Data management system and data management method

Abstract

The backup system (100) mounted on an aircraft includes a control device (130), storage devices (140, 150), a detection device (120), and an input device (180). In the first storage device (140), there is a large amount of data to be backed up, such as software of the mounted equipment, usage information of the entertainment device (160), and the settlement device (170). The control device (130) judges and predicts the transition to stable flight based on information from the detection device (120) and the input device (180), and determines the timing of performing the backup operation. In addition, it predicts and judges the interruption of stable flight and interrupts the backup process. In addition, the priority is determined for each data to be backed up, and the backup order is determined based on it. The backup system (100) predicts the portion where stable flight is possible based on meteorological information and the like, and performs backup.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for backing up data accumulated in a mobile body. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of storing information from an aircraft body sensor at intervals determined according to a flight state in a storage device. In this method, in a flight recorder, body sensor data extracted at a sampling rate predetermined according to a flight mode is output to a recorder. The flight recorder includes a plurality of body sensors mounted on an aircraft body, a signal processing unit that extracts information from the sensors, the recorder that records the output of the signal processing unit, and a controller that displays an operation state of the signal processing unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an aircraft, a large amount of data such as software of mounted devices, operation information, usage data of an in-flight entertainment system (IFE), in-flight settlement history, aircraft, setting information of mounted devices, and failure history of mounted devices is generated during flight and accumulated in a recording medium. These data are important data that can be used for equipment operation management and improvement of customer service, and need to be backed up from the viewpoint of reliability. Therefore, the data is stored in multiple locations from the viewpoint of redundancy. However, considering the impact on data protection and other functions of the system, the conventional aircraft system performs backup processing from a main recording medium to a backup recording medium on the ground where it is most stable. During this backup processing, in order to shorten the backup time, the backup processing is given top priority. Therefore, there is a concern that the use of aircraft systems such as in-flight notifications, lighting control, and maintenance functions may be restricted, which may interfere with other operations such as rest carried out on the ground. In addition, it costs a huge amount of money to keep the aircraft on the ground, which also affects the operation cost.

[0005] Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The backup system in the present disclosure includes: a first storage unit and a second storage unit capable of storing data; a detection unit that acquires flight information (altitude, position, speed, weather, etc.) of an aircraft; and a control unit that inputs information from the detection unit. The control unit predicts a period during which the aircraft in flight flies stably based on the flight information input from the detection unit, and during this period, backs up the data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit.

[0007] Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The backup system in the present disclosure effectively utilizes the time when the system load during flight is low to back up important data. Thereby, the total maintenance time of the aircraft on the ground can be shortened, and improvements in the utilization efficiency of the aircraft and reduction of the costs incurred during parking can be achieved, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the backup system in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a flowchart for judging stable flight.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the backup system in Embodiment 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the Figure 1 drawings. However, detailed descriptions that are unnecessary may sometimes be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of matters that are already widely known and repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may sometimes be omitted. This is to prevent the following descriptions from becoming unnecessarily lengthy and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0013] In addition, the drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1)

[0015] [1-1 Backup System Structure]

[0016] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the backup system according to Embodiment 1. The first storage device 140 and the second storage device 150 capable of storing data are connected to the control device 130, and the control device 130 takes the information from the detection device 120 that acquires the flight information of the aircraft as input.

[0017] The first storage device 140 and the second storage device 150 include storage units 143 and 153 for storing information, storage management units 142 and 152 for managing the stored information, and communication units 141 and 151 for outputting the stored information and receiving newly stored information. The storage device can also be configured to have two or more. Here, as a specific example of the storage device, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) mounted in an aircraft can be cited, but any electronic device capable of storing information can be used. In addition, as a specific example of the storage unit, hardware such as a disk or memory that constitutes an HDD or SSD and actually stores electronic information can be cited. As the storage management unit, a chip or firmware that controls the storage unit such as the disk or memory can be cited. As the communication unit, an interface such as SATA, Ethernet (registered trademark), or optical communication used when the HDD or SSD communicates with other devices can be cited.

[0018] The detection device 120 includes an information acquisition unit 121 installed in the aircraft, a signal processing unit 122 that extracts information from the sensor at a predetermined sampling rate, and a communication unit 123 that outputs the information extracted by the information acquisition unit to the control device 130. Multiple detection devices 120 may exist according to the type of information that can be acquired by the information acquisition unit 121. Here, as a specific example of the detection device, an altimeter, a speedometer, an inclinometer, a weather radar, azimuth information, position information, etc. mounted in the aircraft can be cited, but any device capable of acquiring information, whether it is information about the aircraft or external information, can be used. As a specific example of the information acquisition unit, components, circuits, or software that actually acquire information in various detection units can be cited. As the information processing unit, components, circuits, or software that perform the process of converting analog information from components or circuits that actually acquire information into digital information can be cited. As the communication unit, an interface such as SATA, Ethernet (registered trademark), or optical communication used when the detection device communicates with other devices can be cited.

[0019] The control device 130 includes: a communication unit 131 that receives information from the detection device 120 and communicates control information to the storage unit; a control unit 132 that processes the received aircraft information and judges the control content to be sent to the storage unit; and a storage unit 133 that stores the information required for the control unit 132 to judge the control content of the storage devices 140 and 150 and the information from the detection unit. Here, as a specific example of the control device, a server that manages and controls the aforementioned storage device and detection device mounted on an aircraft is cited, but any device that manages and controls the aforementioned storage device and detection device mounted on an aircraft is acceptable. As a specific example of the storage unit, HDD, SSD, etc. incorporated into the server that temporarily stores various information from the detection unit and stores route information, flight plans, passenger information, system information, etc. can be cited. As the control unit, a processing device such as a CPU or software that makes a backup judgment based on the input from the detection device and the information stored in the storage unit can be cited. As the communication unit, interfaces such as SATA, Ethernet (registered trademark), and optical communication used when the aforementioned control unit communicates with other devices can be cited.

[0020] The input device 180 includes an operation unit 181 installed on the aircraft, an information processing unit 182 that acquires and processes the state of the operation unit, and a communication unit 183 that outputs the state of the operation unit to the control device 130. Specific examples of the operation unit can include switches, buttons, handles, etc.

[0021] [1-2 Operations]

[0022] For the backup system 100 configured as above, its operations will be described below. The backup system 100 acquires flight information, judges and predicts stable flight based on the flight information, and backs up the information stored in the storage device. Below, each operation will be described.

[0023] [1-2-1 Acquisition of Flight Information]

[0024] The flight information is acquired by the detection device 120 installed on the aircraft. Various detection units such as a speedometer, an altimeter, a compass, a GPS, and a weather radar are equipped on the aircraft. In this backup system, the control device 130 acquires the flight information according to a predetermined sampling rate.

[0025] [1-2-2 Judgment and Prediction of Stable Flight Based on Flight Information]

[0026] At Figure 2shows an example of a flowchart for determining and predicting stable flight based on flight information. As described in 1-2-1, the control unit 130 acquires flight information from the detection unit 120 at a predetermined sampling rate. The detection unit 120 acquires information such as weather information ahead of the aircraft, the aircraft's flight speed, altitude, flight path, and current location information. The acquired flight information is compared by the control unit 132 with route information stored in the storage unit 133, the lighting status of the seatbelt sign set via an input device 180 (e.g., a switch) based on previously acquired information and the pilot's judgment. If there are few rain clouds ahead of the aircraft, the flight speed, altitude, and flight path differ minimally from the flight plan stored in the storage unit 133, the remaining flight time derived from the current position information and the storage unit 133 is sufficient, and the captain determines that the seatbelt sign is off and does not differ significantly from the previously acquired flight information, the control unit 132 determines that stable flight is expected. If it is determined that stable flight is expected, the backup operation is continued if it is in progress, or the backup operation is started if it is in the state before the backup starts or the backup is suspended.

[0027] [1-2-3 Backup of information saved in storage device]

[0028] Storage devices 140 and 150 store various data generated during aircraft operation, including software and operational information for onboard equipment, IFE 160 usage data, in-flight payment history, configuration information for onboard equipment such as the aircraft, IFE 160, in-flight payment device 170, input device 180, and external device 190, and a history of malfunctions in these onboard equipment. When control device 130 determines, based on input from detection device 120, that stable flight is expected, the data generated during aircraft operation and stored in first storage device 140 is backed up in second storage device 150.

[0029] [1-2-4 Determined to have stable flight obstructed]

[0030] exist Figure 2An example of a flowchart for determining and predicting a stable flight interruption based on flight information is shown. As described in 1-2-1, the control device 130 acquires flight information from the detection device 120 at a predetermined sampling rate. The control device 130 acquires meteorological information in front of the aircraft body, the flight speed of the aircraft, the flight altitude, the flight path, the current location information, etc. from the detection device 120. The acquired flight information is compared in the control unit 132 with the flight path information stored in the storage unit 133, the information acquired last time, and the lighting status of the seat belt wearing flag set from the input device 180 such as a switch based on the pilot's judgment. When there are rain clouds in front of the aircraft body, when there are large differences between the flight speed, flight altitude, and flight path and the flight plan stored in the storage unit 133, when the remaining flight time derived based on the current position information and the storage unit 133 is insufficient, when it is known from the captain's judgment that the seat belt wearing flag is lit, and when there are large differences from the flight information acquired last time, it is determined that the stable flight is hindered. When it is determined that the stable flight is hindered, if the backup operation is in progress, the data backup process is interrupted. If it is before the backup starts or during the backup interruption, the backup operation is not started.

[0031] [1-3 Effects, etc.]

[0032] As described above, in the present embodiment, the backup system 100 includes a first storage device 140 and a second storage device 150 capable of storing data, a detection device 120 for acquiring flight information of the aircraft, and a control device 130 for inputting information from the aforementioned detection device. The control device 130 makes a prediction of stable flight based on the information from the detection device 120, and according to the result, backs up the data stored in the first storage device 140 to the second storage device 150.

[0033] Thereby, it is possible to back up data that was previously performed on the ground due to high system load during stable flight with low system load, and it is possible to reduce the ground residence time and operating costs. In addition, it is determined from the flight information of the aircraft, etc. that the stable flight is hindered, and the backup of information is interrupted, thereby minimizing the impact on the aircraft system and safety.

[0034] (Embodiment 2)

[0035] [2-1 Backup System Structure]

[0036] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of the backup system according to Embodiment 2 is shown. Structures having the same functions as those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same numbers, and the description thereof is omitted. The control device 130 includes a priority determination unit 134 for determining the priority of data to be backed up.

[0037] [2-2 Operation]

[0038] Similar to Embodiment 1, it is the following backup system: a prediction of stable flight is made based on information from the detection device 120, and according to the result, the data stored in the first storage device 140 is backed up to the second storage device 150. In this embodiment, a priority determination unit 134 is provided. The priority determination unit 134 determines the priority for each data stored in the storage unit 133 according to the backup object, and the control unit 132 preferentially backs up the data with a high priority assigned by the priority determination unit among the data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit compared to the data with a low priority assigned.

[0039] [2-2-1 Determination of Priority]

[0040] As a specific priority determination method, there is a method of "copying data in the order of high priority" that takes into account the priority predefined according to the type of data stored in the storage device. For example, the highest priority is set for the history of malfunctions of on-board equipment, and the lowest priority is set for the usage data of the in-flight entertainment system (IFE). In a normal backup, it is often the case that the information with an earlier generation time among the backup objects is backed up in sequence. However, in this case, even if the usage data of the IFE already exists in the recording device and is being backed up, when new data on the history of malfunctions of on-board equipment is generated and recorded in the recording device, the backup operation of the usage data of the IFE will be interrupted and the backup of the data on the history of malfunctions of on-board equipment will start. Consider a method of classifying the data types that are the basis for setting priorities according to the devices and software that generate the data.

[0041] In addition, based on the detection device 120 represented by a weather radar, GPS, etc. and the route information stored in the storage unit 133, taking into account the remaining flight time until reaching the destination and the backup prediction time until stable flight is hindered, in the case where the priority is high but there is no prospect of finishing within the prediction period in terms of data capacity, there is a method of "taking into account the predicted time required for data backup, the remaining flight time until reaching the destination, and the predicted time until stable flight is hindered" of backing up the data with the highest priority within the period predicted to be able to finish the backup within the prediction period. The predicted time required for data backup is calculated based on the number of files of the backup object, the file size, and the transfer rate determined by the software as a benchmark. This transfer rate is derived from the hardware structure, performance measurement results during the development stage, etc.

[0042] In addition, in the case of multiple data with the same priority, there is also a method of preferentially backing up the data that has passed the longest time since the final backup, which is a method of considering the period since the last backup for each of the various data. In addition to the above, there are also methods such as "considering the inputs from pilots and maintenance personnel" and methods of combining these methods. Any method can be used as long as it is a process of determining the priority based on a certain judgment material.

[0043] [2-2-2 Priority determination process]

[0044] The determination of the priority is executed during periods when backup processing is not performed, such as before the aircraft takes off and during periods when stable flight is obstructed. When the priority determination process is performed before takeoff and backup processing starts after takeoff due to the aircraft being in a stable flight state but is interrupted due to an obstruction of stable flight, during the interruption period, the aforementioned priority determination unit 134 uses the method described in 2-2-1 to re-determine the backup order taking into account the latest flight state and remaining flight time of the aircraft.

[0045] [2-2-3 Application of priority]

[0046] The control unit 132 performs backup processing of data based on the priority determined by the priority determination unit 134. In the case where backup processing is interrupted due to an obstruction of stable flight, as described in 2-2-2, the priority is recalculated. When it is determined that stable flight starts again, backup processing is executed using the priority recalculated by the priority determination unit.

[0047] [2-3 Effects, etc.]

[0048] By determining the priority for each data to be backed up and performing backup processing, it is possible to preferentially perform backup processing on important data such as bad situation information, and thus it is possible to minimize the losses caused by data loss. In addition, by taking into account the remaining flight time of the aircraft, the time required for backup processing for each backup object, and the period since the last backup processing, it is possible to make the most effective use of the time during stable flight to perform stable data backup processing.

[0049] (Other embodiments)

[0050] As described above, as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application, Embodiments 1 to 2 have been described. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can also be applied to embodiments with changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. In addition, it is also possible to combine the respective constituent elements described in the above Embodiments 1 to 2 to form a new embodiment.

[0051] Therefore, other embodiments are exemplified below.

[0052] In Embodiments 1 to 2, an example in which two storage devices 140 and 150, which are an example of the backup system 100, are provided has been described. The backup system only needs to be able to copy the information stored in a certain place to another place. Therefore, the backup system may also be a remote storage device such as a storage device having two or more storage devices, using a storage device other than an HDD or an SSD, or a device on the ground. By using multiple storage devices, the redundancy of data can be improved. In addition, vibration resistance and high-speed transmission can be ensured by using an SSD, and a large-capacity storage area can be ensured by using an HDD.

[0053] In Embodiment 1, as the detection device 120, an altimeter, a speedometer, a goniometer, a weather radar, azimuth information, position information, etc. mounted on an aircraft have been described as examples. However, as long as it is a detection device that acquires information inside and outside the aircraft, information wirelessly obtained from a ground facility or a device in a satellite orbit may also be used. If it is a detection device mounted on an aircraft, the latest information can be obtained without delay. If it is a detection device such as a ground facility or a satellite device, information with higher accuracy and a wider range than that of a detection device mounted on an aircraft can be obtained.

[0054] In Embodiment 1, as the input device 180, a switch mounted on the cockpit has been described as an example. However, as long as it is an input device that can input to the backup system inside and outside the aircraft, any input device such as a switch, a button, or a handle may be used.

[0055] In Embodiment 1, as the data to be backed up, software of mounted devices, operation information, usage data of the IFE 160, in-flight settlement history, setting information of mounted devices such as the aircraft, the IFE 160, the in-flight settlement device 170, the input device 180, and the external device 190, and the failure situation history of the aforementioned mounted devices have been described as examples. In addition to these, as long as it is data generated inside the aircraft rather than temporary data and data that needs to be saved.

[0056] In Embodiments 1 and 2, as an example of the controller, the control device 130 has been described. As long as the control device is a device that controls the backup system, it may be physically configured in any manner. If a programmable microcomputer is used, the processing content can be changed by changing the program, so that the degree of freedom in the design of the controller can be improved. In addition, the controller may also be implemented by hardware logic. If the controller is implemented by hardware logic, it is effective for improving the processing speed. The controller may be composed of one semiconductor chip or may be physically composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips. In the case of being composed of a plurality of semiconductor chips, each control recited in the claims may also be implemented by separate semiconductor chips. In this case, it can be considered that these plurality of semiconductor chips constitute one controller. In addition, the controller may also be composed of a semiconductor chip and a component having another function (such as a capacitor). In addition, it may be configured to form one semiconductor chip so as to implement the function of the controller and other functions.

[0057] In addition, the above embodiments are used to illustrate the technologies in the present disclosure, so various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0058] Industrial Applicability

[0059] The present disclosure can be applied to a method for managing system data composed of a plurality of devices. Specifically, the present disclosure can be applied to a backup system or the like.

[0060] Reference Signs

[0061] 120... Detection device, 121... Information acquisition unit, 122... Information processing unit, 123... Communication unit, 130... Control device, 131... Communication unit, 132... Control unit, 133... Storage unit, 134... Priority determination unit, 140... First storage device, 141... Communication unit, 142... Storage management unit, 143... Storage unit, 150... Second storage device, 151... Communication unit, 152... Storage management unit, 153... Storage unit, 160... Entertainment device, 161... Display unit, 162... Information processing unit, 163... Communication unit, 170... Settlement device, 171... Reading unit, 172... Information processing unit, 173... Communication unit, 180... Input device, 181... Operation unit, 182... Information processing unit, 183... Communication unit, 190... External device, 191... Display unit, reading unit, 192... Information processing unit, 193... Communication unit.

[0062] Prior Art Documents

[0063] Patent document

[0064] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3496343.

Claims

1. A backup system, comprising: A first storage unit and a second storage unit capable of storing data; A detection unit that obtains flight information of an aircraft; A control unit that inputs the information output by the detection unit; and A priority determination unit that determines a priority for each data stored in the first storage unit, The control unit predicts a period during which the aircraft flies stably based on the flight information input from the detection unit, and during this period, copies the data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, The first storage unit stores a plurality of data, The control unit uses the flight information input from the detection unit to determine the data to be copied from the plurality of data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit, The control unit preferentially copies the data with a high priority assigned by the priority determination unit among the data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit over the data with a low priority.

2. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein The backup system is mounted on an aircraft, Before the aircraft takes off, the control unit generates a copy plan including a data set to be copied from the plurality of data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit and its copy order based on the flight data obtained from the detection unit and the priority.

3. The backup system according to claim 2, wherein During the period when the control unit predicts that the aircraft flies stably based on the flight information input from the detection unit, the control unit copies the plurality of data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit according to the copy plan.

4. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein During the period when the control unit determines, based on the flight information input from the detection unit, that it interferes with the stable flight of the aircraft, The copy operation of the data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit is interrupted.

5. The backup system according to claim 4, wherein After interrupting the copy operation, during the period when the control unit predicts that the aircraft flies stably based on the flight information input from the detection unit, the control unit generates a copy plan including a data set to be copied from the plurality of data stored in the first storage unit to the second storage unit and its copy order based on the flight information input from the detection unit and the priority.

6. The backup system according to claim 1, wherein The flight information detected by the detection unit includes at least one of the current position of the aircraft, the planned flight path, the expected arrival time, the remaining flight time, the flight altitude of the aircraft, the flight speed, the traveling direction, and the weather information on the planned flight path.

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