Control device, control method, and program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program product. The control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit that communicates with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The control section is configured to: determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing when a landing request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication section; and acquiring reference information indicating an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft when the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, and transmitting, on the basis of the reference information, a landing instruction based on either the vertical landing or the taxiing landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a program product. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are aircraft with vertical take-off and landing capabilities. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-000617 discloses an aircraft that vertically lands at an airport in response to a landing permission from an aircraft operation management system.

[0003] In the case where a vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports multiple landing methods including not only vertical landing but also taxiing landing, there is room for improvement in the technology for enabling it to land in a more appropriate landing method according to the situation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control device comprising a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The control unit is configured to: upon receiving a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and, if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, obtain reference information indicating an environment suitable for landing the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and, based on the obtained reference information, transmit a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft using one of vertical landing and taxiing landing.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method executed by a control device comprising a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The method comprises: upon receiving a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, the control unit determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and, if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, the control unit acquiring reference information indicating an environment suitable for landing the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and, based on the acquired reference information, transmitting a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft using one of vertical landing and taxiing landing.

[0006] A third scheme of the present disclosure relates to a program for causing a computer serving as a control device to execute actions, wherein the control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the actions include: when a landing request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, obtaining reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and based on the obtained reference information, sending a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods of vertical landing and taxiing landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the technology for landing a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that supports multiple landing methods so that the aircraft can land in a more appropriate landing method according to the situation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to this embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the system according to the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the system 1 of this embodiment will be described. The system 1 includes a control device 10 and a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The control device 10 can communicate with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 via a network 30. Figure 1 In the figure, only one vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is shown, but the number of vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 provided in the system 1 is not limited thereto.

[0014] The control device 10 is a computer installed in a facility such as a data center. For example, the control device 10 is a server in a cloud computing system or other computing system. In this embodiment, the control device 10 is operated by an operator who manages the vertical landing site and runway, which serves as the landing site for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20.

[0015] The vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 includes an electric vertical take-off and landing air craft (eVTOL). The vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 may be manned or unmanned. In the case of a manned aircraft, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is controlled by an operator. Alternatively, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 may be capable of moving by automatic control. In the case where the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 has fixed wings in addition to rotors, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 can perform glide landing in addition to vertical landing. In this embodiment, the system 1 includes a plurality of vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The plurality of vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 include a mixture of airframes with fixed wings and airframes without fixed wings.

[0016] Network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is the abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is the abbreviation for metropolitan area network. Network 30 may also include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. Wireless networks may include, for example, ad hoc networks, cellular networks, wireless LANs, satellite communication networks, or terrestrial microwave networks. "LAN" is the abbreviation for local area network.

[0017] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, with details provided later. Upon receiving a landing request from a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, the control device 10 determines whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing landing. If the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing landing, the control device 10 acquires reference information indicating the environment suitable for landing the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Based on the acquired reference information, the control device 10 transmits a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 using either vertical landing or taxiing landing.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the control device 10 determines the most appropriate landing method according to the situation and instructs the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, thereby enabling the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 to land safely. Therefore, it is possible to improve the technology for landing a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that supports multiple landing methods using a more appropriate landing method according to the situation.

[0019] Reference Figure 1 The configuration of the control device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The control device 10 includes a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , and a communication unit 13 .

[0020] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specifically used for specific processing. "CPU" is the abbreviation of central processing unit. "GPU" is the abbreviation of graphics processing unit. A programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is the abbreviation of field-programmable gate array. A dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is the abbreviation of application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 controls each part of the control device 10 while performing processing related to the operation of the control device 10.

[0021] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, or flash memory. "RAM" is the abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is the abbreviation for read-only memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM or DRAM. "SRAM" is the abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is the abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. ROM is, for example, EEPROM. "EEPROM" is the abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Flash memory is, for example, SSD. "SSD" is the abbreviation for solid-state drive. Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD. "HDD" is the abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores information used to control the operation of the control device 10 and information obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

[0022] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. For example, the communication module is a module that supports wired LAN communication standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or wireless LAN communication standards such as IEEE802.11. "IEEE" stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The communication unit 13 communicates with devices other than the control device 10. The communication unit 13 receives information used to control the operation of the control device 10 and transmits information generated by the operation of the control device 10.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 The configuration of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 of this embodiment will be described. The vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , a communication unit 23 , an input unit 24 , and an output unit 25 .

[0024] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, at least one ECU, or any combination thereof. "ECU" stands for electronic control unit. A processor can be a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specifically designed for specific processing. A programmable circuit can be, for example, an FPGA. A dedicated circuit can be, for example, an ASIC. The control unit 21 controls various components of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 while executing processing related to the operation of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20.

[0025] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. Examples of semiconductor memory include RAM or ROM. Examples of RAM include SRAM or DRAM. Examples of ROM include EEPROM. The storage unit 22 functions as a main storage device, auxiliary storage device, or cache memory. The storage unit 22 stores data used for the operation of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 and data obtained through the operation of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20.

[0026] The communication unit 23 includes at least one communication interface. Examples of the communication interface include an interface compatible with mobile communication standards such as LTE, the 4G standard, or the 5G standard, an interface compatible with short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (a registered trademark), or a LAN interface. "LTE" stands for Long Term Evolution. "4G" stands for fourth-generation mobile communication technology. "5G" stands for fifth-generation mobile communication technology. The communication unit 23 receives data used for the operation of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 and transmits data generated by the operation of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20.

[0027] The input unit 24 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical button, an electrostatic capacitance button, a pointing device, a touch screen integrated with the display, or a microphone. The input unit 24 accepts operations for inputting data for the actions of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The input unit 24 can also be connected to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 as an external input device instead of being configured in the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is the abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is the abbreviation of High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0028] The output unit 25 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display or a speaker. The display is, for example, an LCD or an organic EL display. "LCD" is the abbreviation for liquid crystal display. "EL" is the abbreviation for electroluminescence. The output unit 25 outputs data obtained through the operation of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Instead of being configured in the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, the output unit 25 can also be connected to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 as an external output device. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0029] The functions of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 are realized by executing the program of this embodiment on the processor serving as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. In other words, the functions of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 by causing it to execute the operations of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20. In other words, the computer functions as the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 by executing the operations of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 according to the program.

[0030] The program can be pre-stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media are flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, or ROMs. The program is circulated, for example, by selling, transferring, or renting portable media such as SD cards, DVDs, or CD-ROMs that store the program. "SD" is the abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is the abbreviation for digital versatile discs. "CD-ROM" is the abbreviation for compact disc read-only memory. The program can also be circulated by pre-storing the program in a server's storage and transferring the program from the server to other computers. The program can also be provided as a program product.

[0031] The computer temporarily stores a program stored in a portable medium or a program transmitted from a server in a main storage device, for example. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main storage device through a processor, and executes processing according to the read program through the processor. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable medium and execute processing according to the program. Alternatively, each time a program is transmitted from a server to the computer, the computer sequentially executes processing according to the received program. Processing can also be performed by a so-called ASP-type service, wherein the ASP-type service does not transmit the program from the server to the computer, but only realizes functions by executing instructions and obtaining results. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. A program contains information for processing performed by an electronic computer, and this information is equivalent to a program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to a computer but has a nature that specifies the processing of the computer qualifies as "information equivalent to a program."

[0032] A part or all of the functions of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 may be implemented by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11 or the control unit 21. In other words, a part or all of the functions of the control device 10 or the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 may be implemented by hardware.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 The operation of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 The operation of the control device 10 in the illustrated operation corresponds to the method of this embodiment. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the control device 10 communicates with external devices via the communication unit 13 and the network 30 , and that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 communicates with external devices via the communication unit 23 and the network 30 .

[0034] exist Figure 2 In S101, the control unit 21 of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 sends a landing request to the control device 10. The landing request may also include an identifier for identifying the operator, a scheduled landing time, and the like.

[0035] In S102, the control unit 11 of the control device 10 receives a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, thereby acquiring the landing request. The control unit 11 may also communicate with a server device of any organization that receives information such as the flight schedule of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, and receive information indicating that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is about to land from the server device as a landing request.

[0036] In S103, the control unit 11 determines whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing. If it is determined that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing (S103: Yes), the control unit 11 proceeds to S105. If it is determined that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing (S103: No), the control unit 11 proceeds to S104. For example, the control unit 11 receives information indicating the type of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. This information may be included in the landing request or pre-recorded in a database in a manner associated with an identifier identifying the operator. This database may be stored in the storage unit 12. For each type of vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, the control unit 11 may refer to information indicating whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 has fixed-wing technical specifications and, based on this information, determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing. This information may be pre-set and stored in the storage unit 12. In this case, when the type of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is a type with fixed-wing technical specifications, the control unit 11 determines that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing landing. When the type of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is a type that does not have fixed-wing technical specifications, the control unit 11 determines that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing landing.

[0037] Without limitation to this, any method may be used for the determination method. The control unit 11 may also receive an image of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 from an outdoor camera that captures the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, and based on the image, use any image analysis technology to analyze whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 has fixed wings. In this case, if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 shown in the image has fixed wings, the control unit 11 determines that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing and landing. If the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 shown in the image does not have fixed wings, the control unit 11 determines that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing and landing. The control unit 11 may also receive information indicating whether taxiing and landing are supported from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, and determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing and landing based on the information.

[0038] First, the case where the control unit 11 determines in S103 that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing landing will be described. In S104, the control unit 11 determines vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The control unit 11 then proceeds to S107.

[0039] Next, the case where the control unit 11 determines in S103 that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing and landing will be described. In S105, the control unit 11 obtains reference information indicating the environment for landing the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The control unit 11 may also obtain the reference information by reading the reference information pre-set and stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 may also obtain the reference information by receiving the reference information from an external device.

[0040] The reference information may also include the degree of congestion at the vertical landing site and runway, which serve as landing locations for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Specifically, the degree of congestion may be expressed in a graded manner, such as "high," "medium," or "low." The degree of congestion may also be information indicating the availability of vacancies at the vertical landing site and runway. The control unit 11 may also communicate with a server device of any organization that receives flight schedules for various aircraft, including the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, and receive information indicating the degree of congestion from the server device as reference information, thereby acquiring the reference information. For example, the control unit 11 may receive an image showing the vertical landing site and runway from an outdoor camera and, based on this image, analyze the degree of congestion at the vertical landing site and runway using any image analysis technology. Specifically, the control unit 11 analyzes the number of aircraft present at the vertical landing site and runway, respectively, based on this image. These aircraft include aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, multi-rotor helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The aircraft may also include vehicles for maintaining the vertical landing field and runway, respectively. If the number of aircraft is less than a first threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the congestion level is "low." If the number of aircraft is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than a second threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the congestion level is "medium." If the number of aircraft is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the congestion level is "high." The first and second thresholds may be stored in the storage unit 12.

[0041] When the landing request includes a scheduled landing time, the control unit 11 may also obtain reference information based on information indicating the predicted level of congestion at the scheduled landing time. Specifically, the control unit 11 reads information from the storage unit 12 that records the average or median level of congestion for the same week and time period in the past. If the average or median is less than a first threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the level of congestion is "low." If the average or median is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than a second threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the level of congestion is "medium." If the average or median is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the control unit 11 may generate reference information indicating that the level of congestion is "high."

[0042] The reference information may also include the experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 in vertical landing and taxiing landing. The experience may be the total number of times or the total time that the operator controls the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 or other flying objects to perform vertical landing or taxiing landing. The control unit 11 may receive the experience input by the operator to the input unit 24 of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, thereby obtaining the experience as reference information. In the case where the landing request includes the identifier of the operator, the control unit 11 may also refer to a database in which the experience of the operator is recorded in a manner corresponding to the identifier, thereby obtaining the experience as reference information. The database may be pre-stored in the storage unit 12.

[0043] The reference information may also include the weather conditions at the vertical landing field and runway, which serve as the landing site for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. In this case, the reference information may include at least one of wind-related information, rain-related information, and fog-related information as the weather conditions. Wind-related information includes wind volume, wind speed, etc. Rain-related information includes rainfall or snowfall. Fog-related information includes the extent of fog (the range and concentration of fog). The control unit 11 may also communicate with a server device such as a meteorological observation center to receive information indicating the weather conditions as reference information, thereby acquiring the reference information. Without limitation, the reference information may also include information related to the extent of dust storms, sandstorms, etc. as the weather conditions. When the landing request includes a scheduled landing time, the reference information may also include the expected weather conditions at the scheduled landing time.

[0044] In S106 , the control unit 11 determines one of the vertical landing and the taxiing landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 based on the reference information.

[0045] For example, when the reference information includes the congestion levels of the vertical landing site and the runway, the control unit 11 determines the landing method corresponding to the landing site with the lower congestion level as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. In this way, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 can be automatically instructed with a landing method that has the lowest congestion level and allows the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 to land safely.

[0046] For example, when the reference information includes the vertical take-off and landing experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20, the control unit 11 determines the landing method with which the operator has more experience as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20. In this way, the landing method with which the operator has more experience and is accustomed can be automatically instructed to the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20.

[0047] For example, if the reference information includes information related to wind as weather conditions, and the wind speed of the tailwind or crosswind in the direction of approach of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 to the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Thus, in the case of severe weather conditions where strong tailwind or crosswind makes taxi landing maneuvers difficult, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 can be automatically instructed to perform a vertical landing.

[0048] For example, if the reference information includes information related to rain or snow as weather conditions, and the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the control unit 11 determines vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Thus, in the case of inclement weather where visibility is obstructed due to rain or snowfall, making taxi landing unsuitable, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 can be automatically instructed to perform a vertical landing.

[0049] For example, if the reference information includes information related to fog as weather conditions, and at least one of the extent of fog and the fog density on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit 11 determines vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. Thus, in the case of inclement weather where visibility is obstructed due to fog and taxiing is unsuitable, the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 can be automatically instructed to perform a vertical landing.

[0050] The control unit 11 may also determine the landing method, either vertical landing or taxiing, that is more suitable for the weather conditions indicated by the reference information. For example, if the reference information includes information regarding the severity of a dust storm, sandstorm, or the like as weather conditions, and the severity of the dust storm, sandstorm, or the like is greater than or equal to a predetermined level, the control unit 11 may determine vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The information indicating the predetermined level may be pre-set and stored in the storage unit 12.

[0051] For example, in a case where the reference information includes a plurality of information related to the environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, the control unit 11 can determine the landing method based on the priority of each information set in advance. For example, it is assumed that the reference information includes the degree of congestion, weather conditions, and the operator's experience, and regarding the degree of congestion, the vertical landing field is "high" and the runway is "low", and the rainfall as the weather is greater than or equal to a specified amount. It is assumed that regarding the total number of landings as the operator's experience, vertical landings are more than taxiing landings. It is assumed that the priorities are set in descending order according to the degree of congestion, weather conditions, and the operator's experience. In this case, the control unit 11 can determine taxiing landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 based on the degree of congestion, which has the highest priority.

[0052] For example, if there is information that exceeds a predetermined priority threshold for each of the multiple information items included in the reference information, the control unit 11 may dynamically reset the priority so that the information has the highest priority. For example, the priority may be set in descending order based on the degree of congestion, weather conditions, and operator experience, and the priority threshold for rainfall as the weather condition is set to X [mm / h]. If the rainfall indicated by the acquired reference information is greater than or equal to the priority threshold X, the control unit 11 may reset the priority in descending order based on the weather conditions, the degree of congestion, and the operator's experience, and determine vertical landing as the landing method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 based on the weather condition with the highest priority.

[0053] In S107, the control unit 11 sends an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 to land using the landing method determined in S104 or S106. Specifically, the control unit 11 sends a signal to the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 instructing it to land using the determined landing method.

[0054] As shown in S105 to S107 , the control unit 11 transmits a landing instruction using one of vertical landing and gliding landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 based on the reference information.

[0055] The control unit 11 may also update the pilot's vertical landing or taxiing landing experience value indicated in the reference information based on the designated landing method. For example, the control unit 11 may increase the pilot's experience value for either vertical landing or taxiing landing by one, thereby updating the reference information and storing it in the storage unit 12.

[0056] In S108, the control unit 21 of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 receives an instruction from the control device 10. If the received instruction signal is an instruction for vertical landing, the control unit 21 controls the various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 so that the aircraft lands on the vertical landing field. If the received instruction signal is an instruction for taxiing landing, the control unit 21 controls the various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 so that the aircraft lands on the runway. The operation of the system 1 then ends.

[0057] The control of the landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 may also be mainly performed by the control unit 11 of the control device 10. In this case, in addition to sending a signal to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 instructing it to land using one of vertical landing and gliding landing, the control unit 11 may also send signals to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 for controlling various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20.

[0058] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more functional blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or a single functional block may be segmented. Two or more steps described in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order, instead of in the time series described, depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step or as needed. Furthermore, modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] As a modification of the present embodiment, the control unit 11 determines a takeoff method of either vertical takeoff or taxiing takeoff, and transmits a takeoff instruction based on the determined takeoff method to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 .

[0060] The configuration of the system 1 of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the control device 10 and the vertical take-off and landing vehicle 20 of this modification is the same as that of the above embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] Below, refer to Figure 3 The operation of the system 1 according to this variation will be described.

[0062] In S201, the control unit 21 of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 sends a take-off request to the control device 10. The take-off request may include an identifier for identifying the operator, a scheduled take-off time, and the like.

[0063] In S202, the control unit 11 of the control device 10 receives a takeoff request from the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20, thereby acquiring the takeoff request. The control unit 11 may also communicate with a server device of any organization that receives information such as the flight schedule of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20, and receive information indicating that the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 is about to take off from the server device as the takeoff request.

[0064] In S203, the control unit 11 determines whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing takeoff. If it is determined that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing takeoff (S203: Yes), the operation of the control unit 11 proceeds to S205. If it is determined that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing takeoff (S203: No), the processing of the control unit 11 proceeds to S204. As in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 may refer to information indicating whether the type of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 is a type with fixed-wing technical specifications for each type of vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20, and determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing takeoff based on the information. As in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 may determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing takeoff based on an image captured by an outdoor camera that captures the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. As in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 may receive information indicating whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing take-off from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 , and determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing take-off based on the information.

[0065] First, the case where the control unit 11 determines in S203 that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 does not support taxiing takeoff will be described. In S204, the control unit 11 determines vertical takeoff as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20. The control unit 11 then proceeds to S207.

[0066] Next, the case where the control unit 11 determines in S203 that the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 supports taxiing takeoff will be described. In S205, the control unit 11 obtains takeoff reference information indicating the environment for takeoff of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The control unit 11 may also obtain the takeoff reference information by reading the takeoff reference information pre-set and stored in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 may also obtain the takeoff reference information by receiving the takeoff reference information from an external device.

[0067] Similar to the reference information in the above-mentioned embodiment, the takeoff reference information may also include the degree of congestion of the vertical takeoff field and runway, which serve as the takeoff location for the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. Specifically, the degree of congestion may be information expressed in a graded manner, such as "high," "medium," or "low." The control unit 11 may also communicate with a server device provided by any organization that receives flight schedules for aircraft, receive information indicating the degree of congestion as reference information, and thereby acquire the reference information. For example, the control unit 11 may receive an image showing the vertical takeoff field and runway from an outdoor camera and analyze the degree of congestion of the vertical takeoff field and runway using any image analysis technology based on the image. For example, if the takeoff request includes a scheduled takeoff time, the control unit 11 may acquire the takeoff reference information based on information indicating the expected degree of congestion at the scheduled takeoff time.

[0068] Similar to the reference information in the above-described embodiment, the takeoff reference information may also include the operator's experience with vertical takeoff and taxiing takeoff of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. The control unit 11 may receive the operator's experience input into the input unit 24 of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 from the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20, thereby obtaining the experience as reference information. If the takeoff request includes an operator identifier, the control unit 11 may also refer to a database that records the operator's experience in a manner associated with the identifier to obtain the experience as reference information. This database may be pre-stored in the storage unit 12.

[0069] Similar to the reference information in the above-described embodiment, the takeoff reference information may also include weather conditions at the vertical takeoff field and runway, which serve as the takeoff location for the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. In this case, the reference information may include at least one of wind information, rain or snow information, and fog information as the weather condition. If the takeoff request includes a scheduled takeoff time, the takeoff reference information may also include the predicted weather conditions at that scheduled takeoff time.

[0070] In S206 , the control unit 11 determines one of the vertical takeoff and the taxiing takeoff as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 based on the takeoff reference information.

[0071] For example, if the takeoff reference information includes the degree of congestion of each of the vertical takeoff site and the runway, the control unit 11 determines the takeoff method corresponding to the takeoff site with the lower degree of congestion as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. For example, if the takeoff reference information includes the vertical takeoff and taxi takeoff experience of the operator of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20, the control unit 11 determines the takeoff method with the greater experience as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. For example, if the takeoff reference information includes information related to wind as weather conditions, and the wind speed of the tailwind or crosswind relative to the departure direction of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 from the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the control unit 11 determines vertical takeoff as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. For example, if the takeoff reference information includes information related to rain or snow as weather conditions, and the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the control unit 11 determines vertical takeoff as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20. For example, when the reference information for takeoff includes information related to fog as weather conditions, and at least one of the range of fog and the concentration of fog on the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit 11 determines vertical takeoff as the takeoff method to be instructed to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20.

[0072] Similar to the above embodiment, when the takeoff reference information includes multiple pieces of information related to the environment for takeoff of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20, the control unit 11 may determine the takeoff method based on the preset priorities of each piece of information. Similar to the above embodiment, when there is information exceeding a preset priority threshold for each of the multiple pieces of information included in the takeoff reference information, the control unit 11 may dynamically reset the priority so that the information has the highest priority.

[0073] In S207, the control unit 11 transmits a takeoff instruction to the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft 20 based on the takeoff method determined in S204 or S206. The control unit 11 may also update the operator's vertical takeoff or taxiing takeoff experience count included in the takeoff reference information based on the instructed takeoff method. For example, the control unit 11 may increase the number of experiences for either vertical takeoff or taxiing takeoff by one, thereby updating the takeoff reference information and storing it in the storage unit 12.

[0074] In S208, the control unit 21 of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 receives an instruction from the control device 10. If the received instruction signal is an instruction for vertical take-off, the control unit 21 controls the various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 to take off from the vertical take-off field. If the received instruction signal is an instruction for taxiing take-off, the control unit 21 controls the various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 to take off from the runway. The operation of the system 1 then ends.

[0075] The takeoff control of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 may also be primarily performed by the control unit 11 of the control device 10. In this case, the control unit 11 not only sends a signal to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 instructing it to take off using one of vertical take-off and taxiing take-off, but also sends signals to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20 for controlling various components of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft 20.

[0076] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated, but it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0077] [Supplementary Note 1] A control device comprising a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, wherein the control unit is configured to: when receiving a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, obtain reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the reference information, send a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods, vertical landing and taxiing landing, to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0078] [Supplementary Note 2] The control device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the reference information includes the degree of congestion of each of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the control unit sends a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on the landing method corresponding to the landing site with the lower degree of congestion between the vertical landing field and the runway.

[0079] [Note 3] A control device according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the reference information includes the experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft in vertical landing and taxiing landing, and the control unit sends an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land based on the landing method with more experience between the vertical landing and the taxiing landing.

[0080] [Note 4] A control device according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the reference information includes weather conditions at each of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as landing sites for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the control unit sends a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing under the weather conditions, either the vertical landing or the taxiing landing.

[0081] [Note 5] A control device according to Note 4, wherein the reference information includes information related to wind as the weather, and when the wind speed of the tailwind or crosswind relative to the approach direction of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0082] [Note 6] A control device according to Note 4 or 5, wherein the reference information includes information related to rain or snow as the weather, and when the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is greater than or equal to a specified amount, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0083] [Note 7] A control device according to any one of Notes 4 to 6, wherein the reference information includes information related to fog as the weather, and when at least one of the range of fog and the concentration of fog on the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0084] [Note 8] A control device according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to: when receiving a take-off request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determine whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing take-off; and if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing take-off, obtain take-off reference information representing the environment for take-off of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the take-off reference information, send an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to take off based on one of the take-off methods, vertical take-off and taxiing take-off.

[0085] [Supplementary Note 9] A method, performed by a control device, wherein the control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the method comprising: when a landing request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, the control unit determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, the control unit obtaining reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the reference information, sending a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods of vertical landing and taxiing landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0086] [Supplementary Note 10] The method according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the reference information includes the degree of congestion of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the method further includes: the control unit sending an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land based on the landing method corresponding to the landing site with a lower degree of congestion between the vertical landing field and the runway.

[0087] [Note 11] The method according to Note 9 or 10, wherein the reference information includes the experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft in vertical landing and taxiing landing, and the method further includes: the control unit sends an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land based on the landing method with more experience among the vertical landing and taxiing landing.

[0088] [Note 12] A method according to any one of Notes 9 to 11, wherein the reference information includes weather conditions at each of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as landing sites for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the method further comprises: the control unit sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing under the weather conditions, among the vertical landing and the taxiing landing.

[0089] [Note 13] The method according to Note 12, wherein the reference information includes information related to wind as the weather, and the method further includes: when the wind speed of the tailwind or crosswind relative to the approach direction of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0090] [Note 14] The method according to Note 12 or 13, wherein the reference information includes information related to rain or snow as the weather, and the method further includes: when the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is greater than or equal to a specified amount, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0091] [Note 15] A method according to any one of Notes 12 to 14, wherein the reference information includes information related to fog as the weather, and the method further comprises: when at least one of the range of fog and the concentration of fog on the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value, the control unit sends a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0092] [Note 16] According to the method described in any one of Notes 9 to 15, the method further includes: when a take-off request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, the control unit determines whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing take-off; and if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing take-off, the control unit obtains take-off reference information representing the environment for take-off of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the take-off reference information, sends a take-off instruction based on one of the take-off methods, vertical take-off and taxiing take-off, to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0093] [Supplementary Note 17] A program that causes a computer serving as a control device to execute an action, wherein the control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the action comprising: upon receiving a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and if the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing, obtaining reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the reference information, sending a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods, vertical landing and taxiing landing, to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

[0094] [Supplementary Note 18] The program according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the reference information includes the degree of congestion of each of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the action further includes: sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on the landing method corresponding to the landing site with the lower degree of congestion between the vertical landing field and the runway.

[0095] [Note 19] A program according to Note 17 or 18, wherein the reference information includes the experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft in vertical landing and taxiing landing, and the action further includes: sending an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land based on the landing method with more experience between the vertical landing and the taxiing landing.

[0096] [Note 20] A program according to any one of Notes 17 to 19, wherein the reference information includes weather conditions at each of the vertical landing field and the runway serving as landing sites for the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the action further includes: sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing under the weather conditions, either the vertical landing or the taxiing landing.

Claims

1. A control device comprising a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, wherein: The control unit is configured to: When a landing request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and In a case where the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports the taxiing landing, reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft is obtained, and based on the obtained reference information, a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods, vertical landing and taxiing landing, is sent to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

2. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that The reference information includes the degree of congestion of the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control unit transmits a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method corresponding to the landing site with the lower degree of congestion between the vertical landing site and the runway.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reference information includes the vertical take-off and landing experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control unit transmits an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land using the landing method with a greater amount of experience, between the vertical landing and the gliding landing.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reference information includes weather conditions at the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control unit transmits a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing in the weather conditions, between the vertical landing and the taxiing landing.

5. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that The reference information includes information related to wind as the weather. The control unit transmits a landing instruction by the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft when a wind speed of a tailwind or a crosswind in an approach direction of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

6. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that The reference information includes information related to rain or snow as the weather, The control unit transmits an instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to land by the vertical landing when the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

7. The control device according to claim 4, characterized in that The reference information includes information related to fog as the weather condition, The control unit transmits a landing instruction by the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft when at least one of a fogging range and a fog density on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to: When a takeoff request is received from the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining whether the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft supports taxiing takeoff; and When the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports the taxiing take-off, take-off reference information representing the environment for take-off of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft is obtained, and based on the take-off reference information, an instruction for take-off based on one of the vertical take-off and taxiing take-off is sent to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

9. A control method, executed by a control device, wherein: The control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The control method is characterized by comprising: When a landing request is received from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining by the control unit whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; and When the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports the taxiing landing, the control unit obtains reference information representing the environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the reference information, sends a landing instruction based on one of the landing methods of vertical landing and taxiing landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reference information includes the degree of congestion of the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control method further includes: transmitting, by the control unit, a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method corresponding to the landing site with the lower degree of congestion between the vertical landing site and the runway.

11. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The reference information includes the vertical take-off and landing experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control method further includes: transmitting, by the control unit, to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft an instruction to land using the landing method with a greater amount of experience, of the vertical landing and the gliding landing.

12. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The reference information includes weather conditions at the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The control method further includes: transmitting, by the control unit, a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing in the weather conditions, of the vertical landing and the gliding landing.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reference information includes information related to wind as the weather. The control method further includes: sending a landing instruction based on the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft through the control unit when the wind speed of the tailwind or crosswind relative to the approach direction of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft to the runway is greater than or equal to a specified value.

14. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reference information includes information related to rain or snow as the weather, The control method further includes: sending, by the control unit, an instruction to land by the vertical landing to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft when the amount of rainfall or snowfall on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

15. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The reference information includes information related to fog as the weather condition, The control method further includes: sending, by the control unit, a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on the vertical landing when at least one of a fogging range and a fog density on the runway is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

16. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When a takeoff request is received from the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining by the control unit whether the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft supports taxiing takeoff; and When the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports the taxiing take-off, the control unit obtains take-off reference information representing the environment for take-off of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and based on the obtained take-off reference information, sends a take-off instruction based on one of the take-off methods, vertical take-off and taxiing take-off, to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

17. A program product comprising a program, wherein the program product causes a computer as a control device to execute an action, wherein: The control device includes a storage unit, a control unit, and a communication unit for communicating with the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, and the operation includes: When receiving a landing request from the vertical take-off and landing aircraft via the communication unit, determining whether the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports taxiing landing; In a case where the vertical take-off and landing aircraft supports the taxiing landing, acquiring reference information representing an environment for landing of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft; and Based on the acquired reference information, a landing instruction based on one of vertical landing and taxiing landing is sent to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

18. The program product according to claim 17, wherein The reference information includes the degree of congestion of the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The actions further include sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing pattern corresponding to the landing site with the lower degree of congestion among the vertical landing site and the runway.

19. The program product according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The reference information includes the vertical take-off and landing experience of the operator of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The actions further include sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on the landing method with more experience among the vertical landing and the gliding landing.

20. The program product according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The reference information includes weather conditions at the vertical landing field and the runway as the landing site of the vertical take-off and landing aircraft, The actions further include sending a landing instruction to the vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on a landing method that is more suitable for landing in the weather conditions, between the vertical landing and the taxiing landing.

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