Flight service system

Abstract

To increase use opportunities of a flight service using an eVTOL.SOLUTION: A flight service system provides a flight service using an eVTOL. The flight service system retains a database in which information of a recommended spot group recommended by a user group using the flight service is accumulated. The flight service system acquires information on a specified recommended spot, which is specified by a target user who desires to use the flight service, among the recommended spot group accumulated in the database. The flight service system then determines a flight route for the target user so as to pass through the specified recommended spot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for providing flight services using an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for providing a mobility service using eVTOL. In response to a reservation request from a user, an itinerary including a flight from a first takeoff and landing site to a second takeoff and landing site is created. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-019193 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is hoped that there will be more opportunities to use eVTOL flight services. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a flight service system that provides flight services using eVTOL. The flight service system includes one or more processors and one or more storage devices. The one or more storage devices store a database that accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by a group of users who have used the flight service. The one or more processors acquire information on designated recommended spots designated by a target user who wishes to use the flight service from among the group of recommended spots stored in the database, and then determine a flight route for the target user so as to pass through the designated recommended spots. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a recommended spot database is prepared that accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by a group of users who have used a flight service. A target user who wishes to use the flight service can specify one or more of the recommended spots accumulated in the recommended spot database. Then, a flight route for the target user is determined so as to pass through the designated recommended spots. The target user can go from the departure point to the destination via the designated recommended spots. In other words, the target user can have an experience unique to eVTOL that cannot be experienced on a normal passenger aircraft. This improves the user's satisfaction with the flight service using eVTOL. As a result, the opportunities to use the flight service using eVTOL increase. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a flight service system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a recommended spot database. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining recommended spot reservation and schedule adjustment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining recommended spot reservation information. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a management system. [Figure 6] 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example process associated with a flight service reservation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] 1. Flight Service System Overview 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an overview of a flight service system 1 according to the present embodiment. The flight service system 1 provides a flight service using an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) 10.

[0010] The eVTOL10 is a small and lightweight VTOL driven by an electric motor. More specifically, the eVTOL10 includes a rotor, a power unit, and a control unit. The power unit includes an electric motor that rotates the rotor, a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, and the like. The battery is, for example, a storage battery such as an all-solid-state battery. Alternatively, the battery may be a fuel cell. The control unit controls the flight of the eVTOL10 by controlling the power unit. Such an eVTOL10 has features such as space saving, low cost, and low noise compared to general aircraft. In addition, the eVTOL10 can stop in the air and rotate on the spot. Therefore, the eVTOL10 can create a new experience that cannot be experienced on a normal passenger aircraft.

[0011] The takeoff and landing field 20 is a place where the eVTOL 10 takes off or lands. The takeoff and landing field 20 may include a charging facility, a battery exchange facility, a maintenance facility, and the like. Examples of the takeoff and landing field 20 include an airport, an airfield, a heliport, a rooftop of a building, an eVTOL hangar, and the like. As another example, the takeoff and landing field 20 may be an automobile dealership. By using the dealership as the takeoff and landing field 20, it is possible to seamlessly connect ground mobility services using automobiles and flight services using the eVTOL 10. In addition, it is possible to provide both mobility services at one stop.

[0012] In FIG. 1, airfield 20-1 is the departure point, and airfield 20-2 is the destination. A user U of a flight service boards an eVTOL 10 at airfield 20-1. The eVTOL 10 carrying the user U takes off from airfield 20-1, flies toward airfield 20-2, and lands at airfield 20-2. The user U disembarks from the eVTOL 10 that has landed at airfield 20-2.

[0013] The user terminal 30 is a terminal used by a user U. Examples of the user terminal 30 include a smartphone, a tablet, and a PC.

[0014] The management system 100 manages the entire flight service. For example, the management system 100 manages the eVTOL 10, the airstrip 20, accepts flight reservations from the user U, and determines an itinerary (flight route and flight schedule) for the user U. The management system 100 can communicate with the eVTOL 10, terminals installed at the airstrip 20, and the user terminal 30. Typically, the management system 100 performs wireless communication. The management system 100 may be composed of a single management server, or may be composed of multiple management servers that perform distributed processing.

[0015] As described above, the eVTOL 10 can stop in the air and rotate on the spot. Therefore, the eVTOL 10 can create a new experience that cannot be experienced with a normal passenger aircraft. For example, the eVTOL 10 may stop at a spot where a beautiful view can be seen during the flight from the airstrip 20-1 (departure point) to the airstrip 20-2 (destination point). A user U aboard the eVTOL 10 can enjoy the beautiful view from the spot at a preferred angle.

[0016] According to this embodiment, a user U who has used the eVTOL 10 can register spots that he or she can recommend to others based on his or her own experience as "recommended spots" in the management system 100. The management system 100 accumulates information on recommended spots submitted by various users U in a database. Such a database will be referred to hereinafter as a "recommended spot database 200."

[0017] 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the recommended spot database 200. The recommended spot database 200 is a database that accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by one or more users U (hereinafter referred to as a "user group") who have used the flight service. The recommended spot database 200 has an entry for each recommended spot. Each entry includes the identification information (ID), name, location (latitude, longitude, altitude), time period, photos or videos, reviews, comments, etc. of the recommended spot.

[0018] A user U who uses the flight service can register information about recommended spots in the recommended spot database 200 by operating the user terminal 30. For example, the user U starts a flight service app on the user terminal 30 and inputs information about recommended spots. The location of the recommended spot can be obtained from the current location information of the eVTOL 10 or flight route data. For example, during a flight, the user U presses a predetermined button on the app at a spot that the user wants to recommend. The app obtains the current location information in cooperation with the eVTOL 10. As another example, the app may obtain information about the flight route from the management system 100 and display the flight route on the display device of the user terminal 30. The user U may specify a recommended spot by looking at the displayed flight route. The user terminal 30 transmits information about the recommended spots input by the user U to the management system 100. The management system 100 adds the information about the recommended spots sent from the user terminal 30 to the recommended spot database 200.

[0019] The recommended spot database 200 created and updated in this manner can be used by a user U who will use the flight service in the future, that is, a user U who wishes to use the flight service. A user U who will use the flight service in the future, that is, a user U who wishes to use the flight service, will be referred to as a "target user" hereinafter.

[0020] The management system 100 presents (recommends) one or more of the recommended spots stored in the recommended spot database 200 to the target user via the user terminal 30. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a recommended spot that the target user would like to visit.

[0021] For example, the target user first operates the user terminal 30 to specify a departure point (airport 20-1) and a destination point (airport 20-2). The management system 100 acquires information on the departure point and destination point specified by the target user. The management system 100 extracts recommended spot candidates that exist in a predetermined area between the departure point and the destination point from the group of recommended spots stored in the recommended spot database 200. The predetermined area between the departure point and the destination point is, for example, an area that can be reached within a certain time from the shortest route between the departure point and the destination point. The predetermined area between the departure point and the destination point may be an area within a certain distance from the shortest route between the departure point and the destination point. The management system 100 presents (recommends) the recommended spot candidates to the target user through the user terminal 30 of the target user. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a recommended spot that the target user would like to stop by from the recommended spot candidates. The recommended spot specified by the target user is hereinafter referred to as a "specified recommended spot". The management system 100 acquires information on the specified recommended spot point. Then, the management system 100 determines a flight route for the target user so as to pass through the designated recommended spots designated by the target user.

[0022] As another example, the management system 100 may present (recommend) a group of recommended spots stored in the recommended spot database 200 to the target user via the user terminal 30 of the target user. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a recommended spot that the target user would like to stop by from the group of recommended spots. The management system 100 acquires information on the designated recommended spot specified by the target user. The management system 100 selects a departure point (airport 20-1) and a destination (airport 20-2) that provide easy access to the designated recommended spot. Then, the management system 100 determines a flight route for the target user that passes through the designated recommended spot.

[0023] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a recommended spot database 200 is prepared, which accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by a group of users who have used a flight service. A target user who wishes to use the flight service can specify one or more of the recommended spots stored in the recommended spot database 200. Then, a flight route for the target user is determined so as to pass through the designated recommended spots. The target user can go from the departure point to the destination via the designated recommended spots. In other words, the target user can have an experience unique to the eVTOL10 that cannot be experienced on a normal passenger aircraft. This improves the satisfaction of the user U with the flight service using the eVTOL10. As a result, the opportunities to use the flight service using the eVTOL10 increase.

[0024] Next, referring to FIG. 3, consider reserving a recommended spot. Many eVTOLs 10 may flock to a popular recommended spot, causing waiting in the air. For example, (A) in FIG. 3 shows a situation in which many eVTOLs 10 gather around a popular recommended spot S2. While a certain eVTOL 10 is staying at the recommended spot S2, other eVTOLs 10 waiting in line are waiting (hovering) around the recommended spot S2. Therefore, during that time, the eVTOLs 10 waiting in line waste power. Also, it is not desirable from a safety standpoint for many eVTOLs 10 to gather in a small area.

[0025] Therefore, recommended spots may require reservations. In the example shown in (B) of Fig. 3, for the recommended spot S2, the time 12:00 to 12:20 is assigned to user Ua, and the time 12:30 to 12:50 is assigned to user Ub. In other words, the reservation time for the recommended spot S2 is 12:00 to 12:20 for user Ua, and 12:30 to 12:50 for user Ub.

[0026] 4, the management system 100 may hold recommended spot reservation information 300 for managing reservations of recommended spots. The recommended spot reservation information 300 indicates the current reservation status for each recommended spot. A target user who wishes to use the flight service can reserve an available time slot by referring to the recommended spot reservation information 300.

[0027] Specifically, the management system 100 extracts free time (available time) related to the designated recommended spot designated by the target user from the recommended spot reservation information 300. Then, the management system 100 presents the information on free time related to the designated recommended spot to the target user via the user terminal 30. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a desired reservation time from the presented free time. The user terminal 30 transmits information related to the reservation time specified by the target user to the management system 100. The management system 100 assigns the specified reservation time to the target user and updates the recommended spot reservation information 300.

[0028] Alternatively, the management system 100 may automatically assign an appropriate free time as a reservation time to the target user.

[0029] When determining the flight schedule of the target user, the management system 100 acquires information on the reservation time of the designated recommended spot assigned to the target user from the recommended spot reservation information 300. Then, the management system 100 determines the flight schedule of the target user so that the target eVTOL boarded by the target user arrives at the designated recommended spot before the reservation time.

[0030] In this way, by making the recommended spots reservation-based, it is possible to prevent multiple eVTOLs 10 from concentrating at the same recommended spot at the same time. This reduces the occurrence of waiting in the air. Hovering for waiting is also reduced, which reduces unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, it also prevents a large number of eVTOLs 10 from congregating in a small area. This is preferable from a safety perspective.

[0031] The management system 100 may determine the flight schedule of the target user so that the target eVTOL on board by the target user arrives at the designated recommended spot at the reserved time without waiting in the air. In this case, unnecessary power consumption is minimized.

[0032] The process of determining the flight schedule of the target user in consideration of the reservation time of the designated recommended spot assigned to the target user as described above is called a "schedule adjustment process." Due to the schedule adjustment process, it may become necessary to change the departure time of the target eVTOL from the original departure time desired by the target user. If it is necessary to change the departure time of the target eVTOL from the original departure time desired by the target user, the management system 100 may offer a privilege to the target user via the user terminal 30 of the target user. Examples of the privilege include discounts, points, coupons, etc. By offering a privilege to the target user, the target user is encouraged to accept the schedule adjustment process. As a result, the possibility of suppressing unnecessary power consumption is increased.

[0033] The reservation fee for the recommended spot may vary depending on the season or time of day (dynamic pricing). For example, the reservation fee for a recommended spot where you can see a beautiful sunset may be higher in the evening.

[0034] 2. Management system configuration example 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management system 100. The management system 100 includes one or more processors 101 (hereinafter simply referred to as processors 101), one or more storage devices 102 (hereinafter simply referred to as storage devices 102), and a communication interface 103.

[0035] The processor 101 executes various processes. For example, the processor 101 manages the eVTOL 10, manages the airfield 20, accepts flight reservations from the user U, and determines an itinerary (flight route and flight schedule) for the user U. Examples of the processor 101 include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like.

[0036] The storage device 102 stores various types of information. Examples of the storage device 102 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0037] The communication interface 103 is communicatively connected to each eVTOL 10, a terminal installed at each takeoff and landing field 20, each user terminal 30, etc. The processor 101 communicates with each eVTOL 10, a terminal installed at each takeoff and landing field 20, each user terminal 30, etc. via the communication interface 103.

[0038] The management program PROG is a computer program executed by the processor 101. The functions of the management system 100 may be realized by cooperation between the processor 101, which executes the management program PROG, and the storage device 102. The management program PROG is stored in the storage device 102. Alternatively, the management program PROG may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium.

[0039] The storage device 102 stores eVTOL management information 110, airfield information 120, user information 130, itinerary information 140, a recommended spot database 200, recommended spot reservation information 300, etc.

[0040] The eVTOL management information 110 is information for managing each eVTOL 10. For example, the eVTOL management information 110 includes an aircraft ID, location information, performance information, status information, schedule information, and the like of each eVTOL 10. The location information is measured by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or an altimeter mounted on the eVTOL 10, and is transmitted from the eVTOL 10 to the management system 100. The performance information includes a cruising distance, a maximum flight speed, a battery performance, and the like. The status information includes an operating state (waiting, flying), a flight speed, and the like, and is transmitted from the eVTOL 10 to the management system 100. The schedule information indicates a flight schedule and a flight route of the eVTOL 10.

[0041] The airstrip information 120 is information related to each airstrip 20. For example, the airstrip information 120 includes the ID, location information, facility information, schedule information, etc. of each airstrip 20. The location information (latitude, longitude) of each airstrip 20 is known information. The facility information indicates the presence or absence of charging facilities, the presence or absence of maintenance facilities, etc. The schedule information indicates which eVTOL 10 is present (available) at each airstrip 20 and when.

[0042] The user information 130 is information related to a user U of a flight service. For example, the user information 130 includes the user ID, registration information, reservation information, usage history information, and the like of each user U.

[0043] The itinerary information 140 is information related to the itinerary of the flight booked by the user U. For example, the itinerary information 140 includes an itinerary ID, the user ID of the user U, the aircraft ID of the eVTOL 10 to be used, the departure point (first takeoff and landing pad 20-1), the destination point (second takeoff and landing pad 20-2), the flight route, the flight schedule (departure time, arrival time, required time), flight fare, etc. The itinerary information 140 may also include designated recommended spots and their reservation times.

[0044] The recommended spot database 200 is as described above (see FIG. 2). The recommended spot database 200 is a database that accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by a group of users who have used the flight service. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the recommended spots input by the user U to the management system 100. The processor 101 adds the information on the recommended spots transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the recommended spot database 200.

[0045] The recommended spot reservation information 300 is as described above (see FIG. 3). The recommended spot reservation information 300 indicates the current reservation status for each recommended spot. A target user who wishes to use a flight service can reserve free time by referring to the recommended spot reservation information 300. The user terminal 30 transmits information related to the reservation time designated by the target user to the management system 100. The processor 101 assigns the designated reservation time to the target user and updates the recommended spot reservation information 300.

[0046] 3. Processing example 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process related to a flight service reservation. A target user who wishes to use a flight service starts a flight service application on the user terminal 30.

[0047] In step S110, the processor 101 accepts a flight service request from a target user who wishes to use a flight service. For example, the flight service request includes a desired date of use, a desired departure time, a desired arrival time, a departure point (airport 20-1), a destination point (airport 20-2), and the like. The flight service request corresponds to search information for the target user to search for a flight service. More specifically, the target user inputs a flight service request using the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 transmits the input flight service request to the management system 100. The processor 101 of the management system 100 receives the flight service request via the communication interface 103. The processor 101 stores the received flight service request in the storage device 102.

[0048] Furthermore, the processor 101 may accept a reservation from the target user for recommended spots to stop by during the flight (step S115).

[0049] For example, the processor 101 extracts recommended spot candidates existing in a predetermined area between the departure point (airport 20-1) and the destination point (airport 20-2) from the group of recommended spots accumulated in the recommended spot database 200. Information on the departure point and the destination point is included in the above-mentioned flight service request. The predetermined area between the departure point and the destination point is, for example, an area that can be reached within a certain time from the shortest route between the departure point and the destination point. The predetermined area between the departure point and the destination point may be an area within a certain distance from the shortest route between the departure point and the destination point. The processor 101 transmits information on the extracted recommended spot candidates to the user terminal 30 of the target user via the communication interface 103. The user terminal 30 presents the recommended spot candidates to the target user. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a recommended spot that the target user would like to stop by from the recommended spot candidates. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the specified recommended spot to the management system 100. The processor 101 receives information on the specified recommended spot via the communication interface 103. The processor 101 stores information about the designated recommended spots in the storage device 102 .

[0050] As another example, the processor 101 may transmit information on the group of recommended spots stored in the recommended spot database 200 to the user terminal 30 of the target user via the communication interface 103. The user terminal 30 presents the group of recommended spots to the target user. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a recommended spot that the target user would like to stop by from the group of recommended spots. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the specified recommended spot to the management system 100. The processor 101 receives the information on the specified recommended spot via the communication interface 103. Thereafter, the processor 101 may select a departure point (airport 20-1) and a destination point (airport 20-2) that are easy to access the specified recommended spot. The processor 101 stores information on the departure point, the destination, and the specified recommended spot in the storage device 102.

[0051] The recommended spot may require a reservation. In this case, the processor 101 extracts free time (available time) for the designated recommended spot from the recommended spot reservation information 300. The processor 101 transmits the information on free time for the designated recommended spot to the user terminal 30 of the target user via the communication interface 103. The user terminal 30 presents the free time for the designated recommended spot to the target user. The target user operates the user terminal 30 to specify a desired reservation time from the presented free time. The user terminal 30 transmits information on the reservation time specified by the target user to the management system 100. The processor 101 receives information on the specified reservation time via the communication interface 103. The processor 101 assigns the specified reservation time to the target user and updates the recommended spot reservation information 300.

[0052] In step S120, the processor 101 executes an "itinerary creation process" that creates one or more itineraries from a departure point (airport 20-1) to a destination point (airport 20-2) in response to the flight service request. For example, the processor 101 selects an eVTOL that is available at the departure point at the desired departure time on the desired use date based on the eVTOL management information 110 and the airport information 120. The processor 101 also acquires location information of the departure point and the destination based on the airport information 120. Then, the processor 101 determines one or more flight routes from the departure point to the destination.

[0053] If a designated recommended spot has been designated by the target user, the processor 101 determines one or more flight routes that pass through the designated recommended spot.

[0054] When the reservation time of the designated recommended spot is assigned to the target user, the processor 101 performs a schedule adjustment process (step S125). In the schedule adjustment process, the processor 101 determines one or more flight schedules taking into consideration the reservation time of the designated recommended spot assigned to the target user. More specifically, the processor 101 determines one or more flight schedules so that the target eVTOL boarded by the target user arrives at the designated recommended spot before the reservation time. The processor 101 may determine one or more flight schedules so that the target eVTOL arrives at the designated recommended spot at the reservation time without waiting in the air. When the departure time of the target eVTOL needs to be changed from the original departure time desired by the target user, the processor 101 may offer a benefit to the target user via the user terminal 30 of the target user.

[0055] In step S130, the processor 101 presents the tentative itinerary information to the target user. The tentative itinerary information includes the departure point, destination, flight route, flight schedule (departure time, arrival time, required time), information on the target eVTOL, etc. The tentative itinerary information may include designated recommended spots and their reservation times. The tentative itinerary information may include fare information. The processor 101 transmits the tentative itinerary information to the user terminal 30 of the target user via the communication interface 103. The user terminal 30 presents the tentative itinerary information to the target user.

[0056] In step S140, the target user reviews the presented tentative itinerary information and decides whether to confirm the reservation. If multiple itineraries are presented, the target user selects one from the multiple itineraries. For example, the target user makes the decision or selection by referring to the required time and the usage fee. If the target user does not approve the presented tentative itinerary information, the target user may change the flight service request. In that case, the process returns to step S110.

[0057] When confirming a reservation, the target user instructs the reservation confirmation using the user terminal 30. When multiple itineraries are presented, the target user selects one of the multiple itineraries. The user terminal 30 transmits a reservation confirmation request to the management system 100. The processor 101 of the management system 100 receives the reservation confirmation request via the communication interface 103. In response to the reservation confirmation request, the processor 101 confirms the itinerary information for the target user. Then, the processor 101 updates the eVTOL management information 110, the airfield information 120, the user information 130, and the itinerary information 140 based on the itinerary information for the target user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1... Flight service system, 10... eVTOL, 20... Takeoff and landing site, User terminal 30, 100... Management system, 200... Recommended spot database, 300... Recommended spot reservation information

Claims

1. A flight service system for providing a flight service using an eVTOL, one or more processors; one or more storage devices that store a database that accumulates information on a group of recommended spots recommended by a group of users who have used the flight service; Equipped with The one or more processors: Acquire information on designated recommended spots designated by a target user who wishes to use the flight service from the group of recommended spots stored in the database; Determine a flight route for the target user so as to pass through the designated recommended spot It was configured as Flight service system.

2. 2. The flight service system of claim 1, The one or more processors further include: Obtaining information about a departure point and a destination designated by the target user; extracting recommended spot candidates that are present in a predetermined area between the departure point and the destination from the group of recommended spots stored in the database; Present the recommended spot candidates to the target user via a user terminal of the target user. It was configured as Flight service system.

3. 2. The flight service system of claim 1, Each of the recommended spots included in the group of recommended spots requires a reservation, The one or more processors further include: Acquire reservation time information for the designated recommended spot assigned to the target user; A flight schedule for the target user is determined so that the target eVTOL on which the target user is to board arrives at the designated recommended spot before the reservation time. It was configured as Flight service system.

4. 4. A flight service system according to claim 3, comprising: The one or more processors determine the flight schedule for the target user such that the target eVTOL arrives at the designated recommended spot at the reservation time without waiting in the air. Flight service system.

5. 5. A flight service system according to claim 3 or 4, When the departure time of the target eVTOL needs to be changed from the departure time desired by the target user, the one or more processors offer a reward to the target user via the user terminal of the target user. Flight service system.

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