Flying object, information processing method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide continuously communication to a communication terminal.SOLUTION: A flying object 4 is the flying object 4 loaded onto a vehicle having a communication terminal. The flying object has: a communication unit 42 that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, the communication unit 42 being capable of switching between a relay state of performing relaying and a stop state of stopping the relaying; a flight control unit 442 that takes off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; and a switching unit 443 that switches the communication unit from the stop state to the relay state when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aircraft, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a device that allows a communication terminal to use satellite communication. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that allows a communication terminal to communicate using either a satellite communication facility or a terrestrial mobile communication facility mounted on a vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-175134 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In satellite communications, the quality can be poor if there are obstacles such as trees or buildings between the communications satellite and the satellite-based communications equipment. As a result, there have been cases where communications could not be provided to communication terminals using either satellite-based communications equipment or terrestrial mobile communications equipment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these points, and has as its object to provide continuous communication to communication terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The flying object of the first aspect of the present invention is an flying object mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, and has a relay unit that relays communications between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, the relay unit being switchable between a relay state in which relaying is performed and a stop state in which relaying is stopped, a flight control unit that takes off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold, and a switching unit that switches the relay unit from the stop state to the relay state when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold.

[0007] The flying object may further have a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the communication terminal at a predetermined interval, and the flight control unit may fly in accordance with changes in the location of the communication terminal indicated by the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit at the predetermined interval.

[0008] The flying object may further have a request acquisition unit that acquires a takeoff request sent by an information processing device when the quality value falls below the predetermined takeoff judgment threshold and a relay request sent by the information processing device when the quality value falls below the predetermined relay judgment threshold, and the flight control unit may take off when the request acquisition unit acquires the takeoff request, and the switching unit may switch the relay unit from the stopped state to the relay state when the request acquisition unit acquires the relay request.

[0009] The flight control unit may land on the vehicle after takeoff if the quality value exceeds a predetermined threshold for landing judgment, and the switching unit may switch the relay unit from the relay state to the stop state if the quality value exceeds a predetermined threshold for stop judgment after switching the relay unit to the relay state.

[0010] The flying object may further have a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the communication terminal, the flight control unit may refer to map information and prohibit takeoff if the communication terminal is located inside a tunnel at the time the quality value falls below the specified takeoff judgment threshold, and the switching unit may refer to the map information and prohibit the relay unit from switching to the relay state if the communication terminal is located inside a tunnel at the time the quality value falls below the specified relay judgment threshold.

[0011] After prohibiting takeoff, the flight control unit may refer to the map information and take off if the communication terminal is not located inside a tunnel, and after prohibiting the relay unit from switching to the relay state, the switching unit may refer to the map information and switch the relay unit from the stopped state to the relay state if the communication terminal is not located inside a tunnel.

[0012] The aircraft may further have a memory unit that stores authorized terminal information indicating terminals that are permitted to connect to the relay unit, and the relay unit may, when switched to the relay state, connect to the communication terminal indicated by the authorized terminal information stored in the memory unit.

[0013] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a step of taking off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold, executed by a computer controlling the aircraft, which is an aircraft loaded on a vehicle having a communication terminal and has a relay unit that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, and a step of switching the relay unit from a stopped state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold.

[0014] A program according to a third aspect of the present invention causes a computer controlling an aircraft mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, the aircraft having a relay unit that relays communications between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, to function as a flight control unit that takes off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold, and as a switching unit that switches the relay unit from a stopped state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold.

[0015] An information processing device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that manages an aircraft mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, the information processing device having a relay unit that relays communications between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, and that has: a quality value acquisition unit that acquires a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal; a flight management unit that causes the aircraft to take off when the quality value falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; and a switching management unit that switches the relay unit from a stopped state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide continuous communication to a communication terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of processing in an information processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the aircraft. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the flying object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [Outline of Information Processing System S] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system S. The information processing system S is a system used to provide an information processing service. The information processing service is a service that provides satellite communications. The information processing service is used to provide content that continuously distributes information, such as relay broadcasts of relay races. The information processing system S has a base station 1, a communication satellite 2, a communication terminal 3, and an aircraft 4.

[0019] The base station 1 is a device that transmits and receives radio waves in a mobile communication network. The communication satellite 2 is an artificial satellite that orbits the Earth. The communication satellite 2 is used as a device that provides satellite internet access services. The satellite internet access service is, for example, a service that provides satellite communications to subscribers who have subscribed to the service.

[0020] The communication terminal 3 is a terminal provided in the vehicle V, and is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The communication terminal 3 may also be a communication device that is pre-installed in the vehicle V. The communication terminal 3 is, for example, electrically connected to a camera (not shown), and transmits video images captured by the camera to an external server (for example, a server that distributes video images) via either the base station 1 or the communication satellite 2.

[0021] The flying vehicle 4 is an unmanned aircraft. The flying vehicle 4 has a relay function for relaying communications between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3 in the information processing service. The flying vehicle 4 is loaded onto the vehicle V.

[0022] If the aircraft 4 provides information processing services while flying for a long period of time, there is a risk that the battery of the aircraft 4 will run out. Therefore, the information processing system S provides information processing services depending on the level of communication quality of the mobile communication network at the communication terminal 3.

[0023] 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the processing of the information processing system S. Area A (areas A1, A2, A3) indicates the area in which the vehicle V travels. The information processing system S causes the vehicle V to travel with the flying object 4 loaded thereon, and provides information processing services depending on the level of communication quality of the mobile communication network at the communication terminal 3.

[0024] Area A1 is an area where the communication quality of the mobile communication network for communication terminal 3 is high. In area A1, flying object 4 waits loaded onto vehicle V with its relay function stopped. Communication terminal 3 in area A1 transmits information to an external server via base station 1.

[0025] Area A2 is an area where the communication quality of the mobile communication network for communication terminal 3 is low. Aircraft 4 in area A2 takes off from vehicle V and performs a relay function. Communication terminal 3 in area A2 uses the relay function performed by aircraft 4 to transmit information to an external server via aircraft 4 and communication satellite 2.

[0026] Area A3 is an area where the communication quality of the mobile communication network for communication terminal 3 is high. Aircraft 4 in area A3 lands on vehicle V and stops its relay function. Communication terminal 3 in area A3 connects to base station 1 that emits radio waves with high communication quality, and transmits information to an external server via connected base station 1. In this way, information processing system S can provide continuous communication to communication terminal 3.

[0027] In the above, an example has been described in which the communication terminal 3 connects to the base station 1 and transmits information via the connected base station 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the relay function of the aircraft 4 may further relay communication between the base station 1 and the communication terminal 3. In this case, the aircraft 4 may relay communication between the base station 1 and the communication terminal 3 when the communication quality of the mobile communication network is high, and may relay communication between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3 when the communication quality of the mobile communication network is low. The configuration of the flying vehicle 4 will be described below.

[0028] [Configuration of Aircraft 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the functional configuration of an aircraft 4. The aircraft 4 includes a drive unit 41, a communication unit 42, a memory unit 43, and a control unit 44. In FIG. 3, arrows indicate the main data flows, and there may be data flows not shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, each functional block indicates a functional unit configuration, not a hardware (device) unit configuration. Therefore, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 3 may be implemented in a single device, or may be implemented separately in multiple devices. Data may be exchanged between functional blocks via any means, such as a data bus, a network, or a portable storage medium.

[0029] The drive unit 41 is a component such as a propeller that is driven to fly the flying object 4. The communication unit 42 is a communication interface for connecting to a network, and has a communication controller for sending and receiving data to and from external devices.

[0030] The communication unit 42 also functions as a relay unit that connects to each of the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3 and relays communications between the connected communication satellite 2 and communication terminal 3. The communication unit 42 can be switched between a relay state in which relaying is performed and a stop state in which relaying is stopped. For example, when the communication unit 42 is previously connected to the communication satellite 2 and then switched to the relay state, the communication unit 42 connects to the communication terminal 3 as a base station in the mobile communication network and relays communications between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3.

[0031] The communication unit 42 may be connected to the communication terminal 3 in advance, regardless of whether it is in a relay state or a stopped state, and when switched to the relay state, may relay communication between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3. The communication unit 42 may also function as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router, and may further connect the communication terminal 3 to the Wi-Fi router, regardless of whether it is in a relay state or a stopped state.

[0032] Here, if the communication unit 42 functions as a base station in a mobile communication network, it may connect to various terminals present around the aircraft 4. Therefore, the communication unit 42 may limit the terminals to be connected to only specific terminals that provide information processing services.

[0033] For example, the storage unit 43, which will be described later, stores permitted terminal information indicating terminals that are permitted to connect to the communication unit 42. The permitted terminal information is, for example, a list of identification information (e.g., a Media Access Control (MAC) address, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), etc.) for identifying terminals that are permitted to connect to the communication unit 42. In this case, when the communication unit 42 is switched to the relay state, it refers to the permitted terminal information stored in the storage unit 43 and connects to the communication terminal 3 indicated by the permitted terminal information. In this way, the flying object 4 can be prevented from relaying communication with the communication satellite 2 to a terminal that does not provide an information processing service.

[0034] The memory unit 43 is a large-capacity storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) of the computer that realizes the aircraft 4, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that serves as the working area of the aircraft 4, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores the OS (Operating System), application programs, and various information referenced when the application programs are executed.

[0035] The control unit 44 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) of the aircraft 4, and functions as an acquisition unit 441, a flight control unit 442, and a switching unit 443 by executing programs stored in the memory unit 43.

[0036] The acquisition unit 441 acquires information about the communication terminal 3 at predetermined intervals (for example, every second, every minute, etc.) from the communication terminal 3. The information about the communication terminal 3 includes, for example, a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal 3, and location information indicating the location of the communication terminal 3. The quality value is, for example, a numerical value indicating the reception strength of radio waves emitted by a base station of the mobile communication network.

[0037] The flying object 4 starts providing an information processing service when the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal 3 deteriorates. Specifically, as a process for providing the information processing service, the flight control unit 442 controls the drive unit 41 based on the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441. Specifically, when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold, the flight control unit 442 drives the drive unit 41 to take off. The predetermined takeoff determination threshold is a value set for determining whether or not to take off the flying object 4.

[0038] Furthermore, as a process for providing an information processing service, the switching unit 443 controls the communication unit 42, which can be switched between a relay state and a stopped state, based on the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441. Specifically, the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from the stopped state to the relay state when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold. The predetermined relay determination threshold is a value set for determining whether or not to switch the communication unit 42 from the stopped state to the relay state.

[0039] The predetermined takeoff determination threshold and the predetermined relay determination threshold may be the same value or different values. If the predetermined takeoff determination threshold and the predetermined relay determination threshold are different values, the predetermined takeoff determination threshold may be set to a value greater than the predetermined relay determination threshold. In this way, the flying object 4 can switch the communication unit 42 to a relay state after takeoff, and can smoothly relay communication between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3.

[0040] When the air vehicle 4 takes off, the flight control unit 442 may fly the air vehicle 4 to follow the vehicle V. Specifically, the flight control unit 442 flies in accordance with changes in the position of the communication terminal 3 indicated by the position information acquired by the acquisition unit 441 at predetermined intervals. For example, each time the acquisition unit 441 acquires position information, the flight control unit 442 flies at a constant altitude that is at least higher than the altitude at which the communication terminal 3 exists, so that the position of the communication terminal 3 indicated by the position information and the position of the air vehicle 4 overlap. Furthermore, for example, each time the acquisition unit 441 acquires position information, the flight control unit 442 flies while maintaining a constant distance from the position of the communication terminal 3 indicated by the position information. In this way, the air vehicle 4 can provide continuous communication with the communication terminal 3.

[0041] The flying object 4 may stop providing the information processing service when the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal 3 improves. Specifically, as a process of stopping the provision of the information processing service, the flight control unit 442 lands the vehicle V after takeoff when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 exceeds a predetermined landing determination threshold. The predetermined landing determination threshold is a value set for determining whether or not to land the flying object 4. The predetermined landing determination threshold may be the same as the predetermined takeoff determination threshold; however, in this case, it is desirable that the predetermined landing determination threshold be a numerical value larger than the predetermined takeoff determination threshold, because it is conceivable that the quality value will repeatedly exceed and not exceed the threshold in a short period of time in a location where the communication quality of the mobile communication network is unstable.

[0042] Furthermore, as a process for stopping the provision of the information processing service, the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from the relay state to the stopped state when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 exceeds a predetermined threshold for stopping determination after the communication unit 42 has been switched to the relay state. The predetermined threshold for stopping determination is a value set for determining whether or not to switch the communication unit 42 from the relay state to the stopped state.

[0043] The predetermined landing determination threshold and the predetermined stop determination threshold may be the same value or different values. If the predetermined landing determination threshold and the predetermined stop determination threshold are different values, the predetermined stop determination threshold may be set to a value smaller than the predetermined landing determination threshold. This allows the aircraft 4 to land after switching the communication unit 42 to a stopped state, thereby smoothly stopping communication between the communication satellite 2 and the communication terminal 3. The predetermined stop determination threshold may be the same as the predetermined relay determination threshold. However, in this case, it is possible that the quality value may repeatedly exceed the threshold in a short period of time in areas where the communication quality of the mobile communication network is unstable. Therefore, it is desirable for the predetermined stop determination threshold to be larger than the predetermined relay determination threshold. When the communication unit 42 of the aircraft 4 is switched from a relay state to a stopped state, the communication terminal 3 switches its connection destination from the communication unit 42 of the aircraft 4 to the base station 1. This allows the aircraft 4 to continuously communicate with the communication terminal 3 while preventing battery consumption.

[0044] Here, it is conceivable that the communication quality of satellite communication will deteriorate when the vehicle V travels through a tunnel. Therefore, the flying object 4 may prohibit the provision of information processing services while the vehicle V is traveling through a tunnel.

[0045] Specifically, as a process of prohibiting the provision of information processing services, the flight control unit 442 refers to map information, and prohibits takeoff if the position of the communication terminal 3 is inside a tunnel at the time when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold. The flight control unit 442 may also prohibit takeoff if the distance from the position of the communication terminal 3 to the entrance of the tunnel at the time when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below the predetermined takeoff determination threshold is within a predetermined distance threshold (for example, 100 meters).

[0046] Furthermore, as a process of prohibiting the provision of information processing services, the switching unit 443 refers to map information, and prohibits the communication unit 42 from switching to the relay state if the position of the communication terminal 3 is inside a tunnel at the time when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold. The switching unit 443 may also prohibit the communication unit 42 from switching to the relay state if the distance from the position of the communication terminal 3 to the entrance of the tunnel at the time when the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below the predetermined relay determination threshold is within a predetermined distance threshold. This prevents the flying object 4 from consuming its battery due to flying in a state where the communication quality of the satellite communication is poor.

[0047] After prohibiting the provision of the information processing service, the flying object 4 may provide the information processing service when the vehicle V exits a tunnel. Specifically, as a process for providing the information processing service, the flight control unit 442 refers to map information after prohibiting takeoff, and takes off if the position of the communication terminal 3 is not inside a tunnel. Specifically, the flight control unit 442 takes off if the position of the communication terminal 3 is not inside a tunnel after prohibiting takeoff and the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 is below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold.

[0048] Furthermore, as a process for providing information processing services, the switching unit 443, after prohibiting the communication unit 42 from switching to the relay state, refers to map information and switches the communication unit 42 from the stopped state to the relay state if the position of the communication terminal 3 is not inside a tunnel. Specifically, after prohibiting takeoff, the flight control unit 442 switches the communication unit 42 from the stopped state to the relay state if the position of the communication terminal 3 is not inside a tunnel and the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold. In this way, the flying object 4 can resume satellite communication early.

[0049] The flying object 4 may provide information processing services even when the communication terminal 3 is located inside a tunnel. For example, the flight control unit 442 refers to map information, and when a tunnel is present in the direction of travel of the communication terminal 3 indicated by the location information of the communication terminal 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 441 at predetermined intervals, the flight control unit 442 takes off and waits at the entrance of the tunnel. Then, while waiting at the tunnel entrance, the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from a stopped state to a relay state. Then, the communication terminal 3 communicates with the communication satellite 2 via the flying object 4 waiting at the tunnel entrance.

[0050] If the tunnel is long, multiple aircraft 4 may relay satellite communications within the tunnel to provide information processing services to the communication terminal 3. For example, multiple aircraft 4 are loaded onto a vehicle V, and one of the multiple aircraft 4 waits at the entrance of the tunnel without entering the tunnel, while the other aircraft 4 follows the communication terminal 3. The communication terminal 3 then communicates with the communication satellite 2 within the tunnel via the multiple aircraft 4. In this way, the aircraft 4 can continuously communicate with the communication terminal 3 even when the communication terminal 3 is located within the tunnel.

[0051] [Handling of Aircraft 4] Next, the flow of processing executed by the aircraft 4 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the aircraft 4. This flowchart starts when the acquisition unit 441 acquires a first quality value of the communication terminal 3 (S1). The first quality value is a quality value acquired at least either before the aircraft 4 takes off or before the communication unit 42 is switched from a stopped state to a relay state.

[0052] The flight control unit 442 determines whether the first quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 is below a predetermined threshold for takeoff determination (S2). If the flight control unit 442 determines that the first quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 is not below the predetermined threshold for takeoff determination (NO in S2), the process returns to S1. On the other hand, if the flight control unit 442 determines that the first quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 is below the predetermined threshold for takeoff determination (YES in S2), the flight control unit 442 drives the drive unit 41 to take off (S3).

[0053] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 441 acquires the first quality value of the communication terminal 3, the switching unit 443 determines whether the first quality value is below a predetermined threshold for relay determination (S4). If the acquisition unit 441 determines that the first quality value of the communication terminal 3 is not below the predetermined threshold for relay determination (NO in S4), the switching unit 443 returns the process to S1. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 441 determines that the first quality value of the communication terminal 3 is below the predetermined threshold for relay determination (YES in S4), the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from the stopped state to the relay state (S5).

[0054] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 441 acquires a second quality value of the communication terminal 3 (S6). The second quality value is a quality value acquired after the first quality value, and is acquired at least either before the aircraft 4 that took off lands or before the communication unit 42 that was switched to the relay state is switched from the relay state to the stopped state.

[0055] The flight control unit 442 determines whether the second quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 exceeds a predetermined threshold for landing determination (S7). If the flight control unit 442 determines that the second quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 does not exceed the predetermined threshold for landing determination (NO in S7), the process returns to S6. On the other hand, if the flight control unit 442 determines that the second quality value acquired by the acquisition unit 441 exceeds the predetermined threshold for landing determination (YES in S7), the flight control unit 442 lands (S8).

[0056] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 441 acquires the second quality value of the communication terminal 3, the switching unit 443 determines whether the second quality value exceeds a predetermined threshold for determining whether the communication terminal 3 is stopped (S9). If the acquisition unit 441 determines that the second quality value of the communication terminal 3 does not exceed the predetermined threshold for determining whether the communication terminal 3 is stopped (NO in S9), the switching unit 443 returns the process to S6. On the other hand, if the acquisition unit 441 determines that the second quality value of the communication terminal 3 exceeds the predetermined threshold for determining whether the communication terminal 3 is stopped (YES in S9), the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from the relay state to the stopped state (S10).

[0057] <Modification> In the above, an example has been described in which the flying object 4 makes the decision to take off and switch the communication unit 42, but this is not limiting. For example, an information processing device that is an external server that manages the flying object 4 may control the flying object 4. The information processing device has an acquisition unit, a flight management unit, and a switching management unit.

[0058] In this case, when the acquisition unit of the information processing device acquires the quality value of the communication terminal 3 via the flying object 4, the flight management unit determines whether to take off the flying object 4 and switch the communication unit 42 to a relay state based on the quality value. Specifically, the flight management unit causes the flying object 4 to take off when the acquired quality value falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold.

[0059] For example, when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold, the flight management unit transmits a takeoff request, which is a request for taking off the aircraft 4, to the aircraft 4. In the aircraft 4, when the acquisition unit 441 acquires the takeoff request from the information processing device, the flight control unit 442 takes off.

[0060] Furthermore, when the acquired quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold, the switching management unit switches the communication unit 42 of the air vehicle 4 from a stopped state to a relay state. For example, when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold, the switching management unit transmits a relay request to the air vehicle 4, which is a request to switch the communication unit 42 of the air vehicle 4 from a stopped state to a relay state. When the acquisition unit 441 of the air vehicle 4 acquires the relay request from the information processing device, the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from a stopped state to a relay state.

[0061] Furthermore, after the aircraft 4 takes off and the communication unit 42 is switched from the stopped state to the relay state, the flight management unit determines whether to land the aircraft 4 and switch the communication unit 42 to the stopped state based on the quality value acquired by the acquisition unit. Specifically, the flight management unit lands the aircraft 4 when the acquired quality value exceeds a predetermined landing determination threshold.

[0062] For example, when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 exceeds a predetermined landing determination threshold, the flight management unit transmits a landing request, which is a request to land the aircraft 4, to the aircraft 4. When the acquisition unit 441 of the aircraft 4 acquires the landing request from the information processing device, the flight control unit 442 lands the aircraft.

[0063] Furthermore, when the acquired quality value exceeds a predetermined threshold for determining whether to stop, the switching management unit switches the communication unit 42 of the flying object 4 from a relay state to a stopped state. For example, when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 exceeds a predetermined threshold for determining whether to stop, the switching management unit transmits a stop request to the flying object 4, which is a request to switch the communication unit 42 of the flying object 4 from a relay state to a stopped state. When the acquisition unit 441 of the flying object 4 acquires the stop request from the information processing device, the switching unit 443 switches the communication unit 42 from a relay state to a stopped state.

[0064] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the flying object 4 takes off when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 falls below a predetermined threshold for determining takeoff, and switches the communication unit 42 from a stopped state to a relay state when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 falls below a predetermined threshold for determining relay. In this way, the flying object 4 can provide continuous communication to the communication terminal 3.

[0065] Furthermore, the flying object 4 lands when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 exceeds a predetermined threshold for determining landing, and switches the communication unit 42 from a relay state to a stopped state when the quality value of the communication terminal 3 exceeds a predetermined threshold for determining stopping. In this way, the flying object 4 can prevent battery consumption while continuously communicating with the communication terminal 3.

[0066] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience."

[0067] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 base station 2. Communications satellites 3. Communication terminals 4 Flying Objects 41 Drive unit 42 Communications Department 43 Storage section 44 Control Unit 441 Acquisition Department 442 Flight Control Unit 443 Switching section S Information Processing System

Claims

1. An aircraft mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, a relay unit that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, the relay unit being switchable between a relay state in which relaying is performed and a stop state in which relaying is stopped; a flight control unit that takes off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; a switching unit that switches the relay unit from the stopped state to the relay state when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold; An aircraft having the above.

2. the aircraft further includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the communication terminal at predetermined intervals; The flight control unit flies in accordance with changes in the position of the communication terminal indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit at the predetermined intervals. The flying vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. the aircraft further includes a request acquisition unit that acquires a takeoff request transmitted by an information processing device when the quality value falls below the predetermined takeoff determination threshold, and a relay request transmitted by the information processing device when the quality value falls below the predetermined relay determination threshold; The flight control unit takes off when the request acquisition unit acquires the takeoff request, the switching unit switches the relay unit from the stopped state to the relay state when the request acquisition unit acquires the relay request. The flying vehicle according to claim 1 .

4. The flight control unit lands on the vehicle when the quality value exceeds a predetermined landing determination threshold after takeoff, the switching unit switches the relay unit from the relay state to the stopped state when the quality value exceeds a predetermined stop determination threshold after switching the relay unit to the relay state. The flying vehicle according to claim 1 .

5. the aircraft further includes a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information indicating the location of the communication terminal; the flight control unit refers to map information, and prohibits takeoff when the position of the communication terminal is inside a tunnel at the time when the quality value falls below the predetermined takeoff determination threshold; the switching unit refers to the map information, and when the location of the communication terminal is inside a tunnel at the time when the quality value falls below the predetermined relay determination threshold, prohibits the relay unit from switching to the relay state. The flying vehicle according to claim 1 .

6. After prohibiting takeoff, the flight control unit refers to the map information, and takes off when the position of the communication terminal is not inside a tunnel, the switching unit, after prohibiting the relay unit from switching to the relay state, refers to the map information, and switches the relay unit from the stopped state to the relay state when the communication terminal is not located inside a tunnel. The flying vehicle according to claim 5.

7. The air vehicle further includes a storage unit that stores permitted terminal information indicating a terminal that is permitted to connect to the relay unit, the relay unit, when switched to the relay state, connects to the communication terminal indicated by the permitted terminal information stored in the storage unit; The flying vehicle according to claim 1 .

8. A flying object mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, the flying object having a relay unit that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, taking off when a quality value indicating a communication quality of a mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; When the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold, switching the relay unit from a stop state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed; An information processing method comprising:

9. a computer that controls an aircraft mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, the aircraft having a relay unit that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal; a flight control unit that takes off when a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; and a switching unit that switches the relay unit from a stop state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold; A program to function as a

10. An information processing device for managing an aircraft mounted on a vehicle having a communication terminal, the aircraft having a relay unit that relays communication between a communication satellite and the communication terminal, a quality value acquisition unit that acquires a quality value indicating the communication quality of the mobile communication network of the communication terminal; a flight management unit that causes the aircraft to take off when the quality value falls below a predetermined takeoff determination threshold; a switching management unit that switches the relay unit from a stop state in which relaying is stopped to a relay state in which relaying is performed when the quality value falls below a predetermined relay determination threshold; An information processing device having the above.

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