Weather observation system, weather observation method, weather observation apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a weather observation system, weather observation method, weather observation apparatus, and program that facilitate grasping or observing the state of the flow of the atmosphere containing water vapor.SOLUTION: A weather observation system 10 comprises: a flying body 20 that acquires weather data for weather observation; and a weather observation apparatus 30 that performs weather observation processing based on the weather data. The flying body 20 includes a humidity state quantity sensor that detects a humidity state quantity being a state quantity relating to humidity in the atmosphere. The weather observation apparatus 30 calculates and outputs, for each three-dimensional position coordinate or two-dimensional position coordinate of the flying body 20, a water vapor amount-related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or per unit weight, on the basis of the humidity state quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weather observation system, a weather observation method, a weather observation device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiosondes and dropsondes are known as devices for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observations such as weather forecasts. Radiosondes acquire meteorological data while traveling in the sky by balloon (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Dropsondes have a similar configuration to radiosondes, are carried into the sky by aircraft, dropped from a predetermined position, and acquire meteorological data while traveling downward.

[0003] It is also known that aircraft use surrounding weather data for the purpose of controlling the aircraft during flight (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-014602 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2009-509852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the case of radiosondes or dropsondes such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, they can only move one-dimensionally in the vertical direction. Therefore, if you want to acquire meteorological data over a wide horizontal range, you will need a large number of radiosondes or dropsondes.

[0006] In recent years, however, there has been a problem of linear rain bands stagnating in specific areas, causing torrential rain and flooding surrounding rivers, etc. Because heavy rain caused by linear rain bands can occur regardless of region, in order to predict areas where heavy rain caused by linear rain bands will occur before they actually occur, it is necessary to establish technology to detect the flow of air containing water vapor that causes linear rain bands.

[0007] Rainfall areas such as linear rain bands are generated by atmospheric flows containing water vapor (atmospheric rivers). Atmospheric rivers can be thousands of kilometers long and hundreds of kilometers wide. It is believed that rainfall areas such as linear rain bands are generated when atmospheric rivers rise from the sea onto land and change the topography. Therefore, accurate observation of atmospheric rivers upstream at sea is important for improving heavy rainfall forecasts.

[0008] Although it is now possible to measure water vapor over large areas of the ocean using meteorological satellites, most of the water vapor exists in a thin layer a few kilometers below the atmosphere. It is difficult to accurately measure water vapor over a wide area near the Earth's surface using meteorological satellites or other remote sensing techniques. Furthermore, while it is not necessary to observe the entire atmospheric river for localized weather forecasts, such as linear precipitation bands, radiosondes or dropsondes cannot adequately observe the area due to limitations on the number of available sensors.

[0009] Although Patent Document 2 discloses an aircraft capable of acquiring weather data, the weather data acquired here is intended for aircraft control during flight, etc. Therefore, the content of the weather data that can be acquired and the way in which the weather data is handled are not suitable for meteorological observation such as weather forecasting.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a meteorological observation system, a meteorological observation method, a meteorological observation device, and a program that make it easier to understand or observe the state of atmospheric flow containing water vapor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A weather observation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes: one or more aircraft for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; The device is provided with: The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. It is characterized by:

[0012] According to the present invention, a water vapor amount-related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated and output for each three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position based on the detection value (a humidity state quantity that is a state quantity related to atmospheric humidity) of a humidity state quantity sensor installed in an aircraft. This makes it possible to use water vapor amount-related values ​​acquired according to the movement range of the aircraft. This makes it easier to understand or observe the state of the air flow containing water vapor compared to when only a dropsonde or only a radiosonde is used.

[0013] The humidity state quantity may include a dew point temperature or a relative humidity. The humidity state quantity sensor may include a dew point thermometer or a relative humidity meter.

[0014] The flying object may further include an atmospheric thermometer for detecting an atmospheric temperature and an atmospheric pressure for detecting an atmospheric pressure. The meteorological observation device may calculate the water vapor amount-related value based on the humidity state quantity, the atmospheric temperature, and the atmospheric pressure.

[0015] The meteorological observation system may further include a non-contact water sensor installed on the aircraft, the satellite, or the ground, which detects water vapor in the atmosphere using light, electromagnetic waves, or sound waves. The meteorological observation device may perform a first measurement process to measure the location of a water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on measurements from the water sensor, and a second measurement process to measure the water vapor amount-related value inside or around the water vapor mass using the aircraft as a reference point for the location of the water vapor mass measured in the first measurement process, by acquiring the humidity state quantity with the humidity state quantity sensor and then measuring the water vapor amount-related value inside or around the water vapor mass. In this way, the non-contact water sensor roughly identifies the location (or location and shape) of the water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and then measures the water vapor amount-related value inside or around the water vapor mass. This makes it possible to efficiently obtain the water vapor amount-related value inside or around the water vapor mass.

[0016] The meteorological observation device may perform a first measurement process to measure the position of a mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the humidity state quantity detected by the humidity state quantity sensor, and a second measurement process to measure the water vapor amount-related value inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor using the position of the mass of water vapor measured by the first measurement process as a reference by flying the aircraft inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor to acquire the humidity state quantity using the humidity state quantity sensor.

[0017] As a result, the humidity state quantity sensor roughly identifies the position (or position and shape) of a water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and then the same humidity state quantity sensor is used to measure water vapor amount-related values ​​inside or around the water vapor mass. This simplifies the configuration of the meteorological observation system. Alternatively, when measurements from both the water sensor and the state quantity sensor are used in the first measurement process, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the position of the water vapor mass is very roughly identified using the water sensor with low water vapor measurement accuracy, then the position of the water vapor mass is simply identified using the humidity state quantity sensor with low water vapor measurement accuracy, and then the state quantity sensor acquires the humidity state quantity inside or around the water vapor mass in detail. Alternatively, redundancy can be increased by using both the water sensor and the humidity state quantity sensor in the first measurement process.

[0018] The weather observation system may further include a path setting means for setting a path for the flying object. During the second measurement process, the path setting means may set a flight path for the flying object inside or around the water vapor mass based on the position of the water vapor mass measured in the first measurement process. Furthermore, the flying object may fly inside or around the water vapor mass according to the flight path to acquire the humidity state quantity.

[0019] During the second measurement process, the path setting means may generate the flight path for each of a plurality of altitudes inside or around the water vapor mass, based on the position of the water vapor mass measured in the first measurement process, thereby making it possible to three-dimensionally acquire or output humidity state quantities (and subsequent water vapor amount-related values) inside or around the water vapor mass.

[0020] The meteorological observation system may include a plurality of the flying vehicles. During the second measurement process, the path setting means may set flight paths for each of the plurality of flying vehicles that pass inside or around the water vapor mass, based on the position of the water vapor mass measured in the first measurement process. The plurality of flying vehicles may fly inside or around the water vapor mass according to their respective flight paths to acquire the humidity state quantity. This makes it possible to acquire the humidity state quantity more quickly or precisely than when acquiring the humidity state quantity using a single flying vehicle.

[0021] During the second measurement process, the flying object may fly at shorter horizontal or vertical intervals or at a slower speed inside or around the water vapor mass than in other areas to acquire the humidity state quantity, thereby making it possible to more precisely acquire the humidity state quantity inside or around the water vapor mass.

[0022] The flying object may further include a drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device (e.g., a dropsonde). During the second measurement process, the meteorological observation device may acquire the humidity state quantity from the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device dropped by a dropping mechanism that drops the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device or manually, in addition to acquiring the humidity state quantity from the flying object. This makes it possible to use the humidity state quantity from the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device in addition to the humidity state quantity from the flying object. For example, when the height of the atmospheric river is relatively high, the humidity state quantity can be quickly acquired by using the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device.

[0023] The flying object may have a speed detection means for detecting the flying object's speed and direction of travel relative to the ground, and a wind speed detection means for detecting the atmospheric wind speed and direction relative to the flying object. During the second measurement process, the meteorological observation device may calculate the atmospheric wind speed and direction based on the flying object's speed and direction of travel relative to the ground and the atmospheric wind speed and direction. This makes it possible to detect the atmospheric wind speed and direction inside or around a mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0024] During the second measurement process, the path setting means may set or correct the path of the flying object based on at least one of the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere inside or around the mass of water vapor, thereby making it possible to set the path of the flying object according to at least one of the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere.

[0025] During the second measurement process, if the atmospheric wind direction exceeds a height threshold and the atmospheric wind speed or volume exceeds a wind speed / volume threshold, the route setting means may generate the flight route for each of multiple altitudes or across the multiple altitudes, or may assign flight routes at different altitudes to multiple flying objects. This allows the number of humidity state quantities acquired in the height direction to be increased when the movement of the atmosphere is active in the height direction. This makes it possible to more appropriately grasp the status of the water vapor mass.

[0026] The meteorological observation device may calculate a future position of the water vapor parcel based on the current position, wind speed, and wind direction of the water vapor parcel, calculate a predicted temperature and pressure at the future position based on an altitude difference between the current position and the future position of the water vapor parcel and the atmospheric temperature and atmospheric pressure at the current position, and calculate the water vapor amount-related value at the future position by correcting the humidity state quantity or the water vapor amount-related value at the current position based on the predicted temperature and the predicted pressure.The meteorological observation device may predict a predicted rainfall or snowfall amount, or a rainfall area or snowfall area where the precipitation or snowfall amount or liquefied water content is equal to or greater than a first threshold, or both the rainfall area and the predicted rainfall amount, or both the snowfall area and the predicted snowfall amount, at the future position, based on the water vapor amount-related value at the future position.This makes it possible to predict not only the current status of a water vapor parcel having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, but also one or both of the predicted rainfall amount and rainfall area, or one or both of the predicted snowfall amount and snowfall area as future conditions.

[0027] The meteorological observation device may predict a heavy rain occurrence area or a heavy snow occurrence area where the amount of precipitation or snowfall or the amount of liquefied water will be equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, or both the heavy rain occurrence area and its expected rainfall amount, or both the heavy snow occurrence area and its expected snowfall amount, based on historical information of past heavy rain or heavy snow in addition to the water vapor amount-related value at the future position of the water vapor mass. This makes it possible to predict a heavy rain occurrence area or a heavy rain occurrence area and its expected rainfall amount, or a heavy snow occurrence area or a heavy snow occurrence area and its expected snowfall amount.

[0028] The meteorological observation device may calculate the atmospheric pressure at a ground location directly below the flight location of the aircraft based on the ground altitude and atmospheric pressure at the flight location. The meteorological observation device may also output atmospheric pressure at the ground location or meteorological information based thereon for each location defined by two-dimensional coordinates. This makes it possible to output atmospheric pressures acquired at different altitudes or meteorological information based thereon according to the ground location.

[0029] As the meteorological information based on the atmospheric pressure at the ground position, for example, isobars on a weather chart can be used.

[0030] The meteorological observation device may display the humidity state quantity acquired by the aircraft or meteorological information based thereon in combination with the acquisition location of the humidity state quantity on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map, thereby making it easier to understand the humidity state quantity or meteorological information based thereon for each location.

[0031] The meteorological observation device may display the position, shape, or volume of the water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value on a two-dimensional map, an aerial image, a map image combining an aerial image and a map, or a three-dimensional map, thereby making it easier to intuitively understand the position, shape, or volume of the water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0032] The meteorological observation device may display the flow direction and flow velocity for each position within the water vapor mass having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value or for the entire water vapor mass on a two-dimensional or three-dimensional map, thereby making it easier to intuitively understand the flow direction and flow velocity of each part or the entire water vapor mass.

[0033] The weather observation device may display the rainfall area, or the rainfall area and its expected rainfall amount, or the heavy rain occurrence area, or the heavy rain occurrence area and its expected rainfall amount on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map, thereby making it easier to intuitively understand the location of the rainfall area or heavy rain occurrence area.

[0034] A meteorological observation method according to another aspect of the present invention includes: one or more aircraft for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; A method using The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting three-dimensional or two-dimensional position coordinates at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. It is characterized by:

[0035] A meteorological observation device according to yet another aspect of the present invention performs meteorological observation processing based on meteorological data for meteorological observation acquired by one or more flying objects, The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. It is characterized by:

[0036] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes: one or more aircraft for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; The present invention is implemented in a weather observation system having The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device calculates and outputs a water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp or observe the state of the flow of air containing water vapor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a weather observation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the aircraft according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the meteorological observation device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of meteorological observation control in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the basic concept of the primary measurement process in the embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart of the primary measurement process in the embodiment (details of S103 in FIG. 4). [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a target flight path of the aircraft in the primary measurement processing of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an actual flight path of the aircraft in the primary measurement processing of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart of a secondary measurement process in the embodiment (details of S104 in FIG. 4). [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart of a meteorological observation process in the embodiment (details of S105 in FIG. 4). [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram simply illustrating an example of a display screen in the meteorological observation process of the embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. Further, the embodiments shown below are merely examples, and other known elements and alternative means can be adopted according to the use, purpose, scale, etc.

[0040] <A. One Embodiment> [A-1. Configuration] (A-1-1. Overall Configuration) FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a weather observation system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "system 10") according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes one or more aircraft 20 that acquire weather data D for weather observation (hereinafter also referred to as "weather data D1" or "first weather data D1"), and a weather observation device 30 that performs weather observation processing based on the first weather data D1 acquired by the aircraft 20. The first weather data D1 includes data related to water vapor 90 in the atmosphere (details will be described later).

[0041] Further, the system 10 includes a weather satellite 40, a ground sensor 50, and a relay vehicle 52. The weather satellite 40 acquires weather data D for weather observation (hereinafter also referred to as "weather data D2" or "second weather data D2") and provides it to the weather observation device 30. The second weather data D2 includes data related to water vapor 90 in the atmosphere (details will be described later). The ground sensor 50 acquires weather data D for weather observation (hereinafter also referred to as "weather data D3" or "third weather data D3") and provides it to the weather observation device 30. The third weather data D3 includes data related to water vapor 90 in the atmosphere (details will be described later).

[0042] The relay vehicle 52 relays communication between the aircraft 20 and the weather observation device 30. Communication between the aircraft 20 and the weather observation device 30 may be performed directly between them, or may be performed using means other than the relay vehicle 52 (for example, a communication satellite, a terrestrial repeater, or a terrestrial base station). By installing the weather observation device 30 in the relay vehicle 52, it is also possible to position the relay vehicle 52 as a vehicle-type base station.

[0043] (A-1-2.Aircraft 20) (A-1-2-1. Overview of Aircraft 20) 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the aircraft 20 of this embodiment. As described above, the aircraft 20 (aircraft) acquires meteorological data for meteorological observation (first meteorological data D1) and transmits it to the meteorological observation device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the aircraft 20 has an aircraft sensor group 200, a communication unit 210, a flight mechanism 220, an imaging mechanism 230, a dropsonde dropping mechanism 240, and an aircraft control unit 250.

[0044] In this specification, the term "aircraft" refers to aircraft and other aircraft in general that have a propulsion function, regardless of the power source (electricity, prime mover, etc.), the control method (wireless or wired, fully autonomous flight type or partially manual flight type, etc.), and whether manned or unmanned. Aircraft may also be referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, multicopters, RPASs (remote piloted aircraft systems), or UASs (unmanned aircraft systems), etc.

[0045] (A-1-2-2. Aircraft Sensor Group 200) The aircraft sensor group 200 includes various sensors arranged on the aircraft 20. Specifically, the aircraft sensor group 200 has a position measurement unit 2001, a direction measurement unit 2002, an altimeter 2003, a speedometer 2004, a gyro sensor 2005, a water sensor 2006, an anemometer 2007, an atmospheric thermometer 2008, an atmospheric pressure meter 2009, a dew point thermometer 2010, a relative humidity meter 2011, etc. In addition to these, the aircraft sensor group 200 may also include various sensors that acquire information such as acceleration.

[0046] The position measurement unit 2001 receives signals from positioning satellites (not shown) and measures the position (absolute position) of the aircraft based on the signals. The position measurement unit 2001 measures its current position using, for example, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or a Global Positioning System (GPS), although this is not particularly limited. For example, a Real Time Kinematic - Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) can also be used as a method for measuring the position. The position information includes at least two-dimensional coordinate information (e.g., latitude and longitude) in a planar view, and preferably three-dimensional coordinate information including altitude information.

[0047] Furthermore, a base station (not shown), which provides information on reference points of fixed stations used for relative positioning such as RTK, is connected to the aircraft 20 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with the aircraft 20, thereby enabling measurement of the position of the aircraft 20 with higher accuracy. Here, when RTK measurement is performed using a virtual reference point method using a VRS (Virtual Reference Station), the base station can be omitted, or the accuracy of estimating the position coordinates of the base station or the aircraft 20 can be further improved.

[0048] The azimuth measurement unit 2002 measures the orientation (heading direction) of the aircraft. The azimuth measurement unit 2002 is composed of a geomagnetic sensor that measures the heading direction (heading direction) of the aircraft 20 by measuring, for example, geomagnetism, a compass, etc.

[0049] The altimeter 2003 measures the altitude above ground (hereinafter referred to as "altitude H") as the distance to the ground below (vertically downward) the aircraft 20. The altimeter 2003 can be configured with a distance measurement sensor such as LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) or ToF (Time of Flight). The measurement value of the altitude H acquired by the altimeter 2003 is also referred to as the measured altitude Hd. The speedometer 2004 detects the flight speed of the aircraft 20. The gyro sensor 2005 detects the angular velocity of the aircraft 20.

[0050] The water sensor 2006 has a scanning laser sensor (LiDAR or LiDAR using a green laser) and measures the position of water vapor or liquid water located in front of the aircraft 20, etc. In this embodiment, the water sensor 2006 can set the measurement direction (laser irradiation direction) to horizontal, downward, or upward. To set such a measurement direction, the irradiation direction may be fixed from the beginning. Alternatively, the measurement direction may be variable using an actuator (not shown). In this case, the irradiation direction can be changed depending on the altitude of the aircraft 20. For example, the irradiation direction can be horizontal or upward when flying at an altitude of 2000 m or less, and horizontal or downward when flying at an altitude higher than 2000 m. Alternatively, multiple laser sensors may be used depending on the measurement direction. The water sensor 2006 may have multiple control cameras (not shown) and measure the position, velocity vector, etc. of clouds or fog located in front of, below, etc. the aircraft 20 based on acquired images.

[0051] The anemometer 2007 detects the wind speed and direction around the aircraft 20. When the aircraft 20 itself is moving, the measurement values ​​of the anemometer 2007 are affected by the direction and speed of movement of the aircraft 20. Therefore, the wind speed and direction measured by the anemometer 2007 can be said to be the relative wind speed and relative wind direction, respectively. By correcting this relative wind speed and relative wind direction with the direction and speed of movement of the aircraft 20, it is possible to calculate the atmospheric wind speed and wind direction when the speed of the aircraft 20 is zero. Alternatively, the anemometer 2007 may estimate the airspeed (= atmospheric flow speed) from the attitude control information of the aircraft 20, measure the ground speed (≒ absolute speed) from the GNSS position information (or LiDAR, GNSS Doppler) of the aircraft 20, and determine that "ground speed - airspeed" = the absolute speed of the atmospheric wind speed (atmospheric ground speed). Furthermore, when a Doppler LiDAR is used as the water sensor 2006, the water sensor 2006 can also be used as a wind vane 2007.

[0052] The atmospheric thermometer 2008 detects the atmospheric temperature Ta around the aircraft 20. The atmospheric pressure gauge 2009 detects the atmospheric pressure P around the aircraft 20. The dew point thermometer 2010 detects the dew point temperature Td around the aircraft 20. The relative humidity meter 2011 detects the relative humidity RH around the aircraft 20.

[0053] (A-1-2-3. Communication unit 210) The communication unit 210 is capable of radio wave communication via the communication network 60 (FIG. 1) and includes, for example, a radio wave communication module. The communication unit 210 is capable of communication with the weather observation device 30, the relay vehicle 52, etc. via the communication network 60. The communication unit 210 has a communication function for performing wireless communication with the weather observation device 30, the relay vehicle 52, etc. using, for example, Wi-Fi, 2.4 GHz, or a frequency band of 5.6 to 5.8 GHz. The communication unit 210 also has a wireless communication function for communicating with the weather observation device 30, the relay vehicle 52, etc. via the communication network 60 using a communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0054] (A-1-2-4.Flight Mechanism 220) The flight mechanism 220 is a mechanism that causes the aircraft 20 to fly, and generates thrust in the airframe for lifting the aircraft 20 and moving it in a desired direction. The thrust of the aircraft 20 is generated by a gas turbine engine, a propeller driven by an electric motor, or the like. The aircraft 20 mainly comprises an airframe, main wings, a tail, and the like as mechanical components for flight. However, the aircraft 20 is not limited to these, and any appropriate configuration can be adopted. For example, the aircraft 20 may be a fixed-wing aircraft, a rotary-wing aircraft, or a vertical take-off and landing aircraft (VTOL) equipped with fixed wings and rotary wings.

[0055] (A-1-2-5. Camera mechanism 230) The photographing mechanism 230 is a mechanism for photographing the direction of travel of the aircraft 20, and includes a photographing camera 2301 and an image processing unit 2302. The camera 2301 (imaging device) is disposed at the bottom of the main body of the aircraft 20, and outputs image data relating to a photographed image of the surroundings of the aircraft 20. Additionally or alternatively, the camera 2301 may be provided at the top of the main body of the aircraft 20, for example. The camera 2301 is a video camera (color camera) that photographs moving images. The moving images may include audio data acquired by a microphone (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the camera 2301 may be configured to photograph still images.

[0056] The orientation of the camera 2301 (the attitude of the camera 2301 relative to the main body of the aircraft 20) can be adjusted by a camera actuator (not shown). Alternatively, the position of the camera 2301 relative to the main body of the aircraft 20 may be fixed. The image processing unit 2302 performs predetermined image processing on image data acquired by the camera 2301. The image data acquired by the camera 2301 can be transmitted to a storage unit of the aircraft 20 itself, the meteorological observation device 30, or the like. A part or all of the image processing unit 2302 may be positioned as part of the imaging control unit 2502 (described later). Clouds, rain, and the like may be detected from the video or still images captured by the camera 2301.

[0057] (A-1-2-6. Dropsonde Dropping Mechanism 240) The dropsonde dropping mechanism 240 is a mechanism that drops one or more dropsondes 2401 based on commands from the aircraft control unit 250 (measurement control unit 2503). The dropsonde 2401 has various sensors (not shown) and measures meteorological data D (hereinafter also referred to as "weather data D4" or "fourth meteorological data D4"). The fourth meteorological data D4 includes data on atmospheric water vapor 90. The fourth meteorological data D4 may include at least one of atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, dew point temperature, and relative humidity corresponding to the current position (position at the time of measurement) of the dropsonde 2401. The fourth meteorological data D4 may also include three-dimensional coordinates or altitude of the current position (position at the time of measurement) of the dropsonde 2401. Furthermore, the dropsonde 2401 may detect atmospheric wind speed and direction based on the falling speed and falling direction of the dropsonde 2401 itself. The dropsonde 2401 may also have a GPS Doppler.

[0058] (A-1-2-7. Aircraft Control Unit 250) The aircraft control unit 250 controls the entire aircraft 20, including flight, measurement, and photography of the aircraft 20. The aircraft control unit 250 includes an input / output unit, a calculation unit, and a storage unit, all of which are not shown. The aircraft control unit 250 includes a calculation device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing information processing, and storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). As shown in FIG. 2, the aircraft control unit 250 includes a flight control unit 2501, a photography control unit 2502, and a measurement control unit 2503.

[0059] The flight control unit 2501 controls the flight of the aircraft 20 (aircraft attitude control and flight operations from takeoff through flight and landing) via the flight mechanism 220. The flight control unit 2501 has a processing unit, also called a flight controller. The processing unit may have one or more processors, such as a programmable processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU, or a DSP). The processing unit has access to a memory (storage unit). The memory stores logic, code, and / or program instructions that the processing unit can execute to perform one or more steps. The memory may include, for example, a separable medium such as an SD card or RAM, or an external storage device. Various data acquired from the aircraft sensor group 200 may be directly transmitted to and stored in the memory. For example, video or still image data captured by the camera 2301 may be recorded in an internal memory or an external memory.

[0060] The processing unit includes a control module configured to control the state of the aircraft 20. For example, the control module controls the flight mechanism 220 (thrust generating unit) of the aircraft 20 to adjust the spatial configuration, attitude angle, angular velocity, angular acceleration, angular jerk rate, and / or acceleration of the aircraft 20, which has six degrees of freedom (translational motion x, y, and z, and rotational motion θx, θy, and θz). In other words, the control module controls the attitude angle control and flight operation of the aircraft 20 from takeoff to flight and landing by causing the aircraft 20 to perform various operations such as takeoff, forward movement, turning, and landing. The control module can control one or more of the holding unit of the camera 2301 (the orientation of the camera 2301) and sensors.

[0061] The flight control unit 2501 can control the flight of the aircraft 20 based on control signals from a control device (not shown), meteorological observation device 30, etc., or based on a preset autonomous flight program. The flight control unit 2501 can also control the flight of the aircraft 20 by controlling the flight mechanism 220 (thrust generation unit) based on various information such as information on measurement target areas, flight permitted / prohibited areas, and corresponding flight geofences, map information including two-dimensional or three-dimensional map data, current position information, attitude information (heading information), speed information, and acceleration information of the aircraft 20, as well as any combination of these.

[0062] The photographing control unit 2502 controls photographing by the aircraft 20 via the photographing mechanism 230. The measurement control unit 2503 performs predetermined measurements using the aircraft sensor group 200 based on commands from the meteorological observation equipment 30 (details will be described later with reference to Figures 4 to 9).

[0063] (A-1-3. Weather observation equipment 30) (A-1-3-1. Overview of the weather observation device 30) FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of a meteorological observation device 30 according to this embodiment. The meteorological observation device 30 manages or controls the flight, measurement, and photography of the aircraft 20. In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 is installed at a fixed meteorological observation station 32 (FIG. 1) on the ground. The meteorological observation device 30 may not be installed at a single meteorological observation station 32, but may be distributed across multiple meteorological observation stations 32 for each function or configuration of the meteorological observation device 30. Alternatively, some or all of the meteorological observation device 30 may be installed at other locations or facilities, such as a relay vehicle 52 or an aircraft 20.

[0064] 3, the meteorological observation device 30 has an input / output unit 300, a communication unit 310, a calculation unit 320, and a memory unit 330. The input / output unit 300 is a unit for inputting or outputting various types of information (image output, audio output), and includes a display unit 3000. The communication unit 310 has a modem or the like (not shown), and is capable of communicating with the aircraft 20, meteorological satellite 40, ground sensor 50, relay vehicle 52, etc. via a communication network 60.

[0065] The calculation unit 320 includes a CPU and operates by executing a program stored in the storage unit 330. Some of the functions executed by the calculation unit 320 can be realized using a logic IC (Integrated Circuit). Some of the programs of the calculation unit 320 can also be configured using hardware (circuit components).

[0066] The storage unit 330 stores programs and data used by the calculation unit 320, and includes a RAM. The RAM can be a volatile memory such as a register, or a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 330 may also include a ROM in addition to the RAM.

[0067] The weather observation device 30 may be a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer, or may be logically realized by cloud computing.

[0068] (A-1-3-2. Arithmetic unit 320) As shown in FIG. 3, the calculation unit 320 includes an operation management unit 3200, an airspace monitoring control unit 3210, a communication management unit 3220, a flight control unit 3230, an imaging control unit 3240, and a measurement control unit 3250.

[0069] The operation management unit 3200 manages the operation schedule of the aircraft 20. The management of the operation schedule also includes management of the schedule of measurements by the aircraft 20. When a command for measurements by the aircraft 20 is input from a user or manager of the meteorological observation device 30, the operation management unit 3200 accesses an operation management server (not shown) managed by an administrative agency, and sets the operation schedule of the aircraft 20 so that the planned route of the aircraft 20 does not overlap with the planned routes of other aircraft, etc.

[0070] The airspace monitoring control unit 3210 monitors in real time the flights of the aircraft 20 and other aircraft (manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft) in or around the measurement area where measurements are made by the aircraft 20. If the aircraft 20 or other aircraft behaves in an unexpected manner, the airspace monitoring control unit 3210 causes the aircraft 20 to take emergency action or requests the other aircraft to take emergency action.

[0071] The communication management unit 3220 manages communications between the weather observation device 30 and other devices (aircraft 20, meteorological satellite 40, ground sensor 50, relay vehicle 52, etc.). For example, the communication management unit 3220 compares direct communication between the weather observation device 30 and aircraft 20 with indirect communication between the weather observation device 30 and aircraft 20 via the relay vehicle 52 in terms of communication speed, communication stability, etc., and determines which one to select.

[0072] The flight control unit 3230 controls the flight of the aircraft 20. The flight here includes, in addition to flight during measurement, takeoff operations, movement from the takeoff point to the measurement target area, movement from the measurement target area to the target landing point, and landing operations.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3 , the flight control unit 3230 includes a route control unit 3231 and an aircraft control unit 3232. The route control unit 3231 sets a target route and target speed for the aircraft 20 based on a flight schedule. The aircraft control unit 3232 monitors real-time flight information (position, speed, etc.) of the aircraft 20 and controls each unit of the aircraft 20 to achieve the target route and target speed. In this embodiment, the aircraft 20 performs autonomous flight based on commands from the meteorological observation device 30. Alternatively, the aircraft 20 may be remotely operated by a human from the meteorological observation device 30 or another remote control device. Alternatively, the aircraft 20 may be a manned aircraft. When the aircraft 20 is remotely operated by a human or is manned, the flight control unit 3230 may notify the pilot of the aircraft 20 of the target route and target speed.

[0074] The photography control unit 3240 controls photography by the aircraft 20.

[0075] The measurement control unit 3250 controls the measurement by the aircraft 20. As shown in Fig. 3 , the measurement control unit 3250 has a first measurement condition setting unit 3251, a first measurement result processing unit 3252, a second measurement condition setting unit 3253, a second measurement result processing unit 3254, an atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255, a liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256, a future prediction unit 3257, a display control unit 3258, and a publication control unit 3259.

[0076] The primary measurement condition setting unit 3251 sets the conditions for the primary measurement. The primary measurement is a measurement (for simple observation) for determining the approximate position and shape (rough outline) of a mass 92 of water vapor 90 (hereinafter also referred to as "atmospheric river 92"; Figure 1) that has a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The primary measurement result processing unit 3252 processes the results of the primary measurement to determine the approximate position and shape (rough outline) of the atmospheric river 92. The primary measurement and the processing of its results are collectively referred to as the primary measurement process.

[0077] The secondary measurement condition setting unit 3253 sets the conditions for the secondary measurement. The secondary measurement is a measurement for acquiring the internal state of the atmospheric river 92 (for detailed observation). The secondary measurement result processing unit 3254 processes the results of the secondary measurement to acquire internal state data of the atmospheric river 92. The secondary measurement and the processing of the results are collectively referred to as the secondary measurement processing.

[0078] The atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255 calculates various parameters of the atmospheric river 92 based on the internal state data of the atmospheric river 92 acquired by the secondary measurement result processing unit 3254. The liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256 estimates the liquefied water amount, which is the amount of water that will liquefy from water vapor 90 due to the movement of the atmospheric river 92. The future prediction unit 3257 predicts future weather conditions and rainfall associated with the movement of the atmospheric river 92. The display control unit 3258 displays the weather information obtained by the atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255, liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256, and future prediction unit 3257 in a predetermined format. The publication control unit 3259 controls the publication of the weather information (and its analysis results) obtained by the atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255, liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256, and future prediction unit 3257 on a predetermined website, etc.

[0079] Further details will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0080] (A-1-4. Weather Satellite 40) The meteorological satellite 40 (FIG. 1) has a meteorological sensor (hereinafter also referred to as "space sensor") not shown, which acquires meteorological data D (second meteorological data D2) for meteorological observation and provides it to the meteorological observation device 30. The space sensor is a non-contact water sensor installed on the meteorological satellite 40 that detects water vapor 90 or water in the atmosphere using light, electromagnetic waves, or sound waves. The space sensor may be, for example, a laser sensor, an infrared sensor, or a microwave sensor. The second meteorological data D2 includes data on the position and range of the atmospheric river 92 (water vapor 90) and the humidity state variable Qh (a state variable related to atmospheric humidity).

[0081] (A-1-5. Ground Sensor 50) The ground sensor 50 is a non-contact water sensor installed on the ground (land 98 (FIG. 7)) that detects water vapor 90 or water in the atmosphere using light, electromagnetic waves, or sound waves. The ground sensor 50 acquires meteorological data D (third meteorological data D3) for meteorological observation and provides it to the meteorological observation device 30. The ground sensor 50 may be, for example, a laser sensor (Doppler LiDAR, ceilometer, etc.) or a microwave sensor (microwave radiometer). The third meteorological data D3 includes data on the position, range, and humidity state quantity Qh of the atmospheric river 92 (water vapor 90).

[0082] (A-1-6. Relay vehicle 52) The relay vehicle 52 relays communications between the aircraft 20 and the weather observation device 30. The relay vehicle 52 has a communication unit, a calculation unit, and a storage unit, which are not shown. By installing the weather observation device 30 in the relay vehicle 52, it is possible to position the relay vehicle 52 as a vehicle-type base station.

[0083] [A-2. Control] (A-2-1. Overall flow) Next, the meteorological observation control of this embodiment will be described. In the meteorological observation control, meteorological observation is performed on a mass 92 of water vapor 90 (atmospheric river 92) with a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, which is the cause of rainfall areas such as linear rain bands. In the meteorological observation control of this embodiment, a first measurement process (for rough observation) is performed to roughly grasp the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92, a second measurement process (for detailed observation) is performed to grasp the internal state of the atmospheric river 92, and a meteorological observation process that outputs data based on the results of the second measurement process.

[0084] 4 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of meteorological observation control in this embodiment. In step S101, the meteorological observation device 30 performs a pre-setting process. Specifically, the meteorological observation device 30 (primary measurement condition setting unit 3251) sets the conditions for the first measurement based on input from the user (or administrator) of the meteorological observation device 30. The conditions for the first measurement include, for example, the location of the area where the first measurement is performed (first measurement target area), the measurement content (the type of first meteorological data D1 to be acquired, the horizontal or vertical measurement interval, etc.).

[0085] If the second meteorological data D2 from the meteorological satellite 40 satisfies the conditions for executing the first measurement process (for example, if the second meteorological data D2 allows the rough position of the atmospheric river 92 to be estimated), the meteorological observation device 30 may automatically set the first measurement target area, etc., based on the second meteorological data D2. Also, the meteorological observation device 30 sets a target route and target speed to the first measurement target area based on the first measurement target area. Furthermore, if multiple aircraft 20 are available, the number of aircraft 20 for which the current first measurement process will be performed is set based on user input, etc. If the use of multiple aircraft 20 is selected, a target route and target speed are set for each aircraft 20.

[0086] In step S102, the meteorological observation device 30 (flight control unit 3230) moves the aircraft 20 to a start position for the primary measurement process. The start position for the primary measurement process may not be set, and the primary measurement process (as well as a process for roughly grasping the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92) may be performed from the takeoff of the aircraft 20 to the first measurement target area.

[0087] In step S103, the meteorological observation device 30 performs a primary measurement process using the aircraft 20. As described above, the primary measurement process is a process for roughly grasping the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 (for rough observation). In the primary measurement process, the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 are detected using first meteorological data D1 from a water sensor 2006 (laser sensor) mounted on the aircraft 20. Second meteorological data D2 from a meteorological satellite 40 may also be used. Additionally or alternatively, the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 may be detected using meteorological data D3 from a ground sensor 50. Details of the primary measurement process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0088] In step S104, the meteorological observation device 30 performs a secondary measurement process using the aircraft 20. As described above, the secondary measurement process is a process for grasping the internal state of the atmospheric river 92 or for grasping the position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 in detail (for detailed observation). In the secondary measurement process, the internal state of the atmospheric river 92 is detected by various sensors (anemometer 2007, atmospheric thermometer 2008, atmospheric pressure meter 2009, dew point thermometer 2010, relative humidity meter 2011, position measurement unit 2001, altimeter 2003, etc.) mounted on the aircraft 20. Details of the secondary measurement process will be described later with reference to FIG. 9 etc.

[0089] In step S105, the meteorological observation device 30 performs a meteorological observation process, which is a process for outputting data based on the results of the second measurement process. Details of the meteorological observation process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0090] (A-2-2. Primary Measurement Process (S103 in FIG. 4)) (A-2-2-1. Basic Concept of Primary Measurement Processing) Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the basic concept of the primary measurement process in this embodiment. In Figure 5, reference numeral 22 denotes the measurement area (measurement area 22) measured by the water sensor 2006 of the aircraft 20, and reference numeral 42 denotes the measurement area (measurement area 42) measured by the space sensor of the meteorological satellite 40.

[0091] Also, in FIG. 5 , the seawater temperature of the ocean 94 rises, and the evaporated seawater is continuously moved upward by an updraft 96a, generating a mass 92 of water vapor 90 (atmospheric river 92). Subsequently, due to the influence of air current 96b, the atmospheric river 92 moves over the coastline 97 toward the land 98. When the moisture content of the water vapor 90 exceeds the saturated water vapor amount due to topographical factors, the water vapor 90 liquefies in the air, becoming water 90a and forming clouds 92a (rain clouds). This can result in the formation of a linear rain band, causing prolonged heavy rain in a specific area. In Japan, which is surrounded by sea, almost all of the water vapor 90 that causes heavy rain flows from above the ocean 94 onto the land 98. Therefore, in order to detect the water vapor 90 in advance, it is necessary to search for the water vapor 90 in the area from the land 98 to the ocean 94 and detect it early. Similarly, when predicting the occurrence of a polar air mass convergence zone (a so-called linear snowfall zone), where heavy snowfall continues for a long period of time in a specific area, it is necessary to search for water vapor 90 in the area from land to sea and detect it early.

[0092] Water in the air is (1) Visible state: droplets (raindrops, snow, etc.), particles (fog and clouds at a relative humidity of 100% Rh) (2) Invisible state: Water in gaseous state (relative humidity Rh less than 100%) "Water vapor" means (2) an invisible gas.

[0093] In this embodiment, the object to be measured or detected in the first and second measurement processes is invisible water vapor 90 (however, visible water 90a may also be measured or detected in addition to this). Based on the measurement results of water vapor 90, the atmospheric water vapor parameter calculation unit 3255 (FIG. 3) calculates the gaseous water content (invisible) and the liquefied water content (visible).

[0094] 5, the measurement area 22 of the aircraft 20 (water sensor 2006) faces upward because the aircraft 20 is flying at a relatively low altitude (for example, between 100 and 200 m) and measuring the atmospheric river 92 above the aircraft 20. When the aircraft 20 is flying at a relatively high altitude (for example, above 200 m), the measurement area 22 may face downward. Furthermore, regardless of the altitude of the aircraft 20, the measurement area 22 may be positioned to the left or right of the aircraft 20 or forward in the direction of travel.

[0095] (A-2-2-2. Specific flow of the primary measurement process) 6 is a flowchart of the primary measurement process in this embodiment (details of S103 in FIG. 4). In step S201, the meteorological observation device 30 acquires the conditions for the primary measurement (primary measurement conditions) set in the presetting process (S101 in FIG. 4). The primary measurement conditions include, for example, the movement path (including altitude) of the aircraft 20, the target speed, and the measurement target area of ​​the water sensor 2006 (laser sensor) (which may include the orientation of the laser sensor).

[0096] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a target flight path 84 of the aircraft 20 in the primary measurement process of this embodiment. The target flight path 84 for the primary measurement is set, for example, as follows. That is, first, a measurement target area 80 for the primary measurement is set as a rectangular area in a plan view (an area of ​​other shapes may also be set). Then, this rectangular measurement target area 80 is divided into unit areas 82 in a grid shape, for example, with each side being 30 km long. It should be understood that both the measurement target area 80 and the unit areas 82 are set virtually. Next, the aircraft 20 flies back and forth within the measurement target area 80 while gradually shifting its position in the vertical direction (alternatively, it may fly back and forth while gradually shifting its position in the horizontal direction). In other words, the target flight path 84 is set in a so-called serpentine shape. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target speed of the aircraft 20 is set, for example, in the range of 200 to 800 km / h, and the target altitude of the aircraft 20 is set, for example, in the range of 100 to 1,000 m.

[0097] In step S202, the meteorological observation device 30 (measurement control unit 3250) causes the aircraft 20 to perform a primary measurement in accordance with the primary measurement conditions. Specifically, within the measurement target area 80 of the primary measurement, a detection value is acquired by the water sensor 2006 (laser sensor) of the aircraft 20 (see FIG. 5). In other words, remote sensing (non-contact measurement) is performed by the aircraft 20. In this embodiment, the measurement range 22 of the water sensor 2006 has, for example, a depth distance of 100 m to 2 km and vertical and horizontal distances of 100 m to 1 km (in FIG. 5, the vertical and horizontal directions of the measurement range 22 are shown as circles, but other shapes are also possible). Note that instead of remote sensing, direct sensing (contact measurement) using a relative hygrometer 2011 or the like may be performed.

[0098] In step S203, the meteorological observation device 30 determines whether the meteorological data D1 from the aircraft 20 indicates a moisture content (amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight) equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the meteorological data D1 does not indicate a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S203: false), the process returns to step S202 and continues the primary measurement within the measurement target area 80. If the meteorological data D1 indicates a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S203: true), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0099] In step S204, the meteorological observation device 30 determines the rough position and shape (outline) of the atmospheric river 92. As described above, in this embodiment, the primary measurement is performed using the water sensor 2006 as a laser sensor. Therefore, the rough shape (outline) of the atmospheric river 92 can be determined based on the reflected light of the scanning laser emitted from the laser sensor that hits the boundary (outline) of the atmospheric river 92, including cloud particles, and returns. Alternatively, the rough shape (outline) of the atmospheric river 92 can be determined by determining, based on the attenuation of the reflected light, whether a specific wavelength of the scanning laser emitted from the laser sensor has been attenuated by the influence of water vapor inside the atmospheric river 92. In addition, at this time, the distance and direction from the laser sensor to the outline of the atmospheric river 92 are detected by the laser sensor. Therefore, the position (latitude, longitude, and height) of the outline of the atmospheric river 92 can be calculated based on the current position (three-dimensional position coordinates) of the aircraft 20 and the detection value of the laser sensor. Then, the position of the outline of the atmospheric river 92 calculated as described above is recorded.

[0100] Next, in step S205, the meteorological observation device 30 determines whether additional measurements are necessary. Specifically, the meteorological observation device 30 determines whether the rough position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 can be identified based on the result of step S204. If additional measurements are unnecessary (S205: true), the first measurement process ends and the process proceeds to the second measurement process (S104 in FIG. 4, FIG. 9).

[0101] Incidentally, in step S203, even if meteorological data D1 indicating a moisture content above a predetermined value is obtained, the approximate position and shape of the atmospheric river 92 cannot be identified if, for example, the area of ​​the meteorological data D1 indicating a moisture content above a predetermined value is too small, or if step S203 becomes true (TRUE) due to a false detection.

[0102] Therefore, if the approximate location and shape of the atmospheric river 92 cannot be determined and additional measurements are necessary (S205: false), in step S206, the meteorological observation device 30 causes the aircraft 20 to perform additional measurements. For example, the meteorological observation device 30 returns the aircraft 20 to the location where the meteorological data D1 indicating a moisture content greater than or equal to a predetermined value was acquired and performs remote sensing of the acquisition location from a different direction. Alternatively, the meteorological observation device 30 may return the aircraft 20 to the location where the meteorological data D1 indicating a moisture content greater than or equal to a predetermined value was acquired and perform direct sensing using a relative humidity meter 2011 or the like. Alternatively, the meteorological observation device 30 may acquire meteorological data D2 (D3) from a meteorological satellite 40 (or a ground sensor 50) for the vicinity of the acquisition location and confirm whether an atmospheric river 92 exists. If the meteorological data D2 (D3) around the acquisition location indicates the presence of an atmospheric river 92, the meteorological observation device 30 moves the aircraft 20 to a location where the meteorological data D2 (D3) indicates the presence of an atmospheric river 92, and performs remote sensing or direct sensing.

[0103] If the meteorological data D1 does not indicate a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value throughout the entire measurement area 80 (S203: false), the meteorological observation device 30 may return the aircraft 20 without performing a secondary measurement. Alternatively, the meteorological observation device 30 may perform a non-detection process. In the non-detection process, for example, meteorological data D2 (D3) is acquired from the meteorological satellite 40 (or ground sensor 50) for the entire measurement area 80, and the presence of an atmospheric river 92 is confirmed. If the meteorological data D2 (D3) indicates the presence of an atmospheric river 92, the meteorological observation device 30 moves the aircraft 20 to a position where the meteorological data D2 (D3) indicates the presence of an atmospheric river 92, and performs remote sensing or direct sensing.

[0104] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an actual flight path 85 of the aircraft 20 in the primary measurement process of this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, the aircraft 20 flies according to the target flight path 84 of FIG. 7, and while forming the flight path 85, a mass 92 of water vapor 90 (atmospheric river 92) is detected at point 86 (S205: true in FIG. 6). In this case, the primary measurement process is terminated before the flight of the target flight path 84 is completed, and secondary measurement process is initiated for the detected atmospheric river 92. Alternatively, the primary measurement process may be terminated after the flight of the target flight path 84 is completed, and the secondary measurement process may be initiated.

[0105] (A-2-3. Secondary Measurement Process (S104 in FIG. 4)) (A-2-3-1. Secondary measurement processing flow) 9 is a flowchart of the secondary measurement process in this embodiment (details of S104 in FIG. 4). As described above, the secondary measurement process is a process for grasping the internal state of the atmospheric river 92 (for detailed observation). The secondary measurement process may be a process for grasping details of the peripheral state of the atmospheric river 92 (for detailed observation) in addition to or instead of the internal state of the atmospheric river 92.

[0106] In step S301, the meteorological observation device 30 (secondary measurement condition setting unit 3253) acquires the approximate position and shape (general outline) of the atmospheric river 92 calculated in the primary measurement process (S103 in FIG. 4, FIG. 6). In step S302, the meteorological observation device 30 determines whether the height (length in the vertical direction or altitude) of the atmospheric river 92 is below a height threshold (e.g., 150 m) for setting measurement conditions for the secondary measurement. If the height of the atmospheric river 92 is below the height threshold (S302: true), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0107] In step S303, the meteorological observation device 30 sets measurement conditions for normal height. The measurement conditions for normal height include the following: Condition A1: Direct sensing is performed using a relative humidity meter 2011 or similar. Condition A2: Set the target measurement area and target flight path for the second measurement based on the position of the atmospheric river 92 measured in the first measurement. Condition A3: The unit area 82 (FIG. 7) is set smaller than that in the primary measurement. Condition A4: The target speed of the aircraft 20 is set lower than that in the first measurement. Condition A5: The target speed inside the atmospheric river 92 is set lower than the target speed outside the atmospheric river 92. Condition A6: When the wind direction in the vertical direction is detected, the serpentine-shaped target flight path is tilted from the horizontal direction. Condition A7: The target flight path is set so that the flight direction corresponds to the flow direction of the atmospheric river 92. Condition A8: When multiple aircraft 20 are used, the measurement area at the same altitude is divided and secondary measurements are carried out by each aircraft 20.

[0108] Regarding condition A2, for example, the target flight path can be set as follows. That is, if the primary measurement is terminated when the atmospheric river 92 is detected as shown in Figure 8, the secondary measurement detects the contour of the atmospheric river 92 and identifies the entire contour (or the smallest rectangular area including the entire contour) along the contour. Then, the target flight path is set so that the aircraft flies in a serpentine pattern within the atmospheric river 92.

[0109] Alternatively, if an atmospheric river 92 is detected in the primary measurement but the entire first measurement target area 80 is flown over, the entire outline of the atmospheric river 92 (or the smallest rectangular area including the entire outline) is set as the measurement target area (second measurement target area) in the secondary measurement. Then, a target flight path is set so that the drone flies in a serpentine pattern within the second measurement target area.

[0110] Regarding condition A7, for example, the target flight path is set so that it is forward (the same direction as) the flow direction of the atmospheric river 92 (or so that the proportion of the distance in the forward direction is high). This reduces the relative speed of the water vapor 90 with respect to the aircraft 20, making it easier to improve the accuracy of measurements by the aircraft 20. Alternatively, the target flight path may be set so that it is perpendicular to the flow direction of the atmospheric river 92 (or so that the proportion of the distance in the perpendicular direction is high). This makes it easier to equalize the wind resistance to the straight flight of the aircraft 20 on the outbound and return flights, for example, when the flight path is serpentine.

[0111] If the height of the atmospheric river 92 is not below the height threshold (S302: False), the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the meteorological observation device 30 sets measurement conditions for enlarged height. Of the measurement conditions A1 to A8 for normal height, conditions A1 to A6 are common to the measurement conditions for enlarged height. As conditions different from the measurement conditions for normal height, the measurement conditions for enlarged height include the following: ·Condition B1: Dropsonde 2401. Condition B2: When multiple aircraft 20 are used, a secondary measurement is carried out by each aircraft 20 at each height of the atmospheric river 92.

[0112] Regarding condition B1, if the number of dropsondes 2401 to be dropped is one, the drop position of the dropsonde 2401 can be, for example, the center of the atmospheric river 92 in a planar view. Alternatively, the dropsonde 2401 may be dropped at the highest point of the atmospheric river 92. If multiple dropsondes 2401 are dropped, the drop positions of the dropsondes 2401 can be, for example, positions that equally divide the longitudinal distance of the atmospheric river 92 in a planar view (for example, if the number of dropsondes 2401 is two, positions that equally divide the longitudinal distance into thirds). If the dropsonde dropping mechanism 240 has multiple dropsondes 2401, the number of dropsondes 2401 to be dropped can be set, for example, according to the size of the atmospheric river 92.

[0113] In step S305, the meteorological observation device 30 (measurement control unit 3250) causes the aircraft 20 to perform a secondary measurement based on the measurement conditions set in step S303 or S304. As will be described later, the meteorological data D obtained in the secondary measurement (or meteorological information obtained based on the meteorological data D) is displayed in the form of a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map corresponding to the acquisition position (e.g., FIG. 11). Therefore, in the secondary measurement, the meteorological data D and meteorological information based on this meteorological data D are recorded according to the acquisition position.

[0114] In step S306, the meteorological observation device 30 determines whether additional measurement is necessary. Specifically, if the meteorological observation device 30 detects a wind speed equal to or greater than a predetermined value (wind speed threshold) during the secondary measurement, or if it detects a flow of water vapor 90 equal to or greater than a predetermined value (height direction movement speed threshold), it determines that additional measurement is necessary. This is because if the wind speed is high, the movement of water vapor 90 may be too fast, making it difficult to obtain highly accurate meteorological data D. If additional measurement is unnecessary (S306: true), the secondary measurement process ends and the process proceeds to the meteorological observation process (S105 in FIG. 4, FIG. 10). If additional measurement is necessary (S306: false), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0115] In step S307, the meteorological observation device 30 causes the aircraft 20 to perform an additional measurement. As described above, the additional measurement in the secondary measurement process is intended to improve or ensure the accuracy of the meteorological data D acquired by direct sensing by the aircraft 20. In the additional measurement, for example, a target flight path for the additional measurement is generated based on the movement direction (or wind direction) and movement speed (or wind speed) of the water vapor 90 or atmospheric river 92 acquired in the secondary measurement (S305). For example, an additional target flight path is set in the movement direction of the atmospheric river 92 to acquire the meteorological data D.

[0116] (A-2-3-2. Direct Sensing (Calculation of Atmospheric River 92 Parameters)) As described above, direct sensing is performed using a relative humidity meter 2011 or the like under both the normal height and expanded height measurement conditions. The meteorological observation device 30 (atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255) calculates or identifies parameters of the atmospheric river 92 based on the meteorological data D obtained by direct sensing. The parameters here include the position of the atmospheric river 92, a water vapor amount related value Vv, atmospheric temperature Ta, atmospheric pressure P, wind speed, and wind direction.

[0117] In the case of direct sensing, the position of the atmospheric river 92 is equal to the position of the aircraft 20, and is therefore obtained from the position measurement unit 2001 and altimeter 2003 of the aircraft 20. The water vapor amount-related value Vv is a value corresponding to the amount of water vapor 90 contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight. The water vapor amount-related value Vv is calculated based on the relative humidity RH measured by the relative hygrometer 2011, the atmospheric temperature Ta measured by the atmospheric thermometer 2008, and the atmospheric pressure P measured by the atmospheric pressure gauge 2009 (details will be described later).

[0118] The atmospheric temperature Ta is acquired from an atmospheric thermometer 2008. The air temperature between the altitude of the aircraft 20 and the ground may be estimated based on the atmospheric temperature Ta measured by the aircraft 20 and the altitude H measured by the altimeter 2003. The atmospheric pressure P is acquired from an atmospheric barometer 2009. The air pressure between the altitude of the aircraft 20 and the ground may be estimated based on the atmospheric pressure P measured by the aircraft 20 and the altitude H measured by the altimeter 2003.

[0119] The wind speed and direction of the atmosphere (atmospheric river 92) are calculated from the difference between the relative wind direction and relative wind speed from the anemometer 2007 and the moving direction and speed of the aircraft 20. Alternatively, if a Doppler LiDAR is used for the water sensor 2006, measurements may be made by the Doppler LiDAR.

[0120] When the dropsonde 2401 is used under the measurement conditions for the expanded height (S304 in FIG. 9), the position of the atmospheric river 92, the water vapor content-related value Vv, the atmospheric temperature Ta, the atmospheric pressure P, the wind speed, and the wind direction are calculated using the measurements of the dropsonde 2401 in addition to the measurements of the aircraft 20.

[0121] (A-2-3-3. Calculation of water vapor related value Vv) In this embodiment, in order to calculate (or estimate or predict) the current or future rainfall state or rainfall amount, a water vapor amount-related value Vv is calculated based on the results of the second measurement process (or the first measurement process). The water vapor amount-related value Vv is a value corresponding to the amount of water vapor 90 contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight. As the water vapor amount-related value Vv, for example, the amount of water vapor 90 contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight itself can be used. Alternatively, the water vapor amount-related value Vv may be the water vapor partial pressure Pa, the volume absolute humidity VH, or the weight absolute humidity SH. The water vapor partial pressure Pa, the volume absolute humidity VH, and the weight absolute humidity SH are defined or calculated as follows:

[0122] The water vapor partial pressure Pa is calculated based on the dew point temperature Td from the dew point thermometer 2010 and the atmospheric pressure P from the barometer 2009. Alternatively, the water vapor partial pressure Pa is calculated based on the dew point temperature Td from the dew point thermometer 2010 and the relative humidity RH from the relative humidity meter 2011.

[0123] The volumetric absolute humidity VH is 1m 3 The amount of water vapor contained in the air expressed in weight (weight of water vapor per unit volume, and is shown by the following formula (1)). VH = Mw / Va (g / m 3 ) (1) In equation (1), Mw is the mass of water vapor in the air we want to calculate, and Va is the volume of the air. If we consider water vapor and dry air as ideal gases, we can use the following approximate equation (2). VH = (217 × Pa) / (Ta + 273.15) (2)

[0124] In equation (2), Pa is the water vapor partial pressure of the air to be found, and Ta is the atmospheric temperature. The volume absolute humidity VH is calculated based on the dew-point temperature Td from the dew-point thermometer 2010 and the atmospheric temperature Ta from the atmospheric thermometer 2008. Alternatively, the volume absolute humidity VH is calculated based on the relative humidity RH from the relative hygrometer 2011 and the atmospheric temperature Ta from the atmospheric thermometer 2008.

[0125] Weight absolute humidity SH is the amount of water vapor per unit weight of air and is expressed by the following formula (3). SR=Mw / MDa (Kg / Kg(Da)) (3) In equation (3), Mw is the mass of water vapor in the air we want to find, and MDa is the mass and density of dry air. If we consider water vapor and dry air as ideal gases, we can use the following approximate equation (4). SR = (0.622 × / desired water vapor partial pressure of air / (P-Pa) (4)

[0126] The weight absolute humidity SH is calculated based on the dew point temperature Td from the dew point thermometer 2010 and the atmospheric pressure P from the barometer 2009. Alternatively, the weight absolute humidity SH is calculated based on the relative humidity RH from the relative hygrometer 2011 and the atmospheric pressure P from the barometer 2009.

[0127] The saturated water vapor pressure changes depending on the temperature (atmospheric temperature). The water vapor partial pressure Pa changes depending on the atmospheric pressure P. The temperature and atmospheric pressure P change depending on the altitude. For example, the temperature decreases by 0.6°C for every 100m increase in altitude. Also, the atmospheric pressure decreases by 10hPa for every 100m increase in altitude.

[0128] When the temperature is high and the saturated vapor pressure is high, the atmosphere can contain a lot of moisture, but as the altitude of the water vapor increases, the temperature decreases and the saturated vapor pressure also decreases depending on the altitude, so the moisture liquefies and turns into clouds or rain.

[0129] Even when the temperature is high and the saturated water vapor pressure is high, the water vapor partial pressure (saturated water vapor pressure) cannot exceed atmospheric pressure, so when water vapor rises to a high altitude and the atmospheric pressure decreases, the upper limit of water vapor partial pressure also decreases, and the water content that is the difference between the saturated water vapor pressure and the water vapor partial pressure liquefies and turns into clouds or rain.

[0130] From the above, in order to measure the amount of moisture in the atmosphere more accurately regardless of changes in altitude or temperature, it is necessary to measure the state quantities of "humidity (relative humidity or dew point temperature) + temperature + atmospheric pressure."

[0131] (A-2-4. Weather Observation Processing (S105 in Figure 4)) (A-2-4-1. Flow of weather observation processing) Fig. 10 is a flowchart of the meteorological observation process in this embodiment (details of S105 in Fig. 4). As described above, the meteorological observation process is a process for outputting data based on the results of the second measurement process. The data output here can take the form of a two-dimensional map showing meteorological data D in a mesh format according to two-dimensional coordinates (latitude and longitude), or a three-dimensional map showing meteorological data D in a mesh format according to three-dimensional coordinates (latitude, longitude, and altitude), as shown in Fig. 11.

[0132] In step S501, the meteorological observation device 30 estimates the current rainfall state and rainfall amount. Specifically, it estimates the amount of liquefied water (the amount of liquefied water contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight), which indicates the state of clouds or fog at the current location. For example, if the amount of saturated water vapor at the current location is less than 100%, the amount of liquefied water is estimated to be zero. Also, if the amount of saturated water vapor at the current location is 100%, it is estimated that liquefied water exists. In this case, the amount of liquefied water is estimated based on surrounding meteorological information (wind speed, air pressure, temperature), whether air is flowing into an environment where liquefaction is likely to occur, the magnitude of the wind speed, etc.

[0133] In step S502, the meteorological observation device 30 predicts future weather conditions and rainfall. Specifically, future values ​​are predicted for each parameter of the atmospheric river 92 and the aforementioned amount of liquefied water. For example, each parameter of the atmospheric river 92 is input into a meteorological model to predict each future parameter. Furthermore, for the amount of liquefied water (rainfall), a rainfall occurrence area or a rainfall occurrence area and expected rainfall amount are estimated based on the future movement position of the water vapor 90 estimated from the calculated current wind speed and wind direction of the water vapor 90, and the expected temperature and expected air pressure according to the altitude after movement (in practice, rainfall is predicted by inputting the data into the meteorological model).

[0134] The expected temperature may be predicted based on an altitude-temperature decay table and an altitude-pressure decay table, or may be predicted based on the temperature and pressure measured by the aircraft 20 in a secondary measurement.

[0135] The logic for determining a rainfall occurrence area is, for example, as follows. That is, the saturated water vapor amount at that temperature can be determined from the predicted temperature at the location where the water vapor 90 moves. By comparing the measured moisture content of the water vapor 90 with the saturated water vapor amount, the amount of moisture that will be generated as liquid (water droplets (rain / snow), particles (clouds / fog)) in the future is predicted. Areas with a large amount of rainfall (areas exceeding a rainfall threshold) are then predicted as rainfall occurrence areas. Areas with particularly heavy rainfall are then defined as linear precipitation bands. Furthermore, areas that meet predetermined snowfall conditions, such as when a large amount of moisture is generated and the temperature in the sky is lower than a predetermined temperature, can be predicted as snowfall occurrence areas, and areas with particularly heavy snowfall can be defined as linear snowfall bands.

[0136] The accuracy of the above-mentioned rainfall area or snowfall area prediction can be improved by acquiring time-series measurement information of each parameter. The accuracy of the above-mentioned heavy rainfall area or snowfall (heavy snow) occurrence area prediction can be improved by generating a weather model based on historical information of past heavy rainfall or heavy snow occurrence. Note that an external weather forecasting system (not shown) may acquire information on rainfall areas or snowfall areas predicted by the future prediction unit 3257 and make weather forecasts.

[0137] In step S503, the meteorological observation device 30 displays the results of step S501 or S502. Specifically, each parameter generated by the atmospheric river parameter calculation unit 3255 is displayed on a map as two-dimensional or three-dimensional mesh information linked to position information (see, for example, FIG. 11).

[0138] As the display information in step S503, the current information may be each parameter value calculated by the atmospheric parameter calculation unit 3255 or an estimated value calculated by the liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256. The future prediction information may include prediction information calculated by the future prediction unit 3257, the predicted values ​​of each parameter, and the future predicted value of the liquefied water amount. Furthermore, the future prediction information may include the current rainfall or snowfall state calculated by the liquefied water amount estimation unit 3256, and the amount of liquefied water (droplets or particles (mist)) predicted as precipitation. Furthermore, the heavy rain occurrence area or heavy snow occurrence area predicted by the future prediction unit 3257, and the expected rainfall or snowfall amount may be displayed. In addition, other measurement information (temperature, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, etc.) may be included in the display information.

[0139] (A-2-4-2. Example of display screen for weather observation processing) 11 is a diagram showing a simplified example of a display screen in the weather observation processing of this embodiment. The display screen 70 (hereinafter also referred to as "screen 70") is screen data generated by the weather observation device 30 and displayed on the display unit 3000. The contents of the screen 70 may be displayed on a display unit other than the display unit 3000 of the weather observation device 30. For example, on a website managed by the publication control unit 3259, screen data may be transmitted to an external terminal in response to a request from the external terminal, and displayed on the display unit of the external terminal.

[0140] It will be understood that the screen 70 in Figure 11 corresponds to the actual terrain of Figures 7 and 8. That is, the screen 70 in Figure 11 includes a map display area 700. The map display area 700 includes an ocean display 702 corresponding to the ocean 94 in Figure 7, a land display 704 corresponding to the land 98, and a coastline display 706 corresponding to the coastline 97. The ocean display 702 and the land display 704 may use map representations of the ocean 94 and the land 98, or aerial or satellite photographs.

[0141] The screen 70 also includes a two-dimensional mesh display 710 within a map display area 700, similar to that used in setting the target flight path 84 (FIG. 7). A unit cell 712, which represents one square in the two-dimensional mesh display 710, corresponds to the unit area 82 (FIG. 7) and indicates a position within the map display area 700. However, as described above, the size of the unit area 82 can change between the first measurement process and the second measurement process, so the size of the unit cell 712 is set to correspond to the size of the unit area 82 when the actual measurement is performed.

[0142] On the screen 70, a color, grayscale, pattern, or the like corresponding to the water vapor amount-related value Vv is displayed for each unit cell 712. In addition to the above-mentioned values, the water vapor amount-related value Vv may also be, for example, the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight (gas water amount) or the amount of liquefied water (liquefied water amount).

[0143] Furthermore, a plurality of wind vector arrows 720 (hereinafter also referred to as "arrows 720") are displayed on the screen 70. The arrows 720 indicate the wind speed and direction for each unit cell 712 (or each unit area 82). That is, the direction of the arrow 720 indicates the wind direction, and the length of the arrow 720 indicates the wind speed. Note that instead of displaying an arrow 720 for each unit cell 712, one arrow (indicating the direction and speed of travel of the air river 92) may be displayed corresponding to one air river 92.

[0144] Here, the meteorological observation process (display of meteorological data D) was performed after the primary measurement process and the secondary measurement process were completed. However, the meteorological data D obtained in the first or second measurement or meteorological information based thereon may be displayed during the primary or secondary measurement process.

[0145] [A-3. Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, a water vapor amount-related value Vv corresponding to the amount of water vapor 90 contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated and output for each three-dimensional position coordinate or each two-dimensional position coordinate based on detection values ​​(humidity state quantity Qh, which is a state quantity related to atmospheric humidity) from humidity state quantity sensors such as a dew point thermometer 2010 and a relative hygrometer 2011 provided on the aircraft 20 (aircraft) (S503 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11). This makes it possible to use the water vapor amount-related value Vv acquired according to the movement range of the aircraft 20. This makes it easier to grasp or observe the state of the air flow containing water vapor 90 compared to when only a dropsonde or only a radiosonde is used.

[0146] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation system 10 further includes a water sensor 2006 (laser sensor), a space sensor, and a ground sensor 50 (non-contact water sensor) that are installed in an aircraft 20 (aircraft), a meteorological satellite 40 (artificial satellite), or on the ground and detect water vapor 90 in the atmosphere using light, electromagnetic waves, or sound waves (FIG. 1). The meteorological observation device 30 performs a first measurement process (S103 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6) to measure the position of a water vapor mass 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the measurement value of the water sensor 2006, and a second measurement process (S104 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9) to fly the aircraft 20 inside or around the water vapor mass 92 using the position of the water vapor mass 92 measured in the first measurement process as a reference, acquire relative humidity RH (humidity state quantity Qh) using a relative hygrometer 2011 (humidity state quantity sensor), and measure a water vapor amount-related value Vv inside or around the water vapor mass 92.

[0147] As a result, the non-contact water sensor roughly identifies the position (or the position and shape) of the mass of water vapor 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and then measures the water vapor amount-related value Vv inside or around the mass of water vapor 92. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently obtain the water vapor amount-related value Vv inside or around the mass of water vapor 92.

[0148] In the second measurement process of this embodiment, the route control unit 3231 (Fig. 3, route setting means) can generate flight routes for each of a plurality of altitudes inside or around the water vapor mass 92, based on the position of the water vapor mass 92 measured in the first measurement process (S304 in Fig. 9). This makes it possible to three-dimensionally acquire or output the humidity state quantity Qh (and the subsequent water vapor amount-related value Vv) inside or around the water vapor mass 92.

[0149] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation system 30 includes a plurality of aircraft 20 (aircraft). During the second measurement process, the route control unit 3231 (Fig. 3; route setting means) sets flight routes for each of the plurality of aircraft 20 within the water vapor mass 92, based on the position of the water vapor mass 92 measured during the first measurement process (S303, S304 in Fig. 9). The plurality of aircraft 20 fly inside or around the water vapor mass 92 according to their respective flight routes to acquire the humidity state quantity Qh (S305 in Fig. 9). This makes it possible to acquire the humidity state quantity Qh more quickly or precisely than when the humidity state quantity Qh is acquired by a single aircraft 20.

[0150] During the second measurement process of this embodiment, the aircraft 20 (aircraft) flies at shorter horizontal or vertical intervals or at a slower speed inside or around the water vapor mass 92 than outside the water vapor mass 92, and acquires the humidity state quantity Qh (S303 to S305 in FIG. 9). This makes it possible to acquire the humidity state quantity Qh more precisely inside or around the water vapor mass 92.

[0151] In this embodiment, the aircraft 20 (aircraft) further includes a dropsonde 2401 (drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device) (FIG. 2). During the second measurement process, in addition to acquiring the humidity state quantity Qh from the aircraft 20, the meteorological observation device 30 acquires the humidity state quantity Qh from the dropsonde 2401 dropped by a dropsonde dropping mechanism 240 (dropping mechanism) that drops the dropsonde 2401 or dropped manually (S304, S305 in FIG. 9). This makes it possible to use the humidity state quantity Qh from the dropsonde 2401 in addition to the humidity state quantity Qh from the aircraft 20. For example, when the height of the atmospheric river 92 is relatively high, the humidity state quantity Qh can be quickly acquired by using the dropsonde 2401.

[0152] In this embodiment, the aircraft 20 (aircraft) has a speedometer 2004 and a direction measuring unit 2002 (speed detecting means) that detect the traveling speed and direction of the aircraft 20 relative to the ground, and an anemometer 2007 (wind speed detecting means) that detects the relative wind speed and direction of the atmosphere relative to the aircraft 20 (FIG. 2). During the second measurement process, the meteorological observation device 30 calculates the wind speed and direction of the atmosphere based on the traveling speed and direction of the aircraft 20 relative to the ground and the relative wind speed and direction of the atmosphere (S305 in FIG. 9). This makes it possible to detect the wind speed and direction of the atmosphere inside or around a mass of water vapor 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0153] During the second measurement process of this embodiment, the route control unit 3231 (route setting means) sets or corrects the route of the aircraft 20 based on the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere inside or around the mass of water vapor 92 (S307 in FIG. 9). This makes it possible to set the route of the aircraft 20 according to the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere.

[0154] During the second measurement process of this embodiment, if the atmospheric wind direction exceeds the height threshold and the atmospheric wind speed exceeds the wind speed threshold (or if the atmospheric wind volume exceeds the wind volume threshold), the route control unit 3231 (Fig. 3, route setting means) generates a flight route for each of multiple altitudes or spanning multiple altitudes, or assigns flight routes at different altitudes to multiple aircraft 20 (S304 in Fig. 9). This makes it possible to increase the number of humidity state quantities Qh acquired in the height direction when the movement of the atmosphere is active in the height direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to more appropriately grasp the status of the water vapor mass 92.

[0155] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 calculates the future position of the water vapor mass 92 based on the current position, wind speed, and wind direction of the water vapor mass 92, and calculates the predicted temperature and pressure at the future position based on the altitude difference between the current and future positions of the water vapor mass 92 and the atmospheric temperature Ta and atmospheric pressure P at the current position. The meteorological observation device 30 corrects the humidity state quantity Qh or the water vapor amount-related value Vv at the current position based on the predicted temperature and predicted pressure to calculate the water vapor amount-related value Vv at the future position (S502 in FIG. 10 ). Furthermore, the meteorological observation device 30 predicts the predicted rainfall or snowfall amount, or the rainfall area or snowfall area where the precipitation or liquefied water amount is equal to or greater than a first threshold, or the rainfall area and the predicted rainfall amount, or the snowfall area and the predicted snowfall amount, based on the water vapor amount-related value Vv at the future position (S502). This makes it possible to predict not only the current state of the water vapor mass 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value, but also the expected rainfall area and / or expected rainfall amount as future states. Similarly, it also makes it possible to predict the expected snowfall area and / or expected snowfall amount.

[0156] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 predicts heavy rain occurrence areas or heavy snow occurrence areas, or heavy rain occurrence areas and their expected rainfall amounts, or heavy snow occurrence areas and their expected snowfall amounts, where the precipitation or liquefied water content will be equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, based on historical information of past heavy rain or heavy snow, in addition to the water vapor amount-related value Vv at the future position of the water vapor mass 92 (S502 in FIG. 10). This makes it possible to predict heavy rain occurrence areas or heavy rain occurrence areas and their expected rainfall amounts, or heavy snow occurrence areas or heavy snow occurrence areas and their expected snowfall amounts.

[0157] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 calculates the air pressure at a reference altitude based on the altitude and air pressure at the current position of the water vapor mass 92, and outputs the air pressure at the reference altitude or weather information based thereon for each two-dimensional position coordinate (S501 to S503 in FIG. 10). This makes it possible to output air pressures acquired at different altitudes or weather information based thereon in accordance with the reference altitude. Note that the reference altitude may be, for example, an altitude of zero (the earth's surface), in which case the atmospheric pressure at the earth's surface can be calculated using the distance above ground measured by the altimeter 2003 as altitude information.

[0158] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 displays the humidity state quantity Qh acquired by the aircraft 20 or meteorological information based thereon in combination with the acquisition position of the humidity state quantity Qh on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map (S503 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11). This makes it easier to understand the humidity state quantity Qh or meteorological information based thereon for each position.

[0159] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 displays the position, shape, or volume of a mass of water vapor 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map (S503 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11). This makes it easier to intuitively understand the position, shape, or volume of a mass of water vapor 92 having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0160] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 displays the flow direction and flow velocity on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map for each position inside the mass 92 of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value or for the entire mass 92 (S503 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11). Thereby, it is possible to easily and intuitively understand the flow direction and flow velocity of each part or the whole of the mass 92 of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0161] In this embodiment, the meteorological observation device 30 displays the rainfall area, or the rainfall area and its predicted rainfall amount, or the heavy rainfall occurrence area, or the heavy rainfall occurrence area and its predicted rainfall amount on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map (S503 in FIG. 10, FIG. 11). Thereby, it is possible to easily and intuitively understand the positions of the rainfall area and the heavy rainfall occurrence area, etc. The same applies to the snowfall area, or the snowfall area and its predicted snowfall amount, or the heavy snowfall occurrence area, or the heavy snowfall occurrence area and its predicted snowfall amount.

[0162] <B. Modified Example> Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it is of course possible to adopt various configurations based on the description in this specification. For example, the following configurations can be adopted.

[0163] [B-1. Configuration] In the above embodiment, the weather observation system 10 has the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, as long as a humidity state quantity, which is a state quantity related to atmospheric humidity, is detected by a humidity state quantity sensor (such as a relative hygrometer 2011) provided on the aircraft 20 (aircraft). For example, the weather observation system 10 may omit the meteorological satellite 40 or the ground sensor 50. Furthermore, the area displayed as a rainfall area on the two-dimensional or three-dimensional map is not limited to an area estimated as being rainfall by the meteorological observation device 30 as described above. The area where rainfall is detected can also be displayed as a rainfall area on the two-dimensional or three-dimensional map when rainfall is detected by the image processing unit 2302 that processes images captured by the camera 2301 mounted on the aircraft, or when rainfall is detected at the flight position by detecting that the relative humidity Rh measured by the relative hygrometer is 100% or that the dew point temperature measured by the dew point thermometer is equal to or higher than the current outside air temperature.

[0164] The device described in the above embodiment may be realized as a single device, or may be realized by a plurality of devices, some or all of which are connected via a communication network 60. For example, each functional unit and memory unit of the meteorological observation device 30 may be realized by being implemented in different meteorological observation devices 30 that are connected to each other via the communication network 60.

[0165] [B-2. Control] The series of processes described in connection with the above embodiment may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A computer program for implementing each function of the meteorological observation device 30 according to this embodiment may be created and installed on a PC or the like. A computer-readable recording medium storing such a computer program may also be provided. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a communication network 60 without using a recording medium.

[0166] The flowcharts used in the above embodiments do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the drawings. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. In addition, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the first measurement process and the second measurement process are used in combination (FIG. 4). However, this is not limited to this, if attention is paid to the fact that a humidity state quantity, which is a state quantity related to atmospheric humidity, is detected by a humidity state quantity sensor (such as a relative humidity meter 2011) provided on the aircraft 20 (aircraft). For example, it is possible to omit one of the first measurement process and the second measurement process and perform only the other. Alternatively, it is possible to use another measurement process in addition to or instead of the first measurement process and the second measurement process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 10...Weather observation system 20...Aircraft (flying object) 30...Weather observation equipment 40...Weather satellite (artificial satellite) 50...Ground sensor (water sensor) 84...Target flight path 85...Actual flight path 90...Water vapor 92... Mass of water vapor (atmospheric river) 240... Dropsonde dropping mechanism 2001...Position measurement unit (position coordinate detection means) 2002...direction measurement unit 2002 (speed detection means) 2003...Altimeter (means for detecting position coordinates) 2004...Speedometer (speed detection means) 2006...Water sensor 2007...Anemometer (means for detecting wind speed) 2008...Atmospheric thermometer 2009...Barometer 2010…Dew point thermometer (humidity state sensor) 2011...Relative humidity meter (humidity status sensor) 2401...Dropsonde 3231...Route control unit (route setting means) D...Weather data Hr...Relative humidity (humidity state quantity) Pa: atmospheric pressure Qh: humidity state quantity Ta: Atmospheric temperature Td: Dew point temperature (humidity state quantity) Vv...Water vapor volume related value

Claims

1. one or more flying vehicles for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; A weather observation system comprising: The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. A weather observation system characterized by:

2. The weather observation system according to claim 1, the humidity state quantity includes a dew point temperature or a relative humidity, The humidity state quantity sensor includes a dew point thermometer or a relative humidity meter. A weather observation system characterized by:

3. 3. The weather observation system according to claim 2, The flying vehicle is an atmospheric thermometer for detecting an atmospheric temperature; A barometer to detect atmospheric pressure and The meteorological observation device calculates the water vapor amount related value based on the humidity state quantity, the atmospheric temperature, and the atmospheric pressure. A weather observation system characterized by:

4. The weather observation system according to claim 1, the meteorological observation system further comprises a non-contact water sensor installed on the aircraft, the satellite, or the ground, and detecting water vapor in the atmosphere using light, electromagnetic waves, or sound waves; The meteorological observation device a first measurement process for measuring the position of a mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the measurement value of the water sensor; a second measurement process in which, based on the position of the mass of water vapor measured by the first measurement process, the flying object flies inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor to acquire the humidity state quantity with the humidity state quantity sensor, and the water vapor amount-related value inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor is measured; To carry out A weather observation system characterized by:

5. The weather observation system according to claim 1, The meteorological observation device a first measurement process for measuring a position of a mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the humidity state quantity detected by the humidity state quantity sensor; a second measurement process in which, based on the position of the mass of water vapor measured by the first measurement process, the flying object flies inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor to acquire the humidity state quantity with the humidity state quantity sensor, and the water vapor amount-related value inside the mass of water vapor or a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor is measured; To carry out A weather observation system characterized by:

6. 6. The weather observation system according to claim 4, the weather observation system further comprises a route setting means for setting a route of the flying object; During the second measurement process, the path setting means sets a flight path of the aircraft inside or around the cloud of water vapor based on the position of the cloud of water vapor measured by the first measurement process; The flying object flies inside or around the mass of water vapor along the flight path to acquire the humidity state quantity. A weather observation system characterized by:

7. 7. The weather observation system according to claim 6, During the second measurement process, the route setting means generates the flight route for each of a plurality of altitudes inside or around the cloud of water vapor, based on the position of the cloud of water vapor measured in the first measurement process. A weather observation system characterized by:

8. 7. The weather observation system according to claim 6, the weather observation system includes a plurality of the flying vehicles, During the second measurement process, the path setting means sets a flight path for each of the plurality of flying objects passing inside or around the cloud of water vapor, based on the position of the cloud of water vapor measured by the first measurement process; The plurality of flying objects fly inside or around the mass of water vapor along the flight path to acquire the humidity state quantity. A weather observation system characterized by:

9. 7. The weather observation system according to claim 6, During the second measurement process, the flying object flies at shorter horizontal or vertical intervals or at a lower speed inside the mass of water vapor or at a peripheral position of the mass of water vapor than in other areas, and acquires the humidity state quantity. A weather observation system characterized by:

10. 7. The weather observation system according to claim 6, The flying object further includes a drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device, During the second measurement process, the meteorological observation device acquires the humidity state quantity from the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device dropped by a dropping mechanism that drops the drop-type humidity state quantity sensor device or by hand, in addition to acquiring the humidity state quantity from the flying object. A weather observation system characterized by:

11. 7. The weather observation system according to claim 6, The flying vehicle is a speed detection means for detecting a traveling speed and a traveling direction of the flying object relative to the ground; a wind speed detection means for detecting a relative wind speed and a relative wind direction in the atmosphere with respect to the flying object; and During the second measurement process, the meteorological observation device calculates the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere based on the traveling speed and traveling direction of the aircraft relative to the ground and the relative wind speed and relative wind direction of the atmosphere. A weather observation system characterized by:

12. The weather observation system according to claim 11, During the second measurement process, the route setting means sets or corrects the route of the flying object based on at least one of the wind speed and wind direction of the atmosphere inside or around the mass of water vapor. A weather observation system characterized by:

13. The weather observation system according to claim 11, During the second measurement process, when the atmospheric wind direction exceeds a height direction threshold and the atmospheric wind speed or wind volume exceeds a threshold, the route setting means generates the flight route for each of a plurality of altitudes or spanning the plurality of altitudes, or assigns the flight routes at different altitudes to a plurality of the flying bodies. A weather observation system characterized by:

14. The weather observation system according to claim 11, The flying vehicle is an atmospheric thermometer for detecting an atmospheric temperature; A barometer to detect atmospheric pressure and The meteorological observation device Calculating a future position of the water vapor cloud based on the current position of the water vapor cloud, wind speed, and wind direction; calculating a predicted temperature and a predicted air pressure at the future position based on the altitude difference between the current position of the water vapor mass and the future position and the atmospheric temperature and atmospheric pressure at the current position; correcting the humidity state quantity or the water vapor amount-related value at the current location based on the predicted temperature and the predicted atmospheric pressure to calculate the water vapor amount-related value at the future location; Based on the water vapor amount-related value at the future location, a predicted rainfall amount or a predicted snowfall amount, or a rainfall area or a snowfall area where the precipitation amount or snowfall amount or the amount of liquefied water is equal to or greater than a first threshold, or both the rainfall area and the predicted rainfall amount, or both the snowfall area and the predicted snowfall amount are predicted. A weather observation system characterized by:

15. The weather observation system according to claim 14, The meteorological observation device predicts a heavy rain occurrence area or a heavy snow occurrence area where the amount of precipitation or liquefied water will be equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, or the heavy rain occurrence area and its expected rainfall amount, or the heavy snow occurrence area and its expected snowfall amount, based on history information of past heavy rain or heavy snow in addition to the water vapor amount-related value at the future position of the water vapor mass. A weather observation system characterized by:

16. The weather observation system according to claim 1, the flying object further includes a barometer for detecting atmospheric pressure; The meteorological observation device Calculating the atmospheric pressure at a ground position directly below the flight position based on the ground altitude and atmospheric pressure at the flight position of the aircraft; For each position defined by two-dimensional coordinates, the atmospheric pressure at the ground position or meteorological information based thereon is output. A weather observation system characterized by:

17. The weather observation system according to claim 1, The meteorological observation device displays the humidity state quantity acquired by the flying object or the weather information based thereon in combination with the acquisition position of the humidity state quantity on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map. A weather observation system characterized by:

18. 6. The weather observation system according to claim 4, The meteorological observation device displays the position, shape or volume of the mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value on a two-dimensional map, an aerial image, a map image that combines an aerial image and a map, or a three-dimensional map. A weather observation system characterized by:

19. The weather observation system according to claim 11, The meteorological observation device displays the flow direction and flow velocity on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map for each position inside the mass of water vapor having a moisture content equal to or greater than the predetermined value or for the entire mass of water vapor. A weather observation system characterized by:

20. 16. The weather observation system according to claim 15, The meteorological observation device displays the rainfall area, or the rainfall area and its expected rainfall amount, or the heavy rain occurrence area, or the heavy rain occurrence area and its expected rainfall amount on a two-dimensional map or a three-dimensional map. A weather observation system characterized by:

21. one or more flying vehicles for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; A meteorological observation method using The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. A meteorological observation method characterized by:

22. A meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on meteorological data for meteorological observation acquired by one or more flying bodies, The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device Located on the exterior or interior of the aircraft, A water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight is calculated for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity and output. A meteorological observation device characterized by:

23. one or more flying vehicles for acquiring meteorological data for meteorological observation; a meteorological observation device that performs meteorological observation processing based on the meteorological data; A program executed in a weather observation system having The flying vehicle is a humidity state quantity sensor for detecting a humidity state quantity which is a state quantity related to humidity in the atmosphere; a position detection means for detecting a three-dimensional or two-dimensional detection position at which the humidity state quantity is detected; and The meteorological observation device calculates and outputs a water vapor amount related value corresponding to the amount of water vapor contained in the atmosphere per unit volume or unit weight for each detection position based on the humidity state quantity. A program characterized by:

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