Information processing device and flying object control method

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a flying object control method. The present disclosure improves energy efficiency when a flying body waits overhead. An information processing device (10) is provided with a control unit (11) that acquires body information indicating the presence or absence of a fixed-wing mode from a flying body (20) when an aviation station is crowded and the flying body is intended to land at the aviation station; and notifying the flying body (20) of an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode when the flying body (20) has the fixed-wing mode, and notifying the flying body (20) of an overhead waiting instruction based on the vertical flying mode when the flying body (20) does not have the fixed-wing mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a flying object control method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies for controlling the takeoff and landing of aircraft. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology: a layered area consisting of at least one layer is set above an airport. When an aircraft is waiting above the airport, the aircraft's occupied area is set in at least one of the layered area in which the aircraft is flying and the layered areas above and below it.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-000617

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not examine the energy efficiency of an aircraft waiting in the air above an airport. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the energy efficiency of an aircraft waiting in the air above an airport. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure, which was made in view of this situation, aims to improve the energy efficiency of an aircraft when it is waiting in the air.

[0008] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing device having a control unit, which communicates with an aircraft, and the control unit is configured to: obtain aircraft information indicating whether or not a fixed-wing mode is in operation from the aircraft when an airport is crowded and the aircraft intends to land at the airport; and notify the aircraft of an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode when the aircraft has the fixed-wing mode, and notify the aircraft of an overhead waiting instruction based on the vertical flight mode when the aircraft does not have the fixed-wing mode.

[0009] In an aircraft control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an information processing device that communicates with an aircraft performs the following actions: when an airport is crowded and the aircraft intends to land at the airport, obtaining aircraft information indicating whether or not a fixed-wing mode is in operation from the aircraft; and when the aircraft has a fixed-wing mode, notifying the aircraft of an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode, and when the aircraft does not have a fixed-wing mode, notifying the aircraft of an overhead waiting instruction based on a vertical flight mode.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy efficiency of an aircraft when waiting in the air can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a flying object according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing a first operational example of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Description of reference numerals:

[0017] 1: Information processing system;

[0018] 10: Information processing device;

[0019] 11: Control Department;

[0020] 12: Storage unit;

[0021] 13: Input unit;

[0022] 14: output unit;

[0023] 15: Ministry of Communications;

[0024] 20: Flying body;

[0025] 21: Control Department;

[0026] 22: storage unit;

[0027] 23: Input unit;

[0028] 24: Output

[0029] 25: Ministry of Communications;

[0030] 26: Positioning unit;

[0031] 27: Sensing unit;

[0032] 28: Battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] <Information Processing System Configuration>

[0035] Reference Figure 1 The configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The illustrated information processing system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and an air vehicle 20 .

[0036] The information processing device 10 is a server that transmits data to the aircraft 20, and is, for example, a control device for the aircraft 20. The information processing device 10 may also manage airports where the aircraft 20 takes off and lands.

[0037] Aircraft 20 is, for example, an eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing). An eVTOL has a cabin roughly the same size as a passenger car, capable of accommodating one or more passengers, and at least one of fixed wings and rotary wings for generating lift and thrust. It should be noted that aircraft 20 is not limited to eVTOLs and also includes eSTOLs (electric Short Take-Off and Landing), helicopters, drones, and the like.

[0038] The flying object 20 has at least one of a "fixed-wing mode" for forward flight by fixed wings and a "vertical flight mode" for vertical flight by rotary wings or fixed wings as a flight mode. In the case where the flying object 20 has fixed wings but does not have rotary wings, it can cruise in a power-saving manner by using the fixed wings, but most of them cannot take off and land vertically, and a runway for takeoff and landing is required. However, a VTOL-type fixed-wing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing has also been developed. In the case where the flying object 20 has rotary wings but does not have fixed wings, it can take off and land vertically and stop in the air (hover), but the propeller is always rotating, so the power consumption increases, and the energy efficiency becomes low. In the case where the flying object 20 has fixed wings and rotary wings, it can take off and land vertically and stop in the air by using the rotary wings, and it can fly forward by using the fixed wings, without the need for a runway.

[0039] <Configuration of Information Processing Device>

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 1 The configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The illustrated information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11 , a storage unit 12 , an input unit 13 , an output unit 14 , and a communication unit 15 .

[0041] 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 (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor dedicated to specific processing. An example of a programmable circuit is an FPGA (field-programmable gate array). An example of a dedicated circuit is an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The control unit 11 controls each component of the information processing device 10 while executing processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0042] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. Semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), or flash memory. RAM is, for example, SRAM (static random access memory) or DRAM (dynamic random access memory). ROM is, for example, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). Flash memory is, for example, SSD (solid-state drive). Magnetic memory is, for example, HDD (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 for the operation of the information processing device 10 and information obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0043] The input unit 13 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 13 accepts operations for inputting data for the actions of the information processing device 10. The input unit 13 can also be connected to the information processing device 10 as an external input device instead of being configured in the information processing device 10. As a connection interface, any interface corresponding to standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a registered trademark), and Bluetooth (a registered trademark) can be used.

[0044] The output unit 14 includes at least one output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that outputs information using images or a speaker that outputs information using voice. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electroluminescent) display. The output unit 14 outputs data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10. The output unit 14 can also be connected to the information processing device 10 as an external output device instead of being configured in the information processing device 10. Any interface that complies with standards such as USB, HDMI, and Bluetooth can be used as the connection interface.

[0045] The communication unit 15 includes at least one wireless communication interface for wirelessly communicating with the flying object 20. The communication unit 15 receives data from the flying object 20 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10 to the flying object 20.

[0046] When an airport managed by information processing device 10 is congested and aircraft 20 is attempting to land at the airport, control unit 11 obtains aircraft information indicating whether aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode from aircraft 20. Then, if aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode, control unit 11 notifies aircraft 20 of an overhead holding instruction based on the fixed-wing mode; if aircraft 20 is not in fixed-wing mode, control unit 11 notifies aircraft 20 of an overhead holding instruction based on the vertical flight mode.

[0047] <Composition of the flying object>

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of a flying object according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 2 The illustrated flying object 20 includes a control unit 21 , a storage unit 22 , an input unit 23 , an output unit 24 , a communication unit 25 , a positioning unit 26 , a sensor unit 27 , and a battery 28 .

[0049] The control unit 21 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof, similar to the control unit 11. The control unit 21 controls various components of the flying object 20 and executes processing related to the operation of the flying object 20.

[0050] The storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof, similar to the storage unit 12. The storage unit 22 stores information used for the movement of the flying object 20 and information obtained from the movement of the flying object 20.

[0051] The input unit 23 includes at least one input interface, similar to the input unit 13. The input unit 23 receives an operation to input data for the movement of the aircraft 20. The input unit 23 may be connected to the aircraft 20 as an external input device, instead of being disposed on the aircraft 20.

[0052] The output unit 24 includes at least one output interface, similar to the output unit 14. The output unit 24 outputs data obtained through the movement of the flying object 20. The output unit 24 may be connected to the flying object 20 as an external output device, instead of being disposed on the flying object 20.

[0053] The communication unit 25 includes at least one wireless communication interface, similar to the communication unit 15 . The communication unit 25 receives data from the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained through the movement of the flying object 20 to the information processing device 10 .

[0054] The positioning unit 26 includes sensors or receivers for acquiring the position of the aircraft 20 through autonomous navigation, electronic navigation, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), or the like. Sensors used for autonomous navigation include, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, and altimeters. Receivers used for electronic navigation include, for example, receivers for receiving radio waves from ground-based radio facilities such as VORs (VHF omnidirectional radio ranges) and ILSs (Instrument Landing Systems). GNSS receivers include, for example, at least one of the following: GPS (Global Positioning System), QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), BeiDou (Beidou Navigation Satellite System), GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), and Galileo. The positioning unit 26 acquires position information of the aircraft 20 and outputs the position information to the control unit 21. The position information includes information about the altitude of the aircraft 20.

[0055] The sensing unit 27 includes one or more sensors or interfaces with these sensors to detect the status and behavior of various components of the aircraft 20, and outputs information representing the sensing results obtained by the sensors to the control unit 21. Examples of these sensors include a drive mechanism including a motor, and sensors that detect status and behavior such as the propeller rotational speed, the remaining charge level of the battery 28, the temperature, and the charging speed. Furthermore, examples of these sensors include wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, temperature sensors, air pressure sensors, humidity sensors, illuminance sensors, rain sensors, and cameras to detect the external environment of the aircraft 20.

[0056] The battery 28 supplies power to the driving mechanism of the flying object 20. The battery 28 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a solid electrolyte battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The flying object 20 may also include a power supply device that supplies power to the battery 28.

[0057] <Operation of Information Processing Device>

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 3 A first operation example of the information processing device according to one embodiment will be described.

[0059] In step S101, the control unit 11 determines whether the condition that the airport managed by the information processing device 10 is crowded and the aircraft 20 intends to land at the airport is satisfied. The determination of whether the airport is crowded can be performed automatically by the control unit 11, or can be performed by the control unit 11 based on information obtained from the user via the input unit 13. The determination of whether the aircraft 20 intends to land at the airport can be performed based on communication with the aircraft 20. For example, when the aircraft 20 intends to land at the airport, the aircraft 20 can notify the information processing device 10 that manages the airport of its landing. When the control unit 11 determines that the condition that the airport is crowded and the aircraft 20 intends to land at the airport is satisfied (step S101-yes), the processing proceeds to step S102. The control unit 11 waits for processing until the condition is satisfied.

[0060] In step S102, the control unit 11 acquires aircraft information from the aircraft 20 via the communication unit 15. Here, "aircraft information" includes information indicating the flight mode (whether or not a fixed-wing mode is present), and may also include arbitrary information related to other aircraft.

[0061] In step S103, the control unit 11 determines whether the aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode based on the acquired aircraft information. If the control unit 11 determines that the aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode (step S103 - Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. If the control unit 11 determines that the aircraft 20 is not in fixed-wing mode (step S103 - No), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0062] In step S104, the control unit 11 notifies the aircraft 20 of an overhead holding instruction in fixed-wing mode via the communication unit 15. Here, the "overhead holding instruction in fixed-wing mode" refers to an instruction prompting the aircraft 20 to perform a hovering maneuver (holding) in the air. A holding pattern for holding in the air (circling) may also be predetermined.

[0063] In step S105, the control unit 11 notifies the aircraft 20 of an overhead waiting instruction in vertical flight mode via the communication unit 15. Here, the "overhead waiting instruction in vertical flight mode" is an instruction to urge the aircraft 20 to stop (hover) in the air.

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 4 The second operation example of the information processing device according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 3 The processing shown is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0065] In step S106, the control unit 11 obtains weather information related to the weather above the airport managed by the information processing device 10. Here, "weather information" can include any weather-related information, such as airflow, wind speed, and weather conditions. The control unit 11 can obtain weather information from a server that transmits weather information via the communication unit 15. Alternatively, the control unit 11 can obtain weather information from a user via the input unit 13. It should be noted that the processing of step S106 and the processing of step S102 can be performed either first or in parallel.

[0066] In step S107, the control unit 11 determines whether the acquired weather information satisfies the specified weather conditions. If the control unit 11 determines that the weather information satisfies the specified conditions (step S107 - Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. If the control unit 11 determines that the weather information does not satisfy the specified conditions (step S107 - No), the process proceeds to step S105. It should be noted that the processes of step S107 and step S103 may be performed either first or concurrently.

[0067] Here, "prescribed meteorological conditions" refer to meteorological conditions that are suitable for overhead holding in fixed-wing mode or conditions that are not suitable for overhead holding based on vertical flight mode. For example, the prescribed meteorological conditions may refer to the condition that the stability of the airflow is greater than or equal to a threshold value. This is because it is believed that the risk of circling is small when the airflow is stable. For example, the prescribed meteorological conditions may also refer to the condition that the wind speed is less than a threshold value. This is because it is believed that the risk of circling is small when the wind speed is small. For example, the prescribed meteorological conditions may also refer to the condition that the weather is clear. This is because it is believed that the visibility is good when the weather is clear, and therefore the possibility of accidents with other flying objects 20 is low. For example, the prescribed meteorological conditions may also refer to the condition that a downdraft is generated. This is because it is believed that vertical flight is difficult when a downdraft is generated.

[0068] Modifications

[0069] Although Figure 4Although not shown, the control unit 11 may also obtain information indicating the number of aircraft 20 waiting above the airport, together with or in place of the processing in step S106. Then, together with or in place of the processing in step S107, the control unit 11 may determine whether the number of aircraft 20 waiting above the airport is less than or equal to a threshold. If the number of aircraft 20 waiting above the airport is less than or equal to the threshold, the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S104. If the number of aircraft 20 waiting above the airport exceeds the threshold, the control unit 11 advances the processing to step S105. This is because if the number of aircraft 20 waiting above the airport exceeds the threshold, it is believed that an accident may occur with other aircraft 20 due to circling maneuvers.

[0070] In one example, at least one of the information processing device 10 and the aircraft 20 can be used to provide MaaS (Mobility as a Service), a service that effectively utilizes mobility. In one example, the above-described processing procedure can be performed when providing a service (MaaS) that utilizes at least one of the information processing device 10 and the aircraft 20. In this case, the information processing method based on the above-described processing procedure is an example of a method for providing a service (MaaS) that utilizes at least one of the information processing device 10 and the aircraft 20.

[0071] As described above, in the case where an airport is crowded and an aircraft 20 is about to land at the airport, the information processing device 10 of this embodiment receives aircraft information indicating whether or not the aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode from the aircraft 20. Then, if the aircraft 20 is in fixed-wing mode, the information processing device 10 transmits an overhead holding instruction to the aircraft 20 in the fixed-wing mode; if the aircraft 20 is not in fixed-wing mode, the information processing device 10 transmits an overhead holding instruction to the aircraft 20 in the vertical flight mode.

[0072] When the aircraft 20 is holding in the air, the fixed-wing mode can generate lift using the large main wings, resulting in higher energy efficiency than in the vertical flight mode. Therefore, according to this configuration, the energy efficiency of the aircraft 20 while holding in the air can be improved by using the fixed-wing mode and the vertical flight mode separately.

[0073] <Procedure>

[0074] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by the processor serving as the control unit 11 executing the program of this embodiment. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes the computer to function as the information processing device 10 by causing it to execute the operations of the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operations of the information processing device 10 according to the program.

[0075] The program can be pre-stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical disks, magneto-optical recording media, or ROMs. The program can be circulated, for example, by selling, transferring, or renting portable media such as SD (Secure Digital) cards, DVDs (digital versatile discs), and CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory) that store the program. 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.

[0076] 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. The computer can also sequentially execute processing according to the received program each time the program is transmitted from the server to the computer. Processing can also be performed through a so-called ASP (application service provider) type service, wherein the ASP type service is a service that does not transmit the program from the server to the computer, but only realizes the function by executing instructions and obtaining results. The program contains information equivalent to the program as information for processing by an electronic computer. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the nature of specifying the processing of the computer is equivalent to "information equivalent to the program."

[0077] A part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. That is, a part or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0078] The above embodiments are described as representative examples, but various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, multiple components or processing steps described in the embodiments may be combined into one or one component may be divided into multiple components.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising a control unit, wherein the information processing device communicates with an air vehicle, The control unit is configured to: When an air vehicle is about to land at a crowded airport, acquiring aircraft information indicating whether the aircraft is in fixed-wing mode from the aircraft; and If the aircraft has a fixed-wing mode, an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode is notified to the aircraft. If the aircraft does not have a fixed-wing mode, an overhead waiting instruction based on the vertical flight mode is notified to the aircraft.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is configured to: If an airport is crowded and an aircraft intends to land at the airport, further obtaining weather information related to the weather above the airport; and When the aircraft has a fixed-wing mode and the meteorological information satisfies the prescribed meteorological conditions, the aircraft will be notified of an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode; and when the aircraft does not have a fixed-wing mode or the meteorological information does not satisfy the prescribed meteorological conditions, the aircraft will be notified of an overhead waiting instruction based on the vertical flight mode.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The meteorological information includes information related to airflow, wind speed or weather conditions.

4. A method for controlling a flying object, wherein: The information processing device that communicates with the flying object performs the following actions: When an air vehicle is about to land at a crowded airport, acquiring aircraft information indicating whether the aircraft is in fixed-wing mode from the aircraft; and If the aircraft has a fixed-wing mode, an overhead waiting instruction based on the fixed-wing mode is notified to the aircraft. If the aircraft does not have a fixed-wing mode, an overhead waiting instruction based on the vertical flight mode is notified to the aircraft.

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