Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The overall flight plan is taken into consideration to determine if it is a potential landing site. [Solution] The information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft; a setting unit that sets the range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information; a receiving unit that receives flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors a target; and an output unit that generates flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land set by the setting unit and the flight conditions received by the receiving unit, and outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received by the receiving unit as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to perform patrol monitoring of a predetermined range, an unmanned aircraft such as a drone has been used. Here, when the predetermined range is vast, in a single flight from takeoff to landing, if the battery capacity is not sufficient to fly over the entire range, a port for battery replenishment or the like may be installed during the monitoring of the vast range. Depending on the location of such a port, it may not be suitable for takeoff and landing due to the terrain or environmental factors such as wind at that location. Therefore, there has been a technique for determining whether a location is suitable for takeoff and landing of a drone in consideration of the terrain and the influence of wind or the like around the takeoff and landing points (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even in a location determined to be suitable for landing of a drone using such a conventional technique, it may not be suitable for landing in view of the overall flight plan. For example, when considering installing a plurality of ports in the entire flight route, even if a location is suitable for takeoff and landing, if a plurality of locations are grouped together (adjacent to each other), it may not be suitable. That is, when using the conventional technique, it has not been easy to determine the installation location of the port (i.e., whether it can be a candidate for the landing location) in consideration of the overall flight plan in order to perform efficient flight such as autonomous flight.

[0005] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can determine whether a location is a potential landing site, taking into account the overall flight plan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires three-dimensional spatial information about a flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft; a setting unit that sets a range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information; a receiving unit that receives flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors a target; and an output unit that generates flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land set by the setting unit and the flight conditions received by the receiving unit, and outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received by the receiving unit as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information. (2) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (1) above, the acquisition unit acquires three-dimensional spatial information which includes information including a flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft, and which includes at least two-dimensional information in a predetermined geographical area and height information in the geographical area, and the setting unit sets a range in which takeoff and landing are possible based on the height information included in the three-dimensional spatial information. (3) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (2) above, the three-dimensional spatial information includes topographic information in the geographical area and information on structures located in the geographical area. (4) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (3) above, the flight conditions received by the receiving unit include at least one of the following: a monitoring point for monitoring the object being monitored, the maximum flight time of the aircraft, the altitude conditions under which the aircraft can fly, and the range in which the aircraft can fly. (5) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (4) above, the priority conditions received by the receiving unit include at least one of the priority conditions corresponding to the flight conditions and the environmental conditions at the takeoff and landing site. (6) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in an information processing device of any of (1) to (5) described above, the output unit outputs information as the candidate takeoff and landing locations, which is a plurality of takeoff and landing locations that satisfy at least one of the priority conditions, arranged in descending order of the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions. (7) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (6) above, the output unit outputs information that is a heat map of the degree of suitability as a takeoff and landing port based on the priority conditions. (8) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (7) above, the output unit outputs information including the flight path information and the candidate takeoff and landing locations. (9) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (8) above, the output unit outputs the result of inferring the takeoff and landing candidate locations using a trained machine learning model that has been trained using the previously created takeoff and landing candidate locations and the information used to create the takeoff and landing candidate locations as training data. (10) Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method to be performed using a computer, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional spatial information about a flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft; a setting step of setting a range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information; a receiving step of receiving flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors a target; and an output step of generating flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land set in the setting step and the flight conditions received in the receiving step, and outputting takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received in the receiving step as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information. (11) Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute an acquisition step of acquiring three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft; a setting step of setting a range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information; a receiving step of receiving flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors a target; and an output step of generating flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land set in the setting step and the flight conditions received in the receiving step, and outputting takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received in the receiving step as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can determine whether a location is a potential landing site, taking into account the overall flight plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a schematic of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional configuration diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a first image diagram showing an example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a second image diagram showing an example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a third image diagram showing an example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a fourth image diagram showing an example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]This figure illustrates an example of how the information processing device according to this embodiment infers candidate takeoff and landing locations using a machine learning model. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing a series of steps in the information processing method according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This block diagram shows an example of the internal configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Embodiment] The information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program according to aspects of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, with reference to preferred embodiments. It should be noted that the aspects of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and include various modifications and improvements. In other words, the components described below include those that are easily conceivable to those skilled in the art, and those that are substantially the same, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of components can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, in the following drawings, the scale and number of components in each structure may differ from the scale and number of components in the actual structure in order to make each structure easier to understand.

[0010] [System Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to one embodiment. System 1 comprises a drone 10 and a flight management device 30, and monitors equipment 50. For the sake of simplicity, the figure shows one piece of equipment 50, but system 1 may monitor multiple pieces of equipment 50. Also, for the sake of simplicity, the figure shows one drone 10, but multiple drones 10 may be provided. In this case, each of the multiple drones 10 may communicate wirelessly with a common flight management device 30, or each may communicate wirelessly with an independent flight management device 30. That is, the relationship between the flight management device 30 and the drones 10 may be one to N (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 1), or many to N.

[0011] The facility 50 is a facility that the system 1 monitors. The facility 50 may be a communication tower (which can also be called a base station) used for wireless communication. Also, the facility 50 may be something fixed to the ground outdoors, such as a solar power generation facility. As another example of the facilities that the system 1 monitors, in addition to power transmission lines and towers, bridges, tunnels, industrial facilities, etc. may also be acceptable. Further, the system 1 may be used in a range where there are some facilities, such as land like farmland, forests, rivers, coastlines, etc.

[0012] The flight management device 30 manages the flight of the drone 10. Specifically, the flight management device 30 gives a flight instruction to the drone 10 and monitors the facility 50. Monitoring the facility 50 may, for example, be monitoring that the things equipped in the facility 50 are not stolen. Specifically, the things equipped in the facility 50 may be, for example, electric wires, solar panels, etc. when the facility 50 is a solar power generation facility. The monitoring of the facility 50 may include, in addition to flying around the facility 50, for example, imaging an image around the facility 50, detecting an intruder around the facility 50, etc.

[0013] Based on an instruction from the flight management device 30, the drone 10 flies around the facility 50 and conducts monitoring. The drone 10 may, based on an instruction from the flight management device 30, image an image around the facility 50 or detect an intruder around the facility 50, etc. In this embodiment, it is premised that the drone 10 is capable of flying. In the following description, the drone 10 may sometimes be described as a flying object.

[0014] The information processing device, information processing method, and program according to this embodiment are preferably applied to the flight of the drone 10 using the system 1 as described above. However, this embodiment is not limited to such an example and may also be used to determine candidates for takeoff and landing points of various flying objects.

[0015] In the following embodiments, when "takeoff / landing" is described, it means at least one of takeoff or landing, and does not necessarily mean both takeoff and landing.

[0016] [Information Processing Device] FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device according to the present embodiment. An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 60 will be described while referring to this figure. The information processing device 60 is used to create a flight plan for the drone 10 using the system 1 as described above. In particular, the information processing device 60 is used to determine candidates for takeoff / landing points in the flight plan of the drone 10. The information processing device 60 is assumed to be used by an operator or an individual who deploys the service of the system 1 using the drone 10.

[0017] The information processing device 60 may exhibit its functions by executing an application installed in a general computer, for example. As a specific example of such an application, there is an application provided as a dedicated application. As another specific example of such an application, there is an application of a web browser. Such an application may be installed in a predetermined computer in advance, or may be downloaded each time information processing is executed. For example, when implemented as an application of a web browser, when a computer connects to a specific web server, the computer may download and execute the application from a device specified by the web server (for example, the web server itself or another server) according to the control of the web server. In this case, the information processing device 60 operates according to the program of the running application.

[0018] The information processing device 60 includes an acquisition unit 61, a setting unit 62, a reception unit 63, and an output unit 64 as functional configurations.

[0019] The acquisition unit 61 acquires three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring the target by the drone 10. Here, three-dimensional spatial information is information that includes the flight range for monitoring the target by the aircraft. Furthermore, three-dimensional spatial information includes at least two-dimensional information for a predetermined geographical area and information in the height direction for that geographical area. Three-dimensional spatial information can also be said to be map information that includes information in the height direction.

[0020] The setting unit 62 sets the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, based on the three-dimensional spatial information acquired by the acquisition unit 61. The range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, as set by the setting unit 62, may be the range in which a port for the drone 10 to take off and land can be physically installed. For example, if the terrain is a steep slope, it may not be possible to place a port. The setting unit 62 eliminates such places in which a port cannot be installed and sets the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land. The setting unit 62 sets the range in which the drone can take off and land, based on the information included in the three-dimensional spatial information acquired by the acquisition unit 61, particularly the information in the height direction.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable that the three-dimensional spatial information includes topographic information within a geographical area and information on structures existing within that geographical area. By including information on structures in the three-dimensional spatial information, it is possible to define the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, taking into account circumstances such as situations where a port cannot be placed due to the existence of structures.

[0022] The reception unit 63 receives flight conditions and priority conditions for the drone 10's flight to monitor the target. The drone 10 may receive flight conditions and priority conditions from, for example, a business operator or individual providing the System 1 service.

[0023] Flight conditions include constraints on the flight of the drone 10. Specifically, the flight conditions preferably include at least one of the following: a monitoring point for monitoring the target, the maximum flight time of the aircraft (specifically, this may be the battery capacity, etc.), the altitude conditions in which the drone 10 can fly, and the range in which the drone 10 can fly (the range in which wireless communication is possible).

[0024] Priority conditions include conditions that determine what is prioritized by the business operator or individual providing the System 1 service. Examples of priority conditions include those related to flight conditions, such as minimizing battery usage or limiting flight time to within XX hours. Other examples include flight conditions related to environmental conditions at the takeoff and landing site, such as whether the port has a roof, the distance to designated facilities, and the quality of the communication environment. The priority conditions accepted by the reception unit 63 preferably include at least one of the priority conditions related to flight conditions or the flight conditions related to environmental conditions.

[0025] The output unit 64 outputs candidate locations for the drone 10's takeoff and landing. Specifically, the output unit 64 first generates flight path information, including takeoff and landing locations, based on the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, as set by the setting unit 62, and the flight conditions received by the reception unit 63. Next, based on the generated flight path information, the output unit 64 outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received by the reception unit 63 as candidate locations for takeoff and landing.

[0026] [Example of output from an information processing device] Figure 3 is a first image diagram showing an example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the output unit 64 will be explained with reference to this figure. The figure shows an image diagram of the area to be monitored by the drone 10, viewed from above.

[0027] In the illustrated example, the area monitored by the drone 10 includes a solar power generation facility, with numerous solar panels SP and forest F present. The figure also shows takeoff and landing candidates 1 to 3 as examples of takeoff and landing candidate locations output by the output unit 64. From the figure, it can be seen that takeoff and landing candidates 1 to 3 are located in flat areas, avoiding the solar panels SP and forest F.

[0028] Figure 4 is a second image diagram showing an example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the output unit 64 will be described with reference to this figure. In addition to the information shown in Figure 3, the output unit 64 may also output the information shown in Figure 4.

[0029] The figure displays information identifying potential takeoff and landing locations in association with the number of locations that meet the priority conditions. The information identifying potential takeoff and landing locations is the information identifying takeoff and landing candidates 1 to 3 shown in Figure 3. In the figure, identification is done by name, but identification may also be done by identification number or coordinates indicating the range. The number of locations that meet the priority conditions is the number of priority conditions that the corresponding takeoff and landing location meets among the priority conditions received by the reception unit 63. For example, if the priority is (1) battery usage is within 500mA, (2) flight time is within 1 hour, (3) port has a roof, (4) distance to designated facility is within 1km, and (5) communication speed in the range is 5Mbps or higher, the number of locations that meet these conditions is the number of locations that meet the priority conditions. In other words, the output unit 64 can also output information as potential takeoff and landing locations, which is a list of multiple takeoff and landing locations that meet at least one of the priority conditions, sorted in descending order of the number of locations that meet the priority conditions.

[0030] In this case, the output unit 64 does not necessarily need to output the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions; it may simply output the candidate takeoff and landing locations in descending order of the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions. Furthermore, the output unit 64 does not necessarily need to output a table like the one in Figure 4; for example, it may output the information shown in Figure 3 with additional information such as the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions, or the degree to which the priority conditions are met.

[0031] Figure 5 is a third image diagram showing an example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of a candidate takeoff and landing location output by the output unit 64 will be explained with reference to this figure. The figure shows the degree of suitability of the candidate takeoff and landing location as a takeoff and landing port in the form of a heat map. The output unit 64 may output information as shown in the figure. The output unit 64 can also output information that is a heat map of the degree of suitability as a takeoff and landing port based on priority conditions.

[0032] While the number of items satisfying priority conditions can be used as an example of an indicator when creating a heatmap, this embodiment is not limited to this example. The output unit 64 may also output information that represents the degree of suitability as a takeoff and landing port as a heatmap, based on various other indicators. Examples of other indicators include the flatness of the terrain and the presence or absence of structures in the surrounding area.

[0033] Figure 6 is a fourth image diagram showing an example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of a takeoff and landing candidate location output by the output unit 64 will be described with reference to this figure. In addition to the information shown in Figure 3, the output unit 64 may also output information as shown in Figure 4. The example shown in Figure 6 differs from Figure 3 in that a flight path is added. The output unit 64 can also output information that includes flight path information and takeoff and landing candidate locations.

[0034] The flight path shown represents the flight path of the drone 10 when it flies through all of the takeoff and landing candidates 1 to 3. In other words, the information shown in Figure 6 displays the spacing at which takeoff and landing ports should be installed in a way that is easily recognizable visually. By outputting such information, it becomes possible to easily make visual decisions about whether or not to install takeoff and landing ports, and where within the range of takeoff and landing candidate locations they should be installed.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, when outputting information including flight path information and candidate takeoff and landing locations, the distance between the candidate locations, the time required to fly that distance, and the energy required to fly that distance (e.g., the amount of battery used) may also be displayed. In addition, although only one flight path is shown in the figure, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and multiple flight paths may be shown.

[0036] [An example of using machine learning] Figure 7 illustrates an example of how the information processing device according to this embodiment infers candidate takeoff and landing locations using a machine learning model. Referring to this figure, an example of how a machine learning model is used to infer candidate takeoff and landing locations will be explained. This figure shows an example of supervised learning.

[0037] Figure 7(A) shows the input and output of information during training. As shown in the figure, the machine learning model 69 receives input including three-dimensional spatial information, flight conditions, priority levels, and candidate takeoff and landing locations. This information can also be called training data. In other words, during the training phase, candidate takeoff and landing locations are associated with predetermined three-dimensional spatial information, flight conditions, and priority levels as correct data and input into the machine learning model 69.

[0038] Figure 7(B) shows the input and output of information during inference. As shown in the figure, the machine learning model 69 receives three-dimensional spatial information, flight conditions, and priority as input. This information is unknown data specified by the user. The machine learning model 69, which has been trained using the configuration described with reference to Figure 7(A), infers candidate takeoff and landing locations from this unknown data.

[0039] In other words, the output unit 64 can also output the result of inferring a candidate takeoff and landing location using a trained machine learning model 69 that has been trained using previously created takeoff and landing candidate locations and the information used to create those locations as training data.

[0040] [Information Processing Methods] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a series of steps in the information processing device method according to this embodiment. The series of steps in the processing performed using the information processing device 60 described above will be explained with reference to this figure.

[0041] (Step S11) First, the information processing device 60 acquires three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring the target by the drone 10. This process may also be called the acquisition process or acquisition step.

[0042] (Step S12) Next, the information processing device 60 sets the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, based on the three-dimensional spatial information acquired in the acquisition step. This step may also be called the setting step or setting step.

[0043] (Step S13) Next, the information processing device 60 receives the flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the drone 10 monitors the target. This process may also be called the reception process or reception step.

[0044] (Step S14) Finally, the information processing device 60 outputs a candidate takeoff and landing location. The candidate takeoff and landing location is a takeoff and landing location that satisfies the priority conditions accepted in the acceptance process, among the takeoff and landing locations generated based on the range in which the drone 10 can take off and land, as set in the setting process, and the flight conditions accepted in the acceptance process. This process may also be called the output process or output step.

[0045] [Internal structure] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The computer shown in the figure shows an example of a specific hardware configuration for realizing the information processing device 60. The computer consists of a central processing unit (processor) 901, RAM 902, input / output ports 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in programs read from RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to RAM 902, reads data from RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element contained in RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using that address. RAM stands for "Random Access Memory". Input / output ports 903 are ports for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices, etc. Input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. Input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via input / output ports 903. Bus 906 is a common communication channel used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data to RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses input / output ports via bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the information processing device 60 may be implemented using hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, or FPGAs. Furthermore, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0046] [Summary of Embodiments] According to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 60 comprises an acquisition unit 61, a setting unit 62, a receiving unit 63, and an output unit 64. The acquisition unit 61 acquires three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft. The setting unit 62 sets the range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information acquired by the acquisition unit 61. The receiving unit 63 receives flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors a target. The output unit 64 generates flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land set by the setting unit 62 and the flight conditions received by the receiving unit 63, and outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received by the receiving unit 63 as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information.

[0047] By adopting this configuration, suitable takeoff and landing candidates can be set based on the terrain and surrounding environment, and then candidate sites can be selected from among these takeoff and landing candidates, taking into account the flight plan for monitoring the target. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether a site can be a candidate for landing by considering the overall flight plan.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit 61 acquires three-dimensional spatial information that includes at least two-dimensional information within a predetermined geographical area and height information within that geographical area, which includes information about the flight range for monitoring the target by the aircraft. The setting unit 62 sets the range in which takeoffs and landings are possible based on the height information included in the three-dimensional spatial information. Therefore, according to this embodiment, suitable takeoff and landing candidates can be set based on the terrain and surrounding environment.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the three-dimensional spatial information includes topographic information within a geographical area and information on structures present within that geographical area. According to this embodiment, by excluding areas with structures from being considered as takeoff and landing candidates, takeoff and landing candidates can be set with high accuracy.

[0050] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flight conditions received by the reception unit 63 include at least one of the following: a monitoring point for monitoring the target, the maximum flight time for the aircraft, the altitude conditions in which the aircraft can fly, and the range in which the aircraft can fly. According to this embodiment, candidate sites can be selected by further taking these flight conditions into account. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether a site can be a candidate for a landing site by considering the overall flight plan.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the priority conditions accepted by the reception unit 63 include at least one of the priority conditions corresponding to the flight conditions and the environmental conditions at the takeoff and landing site. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if there are multiple candidate takeoff and landing sites, a suitable candidate site can be selected by considering the priority conditions. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably determine whether a site can be a candidate landing site by considering the overall flight plan.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output unit 64 outputs information as candidate takeoff and landing locations, which is a plurality of takeoff and landing locations that satisfy at least one of the priority conditions, arranged in descending order of the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even when there are many candidate takeoff and landing locations, the most suitable candidate location for takeoff and landing can be selected by considering the priority conditions. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably determine whether a location can be a candidate for landing, taking into account the overall flight plan.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output unit 64 outputs information that is a heat map of the degree of suitability as a takeoff and landing port based on priority conditions. By adopting such a configuration, candidate takeoff and landing sites can be presented to the user in a way that is easy to visually recognize.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output unit 64 outputs information including flight path information and candidate takeoff and landing locations. The information processing device 60 further outputs the flight path information together with the candidate takeoff and landing locations, thereby enabling the selection of candidate locations that further take the flight path into consideration. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suitably determine whether a location can be a candidate landing site, taking into account the overall flight plan.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output unit 64 outputs the result of inferring a candidate landing / takeoff location using a trained machine learning model that has been trained with previously created candidate landing / takeoff locations and the information used to create those candidate locations as training data. According to this embodiment, by using machine learning, it is possible to easily and accurately determine whether a location is a candidate for a landing location.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment makes it possible to "determine whether a location can be a candidate for a landing site by considering the overall flight plan." Using such a flight plan, it is conceivable to fly an aircraft to monitor or inspect infrastructure such as equipment used in wireless communication networks. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0058] Alternatively, computer programs for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems.

[0059] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Moreover, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1...System, 10...Drone, 30...Flight management device, 50...Equipment, 60...Information processing device, 61...Acquisition unit, 62...Setting unit, 63...Reception unit, 64...Output unit, 69...Machine learning model

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring a target using an aircraft, A setting unit that sets the range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information, A reception unit that receives flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight of the aircraft to monitor the target, Based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land, as set by the setting unit, and the flight conditions received by the receiving unit, an output unit generates flight path information including takeoff and landing locations, and based on the generated flight path information, outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions received by the receiving unit as candidate takeoff and landing locations. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The acquisition unit acquires three-dimensional spatial information which includes information including the flight range for monitoring a target by an aircraft, and which includes at least two-dimensional information in a predetermined geographical area and information in the height direction in that geographical area. The setting unit sets the range in which takeoffs and landings are possible based on the height information included in the three-dimensional spatial information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The three-dimensional spatial information includes topographic information within the geographical area and information on structures located within the geographical area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The flight conditions accepted by the reception unit include at least one of the following: a monitoring point for monitoring the target being monitored, the maximum flight time of the aircraft, the altitude conditions under which the aircraft can fly, and the range in which the aircraft can fly. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The priority conditions accepted by the reception unit include at least one of the priority conditions corresponding to the flight conditions and the environmental conditions at the takeoff and landing site. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The output unit outputs information as candidate takeoff and landing locations, which is a plurality of takeoff and landing locations that satisfy at least one of the priority conditions, arranged in descending order of the number of locations that satisfy the priority conditions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The output unit outputs information that represents the degree of suitability as a takeoff and landing port based on the priority conditions, using a heat map. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The output unit outputs information including the flight path information and the candidate takeoff and landing locations. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The output unit outputs the result of inferring the candidate takeoff and landing locations using a trained machine learning model that has been trained using the previously created candidate takeoff and landing locations and the information used to create those candidate locations as training data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. An information processing method performed using a computer, The acquisition process involves obtaining three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring the target by an aircraft, and A setting step of setting the range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information, A reception process for receiving flight conditions and priority conditions for the flight in which the aircraft monitors the target being monitored, An output step generates flight path information including takeoff and landing locations based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land, set in the setting step, and the flight conditions accepted in the acceptance step, and outputs takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions accepted in the acceptance step as candidate takeoff and landing locations based on the generated flight path information, An information processing method having

11. On the computer, An acquisition step to obtain three-dimensional spatial information about the flight range for monitoring a target using an aircraft, A setting step of setting the range in which the aircraft can take off and land based on the three-dimensional spatial information, A reception step in which the aforementioned aircraft receives flight conditions and priority conditions for a flight in which it monitors the target to be monitored, Based on the range in which the aircraft can take off and land, set in the setting step, and the flight conditions accepted in the acceptance step, a flight path information including takeoff and landing locations is generated, and based on the generated flight path information, takeoff and landing locations that satisfy the priority conditions accepted in the acceptance step are output as candidate takeoff and landing locations. A program that executes the command.

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