Management device, management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an aircraft operation management system, a management device, a management method, and a program, which contribute to the popularization of aircraft use.SOLUTION: In a monitoring system 10, a management device 300 includes: a reservation acceptance unit 310 configured to selectively accept an exclusive use reservation in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a solo reservation holder who has solely made a reservation for use of the aircraft and a shared use reservation in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation holders; and a utilization plan formulation unit 312 configured to formulate an aircraft utilization plan based on acceptance results by the reservation acceptance unit 310. The reservation acceptance unit 310 preferentially accepts reservations from persons who have made reservations to use a predetermined vehicle after the use of the aircraft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for optimizing flight routes traveled by aircraft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6183970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transport systems that take into consideration vulnerable transport participants have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, research and development into aircraft sharing has been focused on further improving transport safety and convenience.

[0005] Relatively small aircraft (for example, 4 to 6 seater) also known as business jets are known. Business jets fly irregularly at the request of the owner. Recently, in relation to the sharing mentioned above, there has been a desire for technology that will contribute to the widespread use of aircraft, including small aircraft such as business jets.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a management device comprising a reservation reception unit that selectively accepts an exclusive use reservation, in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a single reservation for use of the aircraft, and a shared use reservation, in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation holders, and a utilization plan formulation unit that formulates a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the results of the reception by the reservation reception unit.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is a management method comprising the steps of a reservation reception unit selectively accepting either an exclusive use reservation, in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a single reservation for use of the aircraft, or a shared use reservation, in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation holders, and a step of a utilization plan formulation unit formulating a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the result of the acceptance by the reservation reception unit.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of selectively accepting either an exclusive use reservation, in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation party who has made a single reservation for use of the aircraft, or a shared use reservation, in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation parties, and formulating a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the results of the acceptance of reservations for use of the aircraft. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present invention can contribute to the popularization of aircraft use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a management system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a management method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [One embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a management system 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] The management system 10 is a system for managing the operation of an aircraft operated based on a predetermined flight route. The aircraft is, for example, but not limited to, a small jet plane with a capacity of 4 to 6 people. Although illustration of the aircraft is omitted, the aircraft is equipped with a passenger cabin and a luggage compartment. The management system 10 includes a user terminal 100, an administrator terminal 200, and a management device 300. The number of user terminals 100 is not particularly limited. Therefore, a plurality of user terminals 100 may be included in the management system 10.

[0014] The user terminal 100 is a terminal used by a user who is a user of the management system 10. The user terminal 100 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), etc. The user terminal 100 includes an operation unit 102, a display unit 104, a communication unit 106, a storage unit 108, and a calculation unit (control unit) 110.

[0015] The operation unit 102 accepts input operations performed by a user on the user terminal 100. The display unit 104 includes a display element (not shown). The display element is, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, or the like. At least a part of the operation unit 102 and the display unit 104 may be configured by a touch panel (not shown) including such a display element.

[0016] The communication unit 106 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown). The communication unit 106 is connected to a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet.

[0017] The storage unit 108 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a flash memory. At least a part of the storage unit 108 may be included in a processor, an integrated circuit, or the like, which will be described later.

[0018] The calculation unit 110 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the calculation unit 110 may be configured by a processing circuit. The calculation unit 110 controls the entire user terminal 100 based on a program stored in the storage unit 108. The calculation unit 110 can control the user terminal 100 in response to an operation performed by a user using the operation unit 102. For example, the above-mentioned display unit 104 and communication unit 106 are controlled by the calculation unit 110. By the calculation unit 110 controlling the display unit 104, for example, data stored in the storage unit 108 is appropriately displayed on the display unit 104. By the calculation unit 110 controlling the communication unit 106, the user terminal 100 can communicate with the management device 300 via the network NW.

[0019] The administrator terminal 200 is a terminal used by an administrator who manages aircraft operations. The administrator is, for example, a person who belongs to an operations management company that manages aircraft operations. The administrator terminal 200 is, for example, a PC. However, the administrator terminal 200 may also be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The administrator terminal 200 includes an operation unit 202, a display unit 204, a communication unit 206, a memory unit 208, and a calculation unit (control unit) 210.

[0020] The operation unit 202 accepts input operations performed by a user on the administrator terminal 200. The operation unit 202 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., but is not limited to these. The display unit 204 includes a display element (not shown). The display element is, for example, a liquid crystal display element, an organic electroluminescence display element, etc. At least a part of the operation unit 202 and the display unit 204 may be configured by a touch panel (not shown) provided with such a display element.

[0021] The communication unit 206 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown) and is connected to a network NW.

[0022] The storage unit 208 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory may include, for example, a RAM. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, a ROM and a flash memory. At least a part of the storage unit 208 may be included in a processor, an integrated circuit, or the like, as described below.

[0023] The calculation unit 210 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. That is, the calculation unit 210 may be configured by a processing circuit. The calculation unit 210 can control the entire administrator terminal 200 based on a program stored in the storage unit 208. The calculation unit 210 can control the administrator terminal 200 in response to an operation performed by the administrator using the operation unit 202. For example, the above-mentioned display unit 204 and communication unit 206 are controlled by the calculation unit 210. By the calculation unit 210 controlling the display unit 204, for example, data stored in the storage unit 208 is appropriately displayed on the display unit 204. By the calculation unit 210 controlling the communication unit 206, the administrator terminal 200 can communicate with the management device 300 via the network NW.

[0024] The management device 300 is a server device (computer) for managing the operation of aircraft. The management device 300 is provided in, for example, a data center. The management device 300 can communicate with the user terminal 100 and the administrator terminal 200 via a network NW. The management device 300 includes a communication unit 302, a storage unit 304, and a calculation unit 306.

[0025] The communication unit 302 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown) and is connected to a network NW.

[0026] The storage unit 304 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory may include, for example, a RAM. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, a ROM, a flash memory. Data, etc. may be stored in, for example, the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc. may be stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 304 may be included in a processor, an integrated circuit, etc., as described later. The storage unit 304 may further include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc.

[0027] The storage unit 304 may store information indicating the above-mentioned operating route. The storage unit 304 may also store information regarding the above-mentioned multiple users. The storage unit 304 may also store information indicating a usage plan, which will be described later.

[0028] The calculation unit 306 may be configured by a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. That is, the calculation unit 306 may be configured by a processing circuit. The calculation unit 306 includes a communication control unit 308, a reservation reception unit 310, a utilization plan formulation unit 312, a utilization plan notification processing unit 314, and a return route proposal unit 316.

[0029] The communication control unit 308, the reservation acceptance unit 310, the utilization plan formulation unit 312, the utilization plan notification processing unit 314, and the return trip proposal unit 316 may be realized by the calculation unit 306 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. At least a part of the communication control unit 308, the reservation acceptance unit 310, the utilization plan formulation unit 312, the utilization plan notification processing unit 314, and the return trip proposal unit 316 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a part of the communication control unit 308, the reservation acceptance unit 310, the utilization plan formulation unit 312, the utilization plan notification processing unit 314, and the return trip proposal unit 316 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0030] The communication control unit 308 controls the communication unit 302. This allows the management device 300 to communicate with the user terminal 100 via the network NW. In addition, the communication control unit 308 controls the communication unit 302, allowing the management device 300 to communicate with the administrator terminal 200 via the network NW.

[0031] The reservation reception unit 310 accepts reservations for use of an aircraft from multiple users. As described above, the route along which the aircraft will operate is determined in advance. The route is determined in advance by the operations management company. Multiple routes may be determined in advance. By having the operations management company determine the route, it becomes easier for the operations management company to manage operations compared to chartering an aircraft.

[0032] A user can carry out a reservation procedure for reserving the use of an aircraft using the user terminal 100. If multiple flight routes are determined in advance, the user can select an arbitrary flight route.

[0033] The reservation receiving unit 310 can selectively receive two types of reservations according to the user's wishes. One of the two types of reservations is also referred to as an exclusive use reservation in the following description. The other of the two types of reservations is also referred to as a shared use reservation in the following description.

[0034] An exclusive use reservation is a reservation that includes a promise to a single user to use the aircraft exclusively within the flight route. In contrast, a shared use reservation is a reservation that includes a promise to allow multiple users to use the aircraft jointly within the flight route. By multiple users sharing the aircraft, the burden per user regarding the aircraft operating costs tends to be reduced. In the following explanation, a user who has made a reservation to use an aircraft is also referred to as a reservation holder. A reservation holder who has made an exclusive use reservation is also referred to as a single reservation holder to distinguish it from a reservation holder who has made a shared use reservation.

[0035] The reservation acceptance unit 310 accepts reservation procedures from users on a first-come, first-served basis within a reservation acceptance period. The reservation acceptance period is a predetermined period for recruiting aircraft users.

[0036] If the content of the reservation by the earliest user who has completed the reservation procedure is a shared use reservation, the reservation acceptance unit 310 can continue to accept shared use reservations by users other than the earliest user. This allows multiple reservation holders to share the aircraft. As described above, an aircraft is equipped with a passenger cabin and a luggage compartment. The shared use of an aircraft may include a situation in which the luggage compartment is used by a reservation holder other than the reservation holder who uses the passenger cabin. For example, at least one of the multiple reservation holders may use the aircraft solely for transporting goods without boarding the aircraft. The shared use of an aircraft may also include a situation in which a temporary seat is used by a reservation holder other than the reservation holder who uses the seat regularly equipped on the aircraft.

[0037] If the content of the reservation made by the earliest user who has completed the reservation procedure is an exclusive use reservation, the earliest user becomes the sole reservation holder. When an exclusive use reservation is accepted, the reservation acceptance unit 310 does not accept reservation procedures from users other than the sole reservation holder of the exclusive use reservation. However, the reservation acceptance unit 310 may accept a procedure to change an exclusive use reservation to a shared use reservation. For example, as described above, by multiple reservation holders sharing an aircraft, the burden of aircraft operation costs on each of the multiple reservation holders can be reduced. A single reservation holder can carry out a procedure to change from an exclusive use reservation to a shared use reservation, for example, in order to reduce the operation costs borne by the single reservation holder. When a procedure to change from an exclusive use reservation to a shared use reservation is carried out, the reservation acceptance unit 310 resumes accepting reservations (shared use reservations).

[0038] The utilization plan formulation unit 312 formulates an aircraft utilization plan based on the reception result by the reservation reception unit 310. The utilization plan includes, for example, information indicating the number of people who have made reservations. The utilization plan may also include information indicating the operating costs borne by each person who has made reservations. Furthermore, in the case of a joint use reservation, the utilization plan may also include information indicating the utilization mode of at least one of the passenger cabin and the luggage compartment provided on the aircraft. The information indicating the utilization mode indicates, for example, whether or not extra seats will be installed in the passenger cabin. Furthermore, the information indicating the utilization mode indicates, for example, whether or not the luggage compartment will be used for transporting goods.

[0039] The usage plan notification processing unit 314 performs a usage plan notification process. The usage plan notification process is a process for notifying the usage plan formulated by the usage plan formulation unit 312. As a result, the usage plan notification processing unit 314 can transmit information indicating the usage plan formulated by the usage plan formulation unit 312 to the administrator terminal 200. In addition, the usage plan notification processing unit 314 can transmit information indicating the usage plan formulated by the usage plan formulation unit 312 to multiple user terminals 100. The information indicating the usage plan formulated by the usage plan formulation unit 312 is appropriately transmitted from the management device 300 to the multiple user terminals 100 and the administrator terminal 200 via the network NW.

[0040] By transmitting the information indicating the utilization plan to the manager terminal 200, the manager who manages the operation of the aircraft can understand the utilization plan formulated by the utilization plan formulation unit 312. This enables the manager to make preparations as necessary based on the utilization plan.

[0041] By transmitting information indicating the usage plan to the user terminal 100, the user can grasp the content of the usage plan.

[0042] The return route proposal unit 316 proposes a return route after a reservation person (single reservation person) travels by airplane. That is, the return route proposal unit 316 proposes a return route for the outbound route accepted by the reservation acceptance unit 310. The return route proposal unit 316 proposes a return route based on a departure point and an arrival point based on an operation plan. For example, the return route proposal unit 316 proposes a return route (air route) on which an airplane operates from an arrival point on the outbound route to a departure point on the outbound route, but is not limited to this. The return route proposal unit 316 may propose a return route (land route, etc.) on which a transportation means other than an airplane operates. The return route proposal unit 316 may propose multiple return routes.

[0043] Information indicating the return route proposed by the return route proposal unit 316 is transmitted from the management device 300 to the user terminal 100 via the network NW. This user terminal 100 is a terminal used by a reserving party (single reserving party). By proposing the return route to the reserving party, the convenience of the reserving party is ensured.

[0044] When the return route on which the aircraft is operated is proposed to the person who made the reservation by the return route proposal unit 316, the reservation acceptance unit 310 described above may accept a reservation for using the aircraft operated for the return route. This provides further convenience to the person who made the reservation. In addition, it promotes the use of aircraft.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the management method of this embodiment.

[0046] The management method according to this embodiment is performed, for example, by the calculation unit 306 included in the management device 300 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. First, in step S1, the reservation reception unit 310 receives an aircraft reservation from a user. The reservation reception unit 310 can selectively receive an exclusive use reservation or a shared use reservation.

[0047] Step S1 ends when a predetermined end condition is met. The predetermined end condition is, for example, that any one of the following is met: (1) an exclusive use reservation is made, (2) the above-mentioned reservation acceptance period expires, or (3) the number of people making reservations for shared use reaches a specified number. The specified number described in (3) is set in advance.

[0048] As described above, there may be cases where a single reservation holder wishes to change the content of a reservation from an exclusive use reservation to a shared use reservation. When the content of a reservation made by a single reservation holder is changed from an exclusive use reservation to a shared use reservation, step S1 may be resumed. However, in the resumed step S1, acceptance of exclusive use reservations may be restricted.

[0049] Next, the process proceeds to step S2, where the utilization plan formulation unit 312 formulates an aircraft utilization plan. The utilization plan formulation unit 312 formulates the utilization plan based on the result of reception by the reservation reception unit 310.

[0050] Next, the process proceeds to step S3 (S31, S32), where the utilization plan notification processing unit 314 notifies the utilization plan. The utilization plan notification processing unit 314 notifies the administrator who manages the aircraft operation of the utilization plan (step S31). The utilization plan notification processing unit 314 also notifies the reservation person of the utilization plan (step S32).

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to step S4, where the return route proposal unit 316 proposes a return route to the person who made the reservation. Note that the return route proposal unit 316 may propose a return route to the person who made the reservation only if the person who made the reservation wishes to do so. If the person who made the reservation does not wish for the return route proposal unit 316 to propose a return route, step S4 may be skipped. With this, the management method shown in FIG. 2 is completed.

[0052] According to this embodiment, whether an aircraft is used exclusively by a single user or shared by multiple users is determined according to the user's wishes. For users who wish to use the aircraft exclusively, it is possible to provide services that are closer to those of business jets than to general passenger aircraft. As described above, the route of the aircraft is determined in advance by the operation management company. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of forwarding the aircraft compared to a business jet, in which the departure and arrival points are determined according to the owner's request. In addition, when an aircraft is shared by multiple users, the cost borne by each of the multiple users is further reduced. In this way, the management system 10 according to this embodiment can contribute to the popularization of aircraft use.

[0053] [Modified embodiment] In the above embodiment, the reservation reception unit 310 accepts reservations for use of the aircraft on a first-come, first-served basis, but this is not limited thereto. The reservation reception unit 310 may select a reservation recipient from among a plurality of users who have completed the reservation procedure. For example, the reservation reception unit 310 may select a single user who has completed the reservation procedure for an exclusive use reservation from among a plurality of users who have completed the reservation procedure. The reservation reception unit 310 accepts a use reservation by the selected single user. In addition, the reservation reception unit 310 may select a plurality of users who will establish a shared use reservation from among a plurality of users who have completed the reservation procedure. The plurality of users who will establish a shared use reservation are selected, for example, within the range of the above-mentioned prescribed number. The reservation reception unit 310 may select a reservation recipient by lottery.

[0054] The reservation reception unit 310 may select a reservation holder, for example, in the following manner, instead of by lottery. That is, the reservation reception unit 310 may preferentially accept a reservation made by a user who satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is, for example, that a reservation is made for using a predetermined moving object after using an aircraft. The predetermined moving object is, for example, a vehicle operated for business jet users. Specifically, the vehicle is, but is not limited to, a taxi, limousine, hire car, etc., which are dispatched at an airport so that passengers who get off the aircraft can use it quickly. By deliberately giving priority to a user who has made a reservation to use such a moving object, it becomes easier for the user to experience a sense of satisfaction that is difficult to obtain when using a general passenger aircraft.

[0055] [Invention that can be understood from the embodiment] The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

[0056] <1> The management device (300) includes a reservation reception unit (310) that selectively receives an exclusive use reservation in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a reservation for use of the aircraft alone, and a shared use reservation in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation holders, and a utilization plan formulation unit (312) that formulates a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the result of the reception by the reservation reception unit, thereby contributing to the popularization of aircraft utilization.

[0057] <2> In the above-mentioned management device, the shared use may include a mode in which a luggage compartment is used by a person other than the person who made the reservation and uses a cabin provided on the aircraft, thereby providing the convenience of the aircraft to a person who made the reservation but does not board the aircraft.

[0058] <3> In the above management device, the shared use may include a mode in which a temporary seat is used by a reserving party different from a reserving party who regularly uses a seat provided on the aircraft, thereby providing the convenience of the aircraft to even more users.

[0059] <4> The management device may further include a return route suggestion unit (316) for suggesting a return route for the outward route accepted by the reservation acceptance unit, thereby improving convenience for the person making the reservation.

[0060] <5> In the above management device, the return route suggestion unit may suggest a return route in which the aircraft operates from the arrival point on the outbound route to the departure point on the outbound route. This makes it possible to provide the user with the convenience of the aircraft on the return route as well. As a result, the use of aircraft is further promoted.

[0061] <6> In the above management device, the reservation acceptance unit may preferentially accept reservations made by those who have made reservations to use a predetermined moving object after using the aircraft, thereby making it easier for the reservation holder to experience a sense of satisfaction that is difficult to obtain when using a general passenger aircraft.

[0062] <7> The management method includes a step (S1) in which a reservation reception unit (310) selectively accepts either an exclusive use reservation, in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a reservation for the use of the aircraft alone, or a shared use reservation, in which the aircraft is shared by a plurality of reservation holders, and a step (S2) in which a utilization plan formulation unit (312) formulates a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the result of the acceptance by the reservation reception unit. This can contribute to the popularization of aircraft utilization.

[0063] <8> The program causes a computer to execute a step (S1) of selectively accepting either an exclusive use reservation, in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation party who has made a reservation for use of the aircraft alone, or a shared use reservation, in which the aircraft is shared by multiple reservation parties, and a step (S2) of formulating a utilization plan for the aircraft based on the result of the acceptance of the reservation for use of the aircraft, thereby contributing to the spread of aircraft use.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10... Management system 100... User terminal 102, 202...Operation section 104, 204...Display section 106, 206, 302... communication unit 108, 208, 304... storage unit 110, 210, 306... Calculation unit 200... Administrator terminal 300: Management device 308: Communication control unit 310: Reservation Reception Department 312: Utilization Planning Department 314: Utilization plan notification processing unit 316: Return route proposal unit

Claims

1. a reservation reception unit that selectively receives an exclusive use reservation in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a reservation for use of the aircraft alone, and a shared use reservation in which the aircraft is shared by a plurality of reservation holders; a utilization plan formulation unit that formulates a utilization plan for the aircraft based on a result of the reservation acceptance unit; Equipped with The reservation reception unit is a management device that preferentially accepts reservations from persons who have made reservations to use a predetermined vehicle after using the aircraft.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , The shared use includes a situation in which a luggage compartment is used by a person other than the person who made the reservation and uses a cabin on the aircraft, the management device.

3. The management device according to claim 1 , A management device, wherein the shared use includes a situation in which a temporary seat is used by a reservation holder different from the reservation holder who uses a seat regularly provided on the aircraft.

4. The management device according to claim 1 , The management device further includes a return route proposal unit that proposes a return route for the outbound route accepted by the reservation acceptance unit.

5. The management device according to claim 4, The return route proposal unit is a management device that proposes a return route along which the aircraft operates from a destination on the outbound route to a departure point on the outbound route.

6. a reservation reception unit selectively receiving either an exclusive use reservation in which an aircraft is exclusively used by a single reservation holder who has made a reservation for use of the aircraft alone, or a shared use reservation in which the aircraft is shared by a plurality of reservation holders; a utilization plan formulation unit formulating a utilization plan for the aircraft based on a result of the reservation acceptance unit; having The reservation reception unit preferentially accepts reservations from persons who have made reservations to use a predetermined vehicle after using the aircraft.

7. A program for causing a computer to execute the management method according to claim 6.

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