Information processing apparatus, display control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus, a display control method and a program capable of allowing an inspector who inspects unmanned flying objects to quickly determine which one of notifications for respective unmanned flying object should be prioritized.SOLUTION: A base management server MS causes an inspector terminal Tm used by an inspector Wm who inspects one or more drones Dn at a drone base Bm, to display a notification list including drone information of a plurality of the drones Dn under control of a drone base Bm, identifies respective drone status of the drones Dn, identifies a notification priority of each drone Dn based on the drone status, and controls the display of the notification list in accordance with the identified notification priority level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for bases from which multiple unmanned aerial vehicles can take off and land. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies for automatically inspecting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before takeoff. For example, the drone disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a drone position confirmation unit, a nose confirmation unit, and a surrounding confirmation unit as components for diagnosing whether the conditions for safe flight and pesticide spraying are in place before takeoff. Furthermore, the drone includes a drone visual confirmation unit that functions to instruct the user on the visual confirmation points via the controller. This allows the user to efficiently inspect the drone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-191675 Summary of the Invention

[0004] At a base for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, workers inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicles must leave the port within the base for safety when the unmanned aerial vehicles take off or land at the port. Therefore, it is conceivable to notify the workers of information about the unmanned aerial vehicles (e.g., information about the takeoff or landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle). However, if the workers receive notifications from multiple unmanned aerial vehicles simultaneously, it may take time to determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should respond to first, which could delay their actions.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and one example of its objective is to provide an information processing device, display control method, and program that enable workers inspecting unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly determine which unmanned aerial vehicle notification they should respond to as a priority. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (Application Example 1) In order to solve the above problem, the information processing device of this application example is characterized by comprising: a first display control means for displaying a list of notifications including information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of an unmanned aerial vehicle base on a terminal used by an operator who inspects the unmanned aerial vehicle at the base; a first identification means for identifying the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; and a second display control means for controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0007] (Application Example 2) In order to solve the above problem, the display control method of this application example is a display control method executed by one or more computers, and is characterized by including the steps of displaying a list of notifications containing information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base on a terminal used by an operator who inspects the unmanned aerial vehicle at the base, identifying the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles, and controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0008] (Application Example 3) In order to solve the above problem, the program of this application example is characterized by having a computer included in a terminal used by an operator who inspects an unmanned aerial vehicle at the unmanned aerial vehicle's base execute the following steps: displaying on the terminal a list of notifications containing information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base; obtaining the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles from a specified server; and controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, workers inspecting unmanned aerial vehicles can quickly determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should respond to as a priority. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the general configuration of a drone base system S. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the general configuration of a drone Dn. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a worker terminal Tm. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification list screen displayed on the worker terminal Tm. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a base management server MS. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification priority master table. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in a control unit 33. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display order according to the notification priority of the drone Dn. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an evacuation warning message displayed on a notification list screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit 33 of a base management server MS. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a notification priority adjustment process (example 1) according to the drone status "t1 minutes before takeoff" or "t1 minutes before landing." [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a notification priority adjustment process (example 2) according to the drone status “landing.” [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning determination process for evacuating a worker W1 from a port P1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiment is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a drone base system used at a base for multiple drones (hereinafter referred to as a "drone base"). Note that in this embodiment, a drone will be used as an example of an unmanned aerial vehicle, but the present invention can also be applied to flying robots other than drones.

[0012] [ 1. Overview of the configuration and operation of the drone base system S ] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration and operation of a drone base system S according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the drone base system S. As shown in FIG. 1, the drone base system S includes a plurality of drones Dn (n = 1, 2, 3, ...), a plurality of worker terminals Tm (m = 1, 2, ...), and a base management server MS (an example of an information processing device and a predetermined server). The drones Dn, the worker terminals Tm, and the base management server MS are each connected to a communication network NW. The communication network NW is composed of, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, and its wireless base stations.

[0013] A drone Dn is an example of an unmanned aerial vehicle, and is also called a multicopter or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). The drone Dn can fly under remote control by an operator from the ground or autonomously, and is used for, for example, delivery, surveying, photography, and monitoring. The drone Dn is managed by a GCS (Ground Control Station) connected to a communication network NW. The GCS may be installed as an application on a control terminal, or may be configured by one or more servers, for example.

[0014] Furthermore, drone Dn is under the jurisdiction of one of multiple drone bases Bm. Within drone base Bm, ports Pl (l = 1, 2, etc.) are installed where drone Dn can take off and land. Note that multiple ports Pl may be installed within one drone base Bm. In the example of FIG. 1, drones D1 to D4 are each under the jurisdiction of drone base B1. For example, drone D1 departs (takes off) from port P1 within drone base B1 and returns (lands) to drone base B1. Furthermore, drones D5 to D9 are each under the jurisdiction of drone base B2. For example, drone D5 departs from port P1 within drone base B2 and returns to drone base B2. However, one drone Dn may be under the jurisdiction of multiple drone bases Bm (i.e., may belong to multiple drone bases Bm). Note that the number of drones Dn under the jurisdiction of one drone base Bm is not particularly limited.

[0015] The worker terminal Tm is a terminal used by a worker (base staff member) Wm who inspects (e.g., pre-flight inspection) the drone Dn at the drone base Bm. For example, the worker Wm inspects a predetermined part of the drone Dn by visually inspecting it or by touching it. In the example of FIG. 1, the worker terminal T1 is used by a worker W1 who performs inspection at the drone base B1. The worker terminal T2 is used by a worker W2 who performs inspection at the drone base B2. Note that multiple workers Wm may stay (belong) to one drone base Bm and perform work including inspection.

[0016] The base management server MS is composed of one or more server computers that manage information about drone bases Bm for each drone base Bm. The information about drone bases Bm includes, for example, information about drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm, information about worker terminals Tm used at the drone base Bm, and information about workers Wm who use the worker terminal Tm. The base management server MS can identify the drone base Bm (responsible base) that is in charge of the worker Wm who logs in by operating the worker terminal Tm, and can display on the worker terminal Tm a list of notifications (hereinafter referred to as the "notification list") that includes drone information about multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the identified drone base Bm (for example, information about the takeoff or landing of the drones Dn).

[0017] [ 1-1. Drone Dn configuration and functions ] Next, the configuration and functions of the drone Dn will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the drone Dn. As shown in Fig. 2, the drone Dn includes a power supply unit 11, a drive unit 12, a positioning unit 13, a communication unit 14, a sensor unit 15, a memory unit 16, and a control unit 17. Furthermore, the drone Dn includes a propeller (rotor) which is a horizontal rotor, and an arm pipe for attaching the propeller to the drone body (housing). When the drone Dn is used to deliver goods, the drone Dn includes a holding mechanism for holding the goods.

[0018] The power supply unit 11 includes a detachable battery (power storage device) and the like. The power supply unit 11 supplies (feeds) the power stored in the battery to each part of the drone Dn. The power supply unit 11 also continuously measures the remaining battery charge. Battery information indicating the remaining battery charge measured by the power supply unit 11 is output to the control unit 17. The drive unit 12 includes a motor, a rotating shaft, and the like. The drive unit 12 rotates multiple rotors using the motor, rotating shaft, and the like that are driven in accordance with control signals output from the control unit 17.

[0019] The positioning unit 13 includes a radio wave receiver, an altitude sensor, and the like. The positioning unit 13 receives radio waves transmitted from a satellite of a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), using the radio wave receiver, and sequentially detects the current horizontal position (latitude and longitude) of the drone Dn based on the radio waves. Position information indicating the current position detected by the positioning unit 13 is output to the control unit 17. Furthermore, the positioning unit 13 may detect the current vertical position (altitude) of the drone Dn using an altitude sensor. In this case, the position information includes altitude information indicating the altitude of the drone Dn.

[0020] The communication unit 14 has an antenna and a wireless communication function, and is responsible for controlling communications performed via the communication network NW. The sensor unit 15 has various sensors used to control the drone Dn. The various sensors include, for example, a geomagnetic sensor, a three-axis angular velocity sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor includes a camera (for example, an RGB camera, an IR (Infrared rays) camera), etc. The sensing information sensed by the sensor unit 15 is output to the control unit 17. The memory unit 16 is composed of a non-volatile memory, etc., and stores various programs and data. The memory unit 16 also stores an aircraft ID (identification information) for identifying the drone Dn.

[0021] The control unit 17 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls the drone Dn based on position information from the positioning unit 13 and sensing information from the sensor unit 15. Such control includes control of the propeller rotation speed, and control of the position, attitude, and direction of travel of the drone Dn. The position information of the drone Dn (i.e., the position information from the positioning unit 13) is transmitted to the GCS via the communication network NW together with the drone Dn's aircraft ID. The position information and aircraft ID of the drone Dn are then transmitted from the GCS to the base management server MS. Note that the position information and aircraft ID of the drone Dn may also be transmitted from the drone Dn to the base management server MS.

[0022] The control unit 17 also has a self-diagnosis function and performs inspections for each item (inspection item) to check whether specific parts of the drone Dn (for example, the power supply unit 11, drive unit 12, positioning unit 13, communication unit 14, and sensor unit 15) are operating normally. Inspection result information including the inspection results and the aircraft ID of the drone Dn that underwent the inspection is transmitted to the GCS via the communication network NW. The inspection result information is then transmitted from the GCS to the base management server MS. Note that the inspection result information may also be transmitted from the drone Dn to the base management server MS.

[0023] [ 1-2.Configuration and functions of the worker terminal Tm ] Next, the configuration and functions of the worker terminal Tm will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of the worker terminal Tm. The worker terminal Tm includes an operation and display unit 21, a GPS receiver 22, a communication unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a control unit 25. The worker terminal Tm may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a laptop personal computer. The worker terminal Tm may also include a voice processing unit and a speaker. The operation and display unit 21 has, for example, an input function for accepting instructions (such as input instructions or selection instructions) from a worker's finger or pen, and a display function for displaying various screens on the display. The GPS receiver 22 receives radio waves transmitted from, for example, a GPS satellite and detects the current position of the worker terminal Tm. Position information indicating the position (latitude and longitude) detected by the GPS receiver 22 is output to the control unit 25.

[0024] The communication unit 23 has a wireless communication function and controls communication performed via the communication network NW. The communication unit 23 may also have a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The storage unit 24 is composed of a non-volatile memory or the like and stores various programs and data. The various programs include an operating system (OS), a worker application, and a web browser. The worker application is a program for acquiring and displaying a screen that supports the worker Wm from the base management server MS. The worker application may be downloaded to the worker terminal Tm from a predetermined server.

[0025] The control unit 25 (an example of a computer) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and executes processing in accordance with a worker application stored in the ROM (or the storage unit 24). When the worker application is started in response to an instruction from the worker Wm, the control unit 25 displays a login screen on the display. When the worker Wm inputs a user ID and a password through the login screen, the control unit 25 transmits a login request including the user ID and the password to the base management server MS via the communication unit 23 and the communication network NW. The user ID is identification information for identifying the worker Wm. The login request may include location information of the worker terminal Tm. Even after the worker Wm logs in, the location information of the worker terminal Tm is transmitted to the base management server MS together with the user ID of the worker Wm. The control unit 25 may detect the current location of the worker terminal Tm based on communication between the communication unit 23 and an access point installed within a short-range wireless communication range, and transmit location information indicating the detected location to the base management server MS.

[0026] After the worker Wm logs in in response to the login request, a screen to support the worker Wm is displayed on the display of the worker terminal Tm by the worker application. The screens to support the worker Wm include a pre-flight check screen and a notification list screen. The pre-flight check screen is a screen for inputting and confirming the inspection results for each inspection item of the drone Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm that the worker Wm is in charge of. The inspection results input by the worker Wm through the pre-flight check screen and the inspection result information including the aircraft ID of the inspected drone Dn are transmitted to the base management server MS via the communication network NW together with the user ID.

[0027] The notification list screen is a screen for displaying a list of notifications including drone information regarding drones Dn under the jurisdiction of drone base Bm to which operator Wm is assigned. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification list screen displayed on the operator terminal Tm. As shown in FIG. 4, on the notification list screen SC, a notification list L including drone information I1 to I4 regarding each of drones D1 to D4 under the jurisdiction of drone base B1 to which operator W1 is assigned is displayed. The drone information I1 to I4 each includes a drone name (which may be the aircraft ID) and a notification message for operator W1. In the notification list L, the display order of the drone information I_{1} to I_{4} is controlled according to, for example, the priority of each notification of drones D1 to D4 (hereinafter referred to as "notification priority") (that is, the display order changes). Here, the notification priority is the importance of notifying drone information and indicates the degree to which operator Wm should give priority to handling. The notification priority is specified based on, for example, the status of drone Dn (hereinafter referred to as "drone status") (details will be described later). For example, the notification priority may change according to changes in the drone status and the like. As a result, the display order of the drone information may also change.

[0028] Here, the drone status is classified into multiple types, for example, "flight time determined", "10 minutes before takeoff", "t1 (<t10) minutes before takeoff", "return", "t1 minutes before landing", and "landing". In this case, the drone status transitions as follows: flight time determined → 10 minutes before takeoff → t1 minutes before takeoff → return → t1 minutes before landing → landing. Here, "flight time determined" indicates that the scheduled takeoff time of drone Dn has been determined. "10 minutes before takeoff" indicates that it is 10 minutes before the takeoff of drone Dn. t10 is preset to be about 10 to 15 minutes, for example. "t1 minutes before takeoff" indicates that it is t1 minutes before the takeoff of drone Dn. t1 is preset to be about 1 to 3 minutes, for example. "return" indicates that drone Dn has entered the return to drone base Bm. "t1 minutes before landing" indicates that it is t1 minutes before the landing of drone Dn. "landing" indicates that drone Dn has landed at port Pl.

[0029] In the example of FIG. 4, the drone information I3 displays a notification title I31 and notification details I32 as a notification message. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 4, a past notification message I33 that was previously displayed (notified) is displayed below the notification details I32. In other words, notification messages are displayed in chronological order in the drone information so that the worker Wm can review past notification messages again. However, the drone information may be configured so that past notification messages are updated (i.e., overwritten) by the latest notification message. Furthermore, the drone information may be deleted by the worker Wm confirming it (for example, by displaying it continuously for a predetermined period of time or by selecting the read button). Note that past notification messages I33 may be displayed outside the display frame of the drone information I3.

[0030] [ 1-3. Configuration and functions of the base management server MS ] Next, the configuration and functions of the base management server MS will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the base management server MS. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the base management server MS includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, and the like. The communication unit 31 controls communication via the communication network NW. The communication unit 31 receives inspection result information, position information of the drone Dn, and the aircraft ID transmitted from the GCS or the drone Dn. The base management server MS can recognize the current position of the drone Dn based on the position information of the drone Dn. The communication unit 31 receives a login request transmitted from the worker terminal Tm. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 receives the inspection result information, position information of the worker terminal Tm, and the user ID of the worker Wm transmitted from the worker terminal Tm after the worker Wm logs in. The communication unit 31 receives the inspection result information, position information of the worker terminal Tm, and the user ID of the worker Wm. The base management server MS can recognize the current position of the worker Wm using the worker terminal Tm based on the position information of the worker terminal Tm.

[0031] The storage unit 32 is configured, for example, with a hard disk drive, and stores various programs, including an operating system and applications. Here, the applications include a program for executing a display control method. The storage unit 32 also stores a notification priority master table. The notification priority master table is a table that registers notification priorities and notification contents (including notification messages) associated with each drone status. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the notification priority master table. In the example of FIG. 6, a notification priority of "high" is associated with "t1 minutes before takeoff," "t1 minutes before landing," and "landing." A notification priority of "medium" is associated with "t10 minutes before takeoff." A notification priority of "low" is associated with "flight time confirmed" and "return." Note that, in the example of FIG. 6, notification priorities are divided into three levels, but may be two or four or more levels. Furthermore, notification priorities may be expressed as a numerical value (e.g., 1 (high), 2 (medium), 3 (low)).

[0032] Furthermore, the storage unit 32 has constructed therein a base management database (DB) 321, a drone management database (DB) 322, and a worker management database (DB) 323. The base management database 321 is a database for managing information related to drone base Bm. The base management database 321 stores, for example, the base ID of drone base Bm, location information of the installation area of ​​drone base Bm, port ID of port Pl installed within drone base Bm, location information of the port Pl, and aircraft ID of drone Dn under the jurisdiction of drone base Bm, all associated with each drone base Bm. Here, the base ID is identification information for identifying drone base Bm. The port ID is identification information for identifying port Pl. The location information of the installation area of ​​drone base Bm is expressed, for example, by the latitude and longitude of each of multiple points within the installation area of ​​drone base Bm. The location information of port Pl indicates, for example, the position (latitude and longitude) of port Pl.

[0033] The drone management database 322 is a database for managing information related to drones Dn. The drone management database 322 stores the drone Dn's aircraft ID, drone name, drone schedule, drone Dn's location information, inspection result information, drone status, and the like, in association with each drone Dn. Here, the drone schedule indicates, for example, the scheduled times for the drone Dn's inspection (pre-flight inspection), takeoff, return, landing, and the like. The drone status is updated appropriately in accordance with, for example, various information received by the communication unit 31 (including information from the drone Dn), the drone schedule, instruction information from an administrator, or the like. Note that if multiple ports Pl are installed at one drone base Bm, each drone schedule should preferably include the port ID and location information of the port Pl from which the drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land.

[0034] The worker management database 323 is a database for managing information about the worker Wm. The worker management database 323 stores the user ID, password, login status, name, etc. of the worker Wm in association with each worker Wm. Here, the login status indicates whether the worker Wm is logged in or not. If the worker Wm is logged in, the location information of the worker terminal Tm used by the worker Wm is stored in the worker management database 323 in association with the user ID of the worker Wm. Note that if the drone base Bm in charge of the worker Wm has been determined, the base ID of the drone base Bm in charge of the worker Wm is stored in the worker management database 323 in association with the user ID of the worker Wm.

[0035] The control unit 33 (an example of a computer) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The CPU may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, or a processor including transistors and other integrated circuits (electrical circuits or electronic circuits). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of functional blocks in the control unit 33. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control unit 33 functions as a login processing unit 331, a status identification unit 332 (an example of a first identification unit), a worker position identification unit 333 (an example of a second identification unit), a port position identification unit 334 (an example of a third identification unit), a movement direction identification unit 335 (an example of a fourth identification unit), a positional relationship determination unit 336 (an example of a first determination unit and a second determination unit), a notification priority identification unit 337 (an example of a fifth identification unit), a display control unit 338 (an example of a first display control unit and a second display control unit), and a warning unit 339 (an example of a warning unit), in accordance with a program (a group of program codes) stored in the ROM or the storage unit 32, for example.

[0036] The login processing unit 331 performs login processing for the worker Wm in response to a login request from the worker terminal Tm. In this login processing, it is determined whether or not a pair of a user ID and a password included in the login request is registered. If the pair of a user ID and a password is registered, the worker Wm who uses the worker terminal Tm that sent the login request is identified (identified by the user ID), and the worker Wm logs in.

[0037] The status identification unit 332 identifies the drone status of each of the multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm managed by the worker Wm, for example, at each notification update timing. Here, the drone status may be identified, for example, from the drone management database 322. The notification update timing may be a timing that arrives at a predetermined time interval (for example, one minute), or may be a timing when the drone status of any of the multiple drones Dn changes. Note that a change in drone status can be determined, for example, from a drone schedule.

[0038] The worker position identification unit 333 identifies the position of the worker Wm (hereinafter referred to as "worker position") based on the position information of the worker terminal Tm used by the worker Wm. Here, the worker position may be identified multiple times in a chronological order. This makes it possible to identify changes in the position of the worker Wm over time. Note that if a camera is installed at the drone base Bm, the position of the worker Wm may be identified by analyzing images captured by the camera.

[0039] The port position identification unit 334 identifies the position of the port Pl (hereinafter referred to as the "port position") within the drone base Bm that is the responsibility of the worker Wm. Here, the port position may be identified, for example, from the base management database 321. If multiple ports Pl are installed at one drone base Bm, the port position identification unit 334 may refer to the drone schedule to identify the port position of the port Pl where the drone Dn is scheduled to take off (or is taking off) or is scheduled to land (or is landing). Note that if a camera is installed at the drone base Bm, the position of the port Pl may be identified by analyzing images captured by the camera.

[0040] The movement direction identifying unit 335 identifies the movement direction of the worker Wm (hereinafter referred to as the "worker movement direction") based on the multiple worker positions identified in time series by the worker position identifying unit 333. For example, the direction pointing from the first worker position identified initially to the second worker position identified after the first worker position was identified (e.g., several seconds after the first worker position was identified) is identified as the worker movement direction.

[0041] The positional relationship determination unit 336 calculates the distance between the worker position identified by the worker position identifying unit 333 and the port position identified by the port position identifying unit 334, and determines whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold. Furthermore, the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines whether the worker movement direction identified by the movement direction identifying unit 335 is a direction approaching the port position identified by the port position identifying unit 334. Note that the positional relationship determination unit 336 may also determine whether the worker movement direction is a direction away from the port position.

[0042] The notification priority identification unit 337 identifies a notification priority for each drone Dn (identifying it for use in controlling the display of the notification list) based on each drone status identified by the status identification unit 332. This simplifies and speeds up the process of controlling the display of the notification list, while allowing the worker Wm to quickly determine which drone Dn's notification they should prioritize. For example, the notification priority identification unit 337 may refer to a notification priority master table and acquire and identify the notification priority associated with the drone status identified by the status identification unit 332 from the notification priority master table at each notification update timing.

[0043] Alternatively, depending on the type of drone status identified above, the notification priority identification unit 337 may identify the notification priority for each notification update timing based on the drone status, as well as the worker position and port position. This allows the worker Wm to more quickly, accurately, and effectively determine which drone Dn's notification should be prioritized. More specifically, the notification priority identification unit 337 may adjust the notification priority obtained (provisionally identified) from the notification priority master table based on the drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g., 10 m). This makes it possible to control the display of the notification list using more accurate notification priorities.

[0044] For example, if the drone status of drone Dn is “t1 minutes before takeoff” or “t1 minutes before landing” and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is not equal to or less than the threshold (for example, worker Wm is not within a 10-meter radius of port Pl where drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land), the notification priority is changed from “high” to “medium.” In other words, the changed notification priority is finally determined for use in controlling the display of the notification list. This is because worker Wm is a certain distance from port Pl, ensuring safety, so the notification priority determination unit 337 lowers the notification priority. On the other hand, if the drone status of drone Dn is “t1 minutes before takeoff” or “t1 minutes before landing” and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than the threshold, the notification priority remains “high” (maintains the status quo).

[0045] Also, for example, if the drone status of drone Dn is "landing" and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than the threshold, the notification priority is changed from "high" to "medium." This is intended to allow the worker Wm to quickly transition to preparing for the recovery operation of drone Dn that has already landed at port Pl, so the notification priority determination unit 337 lowers the notification priority. On the other hand, if the drone status of drone Dn is "landing" and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is not equal to or less than the threshold, the notification priority remains "high."

[0046] Alternatively, depending on the type of the identified drone status, the notification priority identification unit 337 may identify the notification priority for each notification update timing based on the drone status, as well as the worker position, port position, and worker movement direction. This also allows the worker Wm to more quickly, accurately, and effectively determine which drone Dn's notification to prioritize. More specifically, the notification priority identification unit 337 may adjust the notification priority obtained from the notification priority master table based on the drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g., 10 m) and whether the worker's movement direction is toward the port position (or away from the port position). This also makes it possible to control the display of the notification list using more accurate notification priorities.

[0047] For example, if the drone status of drone Dn is “t1 minutes before takeoff” or “t1 minutes before landing,” and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is not equal to or less than the threshold, and it is determined that the worker's movement direction is not toward the port position (e.g., worker Wm is not approaching port Pl from which drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land), the notification priority is changed from “high” to “medium.” This is because worker Wm is some distance away from port Pl from which drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land, and is not approaching port Pl, ensuring safety, so the notification priority determination unit 337 lowers the notification priority. On the other hand, if the drone status of drone Dn is “t1 minutes before takeoff” or “t1 minutes before landing,” and it is determined that the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than the threshold, or it is determined that the worker's movement direction is toward the port position, the notification priority remains “high.” In the latter case, even if the distance between the worker position and the port position is not below the threshold, the notification priority remains “high” because the worker Wm is approaching the port Pl where the drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, if the drone status of drone Dn is “landing,” the distance between the worker position and the port location is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold, and the worker movement direction is not a direction away from the port location (e.g., worker Wm is not moving away from port Pl where drone Dn is landing), the notification priority is changed from “high” to “medium.” This is intended to allow the notification priority determination unit 337 to lower the notification priority so that worker Wm can quickly transition to preparing for the recovery operation of drone Dn that has already landed at port Pl. On the other hand, if the drone status of drone Dn is “landing,” and the distance between the worker position and the port location is determined to be equal to or less than the threshold, or if the worker movement direction is determined to be a direction away from the port location, the notification priority remains “high.” In the latter case, even if the distance between the worker position and the port location is equal to or less than the threshold, the notification priority remains “high” because worker Wm is moving away from port Pl.

[0049] The display control unit 338 transmits display control data for displaying a notification list including drone information for multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm managed by the worker Wm on the worker terminal Tm. As a result, the notification list is displayed on the worker terminal Tm. At this time, the display control unit 338 controls the display of the notification list according to the notification priority identified by the notification priority identification unit 337. For example, the display control unit 338 controls at least one of the display order and display mode of the drone information in the notification list according to the notification priority identified by the notification priority identification unit 337. This allows the worker Wm to quickly determine at a glance which drone Dn's notification should be given priority. Note that when the notification priority is adjusted as described above, at least one of the display order and display mode of the drone information in the notification list is controlled according to the adjusted notification priority.

[0050] For example, in controlling the display order of drone information, the display control unit 338 displays the drone information of a drone Dn with a higher notification priority in the notification list (i.e., in a display position that is more visible to the worker Wm). This allows the worker Wm to quickly determine at a glance which drone Dn's notification should be prioritized. In the example of FIG. 4, drone D3 has the highest notification priority, so drone information I3 of drone D3 is displayed at the top of the notification list L. The display order in the notification list may be updated according to the notification priority specified (including the above adjustment) at each notification update timing described above. Such an update may change the display order and notification content, or may maintain the current status. Note that if the drone status changes at the notification update timing, the notification content associated with the changed drone status may be obtained from the notification priority master table and transmitted to the worker terminal Tm together with the notification priority.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a display order according to the notification priority of drone Dn. Table (a) in FIG. 8 shows a display order according to the notification priority determined based on the drone status. In this case, the notification priority of drone D1 is the same as the notification priority of drone D3, so drone information I3 of drone D3, which is related to the most recently updated notification, is displayed higher than drone information I1 of drone D1. On the other hand, table (b) in FIG. 8 shows a display order according to the notification priority determined based on the drone status and adjusted based on the worker position, port position, etc. In this case, the notification priority of drone D3 has been changed from "high" to "medium," so drone information I1 of drone D1 is displayed higher than drone information I3 of drone D3.

[0052] Meanwhile, in controlling the display mode of the drone information, the display control unit 338 displays the drone information of the drone Dn in a more conspicuous display mode in the notification list (i.e., a display mode that attracts the attention of the worker Wm) for a drone Dn with a higher notification priority. Examples of a more conspicuous display mode include making the size of the text, etc. related to the drone information larger than the standard setting, making the color of the text, etc. related to the drone information brighter (e.g., red) than the standard setting, and making the lines of the text, etc. related to the drone information thicker than the standard setting. The text, etc. may be at least one of letters, symbols, pictures, and figures. Other examples of displaying the text, etc. related to the drone information in a more conspicuous display mode may include transitioning the text, etc. related to the drone information from a non-blinking state to a blinking state, or making the area (background) in which the text, etc. related to the drone information is displayed or the frame of the area brighter than the standard setting, or making the frame thicker than the standard setting.

[0053] Furthermore, like the display order, the display mode in the notification list may be updated according to the notification priority specified at each notification update timing. Such an update may change the display mode and notification content, or may maintain the current state. Note that the display control unit 338 may display the drone information of a drone Dn higher in the notification list for a drone Dn with a higher notification priority, and may display the drone information of the drone Dn in a more prominent display mode.

[0054] When the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines that the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than the threshold value a predetermined time (e.g., 58 seconds) before the scheduled takeoff time of a drone Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm managed by the worker Wm, the warning unit 339 issues an evacuation warning to the worker Wm via the worker terminal Tm used by the worker Wm. This improves the safety of the worker Wm. For example, the warning unit 339 issues an evacuation warning by displaying an evacuation warning message on the worker terminal Tm urging the worker Wm to evacuate from the port Pl. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an evacuation warning message displayed on the notification list screen. In the example of FIG. 9, an evacuation warning message M is displayed as a pop-up on the notification list L on the notification list screen SC. Whether the predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the drone Dn has arrived may be determined by the positional relationship determination unit 336 or the warning unit 339.

[0055] As another example, even if the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines that the distance between the worker's position and the port location is not less than the threshold value a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the drone Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm managed by the worker Wm, if the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines that the worker's movement direction is toward the port location, the warning unit 339 may issue an evacuation warning to the worker Wm via the worker terminal Tm used by the worker Wm. This further improves the safety of the worker Wm. On the other hand, even if the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines that the distance between the worker's position and the port location is less than the threshold value, if the positional relationship determination unit 336 determines that the worker's movement direction is toward the port location, the warning unit 339 may not issue an evacuation warning. This improves the safety of the worker Wm while preventing unnecessary evacuation warnings. The warning unit 339 may output the evacuation warning message by voice from a speaker of the worker terminal Tm.

[0056] [ 2. Operation of the drone base system S ] Next, an operation example of the drone base system S will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit 33 of the base management server MS. In the following explanation of the operation example, a case will be described where a worker W1 using a worker terminal T1 works at a drone base B1. When a worker application is launched on the worker terminal T1 in response to an instruction from the worker W1, a login screen is displayed on the display. Then, the worker terminal T1 transmits a login request including the user ID and password entered by the worker W1 via the login screen to the base management server MS.

[0057] 10 is started, for example, when a login request from the worker terminal T1 is received by the base management server MS. When the process shown in FIG. 10 is started, the control unit 33 performs login processing using the login processing unit 331 in response to the received login request (step S1). In this login processing, it is determined whether the pair of user ID and password included in the login request is registered. For example, if the pair of user ID and password included in the login request is stored in the worker management database 323, it is determined that the pair of user ID and password is registered, and the worker W1 using the worker terminal T1 logs in.

[0058] Next, the control unit 33 identifies the drone base B1 that the logged-in worker W1 is responsible for (step S2). For example, the control unit 33 refers to the worker management database 323 and identifies the drone base B1 that the worker W1 is responsible for based on the base ID associated with the user ID of the logged-in worker W1. Note that if the user ID of the worker W1 is not associated with a base ID in the worker management database 323, the control unit 33 may identify the worker position at the time the worker W1 logged in based on the position information received from the worker terminal T1. Then, the control unit 33 identifies the drone base B1 that the worker W1 is responsible for based on the identified worker position and position information of the installation area of ​​the drone base Bm managed in the base management database 321.

[0059] Next, when the control unit 33 receives a notification list display request from the worker terminal T1 in response to a notification list display instruction from, for example, the worker W1, the control unit 33 starts a notification list display control process (step S3). In response to the notification list display instruction, a notification list screen is displayed on the worker terminal T1. Although not shown, in the notification list display control process, the base management server MS receives the location information of the worker terminal T1 used by the worker W1 from the worker terminal T1 in chronological order multiple times. When the notification list display control process starts, the control unit 33 uses the status identification unit 332 to identify the drone status of each of the multiple drones Dn (e.g., drones D1 to D4) under the jurisdiction of the drone base B1 identified in step S2 (step S4). Next, the control unit 33 identifies (i.e., obtains from the notification priority master table) the notification priority for each drone Dn based on the drone status identified in step S4 and the notification priority master table (step S5).

[0060] Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the drone statuses identified in step S4 include a drone status Z that requires a determination of the positional relationship between the worker W1 and the port P1 (i.e., the port P1 within the drone base B1) (hereinafter referred to as the "worker & port positional relationship") (step S6). The drone status that requires a determination of the worker & port positional relationship is set in advance. Examples of such drone statuses include "t1 minutes before takeoff," "t1 minutes before landing," and "landing."

[0061] If it is determined that the drone statuses identified in step S4 include a drone status Z that requires a determination of the worker & port position relationship (step S6: YES), the drone Dn having that drone status Z is identified (for example, identified by aircraft ID) (step S7), and the process proceeds to step S8. Note that multiple drones Dn may be identified in step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that the drone statuses identified in step S4 do not include a drone status Z that requires a determination of the worker & port position relationship (step S6: NO), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0062] In step S8, the control unit 33 executes a notification priority adjustment process according to the drone status Z, which requires a determination of the worker-port position relationship. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a notification priority adjustment process (example 1) according to the drone status "t1 minutes before takeoff" or "t1 minutes before landing." In the notification priority adjustment process (example 1) illustrated in FIG. 11, the control unit 33 refers to the drone schedule of the drone Dn identified in step S7 and uses the port position identification unit 334 to identify the port position of the port P1 from which the drone Dn is scheduled to take off or land (step S801). Next, the control unit 33 chronologically identifies the worker position of the worker W1 multiple times using the worker position identification unit 333 based on the position information received multiple times chronologically from the worker terminal T1 (step S802).

[0063] Next, the control unit 33 calculates the distance (e.g., the straight-line distance) between the worker position identified in step S802 (e.g., the latest worker position) and the port position identified in step S801 (step S803). Next, the control unit 33 determines, using the positional relationship determination unit 336, whether the distance calculated in step S803 is equal to or less than a threshold value (e.g., 10 m) (step S804). If it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S804: YES), the notification priority determined in step S5 is maintained (e.g., "high"), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10 (i.e., the process proceeds to step S9). On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated distance is not equal to or less than the threshold value (step S804: NO), the process proceeds to step S805.

[0064] In step S805, the control unit 33 identifies the worker movement direction of worker W1 based on the multiple worker positions identified in time series in step S802. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the worker movement direction identified in step S805 is a direction approaching the port position identified in step S801 (step S806). If it is determined that the worker movement direction is a direction approaching the port position (step S806: YES), the notification priority identified in step S5 is maintained (for example, "high" is maintained), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker movement direction is not a direction approaching the port position (step S806: NO), the process proceeds to step S807.

[0065] In step S807, the control unit 33 adjusts (for example, changes from "high" to "medium") the notification priority of the drone Dn identified in step S7 (i.e., the notification priority identified in step S5), and returns to the processing shown in FIG. 10. If multiple drones Dn are identified in step S7, the notification priority adjustment processing (example 1) shown in FIG. 11 may be performed for each drone Dn. Note that, in the notification priority adjustment processing (example 1) shown in FIG. 11, the processing of steps S805 and S806 may be omitted. In this case, if it is determined that the calculated distance is not equal to or less than the threshold (step S804: NO), the processing proceeds to step S807.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a notification priority adjustment process (example 2) according to the drone status “landing.” In the notification priority adjustment process (example 2) illustrated in FIG. 12, the control unit 33 refers to the drone schedule of the drone Dn identified in step S7, and causes the port position identification unit 334 to identify the port position of the port Pl where the drone Dn is landing (step S811). Alternatively, the location indicated by the location information of the drone Dn identified in step S7 may be identified as the port position of the port Pl. Note that the processes of steps S812 to S814 are the same as the processes of steps S802 to S804 illustrated in FIG. 11. In step S814, if it is determined that the calculated distance is not equal to or less than the threshold (step S814: NO), the notification priority identified in step S5 is maintained (for example, “high” is maintained), and the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the threshold (step S814: YES), the process proceeds to step S815.

[0067] In step S815, the control unit 33 identifies the worker movement direction of worker W1 based on the multiple worker positions identified in time series in step S812. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the worker movement direction identified in step S815 is a direction away from the port position identified in step S811 (in other words, whether the worker movement direction is a direction approaching the port position) (step S816). If it is determined that the worker movement direction is a direction away from the port position (step S816: YES), the notification priority identified in step S5 is maintained (for example, "high" is maintained), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker movement direction is not a direction away from the port position (step S816: NO), the process proceeds to step S817.

[0068] In step S817, the control unit 33 adjusts the notification priority of the drone Dn identified in step S7 (for example, changing it from "high" to "medium") and returns to the processing shown in FIG. 10. If multiple drones Dn are identified in step S7, the notification priority adjustment processing (example 2) shown in FIG. 12 may be performed for each drone Dn. Note that in the notification priority adjustment processing (example 2) shown in FIG. 12, the processing of steps S815 and S816 may be omitted. In this case, if it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S814: YES), the processing proceeds to step S817.

[0069] In step S9, the control unit 33 acquires drone information including the drone name (which may be an aircraft ID) of each of the multiple drones Dn whose notification priorities were identified in step S5 (and may be adjusted in step S8) and each notification message for the drone Dn. Here, each notification message for the drone Dn may be acquired from the notification priority master table based on each drone status identified in step S4. At this time, the time to be included in the notification message (for example, the scheduled takeoff time) may be identified from the drone schedule for the target drone Dn. Note that the notification message may be acquired from the notification priority master table in step S5.

[0070] Next, the control unit 33 displays the notification list by transmitting display control data for displaying the notification list according to each notification priority identified in step S5 (which may be adjusted in step S8) to the worker terminal T1 via the display control unit 338 (step S10). This display control data includes, for example, each notification priority and each drone information acquired in step S9. As a result, in the notification list displayed on the worker terminal Tm, drone information for each drone Dn is displayed in a display order (or display mode) according to each notification priority. Note that the display control data may be data (e.g., webpage data) in which drone information for each drone Dn is arranged (layed out) in a display order (or display mode) according to each notification priority. In this case, each notification priority does not need to be included in the display control data.

[0071] Next, the control unit 33 executes a warning determination process to evacuate the worker W1 from the port P1 (step S11). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the warning determination process to evacuate the worker W1 from the port P1. In the warning determination process illustrated in FIG. 13, the control unit 33 determines whether or not there is a drone Dn for which a scheduled takeoff time has been determined among the multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base B1 (step S111). If it is determined that there is a drone Dn for which a scheduled takeoff time has been determined (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no drone Dn for which a scheduled takeoff time has been determined (step S111: NO), the process returns to the process illustrated in FIG. 10 (i.e., the process proceeds to step S12). Note that, for example, when a drone Dn is used to deliver ordered goods, an aircraft that has not completed pre-flight inspection is not selected as a flight target (for example, it is not assigned as a flight target when an order is placed), and therefore, a drone Dn for which a scheduled takeoff time has been determined will naturally have completed pre-flight inspection.

[0072] In step S112, the control unit 33 determines whether or not it is a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the drone Dn determined in step S111. If it is determined that it is not a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time (step S112: NO), the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time (step S112: YES), the process proceeds to step S113. Note that the processes of steps S113 to S116 are the same as the processes of steps S801 to S804 shown in FIG. 11.

[0073] Then, in step S116, if it is determined that the calculated distance is not equal to or less than the threshold (step S116: NO), the process proceeds to step S117. On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the threshold (step S116: YES), the process proceeds to step S120. Note that if it is determined that the calculated distance is equal to or less than the threshold (step S116: YES), the process may be configured to proceed to step S122. In this case, the processes of steps S120 and S121 are omitted.

[0074] In step S117, the control unit 33 identifies the worker movement direction of the worker W1 based on the multiple worker positions identified in time series in step S114. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the worker movement direction identified in step S117 is a direction approaching the port position identified in step S113 (step S118). If it is determined that the worker movement direction is a direction approaching the port position (step S118: YES), the warning unit 339 sends an evacuation warning message to the worker terminal Tm (step S119), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10. As a result, the evacuation warning message is displayed as a pop-up in the notification list on the notification list screen of the worker terminal Tm. Note that the evacuation warning message may be output as audio from the speaker of the worker terminal Tm. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker movement direction is not a direction approaching the port position (step S118: NO), the evacuation warning message is not sent to the worker terminal Tm, and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0075] In step S120, the control unit 33 identifies the worker movement direction of the worker W1 based on the multiple worker positions identified in time series in step S114. Next, the control unit 33 determines whether the worker movement direction identified in step S120 is a direction away from the port position identified in step S113 (step S121). If it is determined that the worker movement direction is not a direction away from the port position (step S121: NO), the warning unit 339 sends an evacuation warning message to the worker terminal Tm (step S122), and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined that the worker movement direction is a direction away from the port position (step S121: YES), the evacuation warning message is not sent to the worker terminal Tm, and the process returns to the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0076] In step S12, the control unit 33 determines whether or not to end the notification list display control process. For example, when the control unit 33 receives a screen transition request from the worker terminal T1 in response to an instruction from the worker W1 to transition to another screen, the control unit 33 determines to end the notification list display control process (step S12: YES) and proceeds to another process. Note that, in another process, when a notification list display request is received from the worker terminal T1, the notification list display control process may be started. On the other hand, when it is determined not to end the notification list display control process (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0077] In step S13, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the notification update timing has arrived. This notification update timing may be set, for example, by a timer so that it arrives at predetermined time intervals. If it is determined that the notification update timing has not arrived (step S13: NO), the process returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification update timing has arrived (step S13: YES), the process returns to step S4. When the process returns to step S4, the same process as described above is performed.

[0078] Note that, when returning to step S4, the drone status of each of the multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of drone base B1 is identified again, but the processing from step S5 onwards may be performed only for the drones Dn of the re-identified drone status that have changed from the previous drone status. In this case, in step S9, the control unit 33 acquires drone information including the drone name of the drone Dn whose drone status has changed and the notification message of the drone Dn.

[0079] Then, the control unit 33 transmits to the worker terminal Tm display control data including only the notification priority determined in step S5 (which may be adjusted in step S8) for the drone Dn whose drone status has changed since the previous drone status and the drone information acquired in step S9. This allows the display order (or display mode) of the drone information for the drone Dn whose drone status has changed since the previous drone status to be changed more efficiently in the notification list displayed on the worker terminal Tm. This reduces the processing load on the base management server MS. In this case, if the notification priority of the drone Dn whose drone status has changed since the previous drone status is the same as the notification priority of another drone Dn (another drone Dn whose drone information is being displayed), the drone information for the drone Dn whose drone status has changed since the previous drone status will be displayed higher in the notification list than the drone information for that other drone Dn.

[0080] As described above, according to the above embodiment, the base management server MS is configured to display a notification list including drone information for multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm on the worker terminal Tm used by the worker Wm who inspects the drones Dn at the drone base Bm, identify the drone status of each drone Dn, identify a notification priority for each drone Dn based on the drone status, and control the display of the notification list according to the notification priority, thereby enabling the worker Wm to quickly determine which drone Dn's notification should be given priority.

[0081] For example, when multiple drones D1 to D4 are simultaneously operated from one drone base T1, there is a possibility that notifications from each of the drones D1 to D4 will be received simultaneously on the worker terminal T1 of the worker W1. In this case, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to appropriately and quickly convey to the worker W1 which notification is for which drone Dn as well as the importance of the notification, and it is also possible to prevent overlooking notifications regarding the takeoff and landing of the drone Dn. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the notification priority is adjusted based on the position or movement of the worker Wm (i.e., changes in the position over time) in addition to the drone status of each drone Dn, and the display of the notification list is controlled, so that the worker Wm can more quickly and accurately determine which drone Dn's notification to respond to first.

[0082] The above embodiment is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various configurations and other changes may be made to the above embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the notification priority determined based on the drone status of each drone Dn can be used to simplify and speed up the process of controlling the display of the notification list. However, the display of the notification list may be controlled based on the drone status of each drone Dn without using such notification priority. In this case, the base management server MS may pre-store reference information that determines, for example, which drone status among multiple drone statuses should be displayed in the highest display order (or which drone status should be displayed in the most prominent display mode). When the drone status of each drone Dn is identified, the base management server MS may control the display of the notification list by referencing the reference information. Furthermore, the display of the notification list may be controlled based on the worker position and port position in addition to the drone status without using the notification priority. In this case, the base management server MS may change the display order or display mode determined based on the reference information and each drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than a threshold (a condition associated with a drone status requiring a determination of the worker-port position relationship). Furthermore, the display of the notification list may be controlled based on the worker position, port position, and worker movement direction in addition to the drone status without using the notification priority. In this case, the base management server MS may change the display order or display mode determined based on the reference information and each drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position is equal to or less than a threshold and whether the worker movement direction is approaching the port position (or away from the port position) (a condition associated with a drone status requiring a determination of the worker-port position relationship).

[0083] In the above embodiment, the worker terminal Tm (control unit 25) may be configured to acquire and display a notification list including drone information for multiple drones Dn under the jurisdiction of the drone base Bm from the base management server MS in accordance with the worker application, acquire the drone status of each drone Dn from the base management server MS, determine a notification priority for each drone Dn based on the drone status, and control the display of the notification list according to the notification priority. In this case, the memory unit 24 of the worker terminal Tm may store the above-mentioned notification priority master table in advance, similar to the base management server MS. When the drone status of each drone Dn is acquired, the worker terminal Tm may control the display of the notification list by referring to the reference information. Similarly to the base management server MS, the worker terminal Tm may change the display order or display mode determined based on the reference information and each drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position acquired from the base management server MS is equal to or less than a threshold. Furthermore, like the base management server MS, the worker terminal Tm may change the display order or display mode determined based on the above reference information and each drone status based on whether the distance between the worker position and the port position is below a threshold, and whether the worker movement direction is toward the port position (or away from the port position).

[0084] <Additional Notes> [1] The information processing device according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a first display control means for displaying a list of notifications including information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of a base station of unmanned aerial vehicles on a terminal used by an operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicles at the base station of the unmanned aerial vehicles; a first identification means for identifying the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; and a second display control means for controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles. This allows the operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should prioritize.

[0085] [2] The information processing device described in [1] above further comprises a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker, and a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base from which the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land, and the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications based on the location of the worker and the location of the port in addition to the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle. This allows the worker inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle to more quickly and accurately determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should prioritize.

[0086] [3] The information processing device described in [2] above further comprises a fourth identification means for identifying the movement direction of the worker, and the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications based on the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle as well as the position of the worker, the position of the port, and the movement direction of the worker. This allows the worker inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle to more quickly and accurately determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should prioritize.

[0087] [4] The information processing device described in [1] above further comprises a fifth identification means for identifying the priority of the notification for each unmanned aerial vehicle based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles, and the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications according to the priority of the notification. This simplifies and speeds up the process of controlling the display of the list of notifications, and allows workers inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should prioritize.

[0088] [5] The information processing device described in [4] above further comprises a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker, and a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base from which the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land, wherein the fifth identification means is characterized in that it identifies the priority of the notification based on the location of the worker and the location of the port in addition to the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles. This simplifies and speeds up the process of controlling the display of the list of notifications, and allows the worker inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicles to more quickly and accurately determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should prioritize.

[0089] [6] The information processing device described in [5] above further comprises a fourth identification means for identifying the movement direction of the worker, and the fifth identification means is characterized in that it identifies the priority of the notification based on the position of the worker, the position of the port, and the movement direction of the worker in addition to the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle. This simplifies and speeds up the process of controlling the display of the list of notifications, and allows the worker inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle to more quickly and accurately determine which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification to prioritize.

[0090] [7] The information processing device described in [5] above further comprises a first determination means for calculating the distance between the location of the worker and the location of the port and determining whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold, and the fifth determination means adjusts the priority determined based on the status based on whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold. This makes it possible to control the display of the notification list using more accurate priorities.

[0091] [8] The information processing device according to [7] above further comprises a second determination means for determining whether the worker's movement direction is a direction approaching the port location, and the fifth determination means adjusts the priority determined based on the status based on whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold and whether the worker's movement direction is a direction approaching the port location. This makes it possible to control the display of the notification list using more accurate priorities.

[0092] [9] In the information processing device described in any one of [4] to [8] above, the second display control means controls at least one of the display order of the information in the list of notifications and the display mode of the information according to the priority of the notification. This allows an operator inspecting an unmanned aerial vehicle to quickly determine at a glance which unmanned aerial vehicle notification should be given priority.

[0093]

[10] In the information processing device described in any one of [4] to [9] above, the second display control means is characterized in that the higher the priority of the notification for an unmanned aerial vehicle, the higher the information about that unmanned aerial vehicle is displayed in the list of notifications. This allows an operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle to quickly determine at a glance which unmanned aerial vehicle's notification they should respond to with priority.

[0094]

[11] The information processing device according to any one of [1] to

[10] above, further comprising: a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker; a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base where the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land; a first determination means for calculating the distance between the location of the worker and the location of the port a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the unmanned aerial vehicle and determining whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold; and a warning means for issuing an evacuation warning to the worker via the terminal when the first determination means determines that the distance is equal to or less than the threshold. This can improve the safety of the workers.

[0095]

[12] The information processing device described in

[11] above further comprises a fourth identification means for identifying the movement direction of the worker, and a second determination means for determining whether the movement direction of the worker is a direction approaching the port position, and the warning means issues the evacuation warning when the second determination means determines that the movement direction of the worker is a direction approaching the port position even if the first determination means determines that the distance is not equal to or less than a threshold. This further improves the safety of the worker.

[0096]

[13] The information processing device described in

[11] above further comprises a fourth identification means for identifying the direction of movement of the worker, and a second determination means for determining whether the direction of movement of the worker is a direction away from the port location a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein even if the first determination means determines that the distance is equal to or less than a threshold, if the second determination means determines that the direction of movement of the worker is a direction away from the port location, the warning means does not issue the evacuation warning. This makes it possible to increase the safety of the worker while preventing unnecessary issuance of evacuation warnings.

[0097]

[14] The display control method of the present disclosure is a display control method executed by one or more computers, and is characterized by including the steps of: displaying a list of notifications containing information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of an unmanned aerial vehicle base on a terminal used by an operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle at the base; identifying the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; and controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0098]

[15] The program disclosed herein is characterized by causing a computer included in a terminal used by an operator inspecting an unmanned aerial vehicle at the base of the unmanned aerial vehicle to execute the steps of: displaying on the terminal a list of notifications including information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base; obtaining the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles from a specified server; and controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 11 Power supply section 12 Drive unit 13 Positioning unit 14 Communications Department 15 Sensor section 16 Memory section 17 Control Unit 21 Operation / display section 22 GPS receiver 23 Communications Department 24 Memory section 25 Control Unit 31 Communications Department 32 Storage section 33 Control Unit 331 Login processing section 332 Status Identification Section 333 Worker location identification section 334 Port Locator 335 Movement direction identification part 336 Positional relationship determination unit 337 Notification priority identification section 338 Display control unit 339 Warning section Dn Drone Tm Worker Terminal MS base management server Wm worker Bm base Pl Port S Drone Base System

Claims

1. a first display control means for displaying a list of notifications including information about a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base on a terminal used by an operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle at the base; a first identification means for identifying the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; A second display control means for controlling the display of the list of notifications based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; An information processing device comprising:

2. a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker; a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base and from which the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land; Further provided with The information processing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications based on the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the position of the worker, and the position of the port.

3. Further, a fourth identification means is provided for identifying a movement direction of the worker, The information processing device described in claim 2, characterized in that the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications based on the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the position of the worker, the position of the port, and the direction of movement of the worker.

4. Further comprising a fifth identification means for identifying a priority of the notification for each of the unmanned aerial vehicles based on the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles; 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second display control means controls the display of the list of notifications in accordance with the priority of the notifications.

5. a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker; a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base and from which the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land; Further provided with The information processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fifth identification means identifies the priority of the notification based on the position of the worker and the position of the port in addition to the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

6. Further, a fourth identification means is provided for identifying a movement direction of the worker, The information processing device described in claim 5, characterized in that the fifth identification means identifies the priority of the notification based on the status of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the position of the worker, the position of the port, and the direction of movement of the worker.

7. a first determination means for calculating a distance between a position of the operator and a position of the port and determining whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold; 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the fifth specifying means adjusts the priority specified based on the status based on whether the calculated distance is equal to or smaller than a threshold value.

8. a second determination means for determining whether the movement direction of the operator is a direction approaching the position of the port; The information processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fifth identification means adjusts the priority identified based on the status based on whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold value and whether the direction of movement of the worker is a direction approaching the position of the port.

9. 9. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the second display control means controls at least one of the display order of the information in the list of notifications and the display mode of the information according to the priority of the notification.

10. An information processing device as described in any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the second display control means displays information about an unmanned aerial vehicle higher in the list of notifications, the higher the priority of the notification for that unmanned aerial vehicle.

11. a second identification means for identifying the location of the worker; a third identification means for identifying the location of a port installed within the base and from which the unmanned aerial vehicle can take off and land; a first determination means for calculating a distance between the position of the operator and the position of the port a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and determining whether the calculated distance is equal to or less than a threshold; a warning means for issuing an evacuation warning to the worker via the terminal when the first determination means determines that the distance is equal to or less than a threshold value; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. a fourth identification means for identifying a movement direction of the worker; a second determination means for determining whether the movement direction of the operator is a direction approaching the position of the port; The information processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that even if the first determination means determines that the distance is not equal to or less than the threshold, if the second determination means determines that the direction of movement of the worker is a direction approaching the port position, the warning means issues the evacuation warning.

13. a fourth identification means for identifying a movement direction of the worker; a second determination means for determining whether the direction of movement of the worker is a direction away from the port position a predetermined time before the scheduled takeoff time of the unmanned aerial vehicle; Further provided with The information processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that even if the first determination means determines that the distance is equal to or less than a threshold, if the second determination means determines that the direction of movement of the worker is a direction away from the port position, the warning means does not issue the evacuation warning.

14. 1. A display control method executed by one or more computers, comprising: A step of displaying a list of notifications including information about multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base on a terminal used by an operator inspecting the unmanned aerial vehicle at the base; identifying a status of each of the unmanned air vehicles; controlling display of the list of notifications based on a status of each of the unmanned air vehicles; A display control method comprising:

15. A computer included in a terminal used by an operator who inspects the unmanned aerial vehicle at a base of the unmanned aerial vehicle, displaying on the terminal a list of notifications including information about a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles under the jurisdiction of the base; Obtaining the status of each of the unmanned aerial vehicles from a predetermined server; controlling display of the list of notifications based on a status of each of the unmanned air vehicles; A program characterized by executing the following.

Images