Traffic Management System

Abstract

To reduce the burden on a worker in the management of the operations of an on-ground support device in an airport.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an operation management system 10 for managing the operations of a plurality of on-ground support devices 13 set in an airport. The operation management system 10 has a schedule making unit 11 for making a work schedule for a plurality of on-ground support devices 13 on the basis of the flight schedule in the airport. The schedule making unit 11 sends at least a part of the data on the work schedule to the on-ground support devices 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation control system for controlling the operation of a plurality of ground support devices installed at an airport. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, airports are equipped with multiple ground support equipment for performing various tasks. Such ground support equipment is called GSE (Ground Support Equipment), and there are various types of GSE, such as high-lift loaders, belt loaders, towing tractors, and passenger steps. Currently, when performing work using GSE, workers check the flight schedule and arrange for the necessary GSE before starting the work. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, it is very time-consuming for workers to check flight schedules and arrange for GSE. In addition, the preparations required to carry out the work are complicated, and workers are required to have a lot of experience and knowledge, which places a heavy burden on the workers. Furthermore, if a worker makes a mistake by overlooking information, it will affect the flight schedule.

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to reduce the burden on operators in managing the operation of ground support equipment at airports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is an operation management system that manages the operation of multiple ground support equipment deployed at an airport, and is characterized in that it includes a schedule creation unit that creates a work schedule for the multiple ground support equipment based on a flight schedule for the airport, and the schedule creation unit transmits at least a portion of data regarding the work schedule to the ground support equipment.

[0006] According to the present invention, the schedule creation unit creates a work schedule based on the flight schedule available in advance from air traffic control. This eliminates the need for the worker to check the flight schedule and create the work schedule, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.

[0007] In the present invention, it is preferable that the schedule creation unit transmits at least a portion of data relating to the work schedule to a worker terminal carried by a worker performing work using the ground support equipment.

[0008] According to this configuration, the worker can immediately check the work schedule that concerns him / her by referring to the data received at the worker terminal, so that the burden on the worker can be further reduced.

[0009] In the present invention, it is preferable that the worker terminal is capable of transmitting work progress data regarding the progress of work by the ground support equipment to the schedule creation unit, and the schedule creation unit is capable of re-creating the work schedule taking into account the work progress data.

[0010] According to this configuration, the work schedule can be appropriately adjusted according to the progress of the work, so that even if the work is behind schedule, the subsequent work can be smoothly carried out.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the schedule creation section judges whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at predetermined time intervals based on the work progress data, and recreates the work schedule when it judges that revision is necessary.

[0012] If the work schedule is revised too frequently in response to the progress of work, workers will have to respond to the new work schedule each time, which may actually increase the burden on the workers. Therefore, as described above, by determining whether the work schedule needs to be revised at regular intervals and recreating the work schedule only when it is determined that revision is necessary, it becomes possible to achieve balanced operation management.

[0013] In the present invention, it is preferable that the schedule creation section recreates the work schedule when the work progress data includes data indicating an abnormality.

[0014] With this configuration, for example, if an abnormality occurs such as a worker becoming ill or a malfunction or accident of ground support equipment, the work schedule can be quickly revised, thereby minimizing subsequent work delays.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that, when a change occurs in the flight schedule, the schedule creation unit recreates the work schedule based on the changed flight schedule.

[0016] If the originally created work schedule is used as is when there is a change in the flight schedule, there is a risk of confusion occurring at the work site. Therefore, as described above, if the schedule creation unit recreates the work schedule based on the changed flight schedule, workers can smoothly respond to the change in the flight schedule.

[0017] In the present invention, it is preferable that the ground support equipment is capable of transmitting vehicle status data relating to the status of the ground support equipment to the schedule creation unit, and the schedule creation unit is capable of re-creating the work schedule taking into account the vehicle status data.

[0018] According to such a configuration, the work schedule can be appropriately modified according to the state (eg, position, operating status, etc.) of the ground support equipment, thereby enabling smooth operation management of the ground support equipment.

[0019] In the present invention, it is preferable that the schedule creation section determines whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at predetermined time intervals based on the vehicle condition data, and recreates the work schedule when it determines that revision is necessary.

[0020] If the work schedule is revised too frequently in response to the state of the ground support equipment, the workers will have to respond to the new work schedule each time, which may increase the burden on the workers. Therefore, as described above, by determining whether the work schedule needs to be revised at regular intervals and recreating the work schedule only when it is determined that revision is necessary, it becomes possible to achieve balanced operation management.

[0021] In the present invention, it is preferable that the schedule creation unit recreates the work schedule when the vehicle state data includes data indicating an abnormality.

[0022] According to this configuration, for example, in the event of an abnormality such as a breakdown or accident in the ground support equipment, the work schedule can be quickly revised, thereby minimizing subsequent work delays. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a simplified plan view showing airport facilities. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a traffic control system for a ground support device. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation management of a ground support device by a traffic management system. [Figure 4] 1A is a table showing an example of data included in a flight schedule; and FIG. 1B is a table showing an example of a cargo list. [Diagram 5] 1A is a table showing an example of worker-related data; FIG. 1B is a table showing an example of GSE-related data; [Figure 6] 11 is a table showing an example of data included in a work schedule. [Figure 7] 11 is a table showing an example of data transmitted to a worker terminal. [Figure 8] 11 is a table showing an example of data transmitted to a GSE. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether or not to execute rescheduling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a traffic control system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing airport facilities in a simplified manner. As shown in FIG. 1, the airport 1 is provided with a terminal building 2 and a runway 3. The terminal building 2 is provided with a plurality of gates 4, to which a boarding bridge 5 is connected. The boarding bridge 5 is a facility for passengers and crew to board and disembark from the gate 4 to the aircraft 100. If the boarding bridge 5 is not available, a passenger step, which will be described later, may be used. While the aircraft 100 is parked at the airport 1, in addition to the boarding and disembarking of passengers and crew, various operations (ground support operations) such as loading and unloading of cargo and baggage, refueling, and cleaning of the aircraft interior are performed. Then, when the ground support operations are completed and preparations are complete, the aircraft 100 takes off from the runway 3.

[0026] In ground support operations, multiple GSEs 13 are used. GSE is an abbreviation for Ground Support Equipment. There are various types of GSEs 13, and examples include work vehicles such as a high lift loader 13a that carries cargo (containers) in and out of the aircraft, a belt loader 13b that carries passenger baggage in and out of the aircraft, a towing tractor 13c that tows the aircraft 100, and a passenger step 13d that allows passengers and crew members to board and disembark directly from the aircraft. The airport 1 is provided with a parking lot 6 for parking the GSEs 13 and a maintenance area 7 for performing maintenance on the GSEs 13.

[0027] Currently, the arrangement of the GSE 13 is made by a worker who operates the GSE 13. In other words, the worker checks the flight schedule and arranges the necessary GSE 13 before starting the work. However, it is very time-consuming for the worker to check the flight schedule and arrange the GSE 13. In addition, the preparation before the work is complicated, and the worker is required to have a lot of experience and knowledge, which is a heavy burden on the worker. Furthermore, if the worker makes a mistake by overlooking information, it will affect the flight schedule. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the inventors of the present application have devised an operation management system for the GSE 13 at the airport 1. This operation management system will be described in detail below.

[0028] (GSE traffic control system) The traffic control system 10 of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 2. The traffic control system 10 includes an air traffic control 9, a GSE control 11 (corresponding to the schedule creation unit of the present invention), a plurality of worker terminals 12 carried by each worker, and a plurality of GSEs 13. The GSE control 11 is capable of communicating with the air traffic control 9, the plurality of worker terminals 12, and the plurality of GSEs 13. The main function of the GSE control 11 is to create a work schedule for the plurality of GSEs 13 based on the flight schedule provided by the air traffic control 9, and to simultaneously transmit at least a portion of data related to the work schedule to the plurality of worker terminals 12 and the plurality of GSEs 13.

[0029] The worker terminal 12 is configured by, for example, a mobile terminal such as a tablet, smartphone, or mobile phone, or a wearable terminal such as smart glasses or a smart watch, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the GSE control 11. Data related to the work schedule and the like is transmitted from the GSE control 11 to the worker terminal 12. On the other hand, work progress data related to the progress of work and the like can be transmitted from the worker terminal 12 to the GSE control 11. Specific examples of work progress data include data indicating that a specific task has been completed or is delayed, and data indicating an abnormality (such as poor health of the worker and a breakdown or accident of the GSE 13).

[0030] The GSE 13 has a communication unit 14, a location information receiving unit 15, and an ID reading unit 16. The GSE 13 can communicate with the GSE control 11 via the communication unit 14, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the GSE control 11. The location information receiving unit 15 can receive, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal to recognize the location of the vehicle. Note that a positioning method other than GPS may be used as a method for recognizing the location of the vehicle. The ID reading unit 16 can read the worker ID held by the worker, determine whether or not it matches the scheduled worker, and notify the worker of the result. The worker ID is an ID assigned to each worker. The ID reading unit 16 is configured to be able to read, for example, the worker ID displayed on the worker terminal 12 or the worker ID attached to an ID card held by the worker. Note that the worker ID may be a barcode or an IC tag, or may be manually input by the worker.

[0031] Data related to the work schedule and the like are transmitted from the GSE control 11 to the GSE 13. Meanwhile, it is possible for the GSE 13 to transmit vehicle status data related to the status of the GSE 13 and the like to the GSE control 11. Specific examples of vehicle status data include position data acquired by the position information receiving unit 15, data indicating the operating status (driving, working, etc.), data indicating an abnormality (failure or accident of the GSE 13, etc.), and the like.

[0032] (GSE operation management flow) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation management of the GSE 13 by the operation management system 10. The GSE control 11 receives the flight schedule from the air traffic control 9 in advance (for example, the day before) (step S11). FIG. 4(a) is a table showing an example of data included in the flight schedule, and FIG. 4(b) is a table showing an example of a list of cargo. Note that the cargo in FIG. 4 refers to cargo accommodated in a container, and is different from passenger baggage. The types of data included in the flight schedule transmitted from the air traffic control 9 to the GSE control 11 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0033] When the GSE control 11 receives the flight schedule, it creates a work schedule based on the flight schedule (step S12). When the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule, in addition to the flight schedule, it also refers to the worker-related data shown in FIG. 5(a) and the GSE-related data shown in FIG. 5(b). The "operation status" and "waiting location" in FIG. 5(b) can be identified by the vehicle status data transmitted from the GSE 13. Note that when the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule, it may also refer to data other than the flight schedule, the worker-related data, and the GSE-related data.

[0034] Based on the flight schedule, worker-related data, and GSE-related data, the GSE control 11 identifies the work required for each flight, determines the worker in charge of each work and the GSE 13 to be used, and creates a work schedule. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of data included in the work schedule. For example, for flight number 1, it shows that a worker with a worker ID of 001 is in charge of cargo removal work using a high lift loader with a GSE ID of HL-01. In FIG. 6, PS indicates a passenger step, TT indicates a towing tractor, and BL indicates a belt loader. The types of data included in the work schedule created by the GSE control 11 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 6 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0035] When the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule (step S12), it transmits at least a portion of the data included in the work schedule to the worker terminal 12 and the GSE 13 (step S13). FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of data transmitted to the worker terminal 12, specifically showing the data transmitted to the worker terminal 12 of the worker with worker ID 001. When the worker receives the work schedule data on the worker terminal 12 (step S21), he or she can understand the work for which he or she is responsible and the GSE 13 to be used. Therefore, the worker does not need to check the flight schedule or arrange for the GSE 13 himself or herself, and can proceed with the work according to the work schedule.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a table showing an example of data transmitted to the GSE13, specifically, data transmitted to the GSE13 with a GSE ID of HL-01. When the GSE13 receives the work schedule data (step S31), it becomes possible to know which worker will be driving the vehicle and when. Therefore, when a worker uses the GSE13, the ID of the worker is read by the ID reading unit 16, so that it is possible to determine whether the worker is a correct worker who matches the work schedule. If the ID does not match the work schedule, the worker is notified of this fact, thereby preventing the worker from using the wrong GSE13.

[0037] When the worker receives the work schedule data from the GSE control 11 (step S21), the worker performs work according to the work schedule. First, the worker moves to the GSE 13 determined in the work schedule. The location of the GSE 13 can be identified based on the location data acquired by the location information receiving unit 15. When the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule, the moving distance of the GSE 13 may be optimized by using the location data of the GSE 13, for example, by using the GSE 13 that is closest to the gate 4 where the work is to be performed. When the worker arrives at the GSE 13, the worker has the ID reading unit 16 read the worker ID. If there are no problems, the worker drives the GSE 13 and performs the specified work.

[0038] At an appropriate timing during or after the completion of the work, the worker transmits work progress data to the GSE control 11 (step S22), and the GSE 13 transmits vehicle status data to the GSE control 11 (step S32). When the GSE control 11 receives the work progress data and vehicle status data (step S14), it checks the progress of the work and whether any abnormality has occurred from the received work progress data and vehicle status data. Then, it re-creates the work schedule (hereinafter referred to as rescheduling) as necessary (step S15). The circumstances under which rescheduling is performed will be explained in detail later. When rescheduling is performed, at least a part of the data included in the re-created work schedule is transmitted to the worker terminal 12 and the GSE 13 (step S16).

[0039] Thereafter, the above-mentioned contents are repeated. That is, when the worker receives the re-created work schedule data (step S23), he / she works according to the work schedule and transmits the work progress data to the GSE control 11 at an appropriate timing (step S24). When the GSE 13 receives the re-created work schedule data (step S33), it becomes possible to determine whether the worker is the correct worker using the worker ID. The GSE 13 transmits the vehicle status data to the GSE control 11 at an appropriate timing (step S34). When the GSE control 11 receives the work progress data and the vehicle status data (step S17), it executes rescheduling as necessary (step S18).

[0040] (Determining whether or not to reschedule) The process of determining whether or not to execute rescheduling in steps S15 and S18 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. When a predetermined time (here, n minutes) has elapsed (YES in step S41), the GSE control 11 determines whether or not rescheduling is necessary (step S42). Whether or not rescheduling is necessary is determined based on the work progress data transmitted from the worker terminal 12 and the vehicle status data transmitted from the GSE 13. For example, if the delay time of the work is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that rescheduling is necessary (YES in step S42), and rescheduling is executed (step S46).

[0041] Even if n minutes have not passed in step S41, if there is a change in the flight schedule (YES in step S43), if an abnormality occurs in the GSE 13 (YES in step S44), or if an abnormality occurs in the worker (YES in step S45), rescheduling is immediately performed (step S46) without determining whether rescheduling is necessary. This will be described in detail below.

[0042] If step S41 is NO, the GSE control 11 checks whether there has been a change in the flight schedule (step S43). Specifically, it checks whether there has been a change in the flight (change in landing time, change in takeoff time, cancellation), change in gate number, change in runway, change in aircraft type, etc. If there has been a change in the flight schedule (YES in step S43), rescheduling is immediately performed based on the changed flight schedule (step S46). Note that if there has been a change in the flight schedule, the information is transmitted from the air traffic control 9 to the GSE control 11.

[0043] If the answer is NO in step S43, the GSE control 11 checks whether an abnormality has occurred in the GSE 13 (step S44). Specifically, the GSE control 11 checks whether the work progress data transmitted from the worker terminal 12 or the vehicle status data transmitted from the GSE 13 includes data indicating an abnormality in the GSE 13. If an abnormality has occurred in the GSE 13 (YES in step S44), rescheduling is immediately performed so that the work can be carried out using an alternative GSE 13 (step S46). If the abnormality in the GSE 13 affects the subsequent flight schedule, for example, a collision with the aircraft 100, the GSE control 11 also reports the details of the abnormality to the air traffic control 9. In addition, if an operator, a tow truck, or an ambulance is required to respond to the abnormality due to the occurrence of the abnormality in the GSE 13, it is preferable that the GSE control 11 also makes arrangements for them at the same time.

[0044] If the answer is NO in step S44, the GSE control 11 checks whether an abnormality has occurred with the worker (step S45). Specifically, it checks whether the work progress data sent from the worker terminal 12 includes data indicating an abnormality with the worker. If an abnormality has occurred with a worker, such as poor health or an accident (YES in step S45), rescheduling is immediately performed to fill in available workers (step S46). Note that if the occurrence of an abnormality with a worker requires the provision of workers or an ambulance to deal with the situation, it is preferable for the GSE control 11 to make the arrangements for them at the same time.

[0045] When the GSE control 11 executes rescheduling, it transmits data on the new work schedule to the worker terminals 12 and the GSE 13 (step S16 in FIG. 3). At this time, the GSE control 11 may transmit the data on the work schedule to all the worker terminals 12 and the GSE 13 at once, or may transmit the data only to the worker terminals 12 and the GSE 13 of the workers whose work content is changed.

[0046] In this embodiment, after determining whether n minutes have passed in step S41, if n minutes have not passed, the GSE control 11 checks for an abnormality in the flight schedule, the GSE 13, or the operator. However, for example, when a change in the flight schedule occurs, the air traffic control 9 may notify the GSE control 11 of the change, and the GSE control 11 may reschedule upon receiving the notification. Similarly, when a notification of an abnormality has occurred from the GSE 13 or the operator terminal 12, the GSE control 11 may reschedule.

[0047] (effect) As described above, in the traffic management system 10 according to this embodiment, the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule based on the flight schedule available in advance from the air traffic control 9. This eliminates the need for workers to check the flight schedule themselves and create a work schedule, thereby reducing the burden on the workers.

[0048] In this embodiment, the GSE control 11 transmits at least a part of the data related to the work schedule to the worker terminal 12 carried by the worker who performs the work using the GSE 13. With this configuration, the worker can immediately check the work schedule related to him / her by referring to the data received at the worker terminal 12, which further reduces the burden on the worker.

[0049] In this embodiment, the worker terminal 12 can transmit work progress data related to the progress of work by the GSE 13 to the GSE control 11, and the GSE control 11 can reschedule taking into account the work progress data. With this configuration, the work schedule can be appropriately revised according to the progress of the work, so that even if the work is delayed, the subsequent work can be smoothly carried out.

[0050] In this embodiment, the GSE control 11 judges whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at every predetermined time based on the work progress data, and reschedules the work if it judges that a revision is necessary. If the work schedule is revised too frequently according to the progress of the work, the worker will have to deal with the new work schedule each time, which may increase the burden on the worker. Therefore, as described above, by judging whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at every predetermined time and rescheduling only when it is judged that a revision is necessary, it is possible to achieve balanced operation management.

[0051] In this embodiment, the GSE control 11 reschedules the work if the work progress data contains data indicating an abnormality. With this configuration, for example, if an abnormality occurs such as a worker becoming ill or a breakdown or accident of the GSE 13, the work schedule can be quickly revised to minimize subsequent work delays.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, when a change occurs in the flight schedule, the GSE control 11 performs rescheduling based on the changed flight schedule. If the initially created work schedule is used as is when a change occurs in the flight schedule, confusion may occur at the work site. Therefore, as described above, if the GSE control 11 performs rescheduling based on the changed flight schedule, workers can smoothly respond to the change in the flight schedule.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the GSE 13 can transmit vehicle status data related to the status of the GSE 13 to the GSE control 11, and the GSE control 11 can perform rescheduling taking into account the vehicle status data. With this configuration, the work schedule can be appropriately corrected according to the status of the GSE 13 (e.g., location, operating status, etc.), making it possible to smoothly manage the operation of the GSE 13.

[0054] In this embodiment, the GSE control 11 judges whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at every predetermined time based on the vehicle state data, and reschedules the work if it judges that a revision is necessary. If the work schedule is revised too frequently according to the state of the GSE 13, the worker will have to deal with a new work schedule each time, which may increase the burden on the worker. Therefore, as described above, by judging whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at every predetermined time and rescheduling only when it is judged that a revision is necessary, it is possible to achieve balanced operation management.

[0055] In this embodiment, the GSE control 11 reschedules the work if the vehicle status data includes data indicating an abnormality. With this configuration, for example, if an abnormality such as a breakdown or accident of the GSE 13 occurs, the work schedule can be quickly revised to minimize delays in subsequent work.

[0056] (Other embodiments) A description will now be given of modifications to the above embodiment, in which various changes have been made.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the GSE 13 is provided with a communication unit 14, and the GSE 13 is configured to be able to communicate with the GSE control 11. However, it is not essential that the GSE 13 be able to communicate with the GSE control 11, and it is sufficient that at least the worker terminal 12 be able to communicate with the GSE control 11. It is also possible to omit the location information receiving unit 15 and the ID reading unit 16 provided in the GSE 13. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the function of the worker terminal 12 in the GSE 13. In this case, the worker exchanges data such as work progress with the GSE control 11 using an input / output device or the like provided in the GSE 13.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the GSE 13 is operated by an operator. However, the GSE 13 may be configured to be capable of automatic operation. In this case, when a work schedule is transmitted from the GSE control 11 to the GSE 13, the GSE 13 may be automatically moved to a predetermined location at a predetermined time. In this way, the operator does not need to travel to the GSE 13.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the GSE control 11 is capable of communicating with the air traffic control 9, the worker terminal 12, and the GSE 13, but may be configured to be capable of communicating with facilities of the airport 1 in addition to these. For example, the GSE control 11 may be configured to receive data on passengers from terminals at check-in gates and boarding gates, and take these data into consideration when creating a work schedule or determining whether to reschedule. Alternatively, the GSE control 11 may be configured to receive data on passenger abnormalities (e.g., the occurrence of a sudden illness) from a mobile terminal held by a cabin attendant. In addition, for terminals connectable to the GSE control 11 and the GSE 13, it is also possible to manage software versions, etc. via the GSE control 11.

[0060] In the above embodiment, at least a part of the GSE 13 may be electrically powered. In this case, the vehicle status data transmitted from the GSE 13 to the GSE control 11 may include data indicating whether the GSE 13 is charging or not and data related to the remaining charge of the GSE 13. In addition, the GSE 13 can be operated efficiently by taking into consideration the timing of charging the GSE 13 when creating a work schedule for the GSE control 11.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the GSE control 11 may store vehicle operation data including vehicle status data, remaining battery level, location information, etc. of the GSE 13, and may predict the maintenance timing, detect faults, and predict faults of the GSE 13 based on this data. Deep learning or machine learning may be used for such predictive maintenance and fault detection. In addition, it is also possible to optimize the algorithm for creating a work schedule in the GSE control 11 by recording the location information of the GSE 13 at regular intervals and analyzing the operation route of the GSE 13 within the airport, etc.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the GSE control 11 may utilize the accessory equipment and worker-related data included in the GSE-related data. For example, a power suit may be provided according to the needs of the worker, or a GSE 13 equipped with a mechanism for assisting in the transportation of luggage as an accessory may be provided.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the GSE control 11 may be connected to the boarding bridge, passenger steps, shuttle buses for transporting passengers within the airport, and passenger reservation and ticketing systems. For example, a ticket reading device may be installed on the boarding bridge or passenger steps, and the GSE control 11 may be configured to obtain a list of passengers boarding the aircraft from the reservation and ticketing system or the air traffic control 9. When passengers board the aircraft through the boarding bridge or passenger steps, the ticket reading device reads the ticket and checks whether it matches the passenger list obtained by the GSE control 11, thereby preventing passengers from boarding the wrong bus. A ticket reading device may also be installed on the shuttle bus, and the ticket reading device may read the ticket when the passenger boards the shuttle bus and check it against the passenger list, thereby preventing passengers from moving to the wrong boarding location. Furthermore, the information read by the ticket reading device may not be the ticket itself, but may be an ID that can identify the ticket or passenger, read by a barcode, IC tag, or the like. Also, if the data acquired by the GSE control 11 from the passenger reservation / ticketing system or the like includes a wheelchair passenger, the GSE control 11 may install a passenger step with a lifter such as that in Patent No. 5105054 or a wheelchair-compatible GSE 13. Furthermore, if the arriving aircraft is a government aircraft or the passengers include a state guest, a dedicated passenger step may be installed.

[0064] In the above embodiment, a cargo ID reader may be provided in the GSE 13, such as a belt loader, a high lift loader, or a towing tractor used for loading cargo. For example, the GSE control 11 may obtain a list of cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft and attach a cargo ID, such as a barcode or an IC tag, to the cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft. During the cargo loading operation, the cargo ID is read by the reader of the GSE 13 and compared with the cargo list, thereby preventing cargo from being loaded incorrectly.

[0065] In the above embodiment, when a plurality of ground handling companies are installed in an airport, the GSE control 11 of each of the ground handling companies may cooperate with each other to perform the work. For example, when a problem occurs during the work of ground handling company A, and the number of GSEs 13 becomes insufficient or the work becomes difficult due to a lack of workers, the GSE control 11A of ground handling company A may transmit a request for the shortage of GSEs 13 or for the compensation of workers to the GSE control 11B of another ground handling company B. In this case, the GSE control 11B may deploy the GSEs 13 and workers who are not currently working as support for ground handling company A. In addition, the GSE control 11 may request support of GSEs and workers from another GSE control of a nearby airport.

[0066] In the above embodiment, if there are multiple waiting locations for the GSE 13 and workers within an airport, the GSE control 11 may optimize the deployment situation when creating a schedule based on the locations of the runway 3 and gate 4 where the aircraft 100 arrives and takes off. For example, when the GSE control 11 creates a work schedule, the GSE 13 and workers may be deployed from the waiting location closest to the runway 3 and gate 4 where the aircraft 100 arrives and takes off.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the GSE 13 may be capable of automatic operation or remote operation. In the case of automatic operation, the GSE 13 may move to a work site, carrying a worker if necessary, along a schedule and route received from the GSE control 11, and perform work. In the case of remote operation, the GSE control 11 may transmit the schedule and route to a remote operation console or a worker terminal of a worker who remotely operates the GSE 13, and the worker may operate the GSE 13 according to instructions from the GSE control 11.

[0068] In the above embodiment, a work vehicle is exemplified as the GSE 13, but the GSE 13 also includes ground support equipment other than a work vehicle. In other words, the GSE control 11 may manage all ground support equipment that supports the operation of the aircraft 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1: Airport 10: Traffic management system 11: GSE Control (Schedule Creation Department) 12: Worker terminal 13: GSE (Ground Support Equipment)

Claims

1. A traffic management system that manages the operation of a plurality of ground support devices installed at an airport, a schedule creation unit that identifies tasks required for each flight based on the airport flight schedule, which includes model information related to airplane models, worker-related data, and ground support equipment-related data, which includes compatible model information related to which airplane models each of the plurality of ground support equipment is compatible with, determines the worker in charge of each task and the ground support equipment to be used, and creates a work schedule; An operation management system characterized in that the schedule creation unit, when creating the work schedule, refers to the model information and the compatible model information to select the ground support device capable of performing each task, and transmits at least a portion of the data related to the work schedule to the ground support device.

2. 2. The traffic management system according to claim 1, wherein the schedule creation unit transmits at least a portion of the data relating to the work schedule to a worker terminal carried by a worker who performs work using the ground support equipment.

3. the operator terminal is capable of transmitting work progress data relating to the progress of the work performed by the ground support equipment to the schedule creation unit; The operation management system according to claim 2 , wherein the schedule creation unit is capable of recreating the work schedule by taking the work progress data into consideration.

4. The operation management system according to claim 3, characterized in that the schedule creation unit determines whether or not the work schedule needs to be revised at predetermined time intervals based on the work progress data, and re-creates the work schedule when it determines that revision is necessary.

5. 5. The operation management system according to claim 3, wherein the schedule creation unit recreates the work schedule when the work progress data contains data indicating an abnormality.

6. The operation management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, when there is a change in the flight schedule, the schedule creation unit recreates the work schedule based on the changed flight schedule.

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