountain climbing. Specifically, using the predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern for each area acquired from the server 4, a predicted climbing atmospheric pressure variation pattern that predicts temporal variations in atmospheric pressure at the starting position is used as the reference position. To do. Then, the mountain climbing support terminal 3 is provided with mountain climbing support information including mountain climbing information such as the position coordinates and altitude of the mountain climbing support device 3, the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern of the mountain climbing opening, and the current atmospheric pressure at the installation position. To do. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the position coordinates and altitude of the installation position (mountain entrance) of the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 are known.

  The server 4 is a management device that manages the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 in an integrated manner, and corresponds to a management server that is installed by a private organization or a public interest group that manages the mountain climbing support apparatus 3. The server 4 is communicatively connected to a mountain climbing support apparatus 3 at each mountain climbing point via a predetermined network N by wire or wirelessly. The server 4 has a database of predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation patterns in which trends of temporal fluctuations of predicted atmospheric pressure are patterned for each area.

  The predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern for each area is generated according to a known generation method using atmospheric pressure information such as a weather map provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, for example. It can be said that the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is model data obtained by modeling the tendency of atmospheric pressure time variation for each area. In response to a request from the mountain climbing support apparatus 3, the server 4 provides the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 with an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern corresponding to the area where the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 is installed.

2. Principle The principle of altitude estimation in this embodiment will be described. This inventor investigated the regional difference of the time fluctuation of atmospheric pressure. For the survey, data on time variation of atmospheric pressure provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency or private organizations (for example, weather map data) was used. As a result of the survey, when looking at a somewhat narrow distance range such as the municipal level (hereinafter, the area defined by this distance range is referred to as “area”), the tendency of time fluctuation of atmospheric pressure is almost the same. , It was found that they can be identified.

  Even if the area is the same, altitude and temperature vary depending on the location. Therefore, when the atmospheric pressure values observed at each point in the same area are individually viewed, the values are naturally different. However, when viewed over a certain period (span), the timing of the increase / decrease of the atmospheric pressure is the same regardless of whether the overall atmospheric pressure level is high or low. There was a correlation.

  Based on this knowledge, the inventor of the present application considered that Japan was divided into a plurality of areas, and an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern in which a tendency of temporal fluctuation of the predicted atmospheric pressure was patterned was determined for each area. That is, in the same area, it is considered that the tendency of the temporal fluctuation of the predicted atmospheric pressure is the same, and a common predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the entire area of “Mt. Yari” in FIG. 1 is assumed to be included in the same area. In this case, since the N mountain entrance and the T mountain entrance are included in the same area, the N mountain entrance and the T mountain entrance have different positions and altitudes, but the time fluctuation tendency of the atmospheric pressure is the same. That is, the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is common between the N mountain entrance and the T mountain entrance.

  In the following description, two types of atmospheric pressure, “land pressure” and “sea level pressure”, are used for the description. The land pressure is the pressure actually observed on land and is synonymous with the local pressure. On the other hand, the sea level pressure is a pressure obtained by renewing the land pressure to the sea level (altitude 0 m), and is synonymous with the sea level correction pressure. The predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern in the form of land pressure is referred to as “expected land pressure fluctuation pattern”, and the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern in the form of sea surface pressure is referred to as “expected sea pressure fluctuation pattern”.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern. Here, a case where a plurality of areas are formed by focusing on one prefecture in Japan and dividing the map of the prefecture into a mesh shape is illustrated. For each rectangular area segmented in a mesh shape, an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is defined in association with the area number (area No.).

  In the present embodiment, the server 4 will be described as having a database of predicted sea level pressure fluctuation patterns. The mountain climbing support apparatus 3 installed at the mountain climbing edge acquires an expected sea level pressure fluctuation pattern corresponding to an area including the known position of the mountain climbing area from the server 4. Then, the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 converts the acquired predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern into the predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern using the known altitude of the climbing mouth.

A conversion formula from the predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern to the predicted land pressure change pattern is given by, for example, the following formula (1).
P ₀ = P {1−0.0065h / (T + 0.0065h + 273.15)} − ^5.257
... (1)
However, “P ₀ ” is sea level pressure (sea level rehabilitation pressure), and “P” is land pressure (local pressure). “H” is the altitude (altitude) of the observation point, and “T” is the temperature (temperature) of the observation point.

In the above formula (1), and the expected sea level pressure to sea level pressure "P _0", the altitude to that of a mountain climb altitude "h" of the observation point, predict expected level pressure "P _0" land pressure "P Can be converted into "". Although the temperature “T” at the starting point is not constant, the term “T” is not so effective, so the temperature “T” may be a fixed value (for example, 18 degrees).

  The predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern converted in this way is a pattern converted using the altitude of the mountain climbing opening, and is a fluctuation pattern of the predicted land air pressure at the mountain climbing position. Therefore, this converted predicted land pressure change pattern is referred to as a “mountain entrance predicted land pressure change pattern”. The mountain climbing support device 3 provides the mountain climbing portable terminal 2 with the expected land pressure variation pattern at the mountain opening.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of altitude estimation in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents land pressure (unit: hectopascal [hPa]). An example of the temporal change of the expected mountain pressure at the entrance of the mountain determined in the expected climbing ground pressure change pattern and an example of the temporal change of the measured land pressure measured at the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 are respectively illustrated.

  In FIG. 3, the expected land pressure at a mountainhead is shown as a time change that gradually decreases with time from a certain land pressure value and increases again. On the other hand, the measured land pressure is shown as a time change gradually decreasing from a certain pressure. This is because the altitude of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 increases as the climber climbs the mountain, and the land pressure gradually decreases.

  For example, it is assumed that the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 acquires mountain-climbing support information from the mountain-climbing support device 3 at time “t0”. In this case, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 calculates the difference between the land pressure at the mountain-climbing position at time “t0” acquired from the mountain-climbing support device 3 and the measured land pressure at the terminal at time “t0”. This difference is a measurement error included in the measured land pressure of the portable terminal 2 for mountain climbing when the local pressure at the installation position of the mountain climbing support device 3 is assumed to be a true value, and corresponds to the bias value of the pressure sensor of the own terminal. .

Then, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 considers the bias value of the atmospheric pressure sensor obtained as described above, and the expected land pressure “P1” at the time “t0” defined in the mountain-climbing predicted land pressure variation pattern, A difference from the measured land pressure “P2” of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 at time “t0” is obtained as a pressure offset value “P _off ”. Then, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 holds the atmospheric pressure offset value “P _off ”.

The mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 calculates the altitude as follows. For example, in FIG. 3, the time when the altitude is calculated is “t1”. In this case, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 measures the expected land pressure “P3” at the time “t1” of the expected climbing land pressure variation pattern and the measurement of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 at the time of calculation (time “t1”). A pressure difference “ΔP = P3−P4” with the land pressure “P4” is calculated. However, the atmospheric pressure difference “ΔP” includes an error corresponding to the atmospheric pressure offset value “P _off ”. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure difference “ΔP” is corrected using the atmospheric pressure offset value “P _off ”. For example, in FIG. 3, the atmospheric pressure difference is corrected as “ΔP = P3-P4- _Poff ”.

  The pressure difference “ΔP” corrected in this way corresponds to a pressure difference with reference to the land pressure at the mountain climbing position. Therefore, the atmospheric pressure difference “ΔP” is converted into an altitude difference “Δh” from the mountain climbing position. As a conversion method, for example, the pressure difference “ΔP” and the altitude difference “Δh” may be converted linearly by a conversion formula. Also, the higher the altitude, the greater the altitude change for the same atmospheric pressure change. For this reason, the conversion may be performed by a conversion formula determined so that the amount of change in altitude relative to the amount of change in atmospheric pressure increases as the altitude increases.

The converted altitude difference “Δh” is an altitude difference from the mountain climbing position. Therefore, the current altitude “h = h ₀ + Δh” of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 can be obtained by adding the altitude difference “Δh” to the altitude “h ₀ ” at the mountain climbing position.

3. Functional configuration 3-1. Functional Configuration of Mountaineering Support Device 3 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the mountaineering support device 3 in the present embodiment. The mountain climbing support apparatus 3 includes a processing unit 310, an operation unit 320, a display unit 330, a sound output unit 340, a communication unit 350, a clock unit 360, a sensor unit 370, and a storage unit 380. Is a computer system connected by a bus.

  The processing unit 310 is a functional unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 according to various programs such as a system program stored in the storage unit 380, and includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Composed. The processing unit 310 performs processing for supporting climbing of a user who is a climber according to the climbing support program 381 stored in the storage unit 380.

  The operation unit 320 is an input device configured by, for example, a touch panel or a button switch, and outputs a pressed key or button signal to the processing unit 310. Specifically, a proximity switch panel for a mountain climber to communicate by touching the portable terminal 2 for mountain climbing, or a button switch for instructing to display climbing support information on a display or to output sound from a speaker. Etc.

  The display unit 330 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and is a display device that performs various displays based on a display signal input from the processing unit 310. The display unit 330 displays climbing support information and the like.

  The sound output unit 340 is a sound output device that includes a speaker or the like and outputs various sounds based on the sound output signal input from the processing unit 310. From the sound output unit 340, as in the display unit 330, mountain climbing support information and the like are output as sound.

  The communication unit 350 includes two communication devices. One is a communication device for the mountain climbing support device 3 to perform wireless communication with the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2. This function is realized using, for example, a non-contact wireless communication system such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or a known short-range wireless system technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark). Another communication device is a communication device for communicating with the server 4 via the network N, and is connected to the server 4 by wireless or wired communication.

  The clock unit 360 is an internal clock of the mountain climbing support device 3 and includes an oscillation circuit having a crystal oscillator or the like. The time measured by the clock unit 360 is output to the processing unit 310 as needed.

  The sensor unit 370 is a functional unit for measuring and acquiring information on the outside world of the mountain climbing support device 3 and includes an atmospheric pressure sensor 371 and a temperature sensor 373. The measurement results of the atmospheric pressure sensor 371 and the temperature sensor 373 are output to the processing unit 310 as needed.

  The storage unit 380 is a storage device that includes a memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash ROM, or a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a system program for the processing unit 310 to control the mountain climbing support device 3 or a mountain climbing Various programs and data for realizing the support function are stored. In addition, a work area for temporarily storing a system program executed by the processing unit 310, various processing programs, data being processed in various processing, processing results, and the like is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 380 stores a mountain climbing support program 381 that is read by the processing unit 310 and executed as a mountain climbing support process (see FIG. 9).

  The mountain climbing support process is a process in which the processing unit 310 acquires the predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern from the server 4 and converts it into the predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern, and transmits / provides it to the portable terminal 2 for mountain climbing included in the mountain climbing support information. is there. In addition, mountain climbing support information is displayed or sounded in response to an instruction operation from a climber. This mountain climbing support process will be described later in detail using a flowchart.

  Further, the storage unit 380 stores mountain climbing information 383, a mountain climbing expected land pressure variation pattern 385, and sensor data 387 as data.

  The mountain entrance information 383 is information relating to the mountain entrance where the device is installed, and FIG. 5 shows a data configuration example thereof. The mountain entrance information 383 includes, for example, a mountain entrance name 3831 which is the name of the mountain entrance, a position coordinate 3833 of the position of the mountain entrance (installation position of the own device), and an altitude (installation of the own device) of the mountain entrance. (Position altitude) 3835 is stored in association with each other. The mountain climbing information 383 is measured in advance and stored in the mountain climbing support device 3.

  The expected climbing land pressure variation pattern 385 is data on the temporal variation of the predicted land pressure at the climbing location, and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. In the mountain climb predicted land pressure variation pattern 385, a pattern generation date and time 3851, a predicted period 3853, and date and time predicted land pressure data 3855 are stored in association with each other. The prediction period 3853 is a period for which the atmospheric pressure is to be predicted, and for example, a period in units of days or weeks is stored.

  The sensor data 387 is data in which the measurement result of the sensor unit 370 of the mountain climbing support device 3 is stored, and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. In the sensor data 387, the measured land pressure 3873 measured by the pressure sensor 371 and the measured temperature 3875 measured by the temperature sensor 373 are stored in time series in association with the measurement time 3871 of the sensor unit 370. The sensor data 387 is updated as needed according to the measurement of the sensor unit 370.

3-2. Functional configuration of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 in the present embodiment. The mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 includes a processing unit 210, an operation unit 220, a display unit 230, a sound output unit 240, a communication unit 250, a clock unit 260, a sensor unit 270, and a storage unit 280. Composed.

  The processing unit 210 and the communication unit 250 function as an acquisition unit that acquires the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern from the mountain climbing support device 3. In addition, the processing unit 210 functions as an expected atmospheric pressure calculation unit that calculates an expected atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time based on the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern acquired from the mountain climbing support device 3, and the measured value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 271 and the predicted atmospheric pressure. It functions as an estimation unit that estimates the current altitude using. The atmospheric pressure sensor 271 corresponds to a measurement unit that measures atmospheric pressure.

  The storage unit 280 of the mountain climbing portable terminal 2 stores a main program 281 that is read by the processing unit 210 and executed as a main process (see FIG. 10) as a program. The main program 281 includes an altitude estimation program 2811 executed as altitude estimation processing (see FIG. 11) as a subroutine.

  The main process is a process in which the processing unit 210 acquires the mountain climbing support information 285 from the mountain climbing support device 3 and estimates the current altitude of the terminal itself and notifies the mountain climber. The altitude estimation process is a process for estimating the current altitude of the terminal itself according to the altitude estimation method described in the principle. These processes will be described later in detail using a flowchart.

  The storage unit 280 stores sensor data 283, mountain climbing support information 285, an atmospheric pressure offset value 287, and an estimated altitude 289 as data.

  The sensor data 283 is data in which the measurement results of the sensor unit 270 of the mountain climbing portable terminal 2 are stored in time series, and the data configuration example is substantially the same as the sensor data of FIG.

  The mountain climbing support information 285 is local information acquired from the mountain climbing support device 3, and includes mountain climbing information 383, a mountain climbing expected land pressure fluctuation pattern 385, and a mountain climbing land pressure 389. The mountain climbing land pressure 389 is the land pressure (current pressure) measured by the pressure sensor 371 of the mountain climbing support device 3 and is used to calculate the pressure offset value 287.

4). Processing 4-1. Processing of Mountaineering Support Device 3 FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of mountaineering support processing executed by the processing unit 310 according to the mountaineering support program 381 stored in the storage unit 380 in the mountaineering support device 3.

  First, the processing unit 310 determines whether or not the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 is connected for communication (step A1). Specifically, it is detected that the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 is touched on the proximity communication panel of the mountain-climbing support apparatus 3 and can communicate with the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2.

  And when it determines with having connected by communication (step A1; Yes), the process part 310 produces | generates and transmits the climbing assistance information 285 (step A3). Specifically, the mountain climbing information 383 stored in the storage unit 380, the mountain climbing expected land atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern 385, and the mountain climbing land pressure 389 measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor 371 are associated with each other, and the mountain climbing support information 285. To the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2.

  Next, the processing unit 310 determines whether a request for displaying the mountain climbing support information 285 has been made by the climber via the operation unit 320 (step A5). That is, it is detected that a climber has operated a button switch of the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 to make a display request for displaying the mountain climbing support information 285 on the display.

  And when it determines with the display request | requirement having been made (step A5; Yes), the process part 310 performs the control which displays the mountain climbing assistance information 285 on the display part 330 (step A7). Specifically, for example, information (mountain entrance information) such as the position coordinates and altitude of the entrance is displayed on the display unit 330, and the expected entrance pressure land pressure pattern is graphed and displayed on the display unit 330.

  Here, the case where the climbing support information 285 is displayed on the display unit 330 in response to the display request from the climber has been described, but the climbing support information 285 is received from the sound output unit 340 in response to the sound output request from the climber. Sound may be output.

  Thereafter, the processing unit 310 determines whether it is the update timing of the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern (step A9). The update timing can be various timings. For example, the timing at which sudden climate change occurs may be used as the update timing. The mountain climbing support apparatus 3 includes an atmospheric pressure sensor 371 and a temperature sensor 373. Therefore, it is possible to detect climate change by monitoring temporal changes in the measurement results of land pressure and temperature. As other update timings, timings at predetermined time intervals (for example, once every 12 hours) or timings when an update operation is performed by the administrator of the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 may be set as the update timings.

  When it is determined in step A9 that it is the update timing (step A9; Yes), the processing unit 310 is connected to the server 4 via the communication unit 350 and communicates with the predicted sea level pressure corresponding to the area No including the installation position. A fluctuation pattern is acquired from the server 4 (step A11).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 310 converts the predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern acquired from the server 4 into an expected land pressure fluctuation pattern (step A13). That is, the predicted sea level pressure fluctuation pattern is converted into the predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern according to, for example, the equation (1) using the height 3835 of the climbing opening stored in the climbing point information 383. Then, the processing unit 310 returns to step A1.

4-2. Processing of Mountaineering Portable Terminal 2 FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed by the processing unit 210 according to the main program 281 stored in the storage unit 280 in the mountaineering portable terminal 2.

  First, the processing unit 210 determines whether or not a communication connection with the mountain climbing support device 3 has been established (step B1). That is, it is detected that the mountain climbing support device 3 can communicate with the mountain climbing support device 3 when the portable terminal 2 for mountain climbing is touched on the proximity communication panel of the mountain climbing support device 3.

  Next, the processing unit 210 determines whether or not the mountain climbing support information 285 has been received from the mountain climbing support device 3 (step B3). If it is determined that the mountain climbing support information 285 has been received (step B3; Yes), the mountain climbing support information 285 is obtained. It memorize | stores in the memory | storage part 280 (step B5).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 210 calculates a bias value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 271 (step B7). That is, the difference between the current measured land pressure measured by the pressure sensor 271 and the mountain climbing land pressure 389 included in the mountain climbing support information 285 is calculated as a bias value.

And the process part 210 calculates the atmospheric | air pressure offset value 287, and memorize | stores it in the memory | storage part 280 (step B9). That is, in consideration of the bias value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 271 calculated in step B7, the atmospheric pressure offset value “P _off ” from the expected land atmospheric pressure included in the expected climbing land atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern 385 is calculated.

  Next, the processing unit 210 executes altitude estimation processing according to the altitude estimation program 2811 stored in the storage unit 280 (step B11).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of altitude estimation processing.
First, the processing unit 210 acquires sensor data from the sensor unit 270 (step C1). Then, the processing unit 210 reads the predicted land pressure at the current time from the mountain climbing predicted land pressure variation pattern 385 stored in the storage unit 280 (step C3).

  Next, the processing unit 210 calculates a pressure difference between the predicted land pressure read in step C3 and the measured land pressure at the current time of the sensor data acquired in step C1 (step C5). Then, the calculated atmospheric pressure difference is corrected using the atmospheric pressure offset value 287 stored in the storage unit 280 (step C7).

  Thereafter, the processing unit 210 converts the pressure difference corrected in step C7 into an altitude difference according to a predetermined conversion formula (step C9). Then, the processing unit 210 calculates the current altitude using the altitude 3835 of the mountain climbing opening included in the mountain climbing support information 285 and the calculated altitude difference, and stores the current altitude as the estimated altitude 289 in the storage unit 280 (step C11). Then, the processing unit 210 ends the altitude estimation process.

  Returning to the main process of FIG. 10, after performing the altitude estimation process, the processing unit 210 controls the display unit 230 to display the estimated altitude 289 stored in the storage unit 280 (step B13). And the process part 210 determines whether a process is complete | finished (step B15). For example, it is detected that the climbing of the climber has ended and the climbing end operation has been performed by the climber via the operation unit 220.

  When it determines with not complete | finishing a process in step B15 (step B15; No), the process part 210 returns to step B1. If it is determined that the process is to be ended (step B15; Yes), the processing unit 210 ends the main process.

5). Operational Effect In the altitude estimation system 1, the mountain-carrying mobile terminal 2 carried by a user who is a mountain climber uses a predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern that predicts temporal fluctuations in atmospheric pressure at the mountain-climbing position corresponding to the planned carrying area. It acquires by direct communication from the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 installed at the position. Then, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 obtains the predicted atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time based on the obtained predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern, and uses the measured value of the atmospheric pressure sensor 271 and the obtained predicted atmospheric pressure to use the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2. Estimate the current altitude.

  When a climber climbs a mountain, the distance range from the mountain climbing point to the summit is the planned carrying range of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the tendency of the atmospheric pressure time variation is the same in the scheduled carrying range. Then, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 performs altitude estimation using the predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern obtained by patterning the temporal variation of the predicted atmospheric pressure in the planned carrying range. With this method, altitude estimation at the position of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 can be performed appropriately.

6). Modification 6-1. Switching of predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern In the above-described embodiment, the altitude estimation is performed using a single predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern. However, altitude estimation may be performed using a plurality of predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation patterns.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an area configuration in the modified example. Here, the figure which looked down on the whole area of "Mt.Yari" demonstrated as the mountain which a climber climbs in FIG. 1 is shown. Depending on the height and scale of the mountain, it may be assumed that it is not appropriate to equate the tendency of the pressure fluctuation over time across the mountain. Assuming such a situation, FIG. 12 shows a case where the entire area of “Mt. Yari” is divided into a plurality of areas, and different predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation patterns are set for each area.

  In FIG. 12, since the N mountain entrance and the T mountain entrance belong to different areas, the time fluctuation tendency of the atmospheric pressure is not the same, and is considered to indicate a different time fluctuation tendency. In other words, the expected climbing land pressure variation pattern provided to the mountain-carrying terminal 2 at the N climbing exit and the expected climbing land pressure variation pattern provided to the climbing transport terminal 2 at the T climbing point are different from each other. .

  Next, pay attention to the front route from the N trailhead to the summit. In the front route, an area including the N mountain entrance (hereinafter referred to as “first area”) and an area including the summit (hereinafter referred to as “second area”) are different areas. Therefore, in the table route, altitude estimation is performed using two types of patterns, that is, an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern in the first area and an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern in the second area.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the second mountain climbing support information 400 acquired in this case from the mountain climbing support apparatus 3 installed at the N mountain climbing entrance. The second mountain climbing support information 400 includes mountain climbing information 383, a first area predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern 401, a second area predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern 402, and switching altitude data 403.

  The predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation patterns 401 and 402 for the first and second areas are data obtained by patterning (modeling) the temporal fluctuation of the land air pressure in the first and second areas, respectively. The switching altitude data 403 is data in which the altitude (hereinafter referred to as “switching altitude”) for switching the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern for the first and second areas is stored. The altitude of the boundary position between the first area and the second area is determined as the switching altitude.

  The processing unit 210 of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 starts altitude estimation when the second mountain-climbing support information 400 is acquired at the N mountain-climbing entrance. The processing unit 210 refers to the switching altitude data 403 and determines whether or not the current altitude has reached the switching altitude. If it is determined that the switching altitude has not been reached, the processing unit 210 performs altitude estimation using the first area predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern 401. When it is determined that the switching altitude has been reached, the processing unit 210 switches the processing to altitude estimation using the second area predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern 402.

6-2. Installation location of the mountain climbing support device 3 The installation location of the mountain climbing support device 3 is not limited to the mountain entrance. For example, it is good also as installing the mountain-climbing assistance apparatus 3 also in the mountain hut provided in the middle of the mountain trail. In this case, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 acquires mountain-climbing support information also from the mountain-climbing support device 3 installed in the mountain hut during the mountain-climbing route. In this case, for example, the altitude estimation result from the entrance to the mountain hut can be reset once, and a new altitude estimation can be started from the position of the mountain hut.

  In addition, although it is related with the switching of the predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern described above, the predicted atmospheric pressure variation pattern for the first area is obtained from the mountain climbing support device 3 installed at the mountain entrance, and from the mountain climbing support device 3 installed in the mountain hut. May obtain the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern for the second area and estimate the altitude.

6-3. In the embodiment described above, the pressure offset value is used to correct the difference between the predicted land pressure and the measured land pressure, but the land pressure measurement is calibrated using the pressure offset value. It is good. That is, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 calibrates the atmospheric pressure sensor of its own terminal using the bias value and the atmospheric pressure offset value of the atmospheric pressure sensor. Then, when performing altitude estimation, a pressure difference between the measured land pressure of the calibrated pressure sensor and the predicted land pressure read from the predicted land pressure fluctuation pattern is calculated. Then, the calculated atmospheric pressure difference is converted into an altitude difference, and the current altitude is estimated using the converted altitude difference.

6-4. Estimating the current altitude In the above-described embodiment, the altitude difference from the altitude of the mountain climbing position is obtained based on the land pressure at the mountain climbing position, and the current altitude difference is added to the altitude of the mountain climbing position. Estimated. This altitude estimation calculation may be performed as follows.

That is, the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 converts the mountain-climbing predicted land pressure change pattern acquired from the mountain-climbing support device 3 into a mountain-climbing predicted sea-surface pressure variation pattern using the sea-level pressure as a reference. This conversion can be performed using the mountain climbing altitude “h ₀ ” acquired from the mountain climbing support device 3. Then, the predicted sea level atmospheric pressure at the current time is obtained based on the converted mountain climbing predicted sea level pressure pattern, and the current altitude is estimated using the predicted sea level pressure and the land pressure measured by the pressure sensor 271 of the terminal itself. That is, the predicted sea level pressure read from the expected sea level pressure variation pattern at the entrance is “P ₀ ”, the measured land pressure of the climbing portable terminal 2 is “P”, and the measured temperature of the climbing portable terminal 2 is “T”. The altitude “h” of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2 is calculated and estimated according to (1).

  Formula (1) is a mutual conversion formula between land pressure and sea level pressure, and is usually used for conversion from land pressure to sea level pressure at the same point, or conversion from sea level pressure to land pressure. In the present embodiment, the tendency of atmospheric pressure variation over time is identified in the same area. That is, it is assumed that the tendency of the atmospheric pressure time variation is the same at the mountain climbing position and the position of the mountain-carrying portable terminal 2. Based on this assumption, in order to estimate the altitude difference between the two points of the climbing port position and the climbing portable terminal 2 position, in other words, the relative altitude of the climbing portable terminal 2 when the climbing port position is used as the reference altitude. Equation (1) can be used.

6-5. Calculation of predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern The predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at any other point may be calculated using the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern calculated at a plurality of points. For example, the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at point A is “p _A (t)”, the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at point B is “p _B (t)”, and the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at point C is “p _C (t)”. Suppose there is. In this case, the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern “p _N (t)” at an arbitrary N point belonging to the area connecting the A point, the B point, and the C point is used as the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern “p _A (t)”, “p _B ( t) "and" p _C (t) ".

Specifically, the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern “p _N (t)” is calculated according to the following equation (2).
p _N (t) = (α × p _A (t) + β × p _B (t) + γ × p _C (t)) / (α + β + γ)
... (2)
Here, “α”, “β”, and “γ” are the weights of the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation patterns “p _A (t)”, “p _B (t)”, and “p _C (t)”, respectively. These weights may be set to larger values as the distance is shorter, for example, according to the distance between each of points A to C and the N point.

6-6. Notification of reliability of predicted atmospheric pressure For example, if there is a sudden fluctuation different from the forecast in the local climate, the temporal fluctuation of the local atmospheric pressure of the mountaineering terminal will be greatly different from the temporal fluctuation of the predicted atmospheric pressure. In such a case, the climber may be notified of this.

  Specifically, for example, the following processing is performed. The altitude (estimated altitude) estimated in the altitude estimation process of FIG. 11 is stored in the storage unit 280 as altitude history data together with the estimated time (estimated time). If an abnormality is observed in the time change of the estimated altitude, a predetermined notification process is performed on the assumption that the reliability of the predicted atmospheric pressure has decreased, that is, the time fluctuation of the local pressure is greatly different from the time fluctuation of the predicted atmospheric pressure. .

  As an abnormality determination of the estimated altitude change with time, for example, a change rate (differentiation) of altitude change at intervals of 3 minutes is obtained based on altitude history data, and if the change rate satisfies a predetermined altitude change normal condition, If it is not satisfied, it is determined as “abnormal”. The normal altitude change condition is appropriately set as a condition that gives a certain range to a normal altitude change during mountain climbing, trekking, or the like. A predetermined notification screen is displayed when there is an abnormality (when reliability is reduced).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 230 of the mountain climbing portable terminal 2 in this case. FIG. 14A shows a display screen W10 displayed when normal, and FIG. 14B shows a notification screen W20 displayed when abnormal. Only the estimated altitude estimated by the altitude estimation process is displayed on the display screen W10.

  On the other hand, in addition to the normally displayed estimated altitude, a warning mark MK for notifying the climber that the reliability of the predicted atmospheric pressure is low is displayed on the notification screen W20. Also, below the estimated altitude, a message MS is displayed saying “You are out of the expected atmospheric pressure. A sudden change in the local climate is expected.” Such a display allows climbers to know a sudden change in the local climate and to take safety measures such as evacuating to a mountain hut.

6-7. Climbing support information The content and data configuration of the climbing support information provided by the climbing support device 3 to the portable terminal 2 for climbing can be appropriately changed. For example, the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation data may be provided in the form of sea level pressure instead of being provided in the form of land pressure. Moreover, it is good also as providing the estimated atmospheric | air pressure fluctuation data of the form of both the form of land pressure and the form of sea level pressure.

1 altitude estimation system, 2 portable terminal for mountain climbing, 3 climbing support device,
4 server, 210, 310 processing unit, 220, 320 operation unit,
230, 330 display unit, 240, 340 sound output unit, 250, 350 communication unit,
260, 360 watch part, 270, 370 sensor part,
271,371 barometric pressure sensor, 273,373 temperature sensor,
280, 380 storage unit

Claims (8)

An altitude estimation method executed by a portable terminal carried by a user,
Obtaining an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern that predicts temporal fluctuations in atmospheric pressure at the reference position corresponding to the planned carrying range;
Measuring atmospheric pressure,
Obtaining an expected atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time based on the expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern;
Estimating a current altitude using the measured value that is the measured atmospheric pressure and the predicted atmospheric pressure;
Altitude estimation method. Obtaining the local information from an information providing device that provides local information including at least the altitude of the installation position and the current atmospheric pressure at the installation position by direct communication at the installation position;
Calculating a measurement error using the local information and the measurement value;
Correcting using the measurement error in estimating the current altitude, or calibrating the measurement,
The altitude estimation method according to claim 1, further comprising: The information providing device is a device for providing the local information further including the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at the installation position,
Further including using the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern included in the local information acquired from the information providing apparatus as an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern of the carrying range.
The altitude estimation method according to claim 2. The predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is based on the atmospheric pressure on the ground at the reference position,
The estimation of the current altitude includes obtaining the altitude difference from the altitude of the reference position using the predicted atmospheric pressure and the measured value, and adding the altitude difference to the altitude of the reference position to obtain the current altitude. Is to estimate,
The altitude estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern is based on the atmospheric pressure on the ground at the reference position,
Obtaining the predicted atmospheric pressure is obtained by converting the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern into an expected sea level atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern based on the sea level atmospheric pressure, and obtaining the expected sea level atmospheric pressure at the current time based on the predicted sea level atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern. Yes,
Estimating the current altitude is estimating the current altitude using the predicted sea level pressure and the measured value.
The altitude estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The portable terminal is a mountain-carrying portable terminal,
The information providing device is installed at a predetermined position on a mountain trail,
Further including considering the range of travel along the mountain trail as the range to be carried;
The altitude estimation method according to claim 3. An acquisition unit that acquires an expected atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern that predicts temporal fluctuations of atmospheric pressure at a given reference position within the carrying range;
A measuring section for measuring the atmospheric pressure;
An expected atmospheric pressure calculation unit for calculating an expected atmospheric pressure corresponding to the current time based on the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern;
An estimation unit that estimates a current altitude using a measurement value by the measurement unit and the predicted atmospheric pressure;
Mobile terminal equipped with.   The information providing apparatus that provides the predicted atmospheric pressure fluctuation pattern at the installation position to the portable terminal according to claim 7 by direct communication at the installation position.

Images