Aviation beacon cleaning support system and aviation beacon cleaning support method

Abstract

To provide an aviation beacon cleaning support system and an aviation beacon cleaning support method capable of efficiently cleaning aviation beacon lights installed on an airport road surface.SOLUTION: There is provided an aviation beacon cleaning support system that includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires image data in which aviation beacon lights are imaged; and a determination unit that determines a level of dirt on the aviation beacon lights based on the image data by performing image processing on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit and outputs the determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an air traffic beacon cleaning support system and an air traffic beacon cleaning support method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are recessed aviation beacons that are embedded in the surfaces of airport taxiways, runways, etc. These aviation beacons become dirty as aircraft operate, so they must be cleaned regularly.

[0003] However, because there are many aviation beacons installed on the road surface at an airport, cleaning all of them takes a lot of time. Furthermore, cleaning of aviation beacons must be done within a very limited time, such as at night after the airport has closed. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to clean aviation beacons efficiently. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-54666 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an air traffic signal light cleaning support system and an air traffic signal light cleaning support method that enable efficient cleaning of air traffic signal lights installed on airport road surfaces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of an air traffic beacon light, and a discrimination unit that performs image processing on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit to determine the degree of dirt on the air traffic beacon light based on the image data and outputs the determination result. A cleaning plan generation unit that generates a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning a plurality of the aviation marker lights based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit for the plurality of the aviation marker lights; Equipped withThe cleaning plan generation unit is configured to be able to set work time information representing the time during which the cleaning operation of the plurality of the aviation marker lights can be performed, and generates the cleaning plan based on the discrimination result and the work time information An aviation marker light cleaning support system is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an aviation marker light cleaning support system and an aviation marker light cleaning support method that enable efficient cleaning of aviation marker lights installed on the airport pavement.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be exemplified with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an aviation beacon cleaning support system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10 includes an image acquisition unit 12, a determination unit 14, and a display unit 16. The aviation beacon cleaning support system 10 supports the cleaning work of a plurality of aviation beacons 100 installed on the runway surface RS of an airport, and enables the cleaning work of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 to be performed efficiently. Here, the cleaning work refers to the work of removing dirt and dust adhering to the aviation beacon 100 using a predetermined cleaning medium (including wet ones such as detergents and dry ones such as dry ice).

[0011] The aviation beacon 100 is installed and used so as to be embedded in the runway surface RS such as the taxiway or runway of the airport. The aviation beacon 100 is a so-called embedded type aviation beacon. The aviation beacon 100 informs the pilot of the aircraft of the position and shape of the taxiway or runway by lighting. Thereby, the aviation beacon 100 assists the operation of the aircraft by lighting at night or in poor visibility.

[0012] The aviation beacon cleaning support system 10 further includes, for example, a mobile body 18. The mobile body 18 has a photographing unit 20 that photographs the aviation beacon 100 and generates image data of the aviation beacon 100. The photographing unit 20 is, for example, a camera. The mobile body 18 moves and photographs each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 as a still image with the photographing unit 20, thereby acquiring a plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100. Note that the photographing unit 20 may photograph the aviation beacon 100 as a moving image. In that case, the term "image" used in the following description can be interpreted by replacing it with the term "moving image". The plurality of image data may be, for example, still images constituting individual frames of a moving image.

[0013] The mobile body 18 is, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle having an autonomous navigation function, or a self-propelled vehicle device (including those as small as the size of an aviation marker light and as large as an automobile). The mobile body 18 is, for example, a drone. The mobile body 18 automatically acquires a plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 by photographing each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 with the photographing unit 20 while flying or traveling along a preset route.

[0014] Note that the mobile body 18 which is an unmanned aerial vehicle does not necessarily have to have an autonomous navigation function. The mobile body 18 may be, for example, a remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle operated by an operator. Also, the aviation marker light cleaning support system 10 may include a plurality of mobile bodies 18. For example, when it is difficult for one mobile body 18 to acquire all the image data of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 within a predetermined time, the acquisition of the plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 may be shared by a plurality of mobile bodies 18.

[0015] The plurality of image data includes, for example, identification information for enabling identification of which of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 the image data is taken from. The identification information is, for example, position information using GPS (Global Positioning System). When the photographing unit 20 photographs the aviation marker light 100 and generates the image data of the aviation marker light 100, the position information corresponding to the position at the time of photographing is included in the image data as the identification information. Thereby, when referring to the image data later, it becomes possible to identify which aviation marker light 100 the image data is taken from. Also, the identification information may be automatically added to the image data based on a preset route or a route flown or traveled based on remote control. For example, based on the route, the identification information is sequentially added to the image data of the aviation marker light 100 to be photographed (photographed).

[0016] However, the identification information is not limited to the position information and may be any information that can identify the aviation beacon light 100. For example, identification information such as characters or symbols may be displayed on the part of the aviation beacon light 100 that is exposed from the road surface RS, and by photographing the aviation beacon light 100 so as to include the display of the identification information, the identification information may be included as part of the image data. For example, by reading the identification information through image processing, it may be possible to identify which aviation beacon light 100 has been photographed. Thus, the identification information may be included in the image data as another type of information such as position information, or may be included as part of the image data.

[0017] The image acquisition unit 12 acquires a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by photographing each of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100. The image acquisition unit 12 acquires a plurality of pieces of image data from the mobile body 18, for example, by communicating with the mobile body 18. For example, when the aviation beacon light cleaning support system 10 includes a plurality of mobile bodies 18, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires a plurality of pieces of image data from the plurality of mobile bodies 18 by communicating with each of the plurality of mobile bodies 18.

[0018] Note that the photographing of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 by the mobile body 18 is performed, for example, within a limited time such as from the end of airport operation to the start of operation. Therefore, it may not be possible to photograph all of the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 installed at the airport within one working time. For example, it may be possible to perform the photographing of all of the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 over several days. Also, as described above, it is also possible to share the photographing of all of the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 among a plurality of mobile bodies 18. Therefore, the mobile body 18 does not necessarily have to photograph all of the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 installed at the airport. The image acquisition unit 12 does not necessarily have to acquire all of the image data of the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 installed at the airport. The image acquisition unit 12 may acquire at least a predetermined number of pieces of image data among the large number of aviation beacon lights 100 installed at the airport.

[0019] The image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data corresponding to the photographed aircraft beacon 100, for example, by wirelessly communicating with the mobile object 18, each time the mobile object 18 photographs the aircraft beacon 100.

[0020] The image acquisition unit 12 may acquire multiple image data sets collectively from the mobile body 18 by communicating with the mobile body 18 after the image acquisition unit 12 has completed capturing images of all of the multiple air traffic beacons 100. In this case, communication between the image acquisition unit 12 and the mobile body 18 may be wireless or wired. Alternatively, a removable storage medium may be provided in the mobile body 18 (photographing unit 20), and the multiple image data sets acquired by capturing images may be stored in the storage medium. After the image acquisition unit 12 has completed capturing images of all of the multiple air traffic beacons 100, the storage medium may be removed from the mobile body 18 and attached to the image acquisition unit 12, thereby acquiring the multiple image data sets from the storage medium. Note that the method for acquiring the multiple image data sets by the image acquisition unit 12 is not limited to the above, and any method capable of appropriately acquiring the multiple image data sets may be used.

[0021] For example, if the identification information is separate information such as location information, the identification information does not necessarily need to be included in the image data in the photographing unit 20 (mobile object 18). For example, the image acquiring unit 12 may acquire the image data and location information separately from the mobile object 18, and the image acquiring unit 12 may associate the location information with the image data as identification information. Alternatively, the mobile object 18 may associate the location information with the image data, and the image acquiring unit 12 may acquire the image data associated with the location information.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, when the moving body 18 is a remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle, imaging may be performed based on the operation of the operator, and identification information may be associated with the image data acquired based on the operation of the operator. The method of associating the identification information with the image data is not limited to the above, and any method may be used as long as it can identify which image data of the aviation marker lamp 100 is captured, such as imaging (for example, imaging so as to include the identification information within the imaging range of the image data) so as to appropriately include the identification information in the image data. When the moving body 18 is a remotely operated unmanned aerial vehicle, the position information may be estimated based on the operation of the operator. For example, relative position information from a reference point (for example, the position where the operator is located) is estimated based on parameters determined by the operator operating the moving body 18, such as direction, speed, and movement time, and is associated with the captured image data.

[0023] The discrimination unit 14 performs image processing on the plurality of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 12, and discriminates the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lamps 100 based on the plurality of image data. The discrimination unit 14 outputs, for example, a plurality of discrimination results corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation marker lamps 100. At this time, the discrimination unit 14 may identify which aviation marker lamp 100 the image data is based on the identification information included in the image data or the identification information associated with the image data, and output the discrimination result of the identification information and the degree of dirt in association with each other. For example, the discrimination unit 14 outputs the discrimination result to the display unit 16. Thereby, by using the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 14, it becomes possible to easily discriminate which aviation marker lamp 100 is dirty and to what extent. The discrimination unit 14 may store the discrimination result in the storage unit in association with the identification information.

[0024] The determination of the degree of dirt by the determination unit 14 may be represented in two stages: dirty or not dirty, or may be represented in multiple stages according to the degree of dirt. Further, the degree of dirt of the aviation marker light 100 may be represented, for example, by the area ratio between the portion with dirt attached and the portion without dirt attached. This area ratio may be the area ratio with respect to the entire area of the aviation marker light 100, or may be the area ratio with respect to a predetermined area (for example, the light projection window 114 described later) of the aviation marker 100. Note that the main dirt adhering to the aviation marker light 100 is, for example, the dust of the aircraft tire.

[0025] The display unit 16 receives the input of the determination result from the determination unit 14 and displays the determination result of the determination unit 14. The display unit 16 has, for example, a display screen for displaying an image, and displays the determination result of the determination unit 14 on the display screen. That is, the display unit 16 visualizes the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100.

[0026] The display unit 16 displays, for example, the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 in a form such as a table in a state where each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 can be identified based on the identification information associated with the determination result. Thereby, it is possible to more easily determine which aviation marker light 100 is dirty and to what extent.

[0027] Further, the display unit 16 superimposes and displays the determination result of the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 on the map information representing the site (airport) where the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 are installed. The display unit 16 displays, for example, the determination result of the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 at a position corresponding to the actual installation position of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 on the map. For example, this is realized by the determination unit 14 generating a map associating the identification information with the determination result of the degree of dirt. Thereby, it is possible to more clearly display which aviation marker light 100 installed at which position in the site is dirty, or which aviation marker light 100 installed at which position is likely to get dirty.

[0028] The determination unit 14 and the display unit 16 are provided, for example, on a terminal used by a person in charge who intends to clean a plurality of aviation beacon lights 100. Thereby, the person in charge of cleaning can easily recognize the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 by referring to the determination result displayed on the display unit 16. For example, when there is not enough time to clean all the aviation beacon lights 100, the dirty aviation beacon lights 100 can be preferentially cleaned, or by preferentially cleaning an area where there are many dirty aviation beacon lights 100, it becomes possible to efficiently clean the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100.

[0029] The determination unit 14 is provided, for example, as an application on the terminal of the person in charge of cleaning. In other words, the determination unit 14 is constituted by, for example, the CPU of the person in charge's terminal or the like. The display unit 16 is, for example, the display unit of the person in charge's terminal. A well-known display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display may be used for the display unit 16. The image acquisition unit 12 is, in other words, a communication unit for communicating with the moving body 18. The image acquisition unit 12 may be provided on the terminal of the person in charge, or may be provided separately from the terminal of the person in charge. When the image acquisition unit 12 is provided separately from the terminal of the person in charge, the communication between the image acquisition unit 12 and the determination unit 14 may be wired communication or may be via wireless communication. These terminals of the person in charge may be portable terminals or may be stationary terminals.

[0030] Further, the display unit 16 may be, for example, the display unit of a mobile terminal owned by the person in charge of cleaning. The determination unit 14 may output the determination result of each of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 to the mobile terminal in response to a request from the mobile terminal, and display the determination result on the display unit 16 of the mobile terminal.

[0031] The mobile terminal may be, for example, a mobile terminal personally owned by the person in charge of cleaning. That is, the aircraft beacon cleaning support system 10 does not necessarily have to be provided with the display unit 16. The aircraft beacon cleaning support system 10 may be provided with at least the image acquisition unit 12 and the discrimination unit 14. The discrimination unit 14 may be configured to automatically output the discrimination result, or may be configured to output the discrimination result in response to a request from the outside.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view schematically showing an aircraft beacon according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing an aircraft beacon according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aircraft beacon 100 includes a main body portion 110 and an installation portion 120. The main body portion 110 has, for example, an upper main body 111 and a lower main body 112.

[0033] The main body portion 110 (upper main body 111) has at least a substantially flat surface upward, and for example, the upper surface 113a of the central region 113 can be a flat surface. Any aspect that can be visually recognized in the front view of the road surface RS is acceptable. For example, it may protrude from the road surface RS, may be flush, or may be partially or entirely recessed from the road surface RS.

[0034] The appearance of the upper main body 111 is, for example, substantially disk-shaped. The thickness of the central region 113 of the upper main body 111 is thicker than the thickness of the outer peripheral edge. In other words, the upper surface 113a of the central region 113 is located above the upper end of the outer peripheral edge. The upper surface between the central region 113 and the outer peripheral edge is, for example, an inclined surface. The inclined surface is inclined in a direction approaching the road surface RS as it goes toward the outer peripheral edge side. Thereby, the impact generated when an aircraft or the like rides on the aircraft beacon 100 can be mitigated. Further, when displaying the identification information on the aircraft beacon 100, it is preferable to display the identification information on the portion of the upper main body 111 exposed from the road surface RS (for example, the central region 113).

[0035] The lower body 112 is provided below the upper body 111. The lower body 112 is, for example, cylindrical with a bottom, and together with the upper body 111, forms a hollow internal space. The upper body 111 and the lower body 112 are made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. In other words, the main body 110 is made of metal. The main body 110 is, for example, a metal exterior housing having an internal space.

[0036] The main body 110 has a light projection window 114. The light projection window 114 is provided, for example, so as to cover an opening provided in the metal main body 110. The light projection window 114 is provided, for example, in the upper main body 111. The light projection window 114 is optically transparent to light in the visible light range. The light projection window 114 is made of, for example, optical glass or optical plastic. For example, by using a light-transmitting material for the upper main body 111, the upper main body 111 itself may be used as the light projection window.

[0037] The aviation beacon 100 further includes a light source unit (not shown). The light source unit is provided inside the main body unit 110. In other words, the light source unit is provided in the internal space formed by the upper main body 111 and the lower main body 112. The light source unit includes a light source, such as an optical element such as a light-emitting diode, or a discharge lamp such as a halogen lamp, and irradiates light (visible light) by supplying power to the light source.

[0038] The light source unit is provided inside the main body unit 110 and irradiates light to the outside of the main body unit 110 through the light projection window 114. This makes it possible to inform the pilot of the aircraft of the positions and shapes of taxiways and runways, as described above.

[0039] In this way, even when the light source unit is disposed inside the upper main body 111 and the lower main body 112 made of metal that do not have light transmissivity, the light projecting window 114 allows the light irradiated from the light source unit to be irradiated outside the main body 110. Further, the light projecting window 114 suppresses water, dust, etc. from entering the inside of the main body 110 through the opening by, for example, closing the opening provided in the main body 110. The light projecting window 114 is, for example, a lens that converges or diverges the light irradiated from the light source unit. However, the light projecting window 114 does not necessarily have optical characteristics. The light projecting window 114 may be, for example, a flat member that closes the opening.

[0040] The installation part 120 is embedded and installed in a road surface RS such as a runway or a taxiway at an airport. The installation part 120 detachably supports the main body part 110. For example, when performing maintenance on the aviation beacon 100, if a defect is found in the brightness of the light source unit or the like, the main body part 110 and the light source unit inside the main body part 110 are removed from the installation part 120, and the main body part 110 and the light source unit are repaired. In this case, the repaired main body part 110 and the light source unit may be attached to the installation part 120 again, or a prepared spare main body part 110 and light source unit may be attached. Note that the installation part 120 may be, for example, airport-side equipment. In this case, the installation part 120 can be omitted. The installation part 120 is provided as needed in the aviation beacon 100 and can be omitted.

[0041] The image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 12 only needs to show at least the light projecting window 114 in the aviation beacon 100. In other words, the image data only needs to be an image of the light projecting window 114 of the aviation beacon 100, and the other parts of the aviation beacon 100 do not necessarily need to be shown.

[0042] More specifically, the determination unit 14 performs image processing on a plurality of pieces of image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 12, and based on the plurality of pieces of image data, determines the degree of dirt of each light projecting window 114 of the plurality of aviation beacons 100.

[0043] As described above, the dirt on the aviation marker light 100 is, more specifically, the dirt on the light projection window 114 of the aviation marker light 100. Even if dirt adheres to the upper surface 113a of the upper main body 111, for example, the discrimination unit 14 does not determine that the aviation marker light 100 is dirty. The degree of dirt on the aviation marker light 100 may be represented, for example, by the area ratio between the portion where dirt adheres and the portion where no dirt adheres on the light projection window 114.

[0044] For example, dirt such as tire dust and dirt adhering to the light projection window 114 is observed as black compared to the portion of the light projection window 114 where no dirt adheres. Therefore, by obtaining the area of the portion observed as black in the light projection window 114 through image processing, the degree of dirt on the light projection window 114 of the aviation marker light 100 can be discriminated.

[0045] Also, for example, when acquiring image data at night, it is conceivable to acquire image data with the aviation marker light 100 lit. In this case, the portion where dirt adheres to the light projection window 114 is observed as darker compared to the portion of the light projection window 114 where no dirt adheres. Therefore, the degree of dirt on the light projection window 114 of the aviation marker light 100 may be discriminated by obtaining the area of the portion observed as dark in the light projection window 114 through image processing. The method for discriminating the degree of dirt on the light projection window 114 is not limited to the above, and any method capable of appropriately discriminating the degree of dirt on the light projection window 114 may be used.

[0046] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the aviation marker light 100 has a plurality of light projection windows 114. In this case, the image data may be an image capturing a plurality of light projection windows 114 in one image, or an image capturing any one of the plurality of light projection windows 114. A plurality of image data may be provided for one aviation marker light 100. In other words, the image acquisition unit 12 may acquire a plurality of image data capturing each of the plurality of light projection windows 114 for one aviation marker light 100.

[0047] The aviation marker lamp 100 embedded in the road surface RS is photographed from above. For example, when it is possible to photograph a plurality of light projection windows 114 at once from directly above, one piece of image data may be sufficient for one aviation marker lamp 100. However, depending on the shape and arrangement of the light projection windows 114, etc., it may be difficult to see from directly above. In this case, by photographing one aviation marker lamp 100 from a plurality of directions, a plurality of pieces of image data obtained by photographing each of the plurality of light projection windows 114 for one aviation marker lamp 100 are acquired. Thereby, even when the aviation marker lamp 100 has a plurality of light projection windows 114, it is possible to appropriately determine the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of light projection windows 114.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a flowchart schematically showing an aviation marker lamp cleaning support method by the aviation marker lamp cleaning support system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in the aviation marker lamp cleaning support method by the aviation marker lamp cleaning support system 10, first, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data obtained by photographing each of the aviation marker lamps 100 (step S101 in FIG. 4).

[0049] After the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data, the determination unit 14 that has received the image data from the image acquisition unit 12 performs image processing on the image data respectively, and based on the image data, determines the degree of dirt of each of the aviation marker lamps 100 (step S102 in FIG. 4).

[0050] After the determination unit 14 determines the degree of dirt of each of the aviation marker lamps 100, the determination unit 14 outputs the determination result (step S103 in FIG. 4). In this example, the determination unit 14 outputs (transmits) the determination result to the display unit 16.

[0051] The display unit 16 receives the input of the determination result from the determination unit 14 and displays the determination result (step S104 in FIG. 4).

[0052] As described above, the aircraft beacon cleaning support system 10 according to this embodiment includes an image acquisition unit 12 that acquires image data of the aircraft beacon 100, and a discrimination unit 14 that performs image processing on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 12, thereby discriminating the degree of dirtiness of the aircraft beacon 100 based on the image data, and outputs the discrimination result.

[0053] In addition, the method for supporting cleaning of an aircraft beacon according to this embodiment includes a step of acquiring image data of the aircraft beacon 100, a step of determining the degree of dirtiness of the aircraft beacon 100 based on the image data by performing image processing on the acquired image data, and a step of outputting the determination result.

[0054] This makes it possible to easily recognize the degree of dirt on the aviation marker lights 100 by using the output discrimination results, and enables efficient cleaning of the aviation marker lights 100 installed on the road surface RS of the airport.

[0055] The aircraft beacon cleaning support system 10 further includes a display unit 16 that displays the determination result of the determination unit 14. The aircraft beacon cleaning support method further includes a step of displaying the determination result. This makes it possible to visualize the degree of dirt on each of the multiple aircraft beacons 100 and more easily recognize the degree of dirt on each of the multiple aircraft beacons 100. This makes it possible to more efficiently clean the multiple aircraft beacons 100.

[0056] (Second embodiment) FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an air marker cleaning support system according to the second embodiment. 5, the air traffic beacon cleaning support system 10a further includes a cleaning plan generation unit 30. Components that are substantially the same in function and configuration as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] In the air marker cleaning support system 10a, the discrimination unit 14 outputs the discrimination result to the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0058] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 receives the input of the discrimination result from the discrimination unit 14, and generates a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 14 for the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100. The cleaning plan generation unit 30 generates a cleaning plan so as to preferentially clean the aviation beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 14.

[0059] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 has, for example, arrangement information representing the arrangement of each of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 within the site (airport). This arrangement information may be stored in a storage unit previously held by the cleaning plan generation unit 30, or the cleaning plan generation unit 30 may receive map information from the discrimination unit 14 and store the map information as the arrangement information. The cleaning plan generation unit 30 generates, for example, a cleaning route for efficiently cleaning the aviation beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt as a cleaning plan based on the discrimination result and the arrangement information.

[0060] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 may be configured to be able to set working time information representing the time during which the cleaning operation of the plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 can be performed (the time during which the cleaning operation on the runway can be performed without affecting the operation of the aircraft). The working time information is set in the cleaning plan generation unit 30, for example, based on the operation of an operation unit connected to the cleaning plan generation unit 30. The working time information may be set in the cleaning plan generation unit 30, for example, by inputting it from an external server or the like to the cleaning plan generation unit 30, or by inputting it from a mobile terminal owned by the cleaning staff to the cleaning plan generation unit 30. The method of setting the working time information may be any method that can appropriately set the working time information in the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0061] When the working time information is set, the cleaning plan generation unit 30 generates a cleaning plan based on the discrimination result and the working time information. The cleaning plan generation unit 30 generates a cleaning plan so as to preferentially clean the aviation beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt within the set working time based on the discrimination result and the working time information.

[0062] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 calculates the number of aircraft beacon lights 100 that can be cleaned within the set working time, for example, by dividing the set working time by the average time required to clean one aircraft beacon light 100. Then, the cleaning plan generation unit 30 generates a cleaning plan to clean the calculated number of aircraft beacon lights 100 in order from the aircraft beacon light 100 with the highest degree of dirt.

[0063] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 may generate, as a cleaning plan, a cleaning route for efficiently cleaning the number of aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt that can be cleaned within the set working time, based on, for example, the discrimination result, the arrangement information, and the working time information.

[0064] In this case, when there are a plurality of aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt, for example, the cleaning plan generation unit 30, based on the arrangement information, sets the priority of the aircraft beacon light 100 closer to another aircraft beacon light 100 with a high degree of dirt higher than the priority of the aircraft beacon light 100 farther from another aircraft beacon light 100 with a high degree of dirt. Thereby, even when there is a limit to the working time, the occurrence of wasted time due to movement can be suppressed, and the aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt can be efficiently cleaned. Further, the cleaning plan generation unit 30 may also generate, as a cleaning plan, different cleaning routes for a plurality of cleaning vehicles 200 (details will be described later). In this case, when there are a plurality of aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt and the distance between the aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt is far, the cleaning of the aircraft beacon lights 100 with a high degree of dirt can be efficiently performed by sharing them among different cleaning vehicles 200.

[0065] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 outputs the generated cleaning plan. The cleaning plan generation unit 30 outputs the generated cleaning plan to the display unit 16, for example. The display unit 16 receives the input of the cleaning plan from the cleaning plan generation unit 30 and displays the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0066] As a result, the cleaning staff can easily recognize the optimal cleaning plan for the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 by referring to the cleaning plan displayed on the display unit 16. For example, the cleaning staff can save the trouble of formulating a cleaning plan based on the discrimination result of the discrimination unit 14, and can further improve the convenience of the aviation marker light cleaning support system 10a. For example, when a cleaning route is generated as a cleaning plan, the cleaning of a predetermined number of aviation marker lights 100 may be performed according to the cleaning route, and it becomes possible to more easily perform efficient cleaning according to the degree of dirt of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart schematically showing a method for supporting the cleaning of an aviation marker light by an aviation marker light cleaning support system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the method for supporting the cleaning of an aviation marker light by the aviation marker light cleaning support system 10a, first, the image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data obtained by photographing each of the aviation marker lights 100 (step S201 in FIG. 6).

[0068] After the image acquisition unit 12 acquires the image data, the discrimination unit 14 that has received the image data from the image acquisition unit 12 performs image processing on the image data respectively, and based on the image data, discriminates the degree of dirt of each of the aviation marker lights 100 (step S202 in FIG. 6).

[0069] After the discrimination unit 14 discriminates the degree of dirt of each of the aviation marker lights 100, the discrimination unit 14 outputs the discrimination result (step S203 in FIG. 6). In this example, the discrimination unit 14 outputs (transmits) the discrimination result to the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0070] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 receives the input of the discrimination result from the discrimination unit 14, and based on the discrimination result of the degree of dirt for the plurality of aviation marker lights 100, generates a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 (step S204 in FIG. 6).

[0071] The cleaning plan generation unit 30 outputs the generated cleaning plan (step S205 in FIG. 6). For example, the cleaning plan generation unit 30 outputs (transmits) the generated cleaning plan to the display unit 16.

[0072] The display unit 16 receives the input of the cleaning plan from the cleaning plan generation unit 30 and displays the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30 (step S206 in FIG. 6).

[0073] As described above, the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10a according to the present embodiment further includes a cleaning plan generation unit 30 that generates a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning a plurality of aviation beacons 100 based on the determination result of the determination unit 14. Further, the aviation beacon cleaning support method according to the present embodiment further includes a step of generating a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning a plurality of aviation beacons 100 based on the determination result of the degree of dirt on the plurality of aviation beacons 100.

[0074] Thereby, for example, the person in charge of cleaning can save the trouble of formulating a cleaning plan based on the determination result of the determination unit 14, and the convenience of the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10a can be further improved.

[0075] Further, the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10a further includes a display unit 16 that displays the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30. The aviation beacon cleaning support method further includes a step of displaying the cleaning plan. Thereby, the person in charge of cleaning can easily recognize the optimal cleaning plan for the plurality of aviation beacons 100 by referring to the cleaning plan displayed on the display unit 16.

[0076] Note that the display unit 16 may be configured to be able to display the determination result of the determination unit 14 and the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30. The display unit 16 may display the determination result of the determination unit 14 and the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30 side by side, or may be configured to be able to switch and display the determination result of the determination unit 14 and the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0077] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an aircraft marker light cleaning support system according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the aircraft marker light cleaning support system 10b, the display unit 16 is provided on the cleaning vehicle 200. The cleaning vehicle 200 cleans the aircraft marker lights 100 installed on the road surface RS such as a guiding path or a runway while moving. The cleaning vehicle 200 cleans the aircraft marker lights 100 and removes dust and the like adhering to the aircraft marker lights 100 installed outdoors. More specifically, the cleaning vehicle 200 cleans the light projection window 114 of the aircraft marker light 100. Thereby, the cleaning vehicle 200 suppresses the intensity of the light emitted from the aircraft marker light 100 from being reduced by the adhering dust and the like.

[0078] The cleaning vehicle 200 includes a vehicle body 202 and a cleaning unit 204. The cleaning unit 204 is provided on the vehicle body 202. The vehicle body 202 is an automobile that can run by itself with an internal combustion engine or a motor. The vehicle body 202 is, for example, a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle body 202 may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or the like. The vehicle body 202 is not limited to having wheels and may have a caterpillar or the like. The vehicle body 202 is not limited to having a power source such as an internal combustion engine or a motor and may be a human-powered one. The configuration of the vehicle body 202 may be any configuration that can move with the cleaning unit 204 mounted thereon.

[0079] The cleaning unit 204 cleans the aircraft marker lights 100. More specifically, the cleaning unit 204 cleans the light projection window 114 of the aircraft marker light 100. The cleaning unit 204 includes, for example, a jetting unit 210 and a movable unit 212.

[0080] The jetting unit 210 jets a cleaning medium. The jetting unit 210 has, for example, a nozzle and jets the cleaning medium from the nozzle. The cleaning medium is, for example, a mixture of particulate dry ice and air. The cleaning medium is not limited to the above and may be only air or may use water or the like. The cleaning medium may be any medium that can appropriately clean the light projection window 114 of the aircraft marker light 100.

[0081] The movable part 212 changes the position of the ejection part 210, the direction of ejection of the cleaning medium ejected from the ejection part 210, and the like. The movable part 212 changes the position and orientation of the ejection part 210, for example, according to the operation of an operation part provided inside the vehicle body 202 of the vehicle. Thereby, it is not necessary to align the position with the aviation marker light 100 using the vehicle body 202, and the positions of the ejection part 210 and the aviation marker light 100 can be aligned by the operation of the movable part 212. Thereby, the cleaning of the aviation marker light 100 can be performed more efficiently and easily. Note that the configuration of the cleaning unit 204 is not limited to the above, and any configuration that can appropriately clean the light projection window 114 of the aviation marker light 100 may be used.

[0082] The operation part of the movable part 212 is provided, for example, in the driver's seat of the vehicle body 202. Thereby, the operation of the cleaning vehicle 200 and the cleaning operation of the aviation marker light 100 by the cleaning unit 204 can be performed by a single person in charge. The cleaning of the aviation marker light 100 can be performed more efficiently.

[0083] The cleaning unit 204 further includes, for example, a photographing unit 220. The photographing unit 220 is provided, for example, in the ejection part 210 and photographs the ejection direction of the cleaning medium of the ejection part 210. The image captured by the photographing unit 220 is displayed, for example, on a screen provided in the operation part of the movable part 212. Thereby, by operating the operation part while referring to the image displayed on the screen, the positions of the aviation marker light 100 and the ejection part 210 can be more easily aligned.

[0084] The display unit 16 is provided, for example, in the driver's seat of the vehicle body 202. The display unit 16 displays, for example, the cleaning plan generated by the cleaning plan generation unit 30. Thereby, in the aviation marker light cleaning support system 10b according to the present embodiment, a person in charge of driving the cleaning vehicle 200 and actually performing the cleaning operation of a plurality of aviation marker lights 100 can perform the cleaning operation of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 while referring to the cleaning plan displayed on the display unit 16. Therefore, the cleaning operation of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 can be performed more efficiently.

[0085] In addition, as described above, when the cleaning vehicle 200 has the imaging unit 220, the image acquisition unit 12 may acquire a plurality of image data obtained by imaging each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 from the cleaning vehicle 200. In other words, the cleaning vehicle 200 may be used as the moving body of the aviation marker light cleaning support system 10b.

[0086] For example, a plurality of image data are acquired in advance by the cleaning vehicle 200, and after the cleaning plan is generated, the cleaning vehicle 200 performs the cleaning work of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 according to the generated cleaning plan. Thereby, even when the cleaning vehicle 200 is used as the moving body, the cleaning work of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 can be efficiently performed.

[0087] For example, when a plurality of image data are acquired in advance by a moving body 18 such as an unmanned aerial vehicle and the cleaning vehicle 200 cleans the aviation marker light 100, the image data of the aviation marker light 100 after cleaning may be acquired by the imaging unit 220 of the cleaning vehicle 200 to update the image data of the aviation marker light 100. Thereby, for example, the frequency of acquiring all the image data of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 by the moving body 18 such as an unmanned aerial vehicle can be reduced.

[0088] For example, if all the image data of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 are to be acquired daily by the moving body 18 after the operation of the airport ends, it may be time-consuming or the working hours may be insufficient. In such a case, as described above, the image data of the aviation marker light 100 after cleaning is updated to the image data acquired by the imaging unit 220 of the cleaning vehicle 200. Thereby, for example, the frequency of acquiring all the image data of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 by the moving body 18 can be reduced to once every two days or once every three days. Also, even if the frequency of acquiring all the image data is reduced, by updating the image data after cleaning, it becomes possible to perform an appropriate cleaning work according to the degree of dirt of each of the plurality of aviation marker lights 100 during the next cleaning work. In this way, the moving body 18 such as an unmanned aerial vehicle and the cleaning vehicle 200 may be used in combination.

[0089] Note that the display unit 16 provided in the cleaning vehicle 200 is not limited to a configuration that displays the cleaning plan generated by the cleaning plan generation unit 30, and may be configured to display the determination result of the determination unit 14. For example, the person in charge of driving the cleaning vehicle 200 may be able to arbitrarily select the aviation marker light 100 for performing the cleaning operation based on the determination result displayed on the display unit 16. The aviation marker light cleaning support system 10b does not necessarily have to have the cleaning plan generation unit 30.

[0090] Also, when the display unit 16 is provided in the driver's seat of the vehicle body 202, the image captured by the imaging unit 220 may be displayed on the display unit 16. The determination result, the cleaning plan, and the image captured by the imaging unit 220 may be arranged and displayed on the display unit 16, or may be switched and displayed.

[0091] Also, the cleaning vehicle 200 may have, for example, an automatic driving function for automatically moving within the site and an automatic cleaning function for automatically cleaning the aviation marker light 100 by the ejection unit 210, and may be configured to automatically clean a plurality of aviation marker lights 100 without a person. In this case, the cleaning plan generation unit 30 may output the generated cleaning plan to the cleaning vehicle 200. The cleaning vehicle 200 may receive the input of the cleaning plan from the cleaning plan generation unit 30 and automatically clean a plurality of aviation marker lights 100 based on the input cleaning plan. In other words, the cleaning vehicle 200 may automatically clean the aviation marker light 100 set in the cleaning plan among the plurality of aviation marker lights 100. The aviation marker light cleaning support system may further include, for example, a cleaning vehicle 200 that automatically cleans a plurality of aviation marker lights 100.

[0092] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an aviation marker light cleaning support system according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10c, the moving body 18c is a vehicle having an automatic driving function. The vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, or the like. The moving body 18c automatically acquires a plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 by, for example, photographing each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 with the photographing unit 20 while traveling along a preset route.

[0093] Note that the moving body 18c which is a vehicle does not necessarily have to have an automatic driving function. The moving body 18c may be, for example, a vehicle driven by an operator.

[0094] As described above, the moving body that acquires the image data is not limited to an unmanned aircraft, and may be a vehicle or the like. The moving body may be a cleaning vehicle 200 as described above. The configuration of the moving body may be any configuration that can acquire a plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 by photographing each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 with the photographing unit 20 while moving.

[0095] Further, the plurality of image data corresponding to each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100 may be acquired, for example, by an operator photographing with a portable camera or the like while moving by vehicle or on foot. Also, the plurality of image data may be acquired, for example, by photographing with a photographing unit provided on an aircraft such as a passenger aircraft or a cargo aircraft using an airport.

[0096] As described above, the aviation beacon cleaning support system does not necessarily have to include a moving body. The method for acquiring the image data by the image acquisition unit 12 may be any method that can appropriately acquire a plurality of image data obtained by photographing each of the plurality of aviation beacons 100.

[0097] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing the aviation beacon cleaning support system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10d includes two mobile units 18d. One of the two mobile units 18d is arranged in front of the cleaning vehicle 200. The other of the two mobile units 18d is arranged behind the cleaning vehicle 200. The image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data before and after cleaning of the aviation beacon 100 by acquiring a plurality of image data from each of the two mobile units 18d. Thus, in the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10d, the image acquisition unit 12 further acquires image data of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning.

[0098] In the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10d, the discrimination unit 14 can confirm the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning by comparing the image data before cleaning and the image data after cleaning of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning, and output the confirmation result. The discrimination unit 14 outputs the confirmation result to the display unit 16, for example.

[0099] The display unit 16 receives the input of the confirmation result from the discrimination unit 14 and displays the confirmation result. In other words, the display unit 16 displays the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning. The display unit 16 displays the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100, for example, by arranging and displaying the degree of dirt of the aviation beacon 100 before cleaning and the degree of dirt of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning side by side. The display unit 16 may display a warning only when there is still a lot of dirt remaining, for example. The display of the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100 may be any display that can appropriately notify the person in charge of cleaning the aviation beacon 100 of the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100.

[0100] Thus, in the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10d, the discrimination unit 14 can confirm the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning and output the confirmation result. Thereby, in the aviation beacon cleaning support system 10d, a person in charge of cleaning a plurality of aviation beacons 100 can easily recognize the degree of dirt removal of the aviation beacon 100 after cleaning.

[0101] In this example, the image acquisition unit 12 performs wireless communication with each of, for example, two moving bodies 18d, and each time the moving body 18d captures an image of the aviation beacon light 100, it sequentially acquires image data corresponding to the captured aviation beacon light 100.

[0102] For example, each time the image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data from the moving body 18d arranged in front of the cleaning vehicle 200, the discrimination unit 14 sequentially discriminates the degree of dirt of the corresponding aviation beacon light 100 and sequentially outputs the discrimination result. In this way, the discrimination unit 14 is not limited to a configuration in which the degrees of dirt of a plurality of aviation beacon lights 100 are discriminated collectively, and may be configured to sequentially discriminate the degree of dirt of the corresponding aviation beacon light 100 each time the image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data.

[0103] Also, for example, each time the image acquisition unit 12 acquires image data from the moving body 18d arranged behind the cleaning vehicle 200, the discrimination unit 14 sequentially checks the degree of dirt removal of the corresponding aviation beacon light 100 and sequentially outputs the check result.

[0104] The display unit 16 sequentially displays, for example, the discrimination results sequentially output from the discrimination unit 14. Thereby, for example, the person in charge of cleaning can easily determine whether it is necessary to clean the aviation beacon light 100 located in front of the cleaning vehicle 200. Also, the display unit 16 sequentially displays, for example, the check results sequentially output from the discrimination unit 14. Thereby, for example, the person in charge of cleaning can easily recognize whether the aviation beacon light 100 has been appropriately cleaned by the cleaning vehicle 200. For example, when the dirt has not fallen much, it is possible to turn back and clean again.

[0105] Note that the configuration in which the image acquisition unit 12 further acquires the image data of the aviation marker lamp 100 after cleaning is not limited to the configuration of acquiring from two moving bodies 18d. For example, after acquiring a plurality of image data with one moving body, the moving body may be arranged behind the cleaning vehicle 200 to further acquire the image data of the aviation marker lamp 100 after cleaning. Also, as described above, when the cleaning vehicle 200 has the imaging unit 220, the imaging unit 220 of the cleaning vehicle 200 may further acquire the image data of the aviation marker lamp 100 after cleaning. The configuration in which the image acquisition unit 12 further acquires the image data of the aviation marker lamp 100 after cleaning is not limited to the above, and any configuration capable of appropriately acquiring the image data after cleaning may be used.

[0106] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope. Also, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 10, 10a to 10d... Aviation Marker Lamp Cleaning Support System, 12... Image Acquisition Unit, 14... Discrimination Unit, 16... Display Unit, 18, 18c, 18d... Moving Bodies, 20... Imaging Unit, 30... Cleaning Plan Generation Unit, 100... Aviation Marker Lamp, 110... Main Body Unit, 111... Upper Main Body, 112... Lower Main Body, 113... Central Region, 114... Light Projection Window, 120... Installation Unit, 200... Cleaning Vehicle, 202... Vehicle Body, 204... Cleaning Unit, 210... Jetting Unit, 212... Movable Unit, 220... Imaging Unit, RS... Road Surface

Claims

1. An image acquisition unit that acquires image data obtained by photographing an aviation marker light; A discrimination unit that discriminates the degree of dirt of the aviation marker light based on the image data and outputs a discrimination result by performing image processing on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit; A cleaning plan generation unit that generates a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning a plurality of the aviation marker lights based on the discrimination results of the discrimination unit for the plurality of the aviation marker lights; Comprising: The cleaning plan generation unit can set work time information representing the time during which the cleaning work of a plurality of the aviation marker lights can be performed, and generates the cleaning plan based on the discrimination result and the work time information. An aviation marker light cleaning support system.

2. The cleaning plan generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning plan generation unit generates a cleaning plan so as to preferentially clean the aviation marker lights with a higher degree of dirt within the work time set by the work time information based on the discrimination result and the work time information. The aviation marker light cleaning support system described.

3. The aviation marker light cleaning support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a display unit that displays the discrimination result of the discrimination unit or the cleaning plan of the cleaning plan generation unit.

4. The image acquisition unit further acquires image data obtained by photographing the aviation marker light after cleaning, The discrimination unit can confirm the degree of dirt removal of the aviation marker light after cleaning by comparing the image data before cleaning and the image data after cleaning of the aviation marker light after cleaning, and output a confirmation result. The aviation marker light cleaning support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It has a photographing unit that generates the image data of the aviation marker light by photographing the aviation marker light, and is provided with a moving body that acquires the image data corresponding to the aviation marker light by photographing the aviation marker light with the photographing unit while moving, The image acquisition unit acquires the image data from the moving body. The aviation marker light cleaning support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A step of acquiring image data obtained by photographing an aviation marker light; A step of discriminating the degree of dirt of the aviation marker light based on the image data by performing image processing on the acquired image data; A step of outputting a discrimination result; A step of generating a cleaning plan for efficiently cleaning a plurality of the aviation marker lights based on the discrimination results of the degree of dirt for the plurality of the aviation marker lights; Having: The step of generating the cleaning plan enables setting work time information representing the time when the cleaning work of a plurality of the aviation marker lights can be performed, and generates the cleaning plan based on the determination result and the work time information. An aviation marker light cleaning support method.

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