Information providing apparatus, information providing method, and computer program product

Abstract

The present application provides information providing apparatus, information providing method and computer program product, can be unmanned aerial vehicle implementation of infrared wall inspection before the accuracy of the infrared wall inspection as can be implemented the check and so on the judgment material to inform the user. Meteorological information showing the weather of the surrounding of the inspection object building by each time period on the inspection scheduled day of infrared wall inspection, the accuracy of infrared wall inspection is judged based on the obtained meteorological information, and the information indicating the judged accuracy is informed to the user (U) related to infrared wall inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of systems that can provide useful information when performing infrared exterior wall inspections on unmanned aerial vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, inspection methods were known that involved photographing the surface of a structure using an infrared camera and investigating the internal damage state of the structure based on the temperature distribution observed on the photographed surface. In recent years, infrared exterior wall inspections have been performed using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This allows for improvements such as worker safety, reduction of necessary personnel, reduction of inspection time and costs, and inspections with higher precision than visual inspection.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-329760 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, infrared exterior wall inspection by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) relies on temperature differences in the structure's walls for diagnostics, making its accuracy susceptible to weather conditions on the day of implementation. Previously, users involved in infrared exterior wall inspections have struggled to efficiently assess their accuracy before implementation.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned points, and one example of its subject matter is to provide an information providing device, information providing method and computer program product that can provide the user with the accuracy of infrared outer wall inspection as a judgment material for whether the inspection can be carried out before the unmanned aerial vehicle performs infrared outer wall inspection.

[0009] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0010] (Application Example 1) To solve the above-mentioned problem, the information providing device of this application example is characterized by having: a first acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure to be inspected on a predetermined day for an infrared outer wall inspection conducted by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) according to each time period; an accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV based on the meteorological information acquired by the first acquisition unit; and a notification unit that notifies a user related to the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV of information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit.

[0011] (Application Example 2) The information providing method of this application example is an information providing method executed by one or more computers, characterized by comprising the following steps: obtaining meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure to be inspected by infrared outer wall inspection on a predetermined date for each time period; determining the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the obtained meteorological information; and notifying a user related to the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the unmanned aerial vehicle of the determined accuracy.

[0012] (Application Example 3) The computer program product of this application example is characterized in that it enables the computer to perform the following steps: obtain meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure that will be the object of the infrared outer wall inspection on a predetermined date for the infrared outer wall inspection to be carried out by the unmanned aerial vehicle, in each time period; determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection carried out by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the obtained meteorological information; and notify the user related to the infrared outer wall inspection carried out by the unmanned aerial vehicle of the information indicating the determined accuracy.

[0013] [Invention Effects]

[0014] According to the present invention, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection can be provided to the user as a criterion for determining whether the inspection can be carried out before the unmanned aerial vehicle performs an infrared outer wall inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of a system S that provides accuracy checks.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the general structure of user terminal 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the specified inspection object on user terminal 1.

[0018] Figure 4This is a diagram illustrating an example 1 of a screen displaying accuracy information on user terminal 1.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of the accuracy determination server 4.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a function block in the control unit 43.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram showing the wall of an inspection object divided into multiple zones.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a table example illustrating the correspondence between a specified temperature range and the accuracy of infrared outer wall inspection.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a table example illustrating the correspondence between specified weather conditions and external temperature differences and the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating example 2 of a screen displaying accuracy information on user terminal 1.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the inspection accuracy provisioning process performed by the control unit 43 of the inspection accuracy determination server 4 in Embodiment 1.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the accuracy provision processing performed by the control unit 43 of the accuracy determination server 4 in Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment describes an application of the present invention to an inspection accuracy providing system. The inspection accuracy providing system is one that determines the accuracy of an infrared exterior wall inspection performed by an unmanned aerial vehicle (hereinafter referred to as a UAV) beforehand (i.e., prior to the inspection) and provides the determined accuracy to the user associated with the infrared exterior wall inspection. The UAV is also referred to as a multi-rotor aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle. The UAV can take off according to takeoff instructions from a GCS (Ground Control Station) and autonomously fly to a destination containing a building that is the object of inspection (hereinafter referred to as the "object building"). The object building is an example of a structure. The UAV can also fly remotely from the ground according to a control terminal (not shown) used by the operator. The UAV is equipped with optical sensors (e.g., infrared cameras) and performs infrared exterior wall inspection by sensing the exterior wall (i.e., the wall surface) of the object building using the optical sensors. The results of infrared exterior wall inspections conducted by UAVs (hereinafter referred to as "infrared exterior wall inspections") are transmitted wirelessly from the UAVs to the inspection management server. Furthermore, the UAVs and the inspection management server are used, for example, by the inspection operator.

[0028] [1. Accuracy check provides a summary of the structure and operation of system S]

[0029] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure and operation of the inspection accuracy providing system S in this embodiment will be described in summary. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the outline structure of a system S that provides accuracy verification. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 As shown, the accuracy provision system S is configured to include a user terminal 1, a meteorological information provision server 2, a solar position information provision server 3, and an accuracy determination server 4 (an example of an information provision device). The user terminal 1, meteorological information provision server 2, solar position information provision server 3, and accuracy determination server 4 are each connected to a communication network NW. The communication network NW may consist of, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, and its wireless base stations.

[0030] User terminal 1 is a terminal used by user U in connection with infrared exterior wall inspection. User terminal 1 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. User U is, for example, a manager or staff member of the inspection operator. User terminal 1 can receive inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection from inspection accuracy determination server 4 via communication network NW.

[0031] Meteorological information provider server 2 is a server that manages meteorological information. Meteorological information is forecast information showing the weather in a specified area divided into multiple smaller areas for each time period in the future (e.g., up to 1-2 weeks from now). Meteorological conditions include, for example, weather (sunny, cloudy, rainy, snowy), wind speed, and temperature (outdoor temperature). If the specified area is, for example, the land of Japan, then the smaller areas are areas formed by dividing the specified area into prefectures or municipalities. The location of the smaller areas is represented, for example, by latitude and longitude. Future time periods can be set, for example, by dividing the area into 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every X minutes (e.g., 20-60 minutes) (hereinafter referred to as "set time periods").

[0032] The solar position information provider server 3 is a server that manages solar position information. Solar position information is predicted information showing the position of the sun relative to various locations within a specified area for each set time period in the future (e.g., several months in advance). The location of each location can be represented by latitude and longitude, or by latitude, longitude, and altitude. Solar position refers to the position of the sun as observed from each location and the direction from which sunlight (sunlight) arrives, for example, represented by the sun's azimuth and altitude. The sun's azimuth is the angle along the horizontal direction of the sun as observed from due south. The sun's altitude is the angle between the ground and the sun. Depending on the region, solar position information can be shown daily and for each set time period, or it can be shown seasonally (e.g., spring, summer, autumn, winter) and for each set time period. Additionally, along with the solar position information, the solar position information provider server 3 can also manage the solar intensity, showing the intensity of sunlight from various locations within the specified area for each set time period.

[0033] The accuracy determination server 4 is a server that determines the accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection and provides inspection accuracy information, representing that accuracy, to the user terminal 1. The accuracy determination server 4 communicates with the weather information provider server 2 via the communication network NW, and can obtain weather information from the weather information provider server 2. Additionally, the accuracy determination server 4 can communicate with the solar position information provider server 3 via the communication network NW, and can obtain solar position information from the solar position information provider server 3. As described later, the accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection is determined based on the temperature of the wall surface of the building being inspected, such as temperature range. The wall surface temperature is the predicted temperature for the scheduled date of the infrared exterior wall inspection (hereinafter referred to as the "inspection scheduled date"), and the wall surface temperature range is, for example, the temperature difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in a specific area of ​​the wall surface at the same time.

[0034] [1-1. Structure and Function of User Terminal 1]

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure and functions of user terminal 1 are explained. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a schematic structure example of user terminal 1. User terminal 1 includes an operation / display unit 11, a communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a control unit 14. User terminal 1 may also include a sound processing unit and a speaker. The operation / display unit 11, for example, has an input function that accepts input (assigned) based on the user's finger, pen, or mouse, and a display function that displays various screens on the display. The communication unit 12 is responsible for controlling communication via the communication network NW. The storage unit 13 is composed of non-volatile memory and stores various programs (program code sets) and data. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a verification application, and a web browser. The verification application is a program used to obtain verification accuracy information representing the accuracy of infrared outer wall inspection from the verification accuracy determination server 4 and display the accuracy on the display.

[0036] The control unit 14 (an example of a computer) includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The control unit 14 verifies the accuracy determination server 4 accessed by an application or browser. Then, when the communication unit 12 receives the configuration data of the specified screen for the inspection object sent from the accuracy determination server 4, the control unit 14 displays the specified screen on the monitor. The configuration data of the specified screen for the inspection object may include map data representing a map (a map with orientations) showing buildings and natural features existing in a specified area. Alternatively, the configuration data of the specified screen for the inspection object may be a webpage. A webpage consists of structured document data (e.g., HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) documents, XHTML documents, etc.).

[0037] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of a display showing the specified inspection object screen on user terminal 1. Figure 3 The inspection target designation screen SC1 shows an inspection target building designation section 51, an inspection schedule date designation section 52, and a send button 53. In the inspection target building designation section 51, a map is displayed based on map data in a scrollable and zoomable manner. The map data includes the name, address, and building ID (building identification information) of the buildings shown on the map. Additionally, in the inspection target building designation section 51, a designation marker M is displayed corresponding to "Building A" (the building name) designated as the inspection target by user U. On the other hand, the inspection schedule date designation section 52 displays an input field that allows users to specify multiple inspection schedule dates and time periods (in...). Figure 3In the example, these are the input fields for candidates 1 to 3. Additionally, in the inspection schedule date designation section 52, when the user specifies "+candidate addition," an input field for candidate 4, which displays the inspection schedule date and time period, is added. The time period specified by user U is referred to as the "designated time period." Furthermore, as shown in candidate 2 in the inspection schedule date designation section 52, user U can also specify only the inspection schedule date without specifying a time period. The inspection object designation screen SC1 can also be configured so that user U can specify a wall that will be the inspection object (hereinafter referred to as the "inspection object wall").

[0038] Then, for example, after user U, who has logged in through the login process based on the inspection accuracy determination server 4, specifies the building to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date (or the scheduled inspection date and the specified time period), when user U presses the send button 53, the control unit 14 sends an information provision request containing the building ID of the building to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date (or the scheduled inspection date and the specified time period) specified by user U to the inspection accuracy determination server 4 via the communication unit 12. In this way, user U can arbitrarily specify the building to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date on the inspection object designation screen, thus improving user U's convenience when determining whether infrared exterior wall inspection can be carried out. Therefore, when the communication unit 12 receives the configuration data of the inspection accuracy information screen sent from the inspection accuracy determination server 4, the control unit 14 causes the inspection accuracy information screen to be displayed (i.e., the display changes) on the screen. Furthermore, the information provision request may also include wall designation information indicating the wall of the inspection object specified by user U (e.g., the orientation of the wall of the inspection object). Additionally, the configuration data of the inspection accuracy information screen may also be a webpage.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating example 1 of a display showing the accuracy information screen displayed on user terminal 1. Figure 4In the inspection accuracy information screen SC2 shown, for the building (Building A) specified by user U, the inspection accuracy information 61 for candidate 1 (scheduled inspection date and time: December 11, 2024, 14:00-15:00) displays "Inspection Accuracy: Low". Additionally, in the inspection accuracy information screen SC2, for the building (Building A) specified by user U, the inspection accuracy information 62 for candidate 2 (scheduled inspection date and time: December 15, 2024, 15:00-16:00) displays "Inspection Accuracy: High". Here, the time period for candidate 1 (14:00-15:00) and the time period for candidate 2 (15:00-16:00) are the recommended inspection time periods determined by the inspection accuracy determination server 4. Furthermore, the inspection accuracy information can also be displayed separately for each wall surface of the inspected object. Furthermore, in the accuracy information screen SC2, the infrared exterior wall inspection is affected by the heat generated by indoor heating and cooling units or outdoor units of the building, thus displaying a warning message 63. Additionally, the inspection accuracy information for the building specified by user U can also be displayed on the inspection confirmation screen SC1.

[0040] [1-2. Check the structure and function of server 4 to determine accuracy]

[0041] Next, refer to Figure 5 The structure and function of the accuracy determination server 4 are explained. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a summary structure example of the accuracy determination server 4. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the accuracy determination server 4 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. The accuracy determination server 4 is composed of one or more server computers. The communication unit 41 is responsible for controlling communication via the communication network NW. Information requests from user terminal 1 are received by the communication unit 41. Additionally, weather information from weather information provider server 2 is received by the communication unit 41. Furthermore, solar position information from solar position information provider server 3 is received via the communication unit 41.

[0042] Storage unit 42 is configured, for example, by an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various programs (program code sets) and data. These programs include an operating system and an information-providing application (an example of a computer program product of the present invention). The information-providing application is a program that displays the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection on a screen by providing inspection accuracy information to the user terminal 1. Additionally, storage unit 42 stores configuration data for the inspection target designation screen, configuration data for the inspection accuracy information screen, and map data constituting a map (a map with orientation settings) representing the above-mentioned ground objects. The map data may include at least one of two-dimensional map data constituting a two-dimensional map and three-dimensional map data constituting a three-dimensional map, where the above-ground objects are represented in a two-dimensional (X, Y) plane in the two-dimensional map and in a three-dimensional (X, Y, Z) solid form in the three-dimensional map.

[0043] Furthermore, a building management database (DB) 421 is constructed in the storage unit 42. The building management database 421 is a database used to manage information related to buildings represented on a map composed of map data. In the building management database 421, information such as the building ID, building name, building address, building top view, building elevation, building location, and the orientation of the building's walls (exterior walls) are stored, for example, corresponding to each building. Here, the building top view includes the building's plan dimensions. The building elevation is, for example, a perspective view of the building viewed from multiple directions (e.g., east, west, south, north), including the height of each part of the building. The building location is one or more locations within the building's top view, expressed, for example, using latitude and longitude. The orientation of the building's walls shows the direction the building's walls face (e.g., southeast). Furthermore, the orientation of the building's walls can be determined, for example, based on the building's elevation and a map representing the building (i.e., a map with orientations set).

[0044] The control unit 43 (an example of a computer) includes a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of functional blocks in the control unit 43. Furthermore, the CPU can also be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, or a processor that includes transistors and other integrated circuits (electrical circuits, electronic circuits). The control unit 43, for example, follows a program (program code set) stored in the ROM or storage unit 42, such as... Figure 6As shown, the unit functions as a user-designated acceptance unit 431 (an example of an acceptance unit), a wall information acquisition unit 432 (an example of a second acquisition unit), a meteorological information acquisition unit 433 (an example of a first acquisition unit), a solar position information acquisition unit 434 (an example of a third acquisition unit), a condition determination unit 435 (an example of a condition determination unit), a temperature prediction unit 436 (an example of a prediction unit), an accuracy determination unit 437 (an example of an accuracy determination unit), and an accuracy notification unit 438 (an example of a notification unit).

[0045] The user-designated receiving unit 431 provides a request based on information received from the user terminal 1 via the communication unit 41, accepting the building (building ID) to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date (or the scheduled inspection date and a specified time period) specified by the user U. Furthermore, the user-designated receiving unit 431 can also provide a request based on information received from the user terminal 1 by the communication unit 41, accepting the wall surface to be inspected specified by the user U.

[0046] The wall information acquisition unit 432 retrieves wall information indicating the orientation of the walls to be inspected in the building being inspected, which has been accepted by the user-designated acceptance unit 431, from the building management database 421. Here, if the walls to be inspected are not accepted by the user-designated acceptance unit 431 (that is, not specified by user U), the wall information acquisition unit 432 can determine all walls of the building being inspected (e.g., four walls) or walls within a specified orientation range (e.g., southeast to southwest) as the walls to be inspected. Furthermore, each wall to be inspected is assigned a unique identifier.

[0047] The meteorological information acquisition unit 433 obtains meteorological information from the meteorological information providing server 2, showing the weather around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date, which is handled by the user-designated acceptance unit 431, for each set time period. Here, the surrounding area of ​​the building to be inspected can be, for example, within a radius Ym (e.g., 10-1000m) centered on the building. The meteorological information acquisition unit 433 can obtain meteorological information showing the weather around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date, for each set time period, by sending information showing the scheduled inspection date and the location of the building to the meteorological information providing server 2. Furthermore, if the user-designated acceptance unit 431 has handled the scheduled inspection date and a specified time period (that is, the user U has specified a specified time period), the meteorological information showing the weather around the building to be inspected during the specified time period (e.g., a portion of the set time period) on the scheduled inspection date can be obtained by sending information showing the scheduled inspection date, the specified time period, and the location of the building to the meteorological information providing server 2.

[0048] The solar position information acquisition unit 434 obtains solar position information from the solar position information providing server 3. This solar position information shows the solar position relative to the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date, which is handled by the user-designated acceptance unit 431, according to each set time period. For example, the solar position information acquisition unit 434 can obtain solar position information showing the solar position relative to the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date, according to each set time period, by sending information showing the scheduled inspection date and the location of the building to the solar position information providing server 3. Alternatively, when the user-designated acceptance unit 431 handles the scheduled inspection date and specified time period, it sends information showing the scheduled inspection date, specified time period, and the location of the building to the solar position information providing server 3, thereby obtaining solar position information showing the solar position relative to the building to be inspected during the scheduled inspection date and specified time period (e.g., a portion of the set time period). Furthermore, the solar position information acquisition unit 434 can also obtain solar position information and solar radiation intensity (showing the intensity of sunlight from the building to be inspected, according to each set time period) from the solar position information providing server 3.

[0049] The condition determination unit 435 determines whether at least one of the weather and wind speed shown in the meteorological information obtained by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433 meets the predetermined conditions for infrared exterior wall inspection not to be carried out. Here, the conditions for infrared exterior wall inspection not to be carried out include, for example, cloudy, rainy, or snowy weather. In this case, if the weather shown in the meteorological information obtained by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433 (for example, the weather around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date) is cloudy, rainy, or snowy, it is determined that the conditions for infrared exterior wall inspection not to be carried out are met.

[0050] Furthermore, an infrared exterior wall inspection infeasibility condition may be indicated by a wind speed of 5 m / s or higher. In this case, if the wind speed (e.g., the wind speed around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection day) indicated by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433 is 5 m / s or higher, it is determined that the infrared exterior wall inspection infeasibility condition is met. Additionally, if there is a time interval (e.g., a time range of approximately 30 to 60 seconds) within any of the multiple set time periods (or specified time periods) on the scheduled inspection day that meets the infrared exterior wall inspection infeasibility condition, it can also be determined that the infrared exterior wall inspection infeasibility condition is met. Furthermore, if the condition determination unit 435 determines that the infrared exterior wall inspection infeasibility condition is met, the user U can be notified that the infrared exterior wall inspection cannot be performed on the scheduled inspection day. This allows for more rapid communication to the user U that the infrared exterior wall inspection cannot be performed.

[0051] The temperature prediction unit 436 predicts, for example, based at least on meteorological information obtained by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433, the temperature of the target wall of the building to be inspected during a set time period (or specified time period) on the scheduled inspection date accepted by the user-designated acceptance unit 431 (e.g., the temperature of a specific area of ​​the target wall). Here, the temperature of the target wall can be, for example, the average (or median) temperature of the entire target wall. However, the temperature of the portion of the target wall that is shaded for a longer period than the reference time can be excluded from the calculation of the average (or median) value. In addition, the predicted temperature can be the maximum (highest temperature) and minimum (lowest temperature) temperature within the set time period (or specified time period). This allows for a higher degree of accuracy in determining the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection. Here, the maximum and minimum temperatures can be, for example, temperatures at different times within the set time period (or specified time period) (e.g., maximum at 12:50 and minimum at 9:00), or temperatures at different parts (e.g., different parts of a specific area) at the same time (i.e., the same moment). Alternatively, the predicted temperature can be a time-series change in temperature within a set time period (or a specified time period). Furthermore, the temperature prediction unit 436 can predict the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected according to multiple set time periods (or specified time periods) for the scheduled inspection date. Additionally, if the building to be inspected has multiple walls to be inspected, the temperature is predicted for each wall surface.

[0052] The algorithm for predicting the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected can utilize known techniques, but it is preferable that the temperature prediction unit 436 predicts the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected based on wall information acquired by the wall information acquisition unit 432, meteorological information acquired by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433, and solar position information acquired by the solar position information acquisition unit 434. In this case, for example, the solar position is set on the aforementioned three-dimensional map, and during a set time period (or a specified time period) on the scheduled inspection day, a simulation is performed using the duration of sunlight irradiation (sunshine time) from that solar position onto the wall surface to be inspected and the ambient temperature around the building to be inspected as parameters, thereby predicting the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected. Therefore, the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected can be predicted with high accuracy, thus enabling a more precise determination of the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection.

[0053] In addition to these parameters, the temperature of the wall surface being inspected can also be predicted by performing a simulation using the solar radiation intensity as a parameter. Furthermore, in addition to these parameters, the temperature of the wall surface can also be predicted by performing a simulation using the duration of sunlight reflected from buildings other than the building being inspected and then reaching the wall surface as a parameter. Moreover, in the above simulations, the duration of sunlight reaching the wall surface can be calculated by subtracting the time during which sunlight is obstructed by obstacles between the sun's position and the wall surface.

[0054] Alternatively, the algorithm for predicting the temperature of the wall surface being inspected can also use a learned machine learning model. In this case, the learned machine learning model is input into the aforementioned 3D map data, wall information acquired by the wall information acquisition unit 432, meteorological information acquired by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433, and solar position information acquired by the solar position information acquisition unit 434, and the temperature of the wall surface being inspected is output from the machine learning model. In this case, the maximum and minimum values ​​of the wall surface temperature can be obtained based on the temperature output from the machine learning model. Alternatively, the time-series changes in the temperature of the wall surface being inspected can be obtained based on the temperature output from the machine learning model.

[0055] Furthermore, the temperature prediction unit 436 can divide the wall surface of the building to be inspected into multiple different zones and predict the temperature for each zone. This allows the accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection to be provided to the user in an easily understandable manner, serving as more useful information for determining whether the inspection can be carried out. For example, the temperature prediction unit 436 can predict the maximum and minimum temperatures, or the time-series changes in temperature, for each zone. Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram showing the wall of the object to be inspected after it has been divided into multiple areas. Figure 7 The wall surface to be inspected is divided into regions AR1 to AR16, and the position coordinates of each region AR1 to AR16 are managed (position coordinates in the wall surface to be inspected). For example, the sunlight exposure time of regions AR14 to AR16 is shorter than that of other regions AR1 to AR13 (i.e., the time they are in the shade is longer), so the temperature predicted by the temperature prediction unit 436 is lower.

[0056] The accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy (in other words, accuracy or accuracy rate) of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the temperature predicted by the temperature prediction unit 436. Here, as... Figure 4As shown, accuracy can be expressed using terms such as high, medium, and low, or using symbols of multiple levels. Alternatively, accuracy can be expressed using numerical values ​​of multiple levels (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4) (in which case 1 is the highest), or using letters of multiple levels (e.g., A, B, C, D) (in which case A is the highest).

[0057] As a more preferred example, the accuracy determination unit 437 can calculate the temperature range (i.e., the temperature difference between the highest and lowest temperatures) between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the temperature prediction unit 436 (i.e., the maximum and minimum temperatures during a set time period (or specified time period) of the scheduled inspection date), and determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the calculated temperature range. Figure 8 This is a table example showing the correspondence between a specified temperature range and the accuracy of infrared outer wall inspection. The accuracy determination unit 437 can be used as follows: Figure 8 The table shown is used to determine the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection. According to... Figure 8 The table example shown indicates high accuracy when the temperature range is above 8°C but below the upper limit (e.g., 15°C). However, even when the temperature range is above 8°C but below the upper limit, accuracy can be considered low if the predicted temperature is below the first threshold or above the second threshold.

[0058] Furthermore, when the temperature prediction unit 436 predicts the temperature for each set time period (or specified time period), the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the predicted temperature for each set time period (or specified time period). In this case, the accuracy determination unit 437 can also calculate the temperature range between the maximum and minimum predicted temperature for each set time period (or specified time period), and determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the calculated temperature range for each set time period (or specified time period). Additionally, when the temperature prediction unit 436 predicts the temperature for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection for each area based on the predicted temperature. In this case, the accuracy determination unit 437 can also calculate the temperature range between the maximum and minimum predicted temperature for each area, and determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection for each area based on the calculated temperature range.

[0059] Furthermore, the accuracy determination unit 437 can classify areas where the predicted temperature is below a first threshold as shaded areas (hereinafter referred to as "shaded areas"). Additionally, when the temperature prediction unit 436 predicts the temperature for each inspected wall surface, the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection for each inspected wall surface based on the predicted temperature. Alternatively, the accuracy determination unit 437 may be configured to determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection only if the condition determination unit 435 determines that the condition for infrared outer wall inspection is not met. This reduces the CPU processing load involved in predicting the temperature of the inspected wall surface of the inspected building and determining the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection.

[0060] As a different example, the accuracy determination unit 437 can also determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on meteorological information (such as weather and outside temperature) obtained by the meteorological information acquisition unit 433. Therefore, the prediction of the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected by the temperature prediction unit 436 can be omitted, thus reducing the CPU processing load involved in such prediction. Figure 9 This is a table example showing the correspondence between specified weather conditions and external temperature differences and the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection. The accuracy determination unit 437 can use, for example... Figure 9 The table shown is used to determine the accuracy of infrared exterior wall inspection. Figure 9 In the example table shown, climate (weather) and the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of a day (external temperature difference) are divided into multiple levels, and each combination of the weather and external temperature difference is associated with an accuracy level. The external temperature difference can be calculated based on the external temperatures around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date for each time period. Figure 9 The table examples shown indicate high accuracy when the weather is sunny with an external temperature difference of 8°C or more, sunny with an external temperature difference of 5-8°C, or cloudy with an external temperature difference of 8°C or more.

[0061] The accuracy notification unit 438 notifies the user U of the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit 437. For example, the accuracy notification unit 438 sends the configuration data of the inspection accuracy information screen containing this inspection accuracy information to the user terminal 1 via the communication unit 41, thereby displaying the inspection accuracy information screen. Thus, the inspection accuracy information is provided to the user U. Furthermore, when the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy for each set time period (or specified time period), the accuracy notification unit 438 can differentiate the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy determined for each set time period (or specified time period) and notify the user U for each time period (e.g., 9:00~10:00, 10:00~11:00, 11:00~12:00, 12:00~13:00…). Therefore, multiple accuracy measurements of the infrared outer wall inspection can be provided to the user U as criteria for determining whether the inspection can be performed.

[0062] Alternatively, if the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy for each set time period (or specified time period), the accuracy notification unit 438 can also determine, based on the accuracy determined for each time period, a time period (referred to as the inspection recommendation time period) that should be recommended to the user U from multiple different set time periods (or specified time periods), and notify the user U of the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy determined within the determined inspection recommendation time period. This allows the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection to be provided to the user U as a judgment material that determines whether the inspection can be performed, thus reducing the user U's judgment burden. Here, the inspection recommendation time period can be, for example, a predetermined number of time periods with high accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit 437 (e.g., the time period with the highest accuracy). Furthermore, if the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the accuracy notification unit 438 can also distinguish and notify the user U of the inspection accuracy information showing the accuracy determined for each area, for each area.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating example 2 of a display showing the accuracy information screen displayed on user terminal 1. Figure 10In the inspection accuracy information screen SC3 shown, regarding the inspection target building (Building A) specified by user U, the inspection accuracy information for the scheduled inspection date and time (December 11, 2024, 9:00-10:00) is displayed, showing the accuracy (inspection accuracy) for each area of ​​the wall 71 to be inspected. Here, the accuracy of areas AR14 to AR16 of the wall 71 to be inspected is displayed as "low," and areas AR14 to AR16 show a message indicating that additional investigation is needed due to shade. That is, in this example, the accuracy notification unit 438 provides the user U with a message indicating that additional investigation is needed, corresponding to the shaded areas AR14 to AR16 determined by the accuracy determination unit 437. In addition to additional investigation, other inspection methods can be used instead of additional investigation for areas with relatively low accuracy. Therefore, messages urging UAVs equipped with high-resolution visible light cameras to perform wall inspections or diagnostic inspections by operators can also be displayed, as well as messages urging conventional wall inspection methods. Diagnostic inspections are sometimes conducted by operators using wire ropes or similar methods. Furthermore, in the inspection accuracy information screen SC3, when user U specifies "Next Time Period" 73, the inspection accuracy information for the next scheduled inspection date and time (e.g., December 11, 2024, 10:00-11:00) is displayed, showing the accuracy for each area of ​​the wall surface being inspected.

[0064] [2. The accuracy check provides the action of system S]

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The operation of the accuracy inspection system S is described in two examples, Example 1 and Example 2. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the inspection accuracy provisioning process performed by the control unit 43 of the inspection accuracy determination server 4 in Embodiment 1. Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the inspection accuracy prompt provision process performed by the control unit 43 of the inspection accuracy determination server 4 in Embodiment 2. Furthermore, in the following operational example, the following case is illustrated: After user U specifies the building to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date on the inspection object designation screen SC1 displayed on user terminal 1, user U presses the send button 53, thereby sending an information provision request to the inspection accuracy determination server 4. Here, for example... Figure 3 As shown in the inspection schedule date specification section 52 of the inspection object specification screen SC1, sometimes multiple inspection schedule dates are specified by the user U.

[0066] (Example 1)

[0067] Figure 11The process shown begins when the communication unit 41 of the accuracy determination server 4 receives an information provision request sent from the user terminal 1. Figure 11 When processing begins, the control unit 43, based on the received information provision request, accepts the building to be inspected (building ID) and the scheduled inspection date specified by user U through the user-specified acceptance unit 431 (step S1). Furthermore, if user U specifies a time period, the specified time period is accepted based on the received information provision request. Additionally, if user U specifies a wall to be inspected, the wall to be inspected is accepted based on the received information provision request (wall specification information). Next, the control unit 43 selects an inspection scheduled date accepted in step S1 (step S2).

[0068] Next, the control unit 43 determines the inspection target wall of the building accepted for inspection in step S1 (step S3). For example, if no inspection target wall was accepted in step S1, based on the building ID of the building accepted for inspection in step S1, all walls of the building, or walls facing a specified direction range (e.g., from southeast to southwest), are determined as inspection target walls from the building management database 421. On the other hand, if an inspection target wall was accepted in step S1, the inspection target wall of the building is determined from the building management database 421 based on the building ID and wall designation information of the building. Furthermore, a unique identifier is assigned to the determined inspection target wall.

[0069] Next, the control unit 43 obtains wall information indicating the orientation of the wall to be inspected, as determined in step S3, from the building management database 421 via the wall information acquisition unit 432 (step S4). Then, as described above, the control unit 43 obtains weather information from the weather information providing server 2, showing the weather around the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date selected in step S2, for each set time period (step S5). Furthermore, if a specified time period is received in step S1, weather information indicating the weather around the building to be inspected during the specified time period on the scheduled inspection date selected in step S2 is obtained from the weather information providing server 2.

[0070] Next, as described above, the control unit 43 obtains solar position information from the solar position information providing server 3, showing the solar position relative to the building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection day selected in step S2, according to each set time period (step S6). Additionally, if a specified time period is received in step S1, solar position information is obtained from the solar position information providing server 3, showing the solar position relative to the building to be inspected during the specified time period on the scheduled inspection day selected in step S2.

[0071] Next, the control unit 43 determines, via the condition determination unit 435, whether at least one of the weather and wind speed indicated by the meteorological information obtained in step S5 meets the aforementioned conditions for the inability to inspect the infrared outer wall (step S7). If the conditions for the inability to inspect the infrared outer wall are met (step S7: Yes), the user U is notified by sending an "inspection not allowed" message to the user terminal 1 indicating that the infrared outer wall inspection cannot be performed on the specified inspection date (step S8), and the process proceeds to step S15. This "inspection not allowed" message sent to the user terminal 1 is displayed, for example, on the inspection target designation screen corresponding to the inspection date specified by the user U. On the other hand, if the conditions for the inability to inspect the infrared outer wall are not met (step S7: No), the process proceeds to step S9. Furthermore, the process of step S7 can also be skipped by setting a step; in this case, the process proceeds from step S6 to step S9.

[0072] In step S9, the control unit 43 selects a set time period (or specified time period) of the scheduled inspection date selected in step S2 as the inspection time period. Then, the control unit 43 predicts the temperature of the wall surface of the inspection object determined in step S3 (e.g., the maximum and minimum temperature values) of the wall surface selected in step S9 through the temperature prediction unit 436 (step S10).

[0073] Here, when predicting the temperature for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the control unit 43 unfolds the wall surface of the inspected object into a two-dimensional coordinate system on RAM based on the top view and elevation view of the building to be inspected. Then, the control unit 43 displays the unfolded wall surface of the inspected object as follows: Figure 7 The area is divided into multiple distinct regions as shown, and the temperature is predicted for each region as described above. These predicted temperatures are then stored in correspondence with the identifiers of the inspection target wall determined in step S3 and the respective location coordinates of each of the multiple regions.

[0074] Next, the control unit 43 determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the temperature predicted in step S10 by the accuracy determination unit 437 (step S11). For example, the accuracy determination unit 437 can calculate the temperature range between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature predicted in step S10, and determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the calculated temperature range.

[0075] Furthermore, since the temperature is predicted for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the accuracy determination unit 437 determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection for each area based on the temperature predicted in step S10. For example, the accuracy determination unit 437 can calculate the temperature range between the maximum and minimum predicted temperatures for each area, and determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection for each area based on the calculated temperature range.

[0076] Next, the control unit 43 stores the inspection accuracy information, which indicates the accuracy determined in step S11, in conjunction with the building ID of the building to be inspected, the scheduled inspection date determined in step S2, the identifier of the wall surface to be inspected determined in step S3, and the inspection time period selected in step S9 (step S12). Furthermore, when the accuracy is determined for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy of that area (which may also include the location coordinates of each area) is stored in conjunction with the building ID of the building to be inspected, the scheduled inspection date, the identifier of the wall surface to be inspected, and the inspection time period.

[0077] Next, the control unit 43 determines whether there is a set time period (or designated time period) that has not yet been selected as a check time period in step S9 (step S13). If it is determined that there is a set time period (or designated time period) that has not yet been selected (step S13: Yes), the process returns to step S9. Thereby, the set time period (or designated time period) that has not yet been selected is reselected as a check time period, and the processing after step S10 is performed on the selected check time period. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no set time period (or designated time period) that has not been selected (step S13: No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0078] In step S14, the control unit 43 determines whether there are any walls in the building to be inspected that were not identified as inspection targets in step S3. If it is determined that there are walls that have not yet been identified as inspection targets (step S14: Yes), the process returns to step S3. Thus, the previously unidentified walls are newly identified as inspection targets, and the processing after step S4 is performed on these identified inspection targets. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no walls that have not been identified as inspection targets (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0079] In step S15, the control unit 43 determines whether there is an inspection schedule date that was not selected in step S2 among the inspection schedule dates accepted in step S1. If it is determined that there is an unselected inspection schedule date (step S15: Yes), the process returns to step S2. Thus, a new unselected inspection schedule date is selected, and the process after step S3 is performed for that selected inspection schedule date. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no unselected inspection schedule date (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0080] In step S16, the control unit 43 notifies the user U of the inspection accuracy information stored in step S12. For example, the control unit 43 sends, via the accuracy notification unit 438 and the communication unit 41, a screen containing the inspection accuracy information stored in step S12 and the corresponding building ID, scheduled inspection date, identifier of the wall to be inspected, and inspection time period to the user terminal 1. Thus, the inspection accuracy information is associated with the name of the building to be inspected, the scheduled inspection date, and the inspection time period, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the accuracy information is displayed on the screen (notifying the user U).

[0081] Furthermore, after determining the accuracy for each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected, the configuration data of an inspection accuracy information screen, including inspection accuracy information representing the accuracy of each area (which may also include the location coordinates of each area), is sent to user terminal 1. Thus, the inspection accuracy information representing the accuracy of each area of ​​the wall surface to be inspected is associated with the name of the building to be inspected, the scheduled inspection date, and the inspection time period, for example... Figure 10 The accuracy information screen is displayed as shown. The data comprising this accuracy information screen may also include messages requiring further investigation. Alternatively, the data comprising the accuracy information screen may include messages urging the use of a UAV equipped with a high-resolution visible light camera for wall inspection, or messages urging patient admission for inspection, or other conventional wall inspection methods.

[0082] Furthermore, in the loop processing of step S9, if the inspection accuracy information representing the accuracy is stored corresponding to multiple inspection time periods (i.e., the accuracy is determined according to each inspection time period), the accuracy notification unit 438 determines the recommended inspection time period from the multiple inspection time periods as described above, and sends the configuration data of the inspection accuracy information screen, including the inspection accuracy information representing the accuracy determined in the determined recommended inspection time period, to the user terminal 1.

[0083] (Example 2)

[0084] Figure 12 The processing shown is the same as Figure 11 Similarly, this process begins when the communication unit 41 of the server 4, which determines the accuracy of the check, receives an information provision request from the user terminal 1. Furthermore, Figure 12 The processing of steps S21 to S23 shown is... Figure 11 The processes shown in steps S1 to S3 are the same.

[0085] Next, the control unit 43 obtains meteorological information from the meteorological information providing server 2, displayed in each set time period, showing the weather around the target building to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date selected in step S22 (step S24). This meteorological information may include the weather around the target wall determined in step S23 and the outside temperature. Additionally, Figure 12 The processing of steps S25 and S26 shown is similar to... Figure 11 The processes shown in steps S7 and S8 are the same.

[0086] Next, based on the meteorological information obtained in step S24, the control unit 43 determines the highest and lowest temperatures of the scheduled inspection day selected in step S22 (step S27). Then, based on the highest and lowest temperatures determined in step S27, the control unit 43 calculates the external temperature difference of the scheduled inspection day selected in step S22 (step S28).

[0087] Next, the control unit 43, based on the weather information obtained in step S24 and the difference in external temperature calculated in step S29, determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection by the accuracy determination unit 437 (step S29). For example, the accuracy determination unit 437 can use... Figure 9 The table example shown uses the accuracy of the combination of the weather information obtained in step S24 and the external temperature difference calculated in step S29 to determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection.

[0088] Next, the control unit 43 stores the inspection accuracy information, which indicates the accuracy determined in step S29, in correspondence with the building ID of the building to be inspected, the scheduled inspection date determined in step S22, and the identifier of the wall surface to be inspected, determined in step S23 (step S30). Additionally, Figure 12 The processing of steps S31 and S32 shown is similar to... Figure 11 The processes shown in steps S14 and S15 are the same.

[0089] Next, the control unit 43 notifies the user U of the inspection accuracy information stored in step S30 (step S33). For example, the control unit 43 sends the configuration data of the inspection accuracy information screen, which includes the inspection accuracy information stored in step S30, the corresponding building ID, the scheduled inspection date, and the identifier of the wall to be inspected, to the user terminal 1 via the communication unit 41 through the accuracy notification unit 438. Thus, the inspection accuracy information is displayed on the inspection accuracy information screen in correspondence with the name of the building to be inspected and the scheduled inspection date (notification to the user U).

[0090] As explained above, according to the above embodiment, the temperature of the target building's wall surface is predicted on the scheduled inspection date for the infrared exterior wall inspection. The accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection is determined based on the predicted temperature, and inspection accuracy information, representing the determined accuracy, is notified to the user U related to the infrared exterior wall inspection. Therefore, the accuracy of the infrared exterior wall inspection can be efficiently provided to the user U as a criterion for determining whether the inspection can be carried out before the UAV performs the scheduled infrared exterior wall inspection. Thus, the user U can accurately determine whether to perform an infrared exterior wall inspection on the scheduled inspection date based on the notified accuracy, and can also determine the necessity of additional inspections or investigations beyond the infrared exterior wall inspection.

[0091] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is one embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications to the structure, etc., can be made from the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. In the above-described embodiment, instead of the information providing server SA, the user terminal 1 (control unit 14) predicts the temperature of the wall surface to be inspected on the scheduled inspection date for infrared outer wall inspection according to an inspection confirmation application (an example of the program of the present invention), determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection based on the predicted temperature, and notifies the user U related to the infrared outer wall inspection of the inspection accuracy information indicating the determined accuracy. In this case, the user terminal (control unit 14) 1 is configured to communicate with the weather information providing server 2 and the solar position information providing server 3, in addition to the inspection accuracy determination server 4. Furthermore, the user terminal 1 (control unit 14) can function as the aforementioned user designation acceptance unit 431, wall information acquisition unit 432, meteorological information acquisition unit 433, solar position information acquisition unit 434, condition determination unit 435, temperature prediction unit 436, accuracy determination unit 437, and accuracy notification unit 438, and perform the following functions. Figure 11 The process is shown. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a building was used as an example of a structure, but the present invention can also be applied to structures other than buildings (e.g., the walls of bridge foundations, the walls of ships). Additionally, in the above embodiment, the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection is displayed on an inspection accuracy information screen; however, as another example, it could also be configured to notify user U of the inspection accuracy information by sending an email containing the inspection accuracy information indicating the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection to user U's email address.

[0092] <Postscript>

[0093] [1] The information providing apparatus disclosed herein is characterized by comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires meteorological information, which shows the weather around a structure that will be the object of an infrared outer wall inspection on a predetermined date for such inspection by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); an accuracy determination unit that determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the UAV based on the meteorological information acquired by the first acquisition unit; and a notification unit that notifies a user related to the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the UAV of information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection can be provided to the user as a basis for determining whether the inspection can be performed before the UAV performs the infrared outer wall inspection.

[0094] [2] In the information providing device described in [1] above, the accuracy determination unit further comprises a prediction unit, which predicts the temperature of the wall surface of the structure to be inspected by infrared radiation based on the meteorological information obtained by the first acquisition unit, and the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared radiation inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the temperature predicted by the prediction unit. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared radiation inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be determined with higher precision based on the temperature of the wall surface of the structure predicted based on the meteorological information surrounding the structure to be inspected by infrared radiation.

[0095] [3] The information providing device described in [1] above is characterized by further comprising: a second acquisition unit that acquires wall information indicating the orientation of the wall of the structure; and a third acquisition unit that acquires solar position information showing the solar position relative to the structure for each time period.

[0096] [4] In the information providing device described in [2] or [4] above, the information providing device is characterized in that it further comprises a prediction unit, which predicts the temperature of the wall surface of the structure based on the meteorological information obtained by the first acquisition unit, the wall surface information obtained by the second acquisition unit, and the solar position information obtained by the third acquisition unit, and determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the temperature predicted by the prediction unit. Thus, the temperature of the wall surface of the structure to be inspected by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be predicted with high precision, and because this prediction is possible, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be determined with even higher precision.

[0097] [5] In the information providing device described in [2] or [4] above, the prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature of the wall surface of the structure on the predetermined day, and the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum values ​​predicted by the prediction unit. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be determined with higher precision.

[0098] [6] In the information providing device described in [5] above, the greater the temperature range, the higher the accuracy is determined by the accuracy determination unit. Therefore, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be determined with higher precision.

[0099] [7] In the information providing device described in [5] or [6] above, the prediction unit divides the wall surface of the structure into multiple different regions, predicts the maximum and minimum values ​​of the temperature for each region, the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each region based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the predicted temperature for each region, and the notification unit distinguishes and notifies the user of information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit for each region according to each region. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be provided to the user in an easily understandable manner as more useful judgment material for determining whether the inspection can be carried out.

[0100] [8] In any one of [5] to [7] above, the information providing device is characterized in that the prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures of the wall surface of the structure for each of a plurality of different time periods of the predetermined day; the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each time period based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the prediction unit for each time period; and the notification unit distinguishes and notifies the user of information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit for each time period according to each time period. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be provided to the user as multiple criteria for determining whether the inspection can be performed.

[0101] [9] In the information providing device described in any of [5] to [7] above, the prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures of the structure's wall surface for each of a plurality of different time periods of the predetermined date; the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each time period based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the prediction unit for each time period; and the notification unit determines, based on the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit for each time period, a time period that should be recommended to the user from the plurality of different time periods, and notifies the user of information indicating the accuracy determined in the determined time period. Thus, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle can be provided to the user as a judgment material for determining whether the inspection can be performed, i.e., a judgment material that can reduce the user's judgment burden.

[0102]

[10] The information providing device according to any one of [1] to [9] is characterized in that it further includes a receiving unit, which is subject to the structure specified by the user and the predetermined date. This improves user convenience when determining whether an unmanned aerial vehicle can perform infrared exterior wall inspection, etc.

[0103]

[11] In any of the information providing devices described in [1] to

[10] above, the information providing device is characterized in that it further comprises a condition determination unit, which determines whether at least one of the weather and wind speed around the structure on the predetermined day meets a predetermined condition for infrared outer wall inspection to be impossible. If the condition determination unit determines that the condition for infrared outer wall inspection to be impossible is met, the notification unit notifies the user that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cannot perform infrared outer wall inspection. Thus, the user can be provided with information that the UAV cannot perform infrared outer wall inspection more quickly.

[0104]

[12] In the information providing device described in

[11] above, the accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle only when the condition-whether determination unit determines that the condition for infrared outer wall inspection is not met. This reduces the processing load involved in predicting the temperature of the wall surface of the structure to be inspected by the unmanned aerial vehicle and determining the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection.

[0105]

[13] The information provision method disclosed herein is an information provision method executed by one or more computers, characterized by comprising the following steps: obtaining meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure to be inspected on a predetermined date for an infrared outer wall inspection conducted by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in each time period; determining the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV based on the obtained meteorological information; and notifying a user related to the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV of information indicating the determined accuracy.

[0106]

[14] The computer program product involved in this disclosure is characterized in that it enables a computer to perform the following steps: acquiring meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure to be inspected on a predetermined day for an infrared outer wall inspection conducted by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in each time period; determining the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV based on the acquired meteorological information; and notifying a user related to the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the UAV of information indicating the determined accuracy.

[0107] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0108] 1 User Terminal

[0109] 2. Meteorological information providing server

[0110] 3. Solar position information providing server

[0111] 4. Check the accuracy of the server.

[0112] 11 Operation / Display Section

[0113] 12 Ministry of Communications

[0114] 13 Storage Department

[0115] 14 Control Department

[0116] 41 Ministry of Communications

[0117] 42 Storage Section

[0118] 43 Control Department

[0119] 431 User-Designated Reception Department

[0120] 432 Wall Information Acquisition Department

[0121] 433 Meteorological Information Acquisition Department

[0122] 434 Solar Position Information Acquisition Department

[0123] 435 Conditional Judgment Department

[0124] 436 Temperature Prediction Department

[0125] 437 Accuracy Judgment Department

[0126] 438 Accuracy Notification Department

[0127] S Information Provision System

Claims

1. An information providing device, characterized in that, The information providing device has: The first acquisition unit acquires meteorological information, which shows the weather around the structure that will be the object of the infrared outer wall inspection on the scheduled date of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the unmanned aerial vehicle, according to each time period. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the meteorological information obtained by the first acquisition unit. as well as The notification unit notifies the user involved in the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle of information indicating the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accuracy determination unit also includes a prediction unit, which predicts the temperature of the wall surface of the structure to be inspected by infrared radiation based on the meteorological information obtained by the first acquisition unit. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the temperature predicted by the prediction unit.

3. The information providing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information providing device also includes: The second acquisition unit acquires wall information representing the orientation of the wall surface of the structure; and The third acquisition unit acquires solar position information showing the solar position relative to the structure on each time period of the predetermined day.

4. The information providing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The information providing device also includes a prediction unit that predicts the temperature of the structure's wall surface based on meteorological information obtained by the first acquisition unit, wall surface information obtained by the second acquisition unit, and solar position information obtained by the third acquisition unit. The accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined based on the temperature predicted by the prediction unit.

5. The information providing device according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures of the structure's wall surface on the predetermined date. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the prediction unit.

6. The information providing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The greater the temperature range, the higher the accuracy is determined by the accuracy determination unit.

7. The information providing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The prediction unit divides the wall surface of the structure into multiple different regions, and predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures for each region. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each region based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum predicted temperatures for each region. The notification unit will distinguish the accuracy information determined by the accuracy determination unit for each region according to each region and notify the user.

8. The information providing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures of the structure's wall surface for each of multiple different time periods within the predetermined date. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each time period based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the prediction unit for each time period. The notification unit will distinguish the accuracy information determined by the accuracy determination unit for each time period according to each time period and notify the user.

9. The information providing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The prediction unit predicts the maximum and minimum temperatures of the structure's wall surface for each of multiple different time periods within the predetermined date. The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle for each time period based on the temperature range between the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted by the prediction unit for each time period. The notification unit determines the time period to be recommended to the user from the plurality of different time periods based on the accuracy determined by the accuracy determination unit for each time period, and notifies the user of the information indicating the accuracy determined in the determined time period.

10. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The information providing device also includes a receiving unit that is subject to the structure specified by the user and the scheduled date.

11. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The information providing device also includes a condition-indetermining unit, which determines whether at least one of the weather and wind speed around the structure on the predetermined date meets the predetermined condition for an infrared outer wall inspection to be impossible. If the condition determination unit determines that the infrared outer wall inspection is not possible, the notification unit notifies the user that the unmanned aerial vehicle cannot perform an infrared outer wall inspection.

12. The information providing device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The accuracy determination unit determines the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle only if the condition-whether determination unit determines that the infrared outer wall inspection is not feasible.

13. An information providing method, wherein the information providing method is performed by one or more computers, characterized in that, The method for providing this information includes the following steps: Meteorological information is obtained, which shows the weather around the structure that will be the object of the infrared outer wall inspection on the scheduled date of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the unmanned aerial vehicle, in each time period; Based on the acquired meteorological information, determine the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle; and Information indicating the accuracy of the determination will be communicated to the user involved in the infrared exterior wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle.

14. A computer program product, characterized in that, Have the computer perform the following steps: Meteorological information is obtained, which shows the weather around the structure that will be the object of the infrared outer wall inspection on the scheduled date of the infrared outer wall inspection conducted by the unmanned aerial vehicle, in each time period; Based on the obtained meteorological information, the accuracy of the infrared outer wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined; as well as Information indicating the accuracy of the determination will be communicated to the user involved in the infrared exterior wall inspection performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle.

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