Management device, management method, and program

Abstract

To provide a management system of relatively small aircrafts capable of contributing to the generalization of the use of aircraft including small aircrafts such as business jets that fly irregularly at the request of their owners, a management method, and a program.SOLUTION: In a management system 10, a management unit 300 includes: a desired route information acquisition unit 310 that acquires desired route information indicating a desired flight route, which is the flight route desired by a person wishing to use the aircraft; and an operation plan formulation unit 312 that formulates an aircraft operation plan based on multiple pieces of desired route information.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 taken 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] Relatively small aircraft, also known as business jets, are well known. Business jets fly irregularly at the request of their owners. Recently, there has been a desire for technology that will contribute to the widespread use of aircraft, including small aircraft such as business jets.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a management device comprising a desired flight route information acquisition unit that acquires desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route, which is a flight route desired by a person wishing to use an aircraft, and an operation plan acquisition unit that acquires an operation plan for the aircraft that is generated based on a plurality of the desired flight route information.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a management method executed by a computer, comprising: a desired flight route information acquisition step of acquiring desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route, which is a flight route of the aircraft desired by a person wishing to use the aircraft; and an operation plan acquisition step of acquiring an operation plan for the aircraft generated based on a plurality of the desired flight route information.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a program that causes the computer to execute the management method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can contribute to the popularization of aircraft use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the management method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Fig. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation plan candidate generated by the operation plan candidate generating unit, and Fig. 4B is a diagram illustrating another example of an operation plan candidate generated by the operation plan candidate generating unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a management method according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a management system 10 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The management system 10 is a system for managing the operation of an aircraft (not shown in the present embodiment, see also the aircraft 400 in the second embodiment) that operates irregularly. The aircraft is, for example, a small jet aircraft with a capacity of 4 to 6 people, but is not limited to this. 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.

[0013] The user terminal 100 is a terminal used by a user (a person who wishes to use or plans to use) 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 memory unit 108, and a calculation unit (control unit) 110.

[0014] 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) equipped with such a display element.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The storage unit 108 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). Examples of the nonvolatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory.

[0017] The calculation unit 110 may be configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the calculation unit 110 may be configured with processing circuitry. The calculation unit 110 can control 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 accordance with operations 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The operation unit 202 accepts input operations performed by the administrator 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 is equipped with 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) equipped with such a display element.

[0020] The communication unit 206 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown) and is connected to a network NW.

[0021] The storage unit 208 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include ROM and flash memory.

[0022] 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 accordance with operations 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.

[0023] The management device 300 is a server device (computer) for managing aircraft operations. The management device 300 is provided in, for example, a data center. The management device 300 includes a communication unit 302, a storage unit 304, and a calculation unit 306.

[0024] The communication unit 302 includes, for example, a communication module (not shown) and is connected to a network NW.

[0025] The storage unit 304 may include a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM. Examples of the nonvolatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Data and the like may be stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, and the like may be stored in the nonvolatile memory. At least a portion of the storage unit 304 may be included in a processor, an integrated circuit, or the like, as described below. The storage unit 304 may further include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like.

[0026] The storage unit 304 may store information about the above-mentioned multiple users. The storage unit 304 may also store information indicating an operation plan (to be described later). The storage unit 304 may also store information about a reservation procedure (to be described later).

[0027] 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 desired operation route information acquisition unit 310, an operation plan formulation unit (operation plan acquisition unit) 312, an operation plan notification processing unit 314, a planned user selection unit 316, a selection result notification processing unit 318, and a return route proposal unit 320.

[0028] The communication control unit 308, the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310, the operation plan development unit 312, the planned user selection unit 316, the selection result notification processing unit 318, the operation plan notification processing unit 314, and the return route proposal unit 320 can be realized by the calculation unit 306 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. Note that at least a part of the communication control unit 308, the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310, the operation plan development unit 312, the planned user selection unit 316, the selection result notification processing unit 318, the operation plan notification processing unit 314, and the return route proposal unit 320 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). In addition, at least a portion of the communication control unit 308, the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310, the operation plan formulation unit 312, the planned user selection unit 316, the selection result notification processing unit 318, the operation plan notification processing unit 314, and the return route proposal unit 320 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0029] 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0030] The desired flight route information acquisition unit 310 acquires desired flight route information regarding a desired flight route. The desired flight route is a flight route desired by a person (user) who wishes to use an aircraft. The person who wishes to use the aircraft can transmit the desired flight route information to the management device 300 using the user terminal 100. The desired flight route information acquisition unit 310 can acquire desired flight route information supplied from each of the multiple user terminals 100. Therefore, the desired flight route information acquisition unit 310 can acquire multiple pieces of desired flight route information. The desired flight route information acquired by the desired flight route information acquisition unit 310 is stored in the memory unit 304.

[0031] The desired flight route information includes, for example, (1) desired departure point information and (2) desired arrival point information. The desired departure point information indicates the location from which the applicant wishes to depart for the aircraft. The desired arrival point information indicates the location from which the applicant wishes to arrive for the aircraft.

[0032] (3) Desired time information and (4) desired price information may be included in the desired flight route information. The desired time information indicates the time when the applicant wishes the aircraft to operate. The applicant may specify a specific date, time, etc. in the desired time information, or may specify a certain degree of rough period in the desired time information. The desired price information indicates the price range desired by the applicant for the operation of the aircraft. In other words, the desired price information represents the costs that the applicant can bear for the operation of the aircraft. Hereinafter, the costs borne by the applicant (user) for the operation of the aircraft will also be referred to as user costs.

[0033] The contents of the desired operation route information are not limited to the above (1) to (4), and the desired operation route information may include information other than (1) to (4) as necessary.

[0034] The operation plan formulation unit 312 acquires the aircraft operation plan generated based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information. In this embodiment, the operation plan formulation unit 312 formulates an aircraft operation plan based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information. The operation plan formulation unit 312 formulates an operation plan based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information so as to meet the wishes of as many prospective users as possible. For example, the operation plan formulation unit 312 selects departure points and arrival points that meet the wishes of as many prospective users as possible based on the plurality of pieces of desired flight route information.

[0035] The operation plan formulation unit 312 may formulate an operation route that visits three or more locations based on multiple pieces of desired operation route information. For example, the operation plan formulation unit 312 may formulate an operation route in which an aircraft flies from point A to point B, and then flies again from point B to point C. The users who use the aircraft between points A and B may be different from the users who use the aircraft between points B and C. In this way, the operation plan formulation unit 312 can formulate operation routes that meet the wishes of more users.

[0036] Furthermore, the operation plan formulation unit 312 may formulate an aircraft flight schedule based on multiple pieces of desired time information. The operation plan formulation unit 312 may formulate a flight schedule that visits multiple locations over several days. For example, the operation plan formulation unit 312 may formulate a flight schedule that causes an aircraft to fly from point B to point C on the day after flying from point A to point B. In this way, the operation plan formulation unit 312 can formulate a flight schedule that meets the wishes of as many prospective users as possible.

[0037] Furthermore, the longer the flight route, the higher the cost of operating an aircraft. For example, the longer the flight route, the more fuel the aircraft requires. The cost of operating an aircraft affects the user cost described above. Taking this into consideration, the flight plan formulation unit 312 may determine the length of the flight route based on multiple pieces of desired price information. This allows the flight plan formulation unit 312 to realize a user cost (price range) that meets the needs of as many potential users as possible.

[0038] The operation plan notification processing unit 314 performs operation plan notification processing. The operation plan notification processing is processing for notifying the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 312. As a result, the operation plan notification processing unit 314 can transmit information indicating the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 312 to the manager terminal 200. In addition, the operation plan notification processing unit 314 can transmit information indicating the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 312 to multiple user terminals 100. Note that the information indicating the operation plan includes content related to the operation route, operation schedule, minimum number of participants, etc., as described above. The information indicating the operation plan formulated by the operation plan formulation unit 312 is appropriately transmitted from the management device 300 to multiple user terminals 100 and the manager terminal 200 via the network NW.

[0039] By transmitting the information indicating the flight plan to the manager terminal 200, the manager who manages the flight operations of the aircraft can understand the flight plan formulated by the flight plan formulation unit 312. This allows the manager to make preparations necessary to realize the flight plan as needed.

[0040] By transmitting information indicating the flight plan to the user terminal 100, the prospective user can consider whether or not to use the aircraft based on the contents of the flight plan. The prospective user who wishes to use the aircraft can carry out a reservation procedure. The reservation procedure is a procedure by which the prospective user makes a reservation for use of the aircraft. The prospective user can carry out the reservation procedure using the user terminal 100.

[0041] The prospective user selection unit 316 selects prospective users from among a plurality of prospective users for an aircraft operated based on an operation plan. For example, due to circumstances such as an expected over-capacity, it may be difficult to board all of the prospective users who have completed the above-described reservation procedures on the aircraft. In such cases, the prospective user selection unit 316 selects prospective users from among a plurality of prospective users so that the number of passengers fits within the aircraft's capacity. Note that if the number of prospective users who have completed the reservation procedures is equal to or less than the aircraft's capacity, the prospective user selection unit 316 selects all of the prospective users who have completed the reservation procedures as prospective users.

[0042] When selecting prospective users, it is preferable that the prospective user selection unit 316 preferentially selects prospective users who have a specific plan after using the aircraft. For example, the prospective user selection unit 316 preferentially selects prospective users who have made a reservation to use a predetermined vehicle. The predetermined vehicle is, for example, a vehicle operated for business jet users. Specific examples of such vehicles include, but are not limited to, taxis, limousines, hire cars, etc., that are dispatched at airports for passengers to use immediately after disembarking from the aircraft. By deliberately preferentially selecting prospective users who have made a reservation to use such a vehicle, it becomes easier for the prospective users to experience a sense of satisfaction that is difficult to obtain when using a general passenger aircraft.

[0043] The prospective user selection unit 316 determines whether the prospective user has a specific plan based on information indicating the plan of the prospective user. For example, when the prospective user performs a reservation procedure, the information indicating the plan of the prospective user is transmitted to the management device 300 together with information related to the reservation procedure. However, the information indicating the plan of the prospective user may also be transmitted to the management device 300 as part of the above-mentioned desired operation route information. In this case, the above-mentioned operation plan formulation unit 312 may preferentially reflect the requests of prospective users who have made a reservation to use a predetermined moving object in the operation plan.

[0044] The selection result notification processing unit 318 performs a selection result notification process. The selection result notification process is a process for notifying a prospective user of the selection result by the prospective user selection unit 316. This allows the prospective user to understand that the reservation he or she made has been made. The selection result notification process may also notify users other than the prospective user of the selection result by the prospective user selection unit 316. In other words, the selection result notification process may notify prospective users who were not selected as prospective users that the reservation has not been made.

[0045] The return route proposal unit 320 proposes a return route for a prospective user who will be using an aircraft operated based on a flight plan. The return route proposal unit 320 proposes a return route based on the departure point and arrival point based on the flight plan. The return route proposal unit 320 may propose a return route (air route) operated by an aircraft, or may propose a return route (land route, etc.) operated by transportation other than an aircraft. The return route proposal unit 320 may propose multiple return routes.

[0046] Information indicating the return route proposed by the return route proposal unit 320 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 prospective user. Proposing a return route to the prospective user provides convenience to the prospective user.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the management method according to this embodiment.

[0048] The management method according to this embodiment is performed, for example, by the calculation unit 306 provided in the management device 300 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. First, in step S1 (desired operation route information acquisition step), the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310 acquires desired operation route information. The desired operation route information is provided by multiple users who use the user terminal 100. Therefore, the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310 can acquire multiple pieces of desired operation route information.

[0049] Next, the process proceeds to step (flight plan acquisition step) S2, where the flight plan formulation unit (flight plan acquisition unit) 312 acquires a flight plan for the aircraft. The flight plan formulation unit 312 acquires the flight plan by formulating the flight plan based on multiple pieces of desired flight route information.

[0050] Next, the process proceeds to step (flight plan notification step) S3. Step S3 includes step (manager notification step) S31 and step (desiring user notification step) S32. In step S3 (S31, S32), the flight plan notification processing unit 314 notifies the flight plan. The flight plan notification processing unit 314 notifies the manager who manages the aircraft operation of the flight plan (step S31). The flight plan notification processing unit 314 also notifies multiple intending users of the flight plan (step S32). The intending users who have been notified of the flight plan can proceed with the aircraft reservation procedure.

[0051] Next, the process proceeds to step S4 (prospective user selection step), where the prospective user selection unit 316 selects a prospective user. It is preferable that the prospective user selection unit 316 preferentially selects, as prospective users, prospective users who have made a reservation to use a predetermined moving object after using an airplane.

[0052] Next, the process proceeds to step (selection result notification step) S5, where the selection result notification processing unit 318 performs selection result notification processing. As a result, the prospective users selected in step S4 are notified of the results of the selection by the prospective user selection unit 316.

[0053] Next, the process moves to step S6 (return route proposal step), where the return route proposal unit 320 proposes a return route to the prospective user. Note that the return route proposal unit 320 may propose a return route to the prospective user only if the prospective user wishes to do so. If the prospective user does not wish for the return route proposal unit 320 to propose a return route, step S6 may be skipped. This concludes the management method shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the management device 300 formulates a flight plan that allows as many users as possible to use aircraft. This allows the management device 300 to contribute to the popularization of aircraft use. Furthermore, the management device 300 determines the flight route and schedule of the aircraft according to the user's requests. In this respect, the traffic management business according to this embodiment can provide users with an airline service that is more convenient than that of a typical passenger aircraft, whose flight route and schedule are predetermined. In this way, the management system 10 according to this embodiment can contribute to the popularization of aircraft use.

[0055] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below. In the following description, explanations that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in the first embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a management system 10 (10A) according to the second embodiment.

[0057] The management system 10A includes a user terminal 100, an administrator terminal 200, and a management device 300 (300A). A detailed description of the user terminal 100 and the administrator terminal 200 will be omitted.

[0058] Like the management device 300 according to the first embodiment, the management device 300A includes a communication unit 302, a storage unit 304, and a calculation unit 306. The calculation unit 306 also includes a communication control unit 308, a desired operation route information acquisition unit 310, an operation plan acquisition unit 312, an operation plan notification processing unit 314, a planned user selection unit 316, a selection result notification processing unit 318, and a return route proposal unit 320.

[0059] 3, the calculation unit 306 of the present embodiment further includes a candidate operation plan generation unit 322 and a display information generation unit 324. Similar to the above-described communication control unit 308 and the like, the candidate operation plan generation unit 322 and the display information generation unit 324 are realized by the calculation unit 306 executing a program stored in the storage unit 304, for example.

[0060] The candidate operation plan generating unit 322 generates a candidate operation plan 326 based on a plurality of pieces of desired operation route information. The candidate operation plan 326 is a candidate operation plan for the aircraft 400 (see also FIGS. 4A and 4B). The desired operation route information is information including, for example, (1) desired departure point information, (2) desired arrival point information, (3) desired time information, and (4) desired price information, and is acquired by the desired operation route information acquiring unit 310 (see also the first embodiment). The candidate operation plan generating unit 322 generates the candidate operation plan 326 based on a plurality of pieces of desired operation route information so as to meet the needs of as many prospective users as possible. For example, the candidate operation plan generating unit 322 selects departure points and arrival points that meet the needs of as many prospective users as possible based on the plurality of pieces of desired operation route information. In this case, the selection of the departure point may include selecting the location (starting point) where the first user boards the aircraft 400 in the daily operation schedule of the aircraft 400. Furthermore, the selection of the arrival destination in this case may include the selection of the final arrival destination (terminal destination) of the aircraft 400 on the flight schedule. The candidate flight plan generation unit 322 may generate a candidate flight plan 326 in which the aircraft 400 visits three or more locations based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information. The candidate flight plan 326 may include a flight schedule of the aircraft 400 covering several days.

[0061] The candidate operation plan generating unit 322 can generate multiple candidate operation plans 326 that have different combinations of users who plan to use the aircraft 400, based on multiple pieces of desired operation route information.

[0062] 4A is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan candidate 326 (326A) generated by the operation plan candidate generating unit 322. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of an operation plan candidate 326 (326B) generated by the operation plan candidate generating unit 322.

[0063] According to the flight plan candidate 326A in Figure 4A, the aircraft 400 picks up a first passenger group G1 at point A and then flies from point A to point C. The first passenger group G1 consists of, for example, six passengers.

[0064] In contrast, according to the flight plan candidate 326B shown in FIG. 4B, the aircraft 400 picks up a second passenger group G2 at point A, and then flies from point A to point B. The second passenger group G2 consists of, for example, two passengers. After the second passenger group G2 disembarks from the aircraft 400 at point B, the aircraft 400 picks up a third passenger group G3. The third passenger group G3 consists of, for example, two passengers different from the second passenger group G2. The aircraft 400, with the third passenger group G3 on board, continues flying from point B to point C.

[0065] The display information generation unit 324 generates display information based on the multiple operation plan candidates 326 (326A, 326B) generated by the operation plan candidate generation unit 322. The display information is information for displaying information indicating the multiple operation plan candidates 326 on a display unit that can be viewed by the manager. The display unit that can be viewed by the manager is, for example, the display unit 204 included in the manager terminal 200.

[0066] The display information generation unit 324 generates the display information by organizing the multiple operation plan candidates 326 based on the number of planned users. More specifically, the display information generation unit 324 generates the display information by organizing the multiple operation plan candidates 326 in descending order of the number of planned users.

[0067] For example, a case will be described in which the operation dates of the aircraft 400 according to the flight plan candidate 326A (FIG. 4A) and the operation dates of the aircraft 400 according to the flight plan candidate 326B (FIG. 4B) are the same, and the flight plan candidate 326A and the flight plan candidate 326B are incompatible. As described above, the total number of planned users (passengers) based on the flight plan candidate 326A is six. The total number of planned users (passengers) based on the flight plan candidate 326B is four.

[0068] In such a case, the display information generation unit 324 generates display information so that, for example, when the multiple operation plan candidates 326 are listed on the display unit 204 in a list format, the operation plan candidate 326A is displayed higher than the operation plan candidate 326B. Furthermore, for example, the display information generation unit 324 may change the display mode of information indicating the multiple operation plan candidates 326 on the display unit 204 based on the number of planned users. More specifically, the display information generation unit 324 may, for example, change the font of characters displayed on the display unit 204 to indicate the operation plan candidate 326A from the font of characters displayed on the display unit 204 to indicate the operation plan candidate 326B. The display information generation unit 324 may change the graphics displayed on the display unit 204 to indicate the operation plan candidate 326A from the graphics displayed on the display unit 204 to indicate the operation plan candidate 326B.

[0069] The display information generated by the display information generation unit 324 may be transmitted to the manager terminal 200 via the communication unit 302. In this case, information indicating a plurality of operation plan candidates 326 may be displayed on the display unit 204 included in the manager terminal 200 based on the display information transmitted to the manager terminal 200. The manager can arbitrarily select one of the plurality of operation plan candidates 326 displayed on the display unit 204 via the operation unit 202 included in the manager terminal 200.

[0070] As described above, the display information generation unit 324 generates display information by sorting the multiple operation plan candidates 326 based on the number of prospective users. This urges the administrator to select the operation plan candidate 326 with a relatively large number of prospective users. More specifically, the administrator is urged to select the operation plan candidate 326A from the operation plan candidate 326A and the operation plan candidate 326B. Note that it is permissible for the administrator to select the operation plan candidate 326 with a relatively small number of prospective users. For example, in the above example, it is permissible for the operation plan candidate 326B to be selected instead of the operation plan candidate 326A.

[0071] Information indicating the selection result by the administrator is transmitted from the administrator terminal 200 to the management device 300A via the communication unit 206 included in the administrator terminal 200. The information indicating the selection result is information indicating the operation plan candidate 326 selected via the administrator terminal 200 from among the multiple operation plan candidates 326.

[0072] The operation plan acquisition unit 312 acquires an operation plan for the aircraft 400 based on the information indicating the selection result transmitted from the manager terminal 200. That is, the operation plan acquisition unit 312 acquires, as an official operation plan, the operation plan candidate 326 selected via the manager terminal 200 from among the multiple operation plan candidates 326.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a management method according to the second embodiment.

[0074] The management method according to this embodiment is performed, for example, by the calculation unit 306 provided in the management device 300A executing a program stored in the storage unit 304. First, in step S1 (desired operation route information acquisition step), the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310 acquires desired operation route information. The desired operation route information is provided by multiple users who use the user terminal 100. Therefore, the desired operation route information acquisition unit 310 can acquire multiple pieces of desired operation route information.

[0075] Next, the process proceeds to step (candidate operation plan generation step) S7, where the candidate operation plan generation unit 322 generates multiple candidate operation plans 326. The candidate operation plans 326 are generated based on multiple pieces of desired operation route information. The multiple candidate operation plans 326 have different combinations of planned users of the aircraft 400.

[0076] Next, the process proceeds to step (display information generation step) S8, where the display information generation unit 324 generates display information based on the multiple operation plan candidates 326. The display information generation unit 324 generates the display information by organizing the multiple operation plan candidates 326 based on the number of users who wish to use the operation plan candidates 326.

[0077] Next, the process proceeds to step (output step) S9, where the display information generated in step S8 is output to a display unit (display unit 204) that can be viewed by the manager. For example, the display information is transmitted by the communication control unit 308 to the manager terminal 200 equipped with the display unit 204. As a result, information indicating a plurality of operation plan candidates 326 is displayed on the display unit 204 based on the display information.

[0078] Next, the process proceeds to step (selection result acquisition step) S10, where information indicating the operation plan candidate 326 (selection result) selected by the manager is acquired by the operation plan acquisition unit 312. The information indicating the selection result can be transmitted from the manager terminal 200 to the management device 300A via the network NW.

[0079] Next, the process proceeds to step (flight plan acquisition step) S2, where the flight plan acquisition unit 312 acquires a flight plan for the aircraft 400 based on the information indicating the selection result acquired in step S10. The flight plan acquisition unit 312 acquires the flight plan candidate 326 selected by the manager as the official flight plan.

[0080] Next, steps S3 to S6 can be executed sequentially in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the contents of the operation plan determined based on the selection result by the manager are self-evident to the manager. Therefore, in this embodiment, step (manager notification step) S31 can be skipped.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the management device 300A can promote the formulation of a flight plan that maximizes the number of users of the aircraft 400. This makes it possible to provide an aviation experience to more users. In other words, it makes it possible to maximize the number of users who will experience using the aircraft 400. As a result, the management device 300A can contribute to the spread of use of the aircraft 400.

[0082] (Modified embodiment) The operation plan development unit 312 may select a departure point that is not indicated in any of the multiple pieces of desired operation route information, based on multiple pieces of desired operation route information. For example, a point U is indicated in the desired operation route information (desired departure point information) provided by a certain user, and a point V is indicated in the desired operation route information (desired departure point information) provided by another user. If the points U and V are relatively close to each other, and a point W between the points U and V is set as the departure point, both of the above-mentioned two users may be able to board an aircraft from the point W. In light of this, if multiple departure point candidates indicated by the multiple pieces of desired operation route information (desired departure point information) are within a predetermined distance from each other, the operation plan development unit 312 may select a location between the multiple departure point candidates as the departure point. The same applies when the operation plan candidate generation unit 322 generates an operation plan candidate 326.

[0083] When multiple candidate arrival destinations indicated by multiple pieces of desired operation route information (desired arrival destination information) are within a predetermined distance from each other, the operation plan formulation unit 312 may select, as the arrival destination, a location between the multiple candidate arrival destinations. For example, point X is indicated in desired operation route information (desired arrival destination information) provided by a certain user, and point Y is indicated in desired operation route information (desired arrival destination information) provided by another user. When point X and point Y are relatively close to each other, point Z between point X and point Y may be selected as the arrival destination. The same applies when the operation plan candidate generation unit 322 generates an operation plan candidate 326.

[0084] The user may use the aircraft not only for personal use but also for transporting goods. The user may include information in the desired flight route information indicating that the user wishes to use only the luggage compartment of the aircraft.

[0085] The flight plan formulation unit 312 may formulate a flight plan based on multiple pieces of desired flight route information so as to maximize the number of people who will experience flying an aircraft, thereby making it possible to provide an aviation experience to more users.

[0086] In the following description, multiple candidate flight plans 326 having the same number of planned users are also referred to as multiple candidate flight plans with the same number of users. The candidate flight plan generation unit 322 may generate multiple candidate flight plans with the same number of users based on multiple pieces of desired flight route information. In this case, it is preferable that the display information generation unit 324 generates display information by organizing the multiple candidate flight plans with the same number of users based on the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft 400. This encourages the manager to select a candidate flight plan 326 that minimizes the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft 400. Reducing the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft 400 allows, for example, a flight management company to reduce costs, including fees for using the airport (airport) for the aircraft 400. In this case, the display information generation unit 324 can generate display information by organizing the multiple candidate flight plans 326 based on both the number of potential users and the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft 400. As a result, information indicating the multiple candidate flight plans 326 organized based on the number of potential users can be displayed on the display unit 204, which can be viewed by the manager. Furthermore, the multiple flight plan candidates with the same number of passengers included in the multiple flight plan candidates 326 can be displayed on the display unit 204 in a state where they are organized based on the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft 400.

[0087] The display unit that can be viewed by the administrator is not limited to the display unit 204 provided in the administrator terminal 200. For example, a display (not shown) that is appropriately provided in the management device 300A may be used as the display unit that can be viewed by the administrator. In this case, an input device (not shown) that is appropriately provided in the management device 300A may be used as an operation unit for instructing the management device 300A of the selection result.

[0088] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0089] (Appendix 1) The management device (300) according to the present disclosure includes a desired flight route information acquisition unit (310) that acquires desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route, which is a flight route desired by a person who wishes to use an aircraft (400), and an operation plan acquisition unit (312) that acquires an operation plan for the aircraft that is generated based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information, thereby contributing to the spread of aircraft use.

[0090] (Appendix 2) The management device described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include a prospective user selection unit (316) that selects prospective users of the aircraft operated based on the flight plan from among the plurality of prospective users. This makes it possible to avoid the aircraft becoming unable to operate due to circumstances such as exceeding capacity.

[0091] (Appendix 3) In the management device described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the prospective user selection unit may preferentially select the prospective users who have made reservations to use a predetermined moving object after using the aircraft. This allows the prospective users to experience a sense of satisfaction similar to that of using a business jet. As a result, the use of business jets may be promoted.

[0092] (Appendix 4) The management device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 3 may further include a selection result notification processing unit (318) that performs processing to notify the prospective user of a selection result made by the prospective user selection unit.

[0093] (Appendix 5) The management device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 4 may further include an operation plan notification processing unit (314) that performs processing to notify the manager of the aircraft of the operation plan.

[0094] (Appendix 6) The management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5 may further include a return route suggestion unit (320) that suggests a return route for a prospective user who will be using the aircraft operated based on the flight plan, thereby providing convenience to the prospective user.

[0095] (Appendix 7) The management device described in Supplementary Note 1 further includes a candidate flight plan generating unit (322) that generates a plurality of candidate flight plans (326) with different combinations of planned users of the aircraft based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information, and a display information generating unit (324) that generates display information that is information for displaying information indicating the plurality of candidate flight plans on a display unit that can be viewed by a manager of the aircraft, wherein the display information generating unit generates the display information by sorting the plurality of candidate flight plans based on the number of planned users, and the flight plan acquiring unit may acquire, as the flight plan, one candidate flight plan selected from the plurality of candidate flight plans indicated by the display information. This allows as many people as possible to experience using aircraft, thereby contributing to the spread of aircraft use.

[0096] (Appendix 8) In the management device described in Supplementary Note 7, the display information generation unit may generate the display information so that the multiple flight plan candidates are displayed in descending order of the number of planned users. This promotes the selection of flight plan candidates with a relatively large number of planned users, thereby enabling as many people as possible to experience using aircraft.

[0097] (Appendix 9) In the management device described in Supplementary Note 7, when the candidate operation plan generation unit generates multiple candidate operation plans with the same number of users, the candidate operation plans having the same number of planned users, the display information generation unit may generate the display information by sorting the multiple candidate operation plans with the same number of users based on the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft. This promotes the selection of candidate operation plans with the number of takeoffs and landings reduced as much as possible, thereby reducing aircraft operating costs.

[0098] (Appendix 10) In the management device described in Supplementary Note 1, the operation plan acquisition unit may formulate the operation plan based on the plurality of pieces of desired operation route information so as to maximize the number of prospective users who will experience using the aircraft. Formulating an operation plan so as to maximize the number of users who will experience using the aircraft can contribute to the spread of aircraft use.

[0099] (Appendix 11) The management method according to the present disclosure is a management method executed by a computer, and includes a desired flight route information acquisition step (S1) of acquiring desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route, which is a flight route of the aircraft desired by a person who wishes to use the aircraft, and a flight plan acquisition step (S2) of acquiring a flight plan of the aircraft generated based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information, thereby contributing to the spread of aircraft use.

[0100] (Appendix 12) The management method described in Supplementary Note 11 further includes a candidate flight plan generating step (S7) of generating a plurality of candidate flight plan entries with different combinations of planned users of the aircraft based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information, and a display information generating step (S8) of generating display information that is information for displaying information indicating the plurality of candidate flight plan entries on a display unit that can be viewed by the manager of the aircraft, wherein in the display information generating step, the display information is generated by sorting the plurality of candidate flight plan entries based on the number of planned users, and in the flight plan acquisition step, one candidate flight plan entry selected from the plurality of candidate flight plan entries indicated by the display information is acquired as the flight plan. This allows as many people as possible to experience using aircraft, thereby contributing to the spread of aircraft use.

[0101] (Appendix 13) A program according to the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the management method described in Supplementary Note 11 or 12. This can contribute to the popularization of aircraft use.

[0102] 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]

[0103] 10... Management system 100... User terminal 102, 202...Operation section 104, 204...Display section 106, 206, 302...Communication units 108, 208, 304...Storage units 110, 210, 306... Calculation unit 200... Administrator terminal 300... Management device 308... Communication control unit 310…Desired route information acquisition unit 312...Operation Planning Department, Operation Planning Acquisition Department 314...Operation plan notification processing unit 316...Prospective user selection unit 318... Selection result notification processing unit 320... Return route suggestion unit NW...Network

Claims

1. a desired flight route information acquisition unit that acquires desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route that is a flight route desired by a person who wishes to use an aircraft; an operation plan acquisition unit that acquires an operation plan for the aircraft that is generated based on a plurality of pieces of desired operation route information; an operation plan candidate generation unit that generates a plurality of operation plan candidates each having a different combination of users who plan to use the aircraft, based on the plurality of pieces of desired operation route information; a display information generation unit that generates display information, which is information for displaying information indicating the plurality of flight plan candidates on a display unit that can be viewed by a manager of the aircraft; Equipped with the display information generation unit generates the display information by organizing the plurality of operation plan candidates based on the number of the planned users; The operation plan acquisition unit acquires, as the operation plan, one operation plan candidate selected from the plurality of operation plan candidates indicated by the display information.

2. The management device according to claim 1 , The management device further includes a return route proposal unit that proposes a return route for the prospective user who will be using the aircraft operated based on the flight plan.

3. The management device according to claim 1 , The display information generation unit generates the display information so that the plurality of operation plan candidates are displayed in descending order of the number of planned users.

4. The management device according to claim 1 , When the operation plan candidate generation unit generates multiple operation plan candidates with the same number of users, which are multiple operation plan candidates with the same number of planned users, the display information generation unit generates the display information by organizing the multiple operation plan candidates with the same number of users based on the number of takeoffs and landings of the aircraft.

5. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The management device further comprises a prospective user selection unit that selects the prospective users of the aircraft operated based on the flight plan from among the plurality of prospective users.

6. The management device according to claim 5, The prospective user selection unit is a management device that preferentially selects the prospective users who have made reservations to use a predetermined moving object after using the aircraft.

7. The management device according to claim 5, The management device further comprises a selection result notification processing unit that performs processing to notify the prospective user of a selection result made by the prospective user selection unit.

8. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The management device further includes an operation plan notification processing unit that performs processing to notify a manager of the aircraft of the operation plan.

9. The management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The operation plan acquisition unit formulates the operation plan based on a plurality of pieces of desired operation route information so as to maximize the number of prospective users who will experience using the aircraft.

10. 1. A computer-implemented management method comprising: a desired flight route information acquisition step of acquiring desired flight route information indicating a desired flight route, which is a flight route of the aircraft desired by a person who wishes to use the aircraft; a flight plan acquisition step of acquiring a flight plan for the aircraft that is generated based on a plurality of pieces of desired flight route information; a candidate flight plan generating step of generating a plurality of candidate flight plans each having a different combination of users who plan to use the aircraft, based on the plurality of pieces of desired flight route information; a display information generating step of generating display information that is information for displaying information indicating the plurality of flight plan candidates on a display unit that can be viewed by a manager of the aircraft; and In the display information generating step, the display information is generated by sorting the plurality of operation plan candidates based on the number of the planned users. In the operation plan acquisition step, one operation plan candidate selected from the plurality of operation plan candidates indicated by the display information is acquired as the operation plan.

11. A program that causes the computer to execute the management method according to claim 10.

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