Server device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server device which can raise the possibility that an appropriate answer can be obtained in response to an inquiry.SOLUTION: A server device 110 within an aircraft 1 comprises a processing unit 111 and a non-transitory first recording medium 113 storing data therein. The processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from a terminal device in the aircraft 1 and uses the data stored in the first recording medium 113 to determine whether answering to the inquiry is possible or not and, if it is determined that answering to the inquiry is impossible, accesses a resource outside the server device 110 and uses the resource to generate answer information and transmits the answer information to the terminal device to answer to the inquiry.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device mounted on an aircraft and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inquiry response system has been proposed that receives an inquiry by chat or the like and returns a response (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This inquiry response system includes a response server device and a plurality of terminal devices. Then, by repeatedly transmitting messages and questions between the response server device and the terminal device, a response to the inquiry is transmitted from the response server device to the terminal device. Further, in that inquiry response system, a response based on the attributes of the user of the terminal device is provided to that terminal device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the response server device of Patent Document 1 above, depending on the inquiry from the terminal device, a response to the inquiry may not be obtained. For example, when applying the inquiry response system of Patent Document 1 above to an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system of an aircraft, it is difficult to obtain an appropriate response according to any situation of the aircraft.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a server device and the like that can increase the possibility of obtaining an appropriate response to an inquiry.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A server device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a server device in an aircraft, and includes a processor and a non-transitory first recording medium storing data. The processor receives an inquiry from a terminal device in the aircraft, determines whether an answer can be given to the inquiry using the data recorded in the first recording medium, and when it is determined that the answer is impossible, accesses a resource outside the server device, generates answer information using the resource, and transmits the answer information to the terminal device to give the answer.

[0007] These general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The recording medium may be a non-transitory recording medium.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The server device of the present disclosure can increase the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry.

[0009] Furthermore, advantages and effects in an aspect of the present disclosure will be clarified from the specification and the drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by some embodiments and the configurations described in the specification and the drawings, but not all configurations are necessarily required.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The server device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a server device inside an aircraft, and includes a processor and a non-transitory first recording medium storing data. The processor receives an inquiry from a terminal device inside the aircraft, determines whether an answer can be given to the inquiry using the data recorded in the first recording medium, and when it is determined that the answer is impossible, accesses a resource outside the server device, generates answer information using the resource, and transmits the answer information to the terminal device to give the answer.

[0012] Accordingly, even when an answer cannot be given to an inquiry using the data in the first recording medium provided in the server device, an answer to the inquiry is given by using a resource outside the server device. Therefore, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft can be increased.

[0013] Regarding the server device according to the second aspect, in the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device. When the processor receives the inquiry from an inquiry source that is one of the plurality of terminal devices, the processor further determines whether the inquiry source is a passenger terminal or a crew terminal. The passenger terminal is a terminal device used by a passenger of the aircraft among the plurality of terminal devices, and the crew terminal is a terminal device used by a crew member of the aircraft among the plurality of terminal devices. In the determination of whether the answer is possible, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, the processor may determine whether an answer corresponding to the passenger corresponding to the passenger terminal is possible, and when the inquiry source is the crew terminal, the processor may determine whether an answer corresponding to the crew member corresponding to the crew terminal is possible. Note that the server device according to the second aspect may be subordinate to the first aspect.

[0014] Accordingly, depending on whether the inquiry source is a passenger terminal or a crew terminal, it is determined whether an answer corresponding to the user of the inquiry source, that is, a passenger or a crew member of the aircraft, is possible. Therefore, an appropriate determination corresponding to the user can be made.

[0015] Further, in the server device according to the third aspect, the first recording medium stores first response data for answering an inquiry from the passenger terminal and second response data for answering an inquiry from the crew terminal, and the processor, in determining whether the answer is possible, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, determines whether the answer is possible by referring to the first response data as the data, and when the inquiry source is the crew terminal, may determine whether the answer is possible by referring to the second response data as the data. Note that the server device according to the third aspect may be subordinate to the second aspect.

[0016] As a result, the first response data for passengers and the second response data for crew members are used separately according to the inquiry source. That is, when the inquiry source is a passenger terminal and an answer cannot be obtained using the first response data, it is determined that the answer to the passenger terminal is not possible. Similarly, when the inquiry source is a crew terminal and an answer cannot be obtained using the second response data, it is determined that the answer to the crew terminal is not possible. As a result, it is possible to appropriately determine whether an answer is possible according to whether the user of the inquiry source is a passenger or a crew member. Further, by using the first response data and the second response data separately, an appropriate answer unique to the user can be obtained according to whether the user of the inquiry source is a passenger or a crew member.

[0017] Also, in the server device according to the fourth aspect, in accessing the resource, the processor accesses a second recording medium that is the resource outside the server device and inside the aircraft and stores information related to the aircraft as aircraft-related information, and in generating the response information, the response information may be generated using the aircraft-related information stored in the second recording medium. Note that the server device according to the fourth aspect may be subordinate to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect.

[0018] As a result, since response information is generated using information related to the aircraft, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate response to an inquiry according to any situation of the aircraft can be effectively enhanced.

[0019] Also, in the server device according to the fifth aspect, the aircraft-related information may include at least one of aircraft information indicating the state of the aircraft body, operation information indicating the operation plan and operation state of the aircraft, inventory information indicating the number or amount of items loaded on the aircraft, lighting information indicating the setting and state of lighting in the aircraft, and time information indicating the time schedule inside the aircraft. Note that the server device according to the fifth aspect may be subordinate to the fourth aspect.

[0020] As a result, since response information is generated using the state of the aircraft body, operation plan, operation state, inventory, time schedule, etc. of the aircraft, the possibility of obtaining a specific response to an inquiry according to any situation of the aircraft can be effectively enhanced.

[0021] Also, for the server device according to the sixth aspect, in the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device. When the processor receives the inquiry from an inquiry source that is one of the plurality of terminal devices, for accessing the resource, among the plurality of terminal devices, different from the inquiry source and being a terminal device used by the crew of the aircraft, the processor may request support for the answer to the crew terminal, and then access the resource. For generating the answer information, the answer information may be generated using information from the crew terminal treated as the resource. Note that the server device according to the sixth aspect may be subordinate to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0022] Thereby, when an answer cannot be given to an inquiry using the data of the first recording medium provided in the server device, support for the answer is requested to the crew terminal. Therefore, for example, answer information can be generated using information received by the crew terminal through an input operation by the crew. That is, answer information can be generated using the knowledge of the crew. As a result, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry according to any situation of the aircraft can be further enhanced.

[0023] Also, in the server device according to the seventh aspect, for accessing the resource, the processor may request support for the answer to an off-aircraft management system arranged outside the aircraft, and then access the resource. For generating the answer information, the answer information may be generated using information from the off-aircraft management system treated as the resource. Note that the server device according to the seventh aspect may be subordinate to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect. For example, the off-aircraft management system is a system on the ground.

[0024] As a result, when it is impossible to answer an inquiry using the data on the first recording medium provided in the server device, a request for assistance in answering is made to the off-aircraft management system. Therefore, for example, information received by the off-aircraft management system through an input operation by an operator, or answer information can be generated using a search function or the like of the off-aircraft management system. As a result, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft can be further enhanced.

[0025] Regarding the server device according to the eighth aspect, in the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device, and when the processor receives the inquiry from an inquiry source that is one of the plurality of terminal devices in accessing the resource, among the plurality of terminal devices, when it is impossible to receive the assistance in answering from a crew terminal that is different from the inquiry source and is used by the crew of the aircraft, the assistance in answering to the off-aircraft management system may be requested. Note that the server device according to the eighth aspect may be subordinate to the seventh aspect.

[0026] As a result, when it is impossible to answer an inquiry using the data on the first recording medium provided in the server device and it is impossible to obtain the assistance in answering to the request for assistance in answering to the crew terminal, further, a request for assistance in answering is made to the off-aircraft management system. As a result, since the assistance in answering is repeatedly performed, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft can be more effectively enhanced.

[0027] In the server device according to the ninth aspect, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, the processor may further transmit the generated answer information to the crew terminal. Note that the server device according to the ninth aspect may be subordinate to any one of the second aspect to the eighth aspect.

[0028] As a result, the response information is shared between the passenger terminal and the crew terminal. Therefore, the crew can know the response to the passenger's inquiry via the crew terminal, and the efficiency of in-flight operations can be improved.

[0029] Also, in the server device according to the tenth aspect, in the determination of the inquiry source, the processor may specify the attribute of the inquiry source and determine whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal or the crew terminal based on the specified attribute. Note that the server device according to the tenth aspect may be subordinate to any one of the second aspect to the ninth aspect. For example, the attribute may be the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the terminal device.

[0030] As a result, it is possible to accurately determine whether the inquiry source is a passenger terminal or a crew terminal.

[0031] Also, in the server device according to the eleventh aspect, in the generation of the response information, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, the processor may specify the attribute of the passenger corresponding to the inquiry source and generate the response information according to the specified attribute. Note that the server device according to the eleventh aspect may be subordinate to any one of the second aspect to the tenth aspect.

[0032] As a result, appropriate response information can be generated according to the attributes of the passengers.

[0033] Also, in the server device according to the twelfth aspect, the attribute may be at least one of the class of the seat where the passenger sits, the seat number, and the seat area. Note that the server device according to the twelfth aspect may be subordinate to the eleventh aspect.

[0034] Accordingly, depending on whether the passenger's seat is in first class, business class, economy class, etc., appropriate response information corresponding to the services of that class can be generated. Also, depending on the seat number, seat area, etc. of the passenger's seat, appropriate response information corresponding to the corresponding services can be generated. Note that the seat area is the section where the passenger's seat is located.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Note that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Also, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the most general concept are described as optional components. Also, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily drawn precisely. Also, in each figure, the same constituent members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0037] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the information processing system in the present embodiment.

[0038] The information processing system 100 in the present embodiment is disposed in the aircraft 1 together with the second recording medium 200. The information processing system 100 refers to the information stored in the second recording medium 200 and further communicates with, for example, an off-aircraft management system 300 installed on the ground. Note that the information processing system 100 may communicate with the off-aircraft management system 300 via, for example, a satellite, a ground base station, or the like. Also, the aircraft 1 is, for example, a passenger aircraft.

[0039] The information processing system 100 has functions as an IFE system, for example, and includes a server device 110, a plurality of passenger terminals 120, and a plurality of crew terminals 130. The server device 110 provides various services to the plurality of passenger terminals 120 and the plurality of crew terminals 130. One of the various services is an answer to an inquiry. That is, when the server device 110 receives an inquiry from one of the plurality of passenger terminals 120 and the plurality of crew terminals 130, it answers the inquiry. The inquiry and the answer are made, for example, by chat. The server device 110 has a function as a chatbot.

[0040] Each of the plurality of passenger terminals 120 is a terminal device used by passengers of the aircraft 1. Each of the plurality of crew terminals 130 is a terminal device used by the crew of the aircraft 1 and is configured as, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The crew is specifically a flight attendant and is also called a CA (Cabin Attendant), FA (Flight Attendant), or cabin crew. Such a plurality of terminal devices (that is, the plurality of passenger terminals 120 and the plurality of crew terminals 130) are connected to the server device 110 via wireless or wired and communicate with the server device 110. The wireless communication may be performed by Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), or specific low-power wireless.

[0041] As described above, in the aircraft 1 in the present embodiment, a plurality of terminal devices are used as terminal devices for making inquiries. Among the plurality of terminal devices, the passenger terminal 120 is a terminal device used by passengers of the aircraft 1, and the crew terminal 130 is a terminal device used by the crew of the aircraft 1.

[0042] The second recording medium 200 is a resource outside the server device 110 and inside the aircraft 1, and stores information related to the aircraft 1 as aircraft-related information 210. The aircraft-related information 210 includes airframe information 211, operation information 212, inventory information 213, lighting information 214, and time information 215. Note that the second recording medium 200 may be composed of one recording medium or a plurality of recording mediums. That is, the above-mentioned plurality of information may be stored in the same recording medium or may be stored dispersedly in a plurality of recording mediums. The airframe information 211 is information indicating the state of the airframe of the aircraft 1. The operation information 212 is information indicating the operation plan and operation state of the aircraft 1. The inventory information 213 is information indicating the number or amount of items loaded on the aircraft 1. The item may be a product sold inside the aircraft 1 or may be food, drinks, etc. The lighting information 214 is information indicating the lighting settings and state of the aircraft 1. The time information 215 is information indicating the time schedule inside the aircraft 1. For example, the time schedule indicates the time zone when meals are provided inside the aircraft 1, the time zone when preparations for the meals are made, etc. Such aircraft-related information 210 is referred to by the server device 110. Note that the second recording medium 200 is configured as, for example, a hard disk drive, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or semiconductor memory. Also, the second recording medium 200 may be volatile or non-volatile.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement configuration of a plurality of passenger terminals 120 in the present embodiment.

[0044] The passenger terminal 120 is attached to each of a plurality of seats 2 arranged in the passenger cabin of the aircraft 1. That is, the passenger terminal 120 is attached to the rear side of the backrest of the seat 2. The display of the passenger terminal 120 attached to the seat 2 is directed toward the rear seat side, which is another seat 2 immediately behind that seat 2, and is visible to the passenger sitting in that rear seat. Such a passenger terminal 120 is used by the passenger in the rear seat.

[0045] The display of the passenger terminal 120 displays the passenger's inquiry and the response from the server device 110 to the inquiry. Further, the passenger terminal 120 includes an input device, and accepts an inquiry in response to an input operation on the input device by the passenger. The input device may be a touch sensor disposed on the display of the passenger terminal 120. In this case, a touch panel is configured by the display and the touch sensor. Further, the input device may be one or more physical buttons, a keyboard, a touch pad, or the like. Further, the input device may be a microphone. In this case, the passenger terminal 120 accepts an inquiry in response to the voice of the passenger collected by the microphone.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 110 in the present embodiment.

[0047] The server device 110 is disposed in the aircraft 1 and includes a processing unit 111, an input / output unit 112, and a first recording medium 113. Note that the server device 110 may be configured as a single device, or may be configured from a plurality of devices or devices. The processing unit 111 is configured as an integrated circuit or circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The input / output unit 112 provides an interface between the processing unit 111 and each of the plurality of passenger terminals 120 and the plurality of crew terminals 130, and provides a communication interface between the processing unit 111 and the external management system 300. Further, the input / output unit 112 is also used for accessing the second recording medium 200.

[0048] The first recording medium 113 is a non-temporary recording medium that stores data. Note that the first recording medium 113 is configured as, for example, a hard disk drive, a RAM, a ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the first recording medium 113 may be volatile or non-volatile. Such a first recording medium 113 includes a first recording unit 113a, a second recording unit 113b, and a third recording unit 113c.

[0049] The first recording unit 113a stores the first response data 11 for answering inquiries from the passenger terminal 120. The first response data 11 may indicate a plurality of responses to a plurality of inquiries expected in advance from the passenger terminal 120, or information used for the plurality of responses. Alternatively, the first response data 11 may be configured as a machine learning model. The machine learning model is a model generated by performing machine learning such that, in response to an input of an inquiry from the passenger terminal 120, a response for the passenger corresponding to the inquiry is output.

[0050] The second recording unit 113b stores the second response data 12 for answering inquiries from the crew terminal 130. The second response data 12 may indicate a plurality of responses to a plurality of inquiries expected in advance from the crew terminal 130, or information used for the plurality of responses. Alternatively, the second response data 12 may be configured as a machine learning model. The machine learning model is a model generated by performing machine learning such that, in response to an input of an inquiry from the crew terminal 130, a response for the crew corresponding to the inquiry is output.

[0051] The third recording unit 113c stores service data 13 for providing various services to passengers. The service data 13 may include a plurality of movie data, a plurality of music data, and food and beverage data. Each of the plurality of movie data and music data is viewed by a passenger by being streamed and played on the passenger terminal 120. The food and beverage data is data related to food and beverages provided to passengers in the aircraft 1. Further, the service data 13 may include other data such as data indicating tasks of the crew for passengers.

[0052] In such a server device 110, when the processing unit 111 receives, as an inquiry, an inquiry message composed of a sentence, a character string, etc. from a terminal device via the input / output unit 112, the processing unit 111 performs natural language processing on the inquiry. Note that the natural language processing in this embodiment is NLP (natural language processing), and may be a process of textifying the inquiry message and analyzing the content of the textified language. Further, the natural language processing may be a process by AI (Artificial Intelligence), or may include a process of performing simple pattern matching of words included in a sentence or a character string. Then, based on the result of the natural language processing, the processing unit 111 generates response information indicating an answer to the inquiry using the first recording medium 113. Furthermore, the processing unit 111 transmits the response information to the inquiry source, which is one of the plurality of terminal devices and is the terminal device that made the inquiry, via the input / output unit 112. The response information is displayed on the display of the inquiry source terminal device.

[0053] Here, the processing unit 111 determines whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130. If the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 generates passenger-specific response information using the first response data 11 stored in the first recording unit 113a. On the other hand, if the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 generates crew-specific response information using the second response data 12 stored in the second recording unit 113b. Thereby, even if the processing unit 111 receives the same inquiry from the passenger terminal 120 and the crew terminal 130, it can generate and transmit different response information to those terminal devices. That is, if the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 can generate response information specialized for the passenger who is the user of the passenger terminal 120, and if the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 can generate response information specialized for the crew member who is the user of the crew terminal 130.

[0054] Note that the processing unit 111 may generate response information by narrowing down the category in response to an inquiry. For example, when receiving an inquiry, the processing unit 111 first performs natural language processing on the inquiry and extracts a plurality of categories related to the inquiry from a plurality of predefined categories. The plurality of predefined categories are defined according to the first response data 11 and the second response data 12 respectively. Note that each of the first response data 11 and the second response data 12 has a hierarchical structure of categories. The processing unit 111 displays the extracted plurality of categories on the display of the inquirer. When any one of the plurality of categories is selected by the inquirer, the processing unit 111 further extracts a plurality of categories (i.e., sub-categories) belonging to the selected category. The processing unit 111 displays the extracted plurality of sub-categories on the display of the inquirer and accepts any one of the sub-categories selected by the inquirer from the plurality of sub-categories. Thereby, the category narrowing is performed. By such category narrowing, the processing unit 111 finally acquires the content belonging to the narrowed-down category from the first response data 11 or the second response data 12. The content may be a message, a sentence, a character string, or an image. The processing unit 111 generates response information including the acquired content. Note that each of the first response data 11 and the second response data 12 may include different natural language processing algorithms. In this case, the processing unit 111 can perform high-precision natural language processing for each of the passengers and the crew members by properly using the algorithms according to the inquirer.

[0055] [Specific Example 1 of Inquiry and Response: Answerable by Server Device 110] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry displayed on the passenger terminal 120 and a response to the inquiry.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q1 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q1 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q1 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q1 is the message "Are there any action movies?". In response to this inquiry message Q1, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A1 and transmits the response information A1 to the passenger terminal 120, thereby displaying the response information A1 on the display of the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A1 includes the message "There are the following movies" and a list of action movies. Thus, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0057] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry message Q1 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q1, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. For example, the processing unit 111 determines whether the IP address used for transmitting the inquiry message Q1 is the address assigned to the passenger terminal 120 or the address assigned to the crew terminal 130. In the above example, the processing unit 111 determines that the inquirer is the passenger terminal 120 by determining that the IP address is the address assigned to the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer to the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q1 is possible using the first answer data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. For example, if a message such as "There is no action movie" or "Here is the movie" is shown in the first answer data 11 for an action movie, the processing unit 111 determines that an answer is possible. Then, the processing unit 111 refers to the service data 13 in the third recording unit 113c, searches for an action movie from the service data 13, and if the action movie is found, obtains a list of the action movies. After that, the processing unit 111 generates answer information A1 including the list of the action movies and the message "Here is the movie". Note that when the processing unit 111 extracts the above categories by inference of natural language processing by AI, it may determine that an answer is impossible when the confidence level of the inference is below the threshold, and it may determine that an answer is possible when the confidence level is greater than the threshold. Also, when the processing unit 111 extracts the above categories by simple pattern matching for each word included in the inquiry message Q1, it may determine that an answer is impossible if there is no matching word, and it may determine that an answer is possible if there is a matching word.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry displayed on the crew terminal 130 and an answer to the inquiry.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q2 in response to an input operation by the crew. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q2 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q2 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q2 is the message "What should I do next?". In response to the inquiry message Q2, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A2 and displays the response information A2 on the display of the crew terminal 130 by transmitting the response information A2 to the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A2 includes the message "The unhandled tasks are as follows". Thus, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0060] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q2 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q2, that is, the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. For example, the processing unit 111 determines whether the IP address used for transmitting the inquiry message Q2 is the address assigned to the passenger terminal 120 or the address assigned to the crew terminal 130. In the above example, the processing unit 111 determines that the inquirer is the crew terminal 130 by determining that the IP address is the address assigned to the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer to the inquiry about the inquiry message Q2 is possible using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. For example, if the second response data 12 shows a message such as "There are no unhandled tasks" or "The unhandled tasks are as follows" for the crew's tasks, the processing unit 111 determines that an answer is possible. Then, the processing unit 111 refers to the service data 13 in the third recording unit 113c, searches for unhandled tasks from the service data 13, and if the unhandled tasks are found, obtains a list of the unhandled tasks. After that, the processing unit 111 generates response information A2 including the list of the unhandled tasks and the message "The unhandled tasks are as follows".

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 6, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q3 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q3 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q3 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q3 is the message "How do I fill out the entry card?". In response to this inquiry message Q3, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A3 and displays the response information A3 on the display of the passenger terminal 120 by transmitting the response information A3 to the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A3 includes the message "Fill it out like this" and an image showing how to fill out the entry card. Thereby, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0063] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q3 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q3, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q3 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. For example, if a message such as "Describe it like this" is shown in the first response data 11 for the method of writing the immigration card, the processing unit 111 determines that an answer is possible. Then, the processing unit 111 refers to the service data 13 in the third recording unit 113c, searches for an image showing the method of writing the immigration card from the service data 13, and if the image is found, acquires the image. After that, the processing unit 111 generates response information A3 including the image and the message "Describe it like this". Note that if the response information A3 is included in the first response data 11 for the method of writing the immigration card, the processing unit 111 may determine that an answer is possible and transmit the response information A3 to the passenger terminal 120.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the crew terminal 130 and a response from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the crew terminal 130, but in FIG. 7, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q4 in response to an input operation by the crew. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q4 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q4 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q4 is the message "Who is calling the crew?". In response to the inquiry message Q4, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A4 and transmits the response information A4 to the crew terminal 130, thereby displaying the response information A4 on the display of the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A4 includes the message "A crew call has been made at seat numbers 12A and 24F". Thus, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0066] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q4 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q4, that is, the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer to the inquiry about the inquiry message Q4 is possible using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. For example, if the message "A crew call has been made" or "No crew call has been made" is shown in the second response data 12 for a crew call, the processing unit 111 determines that an answer is possible. Then, the processing unit 111 refers to the service data 13 in the third recording unit 113c, searches for the seat numbers of the passengers making the crew call from the service data 13, and if the seat numbers are found, acquires a list of the seat numbers and an image indicating the seat numbers. After that, the processing unit 111 generates the message "A crew call has been made at seat numbers 12A and 24F" using the list of the seat numbers, and generates the response information A4 including the message and the above-mentioned image.

[0067] As described above, in the server device 110 according to the present embodiment, the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from the terminal device in the aircraft 1 and determines whether an answer can be given to the inquiry using the data recorded in the first recording medium 113. Then, when the processing unit 111 determines that an answer can be given, it uses the data to answer the inquiry.

[0068] In addition, when the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from the inquiry source, it determines whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130. Then, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer corresponding to the passenger corresponding to the passenger terminal 120 can be given. Further, when the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer corresponding to the crew member corresponding to the crew terminal 130 can be given. Thereby, depending on whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130, it is determined whether an answer corresponding to the user of the inquiry source, that is, the passenger or crew member of the aircraft 1, can be given. Therefore, an appropriate determination of whether an answer can be given according to the user can be made.

[0069] Specifically, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer can be provided by referring to the first answer data 11 for passengers. When the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer can be provided by referring to the second answer data 12 for crew members. As a result, the first answer data 11 for passengers and the second answer data 12 for crew members are properly used according to the inquiry source. That is, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 and an answer cannot be obtained using the first answer data 11, it is determined that an answer cannot be provided to the passenger terminal 120. Similarly, when the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130 and an answer cannot be obtained using the second answer data 12, it is determined that an answer cannot be provided to the crew terminal 130. As a result, it is possible to appropriately determine whether an answer can be provided according to whether the user of the inquiry source is a passenger or a crew member. In addition, by properly using the first answer data 11 and the second answer data 12, it is possible to obtain an appropriate answer specific to the user according to whether the user of the inquiry source is a passenger or a crew member.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, the processing unit 111 identifies the attribute of the inquiry source and determines whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130 based on the identified attribute. For example, the attribute is the IP address of the terminal device. Thereby, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130. Further, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 may identify the attributes of the passenger corresponding to the inquiry source and generate response information according to the identified attributes. Thereby, appropriate response information can be generated according to the attributes of the passengers. Specifically, the attribute may be at least one of the class of seat 2 where the passenger sits, the seat number, and the seat area. Thereby, appropriate response information corresponding to the service of that class can be generated according to whether the passenger's seat 2 is first class, business class, economy class, etc. Also, appropriate response information corresponding to the services corresponding to them can be generated according to the seat number, seat area, etc. of the passenger's seat. Note that the seat area is the section where the passenger's seat is arranged. Also, the attribute may be the status of the passenger's mileage service, language, age, gender, etc. Even in this case, appropriate response information corresponding to the service of that attribute can be generated. Note that the processing unit 111 may identify the language, age, gender, etc. of the passenger by an input operation on the passenger terminal 120 by the passenger.

[0071] [Specific Example 2 of Inquiry and Response: Accessing the Second Recording Medium and Responding] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response using the aircraft information 211 from the server device 110. Note that the inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 8, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q5 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q5 to the server device 110 by sending the inquiry message Q5 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q5 is the message "I want to drink orange juice". In response to this inquiry message Q5, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A5 and sends the response information A5 to the passenger terminal 120, thereby displaying the response information A5 on the display of the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A3 includes the message "It cannot be used because the aircraft is ascending. Please wait for a while until the service starts." Thereby, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0073] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q5 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q5, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q5 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the first response data 11 includes a plurality of messages corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to select a message corresponding to the current state of the aircraft 1 from the plurality of messages, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 extracts "drink order" as a category for the inquiry by referring to the first response data 11, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "drink order". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the aircraft information 211 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the current state of the aircraft 1 shown in the aircraft information 211, for example, "ascending". Thereby, the processing unit 111 obtains a message "Sorry, the service is not available because the aircraft is ascending. Please wait for a while until the service starts" corresponding to the current state of the aircraft from the above-mentioned plurality of messages and generates response information A5 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may generate a message corresponding to the identified current state of the aircraft without obtaining one message from the plurality of messages.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the crew terminal 130 and a response using the lighting information 214 from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the crew terminal 130, but in FIG. 9, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q6 in response to an input operation by the crew. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q6 to the server device 110 by sending the inquiry message Q6 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q6 is the message "What is the lighting status of seat number 12A?". In response to the inquiry message Q6, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A6 and sends the response information A6 to the crew terminal 130, thereby displaying the response information A6 on the display of the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A6 includes the message "Reading light: ON, the accent light is lit in blue". Thereby, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0076] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q6 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q6, that is, the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q6 by using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the second response data 12 contains a plurality of messages corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to select a message corresponding to the current state of the lighting in the seat No. 12A from the plurality of messages, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 refers to the second response data 12 and extracts "lighting status confirmation" as the category for the inquiry, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "lighting status confirmation". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the lighting information 214 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the current state of the lighting in the seat No. 12A indicated by the lighting information 214. Thereby, the processing unit 111 obtains the message "Reading light: ON, the accent light is lit in blue" corresponding to the current state of the lighting in the seat No. 12A from the above-mentioned plurality of messages and generates the response information A6 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may generate a message corresponding to the identified current state of the lighting without obtaining one message from the plurality of messages.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response using the operation information 212 from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 10, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q7 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q7 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q7 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q7 is the message "What is the arrival time?". In response to this inquiry message Q7, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A7 and transmits the response information A7 to the passenger terminal 120, thereby displaying the response information A7 on the display of the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A7 includes the message "Arrival at 17:00 local time in 5 hours". Thereby, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0079] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q7 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q2, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q7 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the first response data 11 contains a message corresponding to the inquiry and specific parameters such as time and time need to be inserted into the message, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 extracts "arrival time confirmation" as the category for the inquiry by referring to the first response data 11, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "arrival time confirmation". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the operation information 212 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, based on the flight plan and flight status indicated in the operation information 212, the processing unit 111 specifies the time until the aircraft 1 arrives at the destination and the time of arrival at the destination. Thereby, the processing unit 111 obtains the message "Arrive at the local time of 17:00 in 5 hours" by inserting the specified time and time into the above-mentioned message, and generates the response information A7 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may directly generate a message corresponding to the time and time without inserting the specified time and time.

[0080] FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the crew terminal 130 and a response using the time information 215 from the server device 110. Note that the inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the crew terminal 130, but in FIG. 11A, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11A, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q8 in response to an input operation by the crew. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q8 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q8 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q8 is the message "When is the next meal?". In response to the inquiry message Q8, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A8 and transmits the response information A8 to the crew terminal 130, thereby displaying the response information A8 on the display of the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A8 includes the message "Dinner needs to be provided in one hour. Please start preparation in 30 minutes." Thereby, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0082] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q8 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q8, i.e., the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q8 by using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the second response data 12 contains a message corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to insert, into the message, the time until the start of meal service, the time until the start of meal preparation, the type of meal, etc., the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 extracts "meal confirmation" as the category for the inquiry by referring to the second response data 12, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "meal confirmation". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the time information 215 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the time and the type of meal indicated by the time information 215. Thereby, the processing unit 111 inserts the identified time and the type of meal into the above-mentioned message to obtain the message "It is necessary to provide dinner in one hour. Please start preparation in 30 minutes.", and generates response information A8 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may directly generate a message corresponding to the time and the type of meal without inserting the identified time and the type of meal.

[0083] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response using the time information 215 from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 11B, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 11B, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q8 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q8 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q8 to the server device 110. This inquiry message Q8 is the same as the inquiry message Q8 in the example of FIG. 11A and is, for example, the message "When is the next meal?". In response to the inquiry message Q8, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A8a and displays the response information A8a on the display of the passenger terminal 120 by transmitting the response information A8a to the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A8a includes the message "Dinner will be served in one hour." Thus, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0085] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q8 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the sender of the inquiry message Q8, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q8 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the first response data 11 contains a message corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to insert the time until the start of meal service, the type of meal, etc. into the message, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 extracts "meal confirmation" as the category for the inquiry by referring to the first response data 11, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "meal confirmation". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the time information 215 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the time and the type of meal indicated by the time information 215. Thereby, the processing unit 111 obtains the message "Dinner will be served in one hour." by inserting the identified time and the type of meal into the above-mentioned message, and generates the response information A8a including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may directly generate a message corresponding to the time and the type of meal without inserting the identified time and the type of meal. Also, if the meal content (for example, chicken, fish, etc.) is indicated in the time information 215, the processing unit 111 may also include the meal content in the message of the response information A8a.

[0086] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 11A and 11B, even when the processing unit 111 receives the same inquiry from the passenger terminal 120 and the crew terminal 130, it can generate and transmit different response information to these terminal devices. That is, if the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 can generate response information specialized for the passenger who is the user of the passenger terminal 120, and if the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 can generate response information specialized for the crew member who is the user of the crew terminal 130.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response using the inventory information 213 from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 12, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q9 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q9 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q9 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q9 is the message "I want to buy 5 airplane models". In response to this inquiry message Q9, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A9 and displays the response information A9 on the display of the passenger terminal 120 by transmitting the response information A9 to the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A9 includes the message "Since there are 3 in stock, the order quantity will be 3. Is that okay?" Thereby, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0089] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q9 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q9, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q9 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the first response data 11 includes a plurality of messages corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to select a message corresponding to the inventory of the airplane model from the plurality of messages, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 refers to the first response data 11 and extracts "in-flight sales order" as the category for the inquiry, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "in-flight sales order". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the inventory information 213 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the inventory number of the airplane model indicated in the inventory information 213. Thereby, the processing unit 111 selects a message corresponding to the identified inventory number (for example, 3) and the order number (for example, 5) from the above-mentioned plurality of messages, and inserts the identified inventory number into the message. As a result, the processing unit 111 obtains the message "Since there are 3 in stock, the order number will be 3. Is that okay?", and generates response information A9 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may directly generate a message corresponding to the identified inventory number without inserting the identified inventory number.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the flight attendant terminal 130 and a response using the inventory information 213 from the server device 110. The inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the flight attendant terminal 130, but in FIG. 13, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 13, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q10 in response to an input operation by the crew. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q10 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q10 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q10 is the message "How much is the stock of orange juice?". In response to the inquiry message Q10, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A10 and transmits the response information A10 to the crew terminal 130, thereby displaying the response information A10 on the display of the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A10 includes the message "15 packs". Thus, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0092] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q10 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the sender of the inquiry message Q10, that is, the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q10 by using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when the second response data 12 contains a message corresponding to the inquiry and it is necessary to insert the inventory quantity of orange juice into the message, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. Alternatively, when the processing unit 111 refers to the second response data 12 and extracts "inventory check" as the category for the inquiry, it determines that it cannot answer for the category "inventory check". In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the inventory information 213 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the inventory quantity of orange juice (for example, 15 packs) indicated in the inventory information 213. Thereby, the processing unit 111 obtains the message "It is 15 packs" by inserting the identified inventory quantity into the above-mentioned message, and generates the response information A10 including the message. Note that the processing unit 111 may directly generate a message corresponding to the inventory quantity without inserting the identified inventory quantity.

[0093] In this way, in the present embodiment, when the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from a terminal device in the aircraft 1, it determines whether an answer can be given to the inquiry using the data recorded in the first recording medium 113. Note that when the processing unit 111 extracts the above-described category by inference of natural language processing by AI, if the confidence level of the inference is equal to or lower than a threshold value, it may be determined that an answer is impossible, and if the confidence level is greater than the threshold value, it may be determined that an answer is possible. Also, when the processing unit 111 extracts the above-described category by simple pattern matching for each word included in the inquiry message, if there is no matching word, it may be determined that an answer is impossible, and if there is a matching word, it may be determined that an answer is possible. Further, if there is no answer information itself for the inquiry in the data of the first recording medium 113, the processing unit 111 may determine that an answer is impossible, and if there is answer information, it may be determined that an answer is possible. And when the processing unit 111 determines that the answer is impossible, it accesses a resource outside the server device 110. In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 13, the resource is the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 generates answer information using the resource and transmits it to the terminal device, thereby giving the answer. As a result, even when an answer cannot be given to an inquiry using the data of the first recording medium 113 provided in the server device 110, an answer to the inquiry is given by using a resource outside the server device 110. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft 1.

[0094] Also, as in the examples of FIGS. 8 to 13, the processing unit 111 accesses a second recording medium 200 that is a resource outside the server device 110 and inside the aircraft 1 and stores information related to the aircraft 1 as aircraft-related information 210. Then, the processing unit 111 generates response information using the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. As a result, since the response information is generated using information related to the aircraft 1, it is possible to effectively increase the possibility of obtaining an appropriate response to an inquiry according to any situation of the aircraft 1.

[0095] Also, in the present embodiment, the aircraft-related information 210 includes airframe information 211, operation information 212, inventory information 213, lighting information 214, and time information 215. Note that the aircraft-related information 210 may include at least one of these pieces of information, or may include other information. As a result, since the response information is generated using the state of the airframe of the aircraft 1, the operation plan, the operation state, the inventory, the time schedule, etc. of the aircraft 1, it is possible to effectively increase the possibility of obtaining a specific response to an inquiry according to any situation of the aircraft 1. Note that the aircraft-related information 210 may be updated at any time by the processing unit 111 according to the current situation of the aircraft 1.

[0096] [Specific Example 3 of Inquiry and Response: Response by Support Request] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response from the server device 110 that has received response support. Note that the inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 14, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q11 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q11 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q11 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q11 is the message "Please tell me the location of the connecting flight." In response to this inquiry message Q11, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates answer information A11 and transmits the answer information A11 to the passenger terminal 120, thereby displaying the answer information A11 on the display of the passenger terminal 120. For example, the answer information A11 includes the message "Gate 15 of the first terminal" and a map showing the location of the connecting flight. Thus, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0098] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q11 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q11, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q11 by using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when there is no message (or category) corresponding to the inquiry in the first response data 11, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the next aircraft on which the passenger, who is the user of the passenger terminal 120, will board based on the information regarding the boarding pass of the passenger shown in the aircraft-related information 210. However, since the processing unit 111 cannot identify the terminal number and gate number from which the next aircraft will depart, it requests the flight attendant terminal 130 for answer support. For example, the processing unit 111 notifies the flight attendant terminal 130 of the flight number of the identified next aircraft together with the inquiry message Q11, and prompts the flight attendant at the flight attendant terminal 130 to input the terminal number and gate number from which the aircraft will depart.

[0099] Alternatively, the processing unit 111 refers to the first response data 11 and extracts "confirmation of connection information" as the category for the inquiry. Then, when "inquire with the flight attendant" is shown in the first response data 11 in association with that category, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the above-mentioned inquiry. Then, the processing unit 111 requests the flight attendant terminal 130 for answer support as described above.

[0100] When the crew terminal 130 receives the terminal number and the gate number in response to an input operation by the crew, it transmits response support information indicating the terminal number and the gate number to the server device 110. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 acquires the response support information from the crew terminal 130 via the input / output unit 112, for example, it reads out a map of the airport at the destination from the service data 13 of the first recording medium 113. Then, the processing unit 111 marks the above-mentioned terminal number and gate number on the map to generate a map indicating the connection flight location, and further generates a message "It is Gate 15 of Terminal 1". As a result, the processing unit 111 generates response information A11 including the message "It is Gate 15 of Terminal 1" and the map indicating the connection flight location.

[0101] On the other hand, when the crew terminal 130 does not receive an input operation by the crew, that is, the terminal number and the gate number, it notifies the server device 110 that response support is unavailable. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 receives a notification that response support is unavailable from the crew terminal 130 via the input / output unit 112, it further requests response support from the out-of-aircraft management system 300. For example, the processing unit 111 notifies the out-of-aircraft management system 300 of the flight number of the specified next aircraft together with the inquiry message Q11, and prompts the out-of-aircraft management system 300 to transmit response support information indicating the terminal number and the gate number at which the aircraft departs.

[0102] The off-airport management system 300 searches for its terminal number and gate number, and transmits response support information indicating the terminal number and gate number to the server device 110. Note that the off-airport management system 300 may accept the terminal number and gate number in response to an input operation by an operator instead of performing the search. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 acquires the response support information from the off-airport management system 300 via the input / output unit 112, for example, it reads out a map of the airport at the destination from the service data 13 of the first recording medium 113 in the same manner as described above. Then, the processing unit 111 generates a map indicating the connection location by marking the above-mentioned terminal number and gate number on the map, and further generates a message "It is Gate 15 of Terminal 1". As a result, the processing unit 111 generates response information A11 including the message "It is Gate 15 of Terminal 1" and the map indicating the connection location.

[0103] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of an inquiry made using the passenger terminal 120 and a response from the server device 110 that has received response support. Note that the inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the passenger terminal 120, but in FIG. 15, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown in a large size.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 15, the passenger terminal 120 receives an inquiry message Q12 in response to an input operation by the passenger. Then, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q12 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q12 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q12 is the message "I want a hotel arranged because the plane is delayed." In response to this inquiry message Q12, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A12 and transmits the response information A12 to the passenger terminal 120, thereby displaying the response information A12 on the display of the passenger terminal 120. For example, the response information A12 includes the message "ABC Hotel has been arranged." Thus, an answer to the inquiry is given.

[0105] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q12 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q12, that is, the inquirer, is the passenger terminal 120. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer to the inquiry about the inquiry message Q12 is possible using the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a for passengers. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that no answer can be given to the inquiry. For example, when there is no message (or category) corresponding to the inquiry in the first response data 11, the processing unit 111 determines that no answer can be given to the inquiry. In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the operation information 212 among the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. Then, the processing unit 111 identifies the scheduled arrival time of the aircraft 1 indicated in the operation information 212. However, since the processing unit 111 cannot arrange a hotel, it requests answer support from the steward terminal 130. That is, the processing unit 111 notifies the steward terminal 130 of the scheduled arrival time together with the inquiry message Q12 and prompts the steward of the steward terminal 130 to arrange a hotel according to the scheduled arrival time.

[0106] Alternatively, the processing unit 111 refers to the first response data 11 and extracts "hotel arrangement" as the category for the inquiry. Then, when "inquire with the crew member" is shown in the first response data 11 for that category, the processing unit 111 determines that no response can be given to the above-mentioned inquiry. Then, the processing unit 111 requests response support from the crew terminal 130 as described above.

[0107] For example, when the crew member is unable to arrange for a hotel, the crew terminal 130 notifies the server device 110 of the unavailability of response support in response to an input operation by the crew member. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 receives a notification of the unavailability of response support from the crew terminal 130 via the input / output unit 112, it further requests response support from the off-aircraft management system 300. For example, the processing unit 111 notifies the off-aircraft management system 300 of the above-mentioned scheduled arrival time together with the inquiry message Q12, and prompts the off-aircraft management system 300 to arrange for a hotel according to the scheduled arrival time.

[0108] The off-aircraft management system 300 searches for hotels that can accommodate guests after the scheduled arrival time and makes a hotel reservation, and transmits response support information indicating ABC Hotel as the hotel to the server device 110. Instead of the off-aircraft management system 300, an operator of the off-aircraft management system 300 may perform the search and hotel reservation. In this case, the off-aircraft management system 300 transmits response support information indicating ABC Hotel as the hotel arranged by the operator to the server device 110. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 acquires the response support information from the off-aircraft management system 300 via the input / output unit 112, it generates response information A12 including the message "ABC Hotel has been arranged" based on the response support information. When the operator makes a hotel reservation or the like, chat exchanges may be performed between the off-aircraft management system 300 and the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130 via the server device 110.

[0109] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of an inquiry made using the crew terminal 130 and a response from the server device 110 that received response support. Note that the inquiry and the response are displayed on the display of the crew terminal 130, but in FIG. 16, they are shown at a position outside the display so that the contents of the inquiry and the response are shown largely.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 16, the crew terminal 130 receives an inquiry message Q13 in response to an input operation by the first crew member. Then, the crew terminal 130 makes an inquiry about the inquiry message Q13 to the server device 110 by transmitting the inquiry message Q13 to the server device 110. For example, the inquiry message Q13 is the message "A passenger has a fever. Please tell me how to handle it." In response to this inquiry message Q13, the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 generates response information A13 and displays the response information A13 on the display of the crew terminal 130 by transmitting the response information A11 to the crew terminal 130. For example, the response information A13 includes the message "As an emergency measure...". Thus, a response to the inquiry is made.

[0111] Specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives the inquiry message Q13 via the input / output unit 112, it determines that the source of the inquiry message Q13, that is, the inquirer, is the crew terminal 130. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether it is possible to answer the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q13 by using the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b for the crew. Here, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. For example, when there is no message (or category) corresponding to the inquiry in the second response data 12, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry. In such a case, the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 via the input / output unit 112 and refers to the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200. However, even if the processing unit 111 refers to the aircraft-related information 210, since it cannot answer the above inquiry, it requests the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member for answer support. The second crew member is a crew member different from the first crew member who is the user of the inquirer, and the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member is a terminal device different from the inquirer. For example, the processing unit 111 notifies the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member of the inquiry message Q13 and prompts the second crew member to input an answer to the inquiry regarding the inquiry message Q13.

[0112] Alternatively, the processing unit 111 refers to the second response data 12 and extracts "response to patients" as the category for the inquiry. Then, when "inquire other crew members" is shown in the second response data 12 in association with the category, the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the above inquiry. Then, the processing unit 111 requests the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member for answer support as described above.

[0113] As a result, the second crew member inputs the response measures for the feverish passenger into the crew terminal 130. Thereby, when the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member receives the response support information indicating the response measures in response to the input operation by the second crew member, it transmits the response support information to the server device 110. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 acquires the response support information from the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member via the input / output unit 112, it generates a message "As an emergency measure...". As a result, the processing unit 111 generates response information A13 including the message "As an emergency measure...". Note that the response support information may be the same information as the response information A13.

[0114] On the other hand, when the second crew member cannot input the above response measures, that is, when the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member does not receive the input operation by the second crew member, that is, the response support information, it notifies the server device 110 that response support is unavailable. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 receives the notification that response support is unavailable from the crew terminal 130 of the second crew member via the input / output unit 112, it further requests response support from the off-aircraft management system 300. For example, the processing unit 111 transmits an inquiry message Q13 to the off-aircraft management system 300 and prompts the off-aircraft management system 300 to transmit the response support information indicating the response measures for the feverish passenger.

[0115] The off-aircraft management system 300 transmits the response support information to the server device 110. When the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 acquires the response support information from the crew terminal 130 via the input / output unit 112, it generates the response measures indicated by the response support information, that is, response information A13 including the message "As an emergency measure...".

[0116] Thus, in this embodiment, when the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from an inquirer, which is one of the plurality of terminal devices, it accesses the resource by requesting assistance in answering from the crew terminal 130, which is a terminal device different from the inquirer among the plurality of terminal devices and is used by the crew of the aircraft 1. Then, the processing unit 111 generates response information using the information from the crew terminal 130 treated as a resource. Thereby, when an answer cannot be given to the inquiry using the data on the first recording medium 113 provided in the server device 110, assistance in answering is requested from the crew terminal 130. Therefore, for example, response information can be generated using the information received by the crew terminal 130 through an input operation by the crew. That is, response information can be generated using the knowledge of the crew. As a result, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft 1 can be further enhanced.

[0117] Also, in this embodiment, the processing unit 111 accesses the resource by requesting assistance in answering from the off-aircraft management system 300 disposed outside the aircraft 1. Then, the processing unit 111 generates response information using the information from the off-aircraft management system 300 treated as a resource. Thereby, when an answer cannot be given to the inquiry using the data on the first recording medium 113 provided in the server device 110, assistance in answering is requested from the off-aircraft management system 300. Therefore, for example, response information can be generated using the information received by the off-aircraft management system 300 through an input operation by the operator, or using the search function of the off-aircraft management system 300. As a result, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft 1 can be further enhanced.

[0118] Further, in the present embodiment, more specifically, when the processing unit 111 receives an inquiry from an inquiry source that is one of the plurality of terminal devices, among the plurality of terminal devices, different from the inquiry source, and is a crew terminal 130 used by the crew of the aircraft 1, if the result of requesting support for answering from the crew terminal 130 is that the support for answering cannot be received from the crew terminal 130, the processing unit 111 requests support for answering from the off-board management system 300. As a result, when an answer cannot be given to the inquiry using the data of the first recording medium 113 provided in the server device 110 and support for requesting an answer to the crew terminal 130 cannot be obtained, further, support for answering is requested from the off-board management system 300. Thereby, since the support for answering is repeatedly performed, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft 1 can be more effectively enhanced.

[0119] [Processing flow] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until an answer is obtained for an inquiry from the passenger terminal 120.

[0120] First, the passenger terminal 120 makes an inquiry to the server device 110 in response to an input operation by the passenger (step S1). That is, an inquiry message is transmitted from the passenger terminal 120 to the server device 110. When the server device 110 receives the inquiry, it determines that the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 (step S2). Then, the server device 110 refers to the first answer data 11 of the first recording unit 113a corresponding to the inquiry source and determines that it cannot answer by itself (step S3). For example, the processing unit 111 may determine that an answer is impossible if there is no answer information itself for the inquiry in the first answer data 11 of the first recording medium 113, or may determine that an answer is possible if there is answer information. Therefore, the server device 110 accesses the second recording medium 200 (step S4) and acquires all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200 (step S5).

[0121] Next, the server device 110 determines that it is possible to answer the above-mentioned inquiry by using all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 acquired in step S5 (step S6). As a result, the server device 110 generates response information indicating an answer to the above-mentioned inquiry by using all or part of the aircraft-related information 210, and transmits the response information to the passenger terminal 120 that is the inquiry source (step S7). Thereby, the passenger terminal 120 acquires the response information and displays contents such as a message and an image indicated by the response information (step S8). That is, an answer to the inquiry in step S1 is made.

[0122] Also, when the server device 110 determines that it is necessary to share the information of the inquiry and the answer (step S9), it transmits the Q&A result information including the inquiry message and the response information to one or more crew terminals 130 (step S10). When one or more crew terminals 130 acquire the Q&A result information, they display contents such as a message indicated by the Q&A result information (step S11). As described above, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120, the processing unit 111 in the present embodiment includes the generated response information in the Q&A result information and also transmits it to the crew terminal 130. Thereby, the response information is shared between the passenger terminal 120 and the crew terminal 130. Therefore, the crew can know the answer to the inquiry from the passenger via the crew terminal 130, and the efficiency of the work in the aircraft 1 can be improved.

[0123] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until an answer is obtained for an inquiry from the passenger terminal 120.

[0124] First, the processing up to steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 17 is performed. However, in the example of FIG. 18, the server device 110 determines that it cannot answer the above query even if it uses all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 acquired in step S5 (step S6a). In this case, the server device 110 requests response support from one or more crew terminals 130 (step S21). When each of the one or more crew terminals 130 receives the request for response support, it displays the query message transmitted from the passenger terminal 120 in step S1 (step S22). As a result, each of the one or more crew terminals 130 prompts the crew of that crew terminal 130 to input response support information, which is information for supporting an answer to the query message. Note that the response support information may include a message, an image, etc. used for the answer, or may be the answer itself or answer information. As a result, at least one of the one or more crew terminals 130 receives the response support information in response to an input operation by the crew (step S23). Then, at least one crew terminal 130 transmits the received response support information to the server device 110 (step S24).

[0125] When the server device 110 acquires the response support information, it generates response information based on the response support information and transmits the response information to the passenger terminal 120, which is the source of the query (step S25). As a result, the passenger terminal 120 acquires the response information and displays contents such as a message and an image indicated by the response information (step S8). That is, an answer to the query in step S1 is given. Further, similar to the example shown in FIG. 17, the processing in steps S9 to S11 is performed.

[0126] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing still another example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until an answer to a query from the passenger terminal 120 is obtained.

[0127] First, the processes up to steps S1 to S5, S6a, S21, and S22 in FIG. 18 are performed. However, in the example of FIG. 19, the crew members cannot provide answer support. That is, each of all the crew terminals 130 that have received a request for answer support notifies the server device 110 that answer support is not available in response to the input operation of the crew member (step S23a). Note that the crew terminal 130 may notify the server device 110 that answer support is not available when it has not received answer support information until a predetermined period has elapsed since it received the request for answer support. In this case, the server device 110 requests answer support from the off-air management system 300 (step S31). When the off-air management system 300 receives the request for answer support, it generates answer support information and transmits it to the server device 110 (step S32).

[0128] When the server device 110 acquires the answer support information, it generates answer information based on the answer support information and transmits the answer information to the passenger terminal 120 that is the inquiry source (step S33). Thereby, the passenger terminal 120 acquires the answer information and displays contents such as messages and images indicated by the answer information (step S8). That is, an answer to the inquiry in step S1 is given. Further, similar to the example shown in FIG. 17, the processes of steps S9 to S11 are performed.

[0129] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until an answer is obtained for an inquiry from the crew terminal 130.

[0130] First, a first crew terminal 131, which is one of a plurality of crew terminals 130, makes an inquiry to the server device 110 in response to an input operation by a first crew member (step S41). That is, an inquiry message is transmitted from the first crew terminal 131 to the server device 110. When the server device 110 receives the inquiry, it determines that the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130 (step S42). Then, the server device 110 determines that it cannot answer by itself by referring to the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a corresponding to the inquiry source (step S43). Therefore, the server device 110 accesses the second recording medium 200 (step S44) and acquires all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 stored in the second recording medium 200 (step S45).

[0131] Next, the server device 110 determines that it is possible to answer the above inquiry by using all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 acquired in step S45 (step S46). As a result, the server device 110 generates response information indicating an answer to the above inquiry by using all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 and transmits the response information to the first crew terminal 131, which is the inquiry source (step S47). Thereby, the first crew terminal 131 acquires the response information and displays contents such as a message or an image indicated by the response information (step S48). That is, an answer to the inquiry in step S41 is made.

[0132] Also, when the server device 110 determines that it is necessary to share the information of the inquiry and the answer (step S49), it transmits the inquiry and answer result information including the inquiry message and the response information to one or more second crew terminals 132 (step S50). Note that the one or more second crew terminals 132 are one or more other crew terminals 130 excluding the first crew terminal 131 among the plurality of crew terminals 130. When the one or more second crew terminals 132 acquire the inquiry and answer result information, they display contents such as a message indicated by the inquiry and answer result information (step S51).

[0133] FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until a response is obtained for an inquiry from the crew terminal 130.

[0134] First, the processes up to steps S41 to S45 in FIG. 20 are performed. However, in the example of FIG. 21, the server device 110 determines that it cannot answer the above inquiry even if it uses all or part of the aircraft-related information 210 acquired in step S45 (step S46a). In this case, the server device 110 requests response support from one or more second crew terminals 132 (step S61). When each of the one or more second crew terminals 132 receives the request for response support, it displays the inquiry message transmitted from the first crew terminal 131 in step S41 (step S62). As a result, each of the one or more second crew terminals 132 prompts the crew of that second crew terminal 132 to input response support information, which is information for supporting an answer to the inquiry message. As a result, at least one of the one or more second crew terminals 132 receives response support information in response to an input operation by the second crew. Then, at least one second crew terminal 132 transmits the received response support information to the server device 110 (step S64).

[0135] When the server device 110 acquires the response support information, it generates response information based on the response support information and transmits the response information to the first crew terminal 131, which is the source of the inquiry (step S65). As a result, the first crew terminal 131 acquires the response information and displays contents such as a message and an image indicated by the response information (step S48). That is, an answer to the inquiry in step S41 is made. Further, similar to the example shown in FIG. 20, the processes in steps S49 to S51 are performed.

[0136] FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing still another example of the processing operation of the information processing system 100 until a response is obtained for an inquiry from the crew terminal 130.

[0137] First, the processes up to steps S41 to S45, S46a, S61, and S62 in FIG. 21 are performed. However, in the example of FIG. 21, the second crew member cannot provide answer support. That is, each of all the second crew member terminals 132 that have received a request for answer support notifies the server device 110 that answer support cannot be provided in response to the input operation of the second crew member (step S63a). Note that the second crew member terminal 132 may notify the server device 110 that answer support cannot be provided when it has not received answer support information until a predetermined period has elapsed after receiving the request for answer support. In this case, the server device 110 requests answer support from the off-air management system 300 (step S71). When receiving the request for answer support, the off-air management system 300 generates answer support information and transmits it to the server device 110 (step S72).

[0138] When the server device 110 acquires the answer support information, it generates answer information based on the answer support information and transmits the answer information to the first crew member terminal 131 that is the inquiry source (step S73). Thereby, the first crew member terminal 131 acquires the answer information and displays contents such as a message and an image indicated by the answer information (step S48). That is, an answer to the inquiry in step S41 is given. Further, similar to the example shown in FIG. 20, the processes of steps S49 to S51 are performed.

[0139] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the server device 110.

[0140] First, when the processing unit 111 of the server device 110 receives an inquiry, it determines whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 or the crew terminal 130 (step S101). In other words, the processing unit 111 determines whether the user of the inquiry source is a passenger or a crew member. Here, when the processing unit 111 determines that the inquiry source is the passenger terminal 120 ( "passenger" in step S101), it uses the first response data 11 in the first recording unit 113a to determine whether it is possible to respond to the inquiry from the passenger terminal 120 (step S102a). When the processing unit 111 determines that it is possible to respond (Yes in step S102a), it generates response information using the first response data 11 (step S103a). Then, the processing unit 111 transmits the response information to the passenger terminal 120, which is the inquiry source, to display the response information on the display of the passenger terminal 120 (step S104a). Thereby, a response to the inquiry from the passenger terminal 120 is made.

[0141] Also, in step S101, when the processing unit 111 determines that the inquiry source is the crew terminal 130 ( "crew member" in step S101), it uses the second response data 12 in the second recording unit 113b to determine whether it is possible to respond to the inquiry from the crew terminal 130 (step S102b). When the processing unit 111 determines that it is possible to respond (Yes in step S102b), it generates response information using the second response data 12 (step S103b). Then, the processing unit 111 transmits the response information to the crew terminal 130, which is the inquiry source, to display the response information on the display of the crew terminal 130 (step S104b). Thereby, a response to the inquiry from the crew terminal 130 is made.

[0142] On the other hand, when the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry in each of step S102a and step S102b (No in step S102a or No in step S102b), the processing unit 111 accesses the second recording medium 200 to obtain aircraft-related information 210 (step S105). Note that the processing unit 111 may obtain any one or more pieces of information included in the aircraft-related information 210. Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether an answer can be given using the obtained aircraft-related information 210 (step S106). Here, when it is determined that an answer can be given to the inquiry from the passenger terminal 120 ("answerable to the passenger" in step S106), the processing unit 111 executes the processing from step S103a. Also, when it is determined that an answer can be given to the inquiry from the crew terminal 130 ("answerable to the crew" in step S106), the processing unit 111 executes the processing from step S103b.

[0143] Also, when the processing unit 111 determines that it cannot answer the inquiry even using the aircraft-related information 210 (No in step S106), it requests answer support from one or more crew terminals 130 that are not the inquiry source (step S107). Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether answer support information has been obtained from at least one crew terminal 130 in response to the request (step S108). Here, when the processing unit 111 determines that answer support information has not been obtained from any crew terminal 130 (No in step S108), it requests answer support from the off-aircraft management system 300 (step S109). As a result, the processing unit 111 obtains answer support information from the off-aircraft management system 300 (step S110).

[0144] Next, when the processing unit 111 determines that it has acquired the answer support information in step S108 (Yes in step S108), or when it acquires the answer support information in step S110, it generates answer information based on the answer support information. Then, the processing unit 111 transmits the answer information to the inquiry source, thereby displaying the answer information on the display of the inquiry source (step S111). Thus, even if the server device 110 alone cannot answer an inquiry from the inquiry source, by using the aircraft-related information 210 or by acquiring the answer support information, it is possible to answer the inquiry.

[0145] Then, the processing unit 111 determines whether information sharing of the inquiry and the answer is necessary (step S112). For example, the processing unit 111 may determine that information sharing is necessary for all inquiries and answers, or may determine that information sharing is necessary for a predetermined part of the inquiries and answers. Alternatively, the processing unit 111 may determine that information sharing of the inquiry and the answer is necessary when answer information is generated using the aircraft-related information 210 or the answer support information by the processing in steps S105 to S110. Here, when it is determined that information sharing is necessary (Yes in step S112), the processing unit 111 transmits the above-described Q&A result information to the crew terminal 130 different from the inquiry source. Thereby, the content indicated by the Q&A result information is displayed on the display of the crew terminal 130 (step S113).

[0146] As described above, even when the server device 110 in the present embodiment alone cannot answer an inquiry, by using a resource outside the server device 110, it answers the inquiry. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer to an inquiry corresponding to any situation of the aircraft 1. In addition, since the support request for answer support is repeatedly made, the possibility of obtaining an appropriate answer can be further increased.

[0147] The above-described server device 110 of the present disclosure has been described based on the above embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to those embodiments. Various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art may be applied to the above embodiments as long as they do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure and may also be included in the present disclosure.

[0148] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software that realizes the server device 110 and the like in each of the above embodiments is a computer program that causes a computer to execute each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 23.

[0149] The following cases are also included in the present disclosure.

[0150] (1) Specifically, at least one of the above devices is a computer system including a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk unit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. A computer program is stored in the RAM or the hard disk unit. By operating according to the computer program, the microprocessor enables at least one of the above devices to achieve its function. Here, the computer program is configured by combining a plurality of instruction codes indicating instructions to the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

[0151] (2) Some or all of the components constituting the at least one device described above may be configured from a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). A system LSI is a super multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating a plurality of components on a single chip. Specifically, it is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the system LSI achieves its functions.

[0152] (3) Some or all of the components constituting the at least one device described above may be configured from an IC card or a single module detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned super multifunctional LSI. When the microprocessor operates according to the computer program, the IC card or module achieves its functions. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

[0153] (4) The present disclosure may be the method described above. It may also be a computer program for realizing these methods by a computer, or a digital signal consisting of a computer program.

[0154] Further, the present disclosure may be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. It may also be a digital signal recorded on these recording media.

[0155] Further, the present disclosure may also transmit a computer program or a digital signal via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network represented by the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0156] Alternatively, it may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording and transferring the program or digital signal onto a recording medium or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like.

Industrial Applicability

[0157] The server device of the present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an IFE system mounted on an aircraft.

Explanation of Signs

[0158] 1 Aircraft 2 Seat 11 First response data 12 Second response data 13 Service data 100 Information processing system 110 Server device 111 Processing unit 112 Input / output unit 113 First recording medium 113a First recording section 113b Second recording section 113c Third recording section 120 Passenger terminal (terminal device) 130 Crew terminal (terminal device) 131 First crew terminal (terminal device) 132 Second crew terminal (terminal device) 200 Second recording medium 210 Aircraft-related information 211 Airframe information 212 Flight information 213 Inventory information 214 Lighting information 215 Time information 300 External management system

Claims

1. A server device inside an aircraft, comprising a processor and a non-transitory first recording medium storing data, wherein the processor receives an inquiry from a terminal device inside the aircraft, determines whether an answer can be given to the inquiry using the data recorded in the first recording medium, when it is determined that the answer is impossible, accesses a resource outside the server device, generates answer information using the resource and transmits the answer information to the terminal device to give the answer. Server device.

2. Inside the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device, wherein the processor when receiving the inquiry from an inquiring source which is one of the plurality of terminal devices, further discriminates whether the inquiring source is a passenger terminal or a crew terminal, the passenger terminal is a terminal device used by a passenger of the aircraft among the plurality of terminal devices, and the crew terminal is a terminal device used by a crew member of the aircraft among the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the processor in the determination of whether the answer is possible, when the inquiring source is the passenger terminal, determines whether an answer corresponding to the passenger corresponding to the passenger terminal is possible, when the inquiring source is the crew terminal, determines whether an answer corresponding to the crew member corresponding to the crew terminal is possible. The server device according to Claim 1.

3. The first recording medium stores first answer data for answering an inquiry from the passenger terminal and second answer data for answering an inquiry from the crew terminal, wherein the processor in the determination of whether the answer is possible, when the inquiring source is the passenger terminal, determines whether the answer is possible by referring to the first answer data as the data, when the inquiring source is the crew terminal, determines whether the answer is possible by referring to the second answer data as the data. The server device according to Claim 2.

4. The processor in the access to the resource, accesses a second recording medium which is the resource outside the server device and inside the aircraft and stores information about the aircraft as aircraft-related information, in the generation of the answer information, Generating the response information by using the aircraft-related information stored in the second recording medium The server device according to claim 1

5. The aircraft-related information includes Airframe information indicating the state of the airframe of the aircraft, Operation information indicating the operation plan and operation state of the aircraft, Inventory information indicating the number or quantity of items loaded on the aircraft, Lighting information indicating the setting and state of the lighting of the aircraft, Time information indicating the time schedule inside the aircraft, and includes at least one of them The server device according to claim 4

6. Inside the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device, The processor When receiving the inquiry from an inquiry source which is one of the plurality of terminal devices, Regarding the access to the resource, Among the plurality of terminal devices, different from the inquiry source and being a terminal device used by the crew of the aircraft, by requesting support for the response to the crew terminal, access to the resource is performed, Regarding the generation of the response information, Generating the response information by using the information from the crew terminal treated as the resource The server device according to claim 1

7. The processor Regarding the access to the resource, By requesting support for the response to an off-aircraft management system arranged outside the aircraft, access to the resource is performed, Regarding the generation of the response information, Generating the response information by using the information from the off-aircraft management system treated as the resource The server device according to claim 1

8. Inside the aircraft, a plurality of terminal devices are used as the terminal device, The processor Regarding the access to the resource, When receiving the inquiry from an inquiry source which is one of the plurality of terminal devices, if it is not possible to receive support for the response from the crew terminal after requesting support for the response to the crew terminal, which is different from the inquiry source and is a terminal device used by the crew of the aircraft among the plurality of terminal devices, requesting support for the response to the off-aircraft management system The server device according to claim 7

9. The processor further When the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, transmitting the generated response information to the crew terminal The server device according to claim 2

10. The processor is configured to In the determination of the inquiry source, identify the attributes of the inquiry source, and based on the identified attributes, determine whether the inquiry source is the passenger terminal or the crew terminal. The server device according to claim 2.

11. The processor is configured to In the generation of the response information, when the inquiry source is the passenger terminal, identify the attributes of the passenger corresponding to the inquiry source, and generate the response information according to the identified attributes. The server device according to claim 2.

12. The attribute is at least one of the class of the seat where the passenger sits, the seat number, and the seat area. The server device according to claim 11.

13. An information processing method performed by a server device in an aircraft, the method comprising: receiving an inquiry from a terminal device in the aircraft; determining whether a response to the inquiry is possible using data recorded in a first recording medium; when it is determined that the response is not possible, accessing a resource external to the server device; generating response information using the resource and transmitting the response information to the terminal device to perform the response. Information processing method.

14. A program for a server device in an aircraft, the program causing a computer of the server device to perform: receiving an inquiry from a terminal device in the aircraft; determining whether a response to the inquiry is possible using data recorded in a first recording medium; when it is determined that the response is not possible, accessing a resource external to the server device; generating response information using the resource and transmitting the response information to the terminal device to perform the response. Program. ​

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