Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

There is a need to fly aircraft more efficiently. Useful information for efficiently flying aircraft can be output by an information processing device 100 provided with: a host aircraft information acquisition unit 141 that acquires state information relating to the state of a target aircraft; an other-aircraft information acquisition unit 143 that acquires other-aircraft information relating to other aircraft different from the target aircraft; a route information acquisition unit 151 that acquires information relating to a route for the target aircraft that satisfies a prescribed condition on the basis of the state information and the other-aircraft information; and an output unit 161 that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that output information regarding a route along which an aircraft flies.

Background Art

[0002] In the operation of an aircraft, the route along which the aircraft flies is set based on relationships with other aircraft and restrictions such as laws and regulations.

[0003] Regarding such flight of an aircraft, for example, Patent Document 1 below describes flying with an altitude profile according to the performance envelope of the aircraft under the constraints of the legal flight level.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 below describes generating a plurality of flight routes that do not interfere with other aircraft in the local area near an airport, and enabling a pilot or the like to select a flight route in consideration of fuel efficiency, speed, and other operational considerations.

[0005] Also, Patent Document 3 below describes the configuration of a system that optimizes the flight parameters and fuel consumption of segments of a flight phase.

[0006] Note that Patent Documents 4 and 5 below describe outputting a weather forecast by using machine learning based on measurement data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0008] By the way, in the field of aircraft operation management, there is a growing need to fly aircraft more efficiently than before.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an information processing device capable of outputting information useful for efficiently flying an aircraft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first information processing device of this invention comprises: a self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the state of a target aircraft; a other-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires other-aircraft information relating to aircraft other than the target aircraft; a route information acquisition unit that acquires information relating to the route of a target aircraft that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other-aircraft information; and an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit.

[0011] This configuration allows for the output of information useful for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0012] Furthermore, the information processing device of this second invention, in contrast to the first invention, is an information processing device that includes other aircraft information, which is acquired by other aircraft during flight and relates to the flight of the aircraft.

[0013] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0014] Furthermore, the information processing device of this third invention, compared to the second invention, further comprises a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information including information on atmospheric conditions based on forecast information of atmospheric conditions relating to the airspace in which the target aircraft is flying and information acquired by other aircraft relating to the airspace, and a route information acquisition unit that acquires information on the route of the target aircraft that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the weather information.

[0015] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0016] Furthermore, the information processing device of the fourth invention further comprises a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information including information on atmospheric conditions, and a route information acquisition unit that acquires information on the route of a target aircraft that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the weather information.

[0017] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0018] Furthermore, the information processing device of the fifth invention, in contrast to the fourth invention, is an information processing device in which the weather information acquisition unit acquires altitude-specific weather information in the airspace related to the flight path of the target aircraft.

[0019] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0020] Furthermore, the information processing device of the sixth invention is an information processing device wherein, with respect to any of the first to fifth inventions, the predetermined conditions include at least conditions relating to the fuel consumption of the target aircraft or conditions relating to the costs associated with the target aircraft.

[0021] This configuration allows for the output of information corresponding to the fuel consumption of the target aircraft or its impact on costs related to the target aircraft.

[0022] Further, the information processing apparatus of the seventh invention is an information processing apparatus that, for any one of the first to sixth inventions, the predetermined condition includes at least a condition related to the fuel consumption of one or more predetermined related aircraft different from the target aircraft or a condition related to the cost related to the related aircraft.

[0023] With such a configuration, it is possible to output information according to the influence on the fuel consumption of the related aircraft or the cost related to the related aircraft.

[0024] Further, the information processing apparatus of the eighth invention is an information processing apparatus that, for any one of the first to seventh inventions, further includes an airspace information acquisition unit that acquires airspace information including information related to the airspace in which the aircraft can fly, and the route information acquisition unit acquires information related to the route of the target aircraft using the airspace information.

[0025] With such a configuration, it is possible to output information according to the airspace in which the aircraft can fly.

[0026] Further, the information processing apparatus of the ninth invention is an information processing apparatus that, for any one of the first to eighth inventions, the other aircraft information includes information related to the positions of each of one or more other aircraft after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the other aircraft information acquisition unit acquires information related to the positions of each of one or more other aircraft after a predetermined time has elapsed based on the information related to the positions of each of the one or more other aircraft.

[0027] With such a configuration, it is possible to output more useful information for efficiently flying the aircraft.

[0028] Further, the information processing apparatus of the tenth invention is an information processing apparatus that, for any one of the first to ninth inventions, the own aircraft information acquisition unit acquires state information using at least one of the scheduled information related to the flight plan of the target aircraft, the aircraft characteristic information indicating the characteristics related to the equipment of the target aircraft, and the operation history information related to the operation history of the target aircraft.

[0029] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information for efficiently flying the aircraft based on its status information.

[0030] Furthermore, the information processing device of the eleventh invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to tenth inventions, the route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of a target aircraft each time a predetermined acquisition condition is met.

[0031] This configuration allows for the output of useful information at any time.

[0032] Furthermore, the information processing device of the twelfth invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to eleventh inventions, the output unit outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit each time a predetermined output condition is met during the flight of the target aircraft.

[0033] With this configuration, useful information can be output at any time while the target aircraft is in flight.

[0034] Furthermore, the information processing device of the thirteenth invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to twelfth inventions, the output unit outputs output information in a predetermined notification manner different from the output manner when the notification conditions are not met, when predetermined notification conditions regarding the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit are met.

[0035] This configuration allows for the output of information useful for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0036] Furthermore, the information processing device of the fourteenth invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to thirteen inventions, the predetermined conditions include conditions relating to scores, the route information acquisition unit acquires scores corresponding to each of two or more candidate routes to be acquired based on status information and other machine information, and acquires information relating to one or more routes based on the acquired scores.

[0037] This configuration allows for the output of information useful for efficiently flying an aircraft, based on the scores of two or more routes.

[0038] Furthermore, the information processing device of the fifteenth invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to fourteenth inventions, the route information acquisition unit acquires recommended route information, in relation to heading, altitude, or speed, which is recommended for the target aircraft to take, as information regarding the target aircraft's route.

[0039] This configuration allows for the output of information useful for efficiently flying aircraft.

[0040] Furthermore, the information processing device of the sixteenth invention, compared to the fifteenth invention, further comprises a result information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the flight results of the target aircraft based on the output information when output information based on recommended route information is output, and the route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft using the information acquired by the result information acquisition unit.

[0041] This configuration allows for the output of more useful information by feeding back operational results based on the output information.

[0042] Furthermore, the information processing device of the seventeenth invention is an information processing device in which the output unit outputs flight setting information used for instrument flight of the target aircraft based on recommended route information, in addition to the information processing device of the fifteenth or sixteenth invention.

[0043] This configuration allows the target aircraft to be easily and efficiently flown using the output information.

[0044] Furthermore, the information processing device of the eighteenth invention is an information processing device in which, with respect to any of the first to seventeenth inventions, the output unit outputs the output information to a terminal device which is a terminal device used by a user on the ground or an electronic flight bag used by the pilot of the target aircraft.

[0045] This configuration allows ground users or pilots to easily verify the content of the output information.

[0046] Furthermore, the information processing device of the nineteenth invention is an information processing device that, with respect to any of the first to eighteenth inventions, includes at least one of an ascent profile and a descent profile through which the target aircraft is recommended to pass.

[0047] This configuration allows for the output of information useful for efficiently flying an aircraft in situations involving continuous ascent or continuous descent.

[0048] Furthermore, the information processing device of the 20th invention is an information processing device that, in contrast to the 19th invention, includes target altitude information relating to the altitudes of two or more points in the ascending profile or descending profile, as the information relating to the route.

[0049] This configuration makes it easy to fly the aircraft efficiently in situations involving continuous ascent or continuous descent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] According to the information processing device of the present invention, it is possible to output information useful for efficiently flying an aircraft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This figure shows the schematic configuration of the flight support system using the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Block diagram of the information processing device in this embodiment [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates a specific example of acquiring fuel consumption information using the information processing device. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a specific example of acquiring location prediction information using the information processing device. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates a specific example of acquiring atmospheric forecast information using the information processing device. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the information processing device. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring recommended route information using the information processing device. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the operation of the route information acquisition unit when the altitude is set in the information processing device. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of using the advanced configuration support function in the information processing device. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the operation of the route information acquisition unit in the information processing device during CCO or CDO. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating an example of using the continuous rise and continuous fall setting support function in the information processing device. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the operation of the path information acquisition unit when setting a short-circuit path in the information processing device. [Figure 13] A flowchart illustrating an example of using the short-circuit path setting support function in the information processing device. [Figure 14] Overview of the computer system in the above embodiment [Figure 15] Block diagram of the computer system [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] The embodiments of the information processing device, etc., will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, components that are denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operation, and therefore, further explanation may be omitted.

[0053] The terms used below are generally defined as follows. However, the meanings of these terms should not always be interpreted in the manner shown here; for example, if they are explained individually below, those explanations should also be taken into consideration when interpreting them.

[0054] An identifier is a character or code that uniquely identifies a particular item. An identifier is, for example, an ID, but it can be any type of information that can identify the corresponding item. In other words, an identifier may be the name of the thing it represents, or it may be a combination of codes that uniquely corresponds to it.

[0055] An aircraft's route refers to, for example, an air route, but it can also be understood as the process by which an aircraft flies. Information regarding the route may include information that identifies the points the aircraft should pass through and the air route, as well as information indicating the aircraft's speed and attitude. Here, a point may be a location that is absolutely or relatively identified by information such as latitude and longitude, or a location that is identified by a predetermined waypoint. Information indicating points and air routes may or may not include altitude information.

[0056] Information regarding an aircraft's position refers to a location identified by, for example, latitude and longitude coordinates and altitude. It may also refer to information identified solely by coordinates. Furthermore, it may refer to information identifying a defined area or airspace. It may also refer to information indicating the relative position to a specific point.

[0057] Acquisition may include acquiring information entered by a user, etc., or it may include acquiring information stored in the device itself or another device (this may be information that is stored in advance or information that is generated by information processing performed on the device). Acquiring information stored in another device may include acquiring information stored in another device via an API, etc., or it may include acquiring the contents of a document file (including the contents of a web page, etc.) provided by another device. Furthermore, it may also include acquiring information in a different format based on the original information, such as acquiring information by performing optical character recognition on an image file.

[0058] Furthermore, so-called machine learning techniques may be used to acquire information. The use of machine learning techniques can be, for example, as follows: A learner is constructed using machine learning techniques, which takes a specific type of input information as input and outputs the desired type of output information. For example, two or more pairs of input and output information are prepared in advance, these two or more pairs of information are provided to a module for constructing a machine learning learner to construct the learner, and the constructed learner is stored in a storage unit. Note that the learner can also be called a classifier. The machine learning technique can be any, such as deep learning, random forest, or SVM. Furthermore, various machine learning frameworks such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, as well as various existing libraries, can be used for machine learning. Acquiring information using such a learner is sometimes referred to as acquisition by machine learning.

[0059] Furthermore, the learner is not limited to those obtained through machine learning. The learner may be, for example, a table that shows the correspondence between input vectors based on input information and output information. In this case, the output information corresponding to the feature vectors based on the input information may be obtained from the table, or a vector approximating the feature vectors based on the input information may be generated using two or more input vectors in the table and parameters that weight each input vector, and the final output information may be obtained using the output information and parameters corresponding to each input vector used in the generation. Obtaining information using such a learner is sometimes called acquisition using correspondence relationships. The learner may also be, for example, a function that represents the relationship between input vectors based on input information and information for generating output information. In this case, for example, information corresponding to the feature vectors based on the input information may be obtained using a function, and the output information may be obtained using the obtained information. Obtaining information using such a learner is sometimes called acquisition using functions.

[0060] In the following explanation, the output information of such a learning device (learning information) may be referred to as acquired information.

[0061] Outputting information is a concept that includes displaying it on a screen, projecting it using a projector, printing it with a printer, outputting sound, transmitting it to an external device, storing it on a recording medium, and transferring processing results to other processing devices or other programs. Specifically, it includes, for example, making information available on a web page, sending it via email, and outputting information for printing.

[0062] The concept of receiving information includes receiving information input from input devices such as keyboards, mice, and touch panels; receiving information transmitted from other devices via wired or wireless communication lines; and receiving information read from recording media such as optical discs, magnetic discs, and semiconductor memory.

[0063] Regarding various types of information stored in information processing devices, the term "update" encompasses not only changes to the stored information, but also the addition of new information to the stored information, and the deletion of some or all of the stored information.

[0064] (Embodiment)

[0065] In this embodiment, the information processing device acquires route prediction information for other aircraft and status information for the target aircraft. Based on the acquired information, it acquires route information for the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions and outputs output information based on the route information. Weather information may also be acquired, and route information for the target aircraft may be acquired using the weather information. Below, an aircraft operation support system using the information processing device configured in this way will be described.

[0066] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the flight support system 1 using the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, the flight support system 1 includes an information processing device 100 and a terminal device 600. In this embodiment, the flight support system 1 is used together with internal and external information servers 910, 920, and 930. The flight support system 1 is broadly configured to output output information about the target aircraft 810 from the information processing device 100 to a predetermined terminal device 600, etc. The pilot of the target aircraft 810 and the dispatcher can use the output information output about the target aircraft 810 to operate the aircraft, such as flying it.

[0068] In this embodiment, the flight support system 1 may be used by an organization such as an airline that operates one or more aircraft. The flight support system 1 may also be used jointly by multiple organizations.

[0069] The flight support system 1 relates to the target aircraft 810, as well as other aircraft 820 and 830 that are different from the target aircraft 810. The target aircraft 810 is the aircraft that is the target of the route information acquisition process performed by the information processing device 100, as described later. Other aircraft different from the target aircraft include related aircraft 820 and other aircraft 830 that are different from related aircraft 820. Related aircraft 820 are, for example, aircraft related to the organization that operates the flight support system 1. Related aircraft 820 can also be said to be aircraft that can be operated efficiently by using the flight support system 1. Specifically, for example, when the flight support system 1 is used for one airline, related aircraft 820 may include, for example, aircraft used in the operation of that airline, similar to the target aircraft 810. Here, "airline" may mean a single company organization, or it may mean an airline group that includes multiple company organizations. Furthermore, an airline may include companies that have a partnership relationship with the companies included in it. In other words, the related aircraft 820 may include other aircraft of the same company that operates the target aircraft 810, aircraft of other companies that make up the same group, or aircraft of companies with which the company has a partnership.

[0070] In the flight support system 1, the information processing device 100 can communicate with terminal devices 600 and information servers 910 within the organization via a network such as a LAN. The network is not limited to this and may include the Internet or other communication networks. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can communicate with information servers 920, 930, etc., outside the organization via the Internet, for example. The network is not limited to this and may include other communication networks. The connection configuration and communication method between the information processing device 100 and terminal devices 600, and between the information processing device 100 and information servers 910, 920, 930, etc., are not limited to these.

[0071] In this embodiment, the terminal device 600 is a device that can be the output destination for output information from the information processing device 100. In this embodiment, for example, an electronic flight bag (EFB) used in the operation of the target aircraft 810 may be the terminal device 600. Also in this embodiment, for example, a device such as an operation management terminal used by an operations manager, etc., when operating the target aircraft 810 may be the terminal device 600. Note that a different device may be used as the terminal device 600. Furthermore, if there is a computer installed in the target aircraft 810 that can communicate with the information processing device 100 via a network, the target aircraft 810 itself can also be considered as the terminal device 600. Note that the terminal device 600 may not be used, and the output information may be configured to be output directly to a device connected to and used by the information processing device 100.

[0072] Various devices can be used as the electronic computer for the terminal device 600, such as personal computers, so-called smartphones and other portable information terminal devices, and tablet-type information terminal devices. In the following examples, it may be assumed that a so-called personal computer with a keyboard and display (not shown) is used as the electronic computer for the terminal device 600, but it is not limited to this.

[0073] The information server 910 is, for example, a server device that stores information related to the aircraft management system. The information server 910 is used, for example, to manage information for one or more aircraft used within an organization that uses the flight support system 1. For example, the information server 910 may store information such as the maintenance history, aircraft information, and flight history of each aircraft. Each piece of information is stored associated with the identifier of the corresponding aircraft, but is not limited to this. The information server 910 is configured to transmit the stored information to the information processing device 100 when a predetermined query or access is made from the information processing device 100.

[0074] The information server 920 is, for example, a server device that stores information related to a data supply platform for weather information. In this embodiment, the information server 920 stores atmospheric measurement information regarding atmospheric conditions measured on an aircraft in flight. The atmospheric measurement information is stored in association with information such as position (coordinates such as latitude and longitude), altitude, and time of measurement. The atmospheric measurement information includes, for example, one or more measured values ​​from wind speed, wind direction, static temperature, total temperature, and static pressure. Other information may also be included in the atmospheric measurement information.

[0075] The information server 920 stores atmospheric measurement information measured by, for example, the related aircraft 820. When the target aircraft 810 takes flight, the information server 920 also stores atmospheric measurement information measured by the target aircraft 810. The information server 920 stores atmospheric measurement information measured by other aircraft 830. The timing of the storage of atmospheric measurement information is not specified. In this embodiment, atmospheric measurement information is configured to be transmitted from the aircraft immediately after measurement and stored in the information server 920. Atmospheric measurement information is, for example, information measured by the avionics installed on each aircraft. The atmospheric measurement information stored in this way can represent the upper-air wind distribution with high accuracy in real time. The information server 920 may also perform anonymization of the information when storing atmospheric measurement information, that is, to prevent the inclusion of information that directly indicates which aircraft measured the data. The information server 920 is configured to transmit the stored atmospheric measurement information to the information processing device 100 when a predetermined query or access is made from another device such as the information processing device 100. Among atmospheric measurement information, information measured by other aircraft 820 and 830 is called other-aircraft measurement information. Other-aircraft measurement information can be described as other-aircraft acquired information, which is information related to the flight of the aircraft 820 and 830 that was acquired by the other aircraft 820 and 830 during their flight.

[0076] The information server 930 is configured to transmit the information it stores to the information processing device 100 when a predetermined query or access is made from the information processing device 100.

[0077] One of the information servers 930 stores, for example, information indicating past or present traffic flow (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "traffic flow"). Traffic flow can also be described as, for example, a history of the position information of an aircraft group. Specifically, for example, the information server 930 stores information such as the longitude, latitude, and altitude of each aircraft, associated with the date and time and an identifier that can identify the aircraft. By accumulating information about each aircraft in operation, the information server 930 can provide information about an aircraft group present in a predetermined airspace. Such an information server 930 may be configured to store information on the current and past flight status output from each aircraft based on standards such as ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Monitoring). The information server 930 may also store, for example, the position of each aircraft, associated with information on the operating status of actuators used in the aircraft's flight, and information on turbulence and acceleration obtained from avionics, etc. In other words, the information server 930 can be said to store status information regarding the past or present state of each aircraft. Among this status information for each aircraft, in particular, other aircraft status information related to the flight of the aircraft in question, which is acquired during flight by other aircraft 820, 830, can be referred to as other-aircraft acquired information.

[0078] Furthermore, one of the information servers 930 stores atmospheric forecast information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as meteorological forecast information) published by public institutions or other organizations. The information server 930 stores meteorological forecast information, including atmospheric data such as pressure, temperature, wind speed, and turbulence intensity, associated with information such as time, latitude, longitude, and altitude. It is possible to use weather forecasts from the Japan Meteorological Agency, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and other organizations that provide weather forecasting services as data sources.

[0079] Furthermore, one of the information servers 930 may include, for example, airspace restriction information. Airspace restriction information is, for example, information about airspace in which aircraft can fly, and may include information indicating airspace in which flight is permitted, information indicating airspace in which flight is prohibited, and information identifying restrictions on flight. In this embodiment, the airspace restriction information is stored in association with identifiers that identify standard instrument departure procedures (SIDs) and standard arrival routes (STARs) at each airport, such as information about altitude restrictions and final approach fixes (FAFs) at each airport.

[0080] Furthermore, various types of electronic computers can be used for information servers 910, 920, and 930, including personal computers, server devices, and other devices such as mobile information terminals like smartphones and tablet-type information terminals. Each of the information servers 910, 920, and 930 may consist of a single device, multiple devices working in conjunction with each other, or an electronic computer built into other devices. The server itself may be a cloud server, an ASP server, or any other type.

[0081] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the information processing device 1 in this embodiment.

[0082] The information processing device 100 comprises a storage unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a reception unit 130, a processing unit 140, and a transmission unit 170. The information processing device 100 is, for example, a server device.

[0083] The storage unit 110 includes a learning information storage unit 111, an aircraft information storage unit 115, and a weather information storage unit 117.

[0084] The storage unit 110 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but it can also be implemented with a volatile recording medium. Each part of the storage unit 110 stores information acquired by, for example, the receiving unit 120 or the processing unit 140, but the process by which information is stored in each part of the storage unit 110 is not limited to this. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 110 via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line may be stored in the storage unit 110, or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 110.

[0085] The learning information storage unit 111 stores learning information. This learning information may also be called a learner, classifier, or trained model. In this embodiment, the learning information is obtained, for example, by machine learning performed by the learning information generation unit 159, as described later. In this embodiment, the learning information used includes meteorological learning information for acquiring weather information and path learning information for predicting paths. The types of learning information are not limited to these. Details of the learning information and its use will be described later.

[0086] The aircraft information storage unit 115 stores information about the target aircraft 810 and other aircraft 820, 830. Information about each aircraft is stored, for example, associated with an identifier that can identify the aircraft.

[0087] The weather information storage unit 117 stores information related to the weather. For example, the weather information storage unit 117 stores weather forecast information obtained from the information server 930 and weather information obtained by the weather information acquisition unit 145, which will be described later. The weather information storage unit 117 also stores past weather information that has been measured and observed in the past. In this embodiment, the weather information is stored in association with, for example, each area and each altitude. In the weather information storage unit 117, it is possible to identify weather information corresponding to a point or area that can be specified using latitude and longitude, for example.

[0088] The receiving unit 120 receives information transmitted from other devices. The receiving unit 120 stores the received information, for example, in the storage unit 110. The receiving unit 120 is usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by means of receiving broadcasts.

[0089] The reception unit 130 receives various input operations performed by the user to the information processing device 100. The reception unit 130 receives information, for example, that is entered using input means (not shown) connected to the information processing device 100, and information entered through input operations (including information read by the device) performed using a reading device (not shown) (e.g., a code reader) connected to the information processing device 100. The reception unit 130 may also receive information related to input operations, etc., transmitted via other devices connected via a network or the like. The received information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 110.

[0090] The input method that can be used to input information that can be received by the reception unit 130 can be anything, such as a numeric keypad, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen. The reception unit 130 can be implemented using device drivers for input methods such as numeric keypads and keyboards, or control software for menu screens.

[0091] The processing unit 140 includes a self-aircraft information acquisition unit 141, an other-aircraft information acquisition unit 143, a weather information acquisition unit 145, an airspace information acquisition unit 147, a route information acquisition unit 151, a result information acquisition unit 157, a learning information generation unit 159, and an output unit 161. The processing unit 140 performs various processes, such as the processes performed by each part of the processing unit 140 as described below. The processing unit 140 can usually be implemented using an MPU (including a CPU and / or GPU) and memory. The processing procedure of the processing unit 140 is usually implemented in software, and this software is recorded on a recording medium such as ROM. However, it may also be implemented in hardware (dedicated circuitry).

[0092] The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 acquires status information regarding the status of the target aircraft 810. The status of the target aircraft 810 is a concept that may include, for example, the nature of the equipment, operational history, fuel consumption (including predicted values), and flight plans (such as how the flight is planned). The status may be the status before the flight, the status during the flight, or the status after the flight. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 stores the acquired status information in the aircraft information storage unit 115.

[0093] More specifically, in this embodiment, the aircraft information acquisition unit 141 is configured to acquire status information using scheduled information relating to the flight plan of the target aircraft 810, equipment characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the equipment of the target aircraft 810, and operation history information relating to the operation history of the target aircraft 810. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 may also be configured to acquire status information using at least one of these pieces of information. Note that acquiring status information using scheduled information, equipment characteristic information, and operation history information is a concept that includes not only acquiring status information by performing calculations etc. using the information, but also acquiring each of the pieces of information used as status information as is.

[0094] Here, the scheduled information may be, for example, information that shows the contents of the flight plan itself, or information obtained from the flight plan. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 can acquire scheduled information using, for example, information input to the terminal device 600 or information registered in the information server 910.

[0095] Equipment characteristic information refers to information that can identify, for example, the aircraft type or engine model. The self-equipment information acquisition unit 141 is configured to acquire equipment identification information using, for example, information registered in the information server 910.

[0096] Operational history information refers to information such as maintenance history and flight history. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 is configured to acquire aircraft identification information using information registered in the information server 910, for example.

[0097] The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 may acquire scheduled information based on input operations received by the reception unit 130. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 may also acquire information regarding the flight status of the target aircraft 810. For example, it may be configured to acquire information regarding the current and past flight status output from the target aircraft 810 based on standards such as ADS-B as status information. In this case, information regarding past flight status may be treated as operational history information.

[0098] In this embodiment, the aircraft information acquisition unit 141 includes a consumption information acquisition unit 142 that acquires fuel consumption information relating to the fuel consumption rate. The fuel consumption information is information indicating the fuel consumption rate when the target aircraft 810 flies under predetermined conditions in predetermined weather conditions. The consumption information acquisition unit 142 stores the acquired fuel consumption information in the aircraft information storage unit 115, associating it with an identifier that identifies the target aircraft 810.

[0099] In this embodiment, the consumption information acquisition unit 142 acquires fuel consumption information using the consumption learning information stored in the learning information storage unit 111. The acquisition of fuel consumption information by the consumption information acquisition unit 142 can be achieved, for example, by acquisition using machine learning, acquisition using correspondence relationships, or acquisition using functions. Here, flight-related information, weather information, and equipment characteristic information can be used as input information. The acquired information (output information) is fuel consumption information. It should also be possible to output information that allows for the acquisition of fuel consumption information by performing calculations or making judgments based on other criteria using the acquired information.

[0100] Figure 3 illustrates a specific example of how fuel consumption information is acquired by the information processing device 100.

[0101] Figure 3 shows specific examples of input information and acquired information used in acquiring fuel consumption information by the fuel consumption acquisition unit 142 described above. By using the input information, which includes each attribute value, and the consumption learning information, the fuel consumption acquisition unit 142 can output the attribute values ​​of the acquired information.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, for example, attribute values ​​such as mode (climbing, flying, descending, etc.), aircraft weight, aircraft center of gravity position, flight speed, flight Mach number, climb / descent speed, bank angle, latitude, longitude, altitude, lift assist device (flap) angle, pitch angle, flight acceleration, and jerk are used as flight-related information. In addition, attribute values ​​such as wind direction, wind speed, static pressure, static temperature, total temperature, and square root of inlet silence are used as meteorological information. Furthermore, attribute values ​​such as aircraft type, specifications, introduction date, and engine type may be used as equipment characteristic information. The acquired fuel consumption information includes, for example, attribute values ​​such as fuel consumption rate.

[0103] Returning to Figure 2, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 includes a route prediction unit 144. The other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires other aircraft information concerning other aircraft 820, 830 that are different from the target aircraft 810. The other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 stores the acquired other aircraft information in the aircraft information storage unit 115. In this embodiment, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires other aircraft information in a predetermined airspace related to the self-aircraft information acquired by the self-aircraft information acquisition unit 141, for example, but is not limited to this. The predetermined airspace related to the self-aircraft information is the airspace related to the route of the target aircraft 810, for example, the airspace near the route of the target aircraft 810 on the flight plan, but is not limited to this.

[0104] The other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires other aircraft information, for example, regarding the positions of other aircraft 820 and 830. Other aircraft information regarding position refers to information such as the longitude, latitude, and altitude of other aircraft 820 and 830 at a given time. The other aircraft information regarding position may not include altitude information. Other aircraft information regarding past or present positions can be acquired, for example, based on information stored in the information server 930.

[0105] In this embodiment, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires other aircraft information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as position prediction information) regarding the positions of one or more other aircraft 820 and 830 after a predetermined time has elapsed, based on information (position information) regarding the respective positions of one or more other aircraft 820 and 830. That is, the other aircraft information may include information regarding the positions of one or more other aircraft 820 and 830 after a predetermined time has elapsed. In other words, the other aircraft information can be said to be information regarding future traffic flow including one or more other aircraft 820 and 830.

[0106] In this embodiment, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires position prediction information using the route prediction unit 144. The route prediction unit 144 acquires position prediction information using, for example, route learning information stored in the learning information storage unit 111. The acquisition of position prediction information by the route prediction unit 144 can be achieved, for example, by acquisition using machine learning, acquisition using correspondence relationships, or acquisition using functions as described above. Here, the input information can include the history of position information of a group of other aircraft 820, 830 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the aircraft group), flight information of the aircraft group, information near the destination airport, aircraft information of the aircraft group, and weather information. The weather information can include, but is not limited to, past weather information and weather information regarding future weather. Furthermore, the acquired information can be configured to output a group of position information of the aircraft group after a certain period of time as position prediction information. That is, for example, the time, latitude, and longitude information for each aircraft may be output. The acquired information may include information regarding altitude. Furthermore, the acquired information can be configured to output information that allows for the acquisition of position information, etc., by performing calculations or judgments based on other criteria, etc. Furthermore, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 can obtain aircraft group position prediction information by, for example, outputting acquired information using route learning information for each aircraft targeted for position prediction information acquisition by the route prediction unit 144, and aggregating the obtained acquired information. Aircraft routes can be changed according to various factors, as shown in the input information described above. Also, route selection tendencies may differ depending on the aircraft type, airline, flight, route, congestion, deviation from the scheduled time, etc. By obtaining position prediction information based on this input information, more accurate position prediction information can be obtained.

[0107] Figure 4 illustrates a specific example of acquiring location prediction information in the information processing device 100.

[0108] Figure 4 shows specific examples of input information and acquired information used for acquiring location prediction information using the route prediction unit 144 described above. By using the input information, which includes each attribute value, and the route learning information, the route prediction unit 144 can output each attribute value of the acquired information.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, for example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, and altitude are used as the location history of an aircraft group. Such location history can be provided for each aircraft as JSON format data, for example, "{aircraft_id: [[2021-10-08 12:34:56, 35.12345, 136.12345], [...], ...], ...}". Here, "aircraft_id" is the aircraft identifier. Note that the data format is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate. In addition, attribute values ​​such as call sign, operating airline, departure and arrival locations, departure and arrival times, planned arrival location, and planned arrival time may be used as flight information for the aircraft group. Furthermore, attribute values ​​such as runway used, airport airspace entrance waypoint, and the number and distance of aircraft approaching the airport airspace waypoint may be used as information near the destination airport. In addition, attribute values ​​such as aircraft name, aircraft type, and aircraft characteristics may be used as aircraft information for the aircraft group. Furthermore, weather information may include attribute values ​​such as date and time, wind, temperature, pressure, weather, and turbulence intensity.

[0110] The acquired information, specifically the group of aircraft's positions after a certain period, includes, for example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, and longitude. The group of positions may also include altitude. The group of positions may also be referred to as traffic flow. The group of positions is position prediction information that includes the position information corresponding to each of the other related aircraft 820 and 830.

[0111] The other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires other aircraft information related to the flight of the aircraft, which is acquired by other aircraft 820 and 830 during their flight, as other aircraft information. Such other aircraft information can be acquired from, for example, the information server 920 or the information server 930, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to be acquired by receiving information output from other aircraft 820, 830, etc. More specifically, in this embodiment, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires atmospheric measurement information (other aircraft measurement information) regarding the state of the atmosphere measured by other aircraft 820 and 830 as other aircraft information. That is, other aircraft information includes other aircraft measurement information measured by other aircraft 820 and 830. The other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 acquires the other aircraft measurement information stored in the information server 920 and stores it in the weather information storage unit 145. It may also be considered that the other aircraft information does not include other aircraft measurement information, and the weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires the other aircraft measurement information as weather information. Furthermore, the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 may be configured to acquire and store other aircraft status information, including, for example, information regarding the operating status of actuators and other devices used in the flight of other aircraft 820, 830 in a predetermined location or airspace, and information regarding vibrations, accelerations, etc., obtained by avionics, etc., as other aircraft information.

[0112] Returning to Figure 2, the weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires weather information, including information about atmospheric conditions. The weather information acquisition unit 145 stores the acquired weather information in the weather information storage unit 117. In this embodiment, the weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires altitude-specific weather information in the airspace related to the flight path of the target aircraft 810. The airspace being flown in may also be called the airspace targeted for route evaluation. The airspace related to the flight path of the target aircraft 810 is, for example, the airspace near the flight path of the target aircraft 810 on the flight plan acquired by the aircraft information acquisition unit 141, but is not limited to this. The weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires weather forecast information from the information server 930, for example, and stores the acquired information as weather information. The weather information acquisition unit 145 also acquires past weather information, for example, and stores the acquired information as weather information.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires atmospheric forecast information regarding future atmospheric conditions as weather information. The weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires atmospheric forecast information based, for example, on forecast information of atmospheric conditions related to the airspace in which the target aircraft 810 is flying, acquired from the information server 930, and on other aircraft measurement information related to the airspace stored in the weather information storage unit 117. In this case, the weather information acquisition unit 145 can acquire weather information based on forecast information of atmospheric conditions related to the airspace and other aircraft acquisition information related to the airspace. In addition, the weather information acquisition unit 145 may acquire weather information using other aircraft status information related to the airspace in place of, or in addition to, other aircraft measurement information related to the airspace. Specifically, for example, atmospheric forecast information such as whether the airflow is unstable may be acquired using other aircraft status information such as the presence or absence of turbulence and the operating status of actuators, etc.

[0114] The weather information acquisition unit 145 acquires atmospheric forecast information, for example, using weather learning information stored in the learning information storage unit 111. The acquisition of atmospheric forecast information by the weather information acquisition unit 145 can be achieved, for example, by acquisition using machine learning, acquisition using correspondence relationships, or acquisition using functions as described above. Here, weather forecast information and other aircraft measurement information measured by preceding aircraft can be used as input information. The acquired information is atmospheric forecast information. It is also possible to output information that can be used to perform calculations or judgments based on other criteria, etc., to acquire atmospheric forecast information.

[0115] Figure 5 illustrates a specific example of how atmospheric forecast information is acquired by the information processing device 100.

[0116] Figure 5 shows specific examples of input information and acquired information used for acquiring atmospheric forecast information. By using input information including each attribute value and path learning information, the weather information acquisition unit 145 can output each attribute value of the acquired information.

[0117] As shown in Figure 5, for example, attribute values ​​such as time, latitude and longitude, pressure, temperature, wind speed, and turbulence intensity are used as weather forecast information. In addition, attribute values ​​such as wind speed, wind direction, static temperature, total temperature, static pressure, latitude, longitude, altitude, and time may be used as information measured by other instruments. The acquired atmospheric forecast information includes, for example, attribute values ​​such as wind speed, wind direction, static temperature, total temperature, static pressure, latitude, longitude, altitude, time, and turbulence intensity.

[0118] Returning to Figure 2, the airspace information acquisition unit 147 acquires airspace information, including information about the airspace in which the aircraft can fly. The airspace information acquisition unit 147 stores the acquired airspace information in the storage unit 110. The airspace information acquisition unit 147 acquires airspace information for, for example, the airspace related to the route of the target aircraft 810. It can also be said that the airspace information acquisition unit 147 acquires airspace information for, for example, the airspace near the route of the target aircraft 810 on the flight plan.

[0119] The airspace information acquisition unit 147 may acquire such airspace information from an information server 930 that includes airspace restriction information. Alternatively, it may acquire airspace information based on information acquired from the information server 930.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airspace information acquisition unit 147 may acquire airspace information indicating airspace in which an aircraft's course can be changed. That is, airspace information can be said to include, for example, information defining flight-restricted airspace where flight is restricted and course-changeable airspace where the course can be changed. Such airspace information may be acquired, for example, based on information provided by the information server 930 or information entered by a user and received in advance by the reception unit 130. The airspace information acquisition unit 147 may also acquire information regarding flyable airspace that has been entered in advance by a user such as a pilot or flight operations manager as airspace information. Furthermore, the airspace information acquisition unit 147 may acquire information regarding flyable airspace as airspace information based on past information from other aircraft, i.e., the history of the position information of a group of aircraft. For example, the history of the position information of a group of aircraft may be statistically processed and information regarding airspace that is determined to be flyable may be acquired.

[0121] The route information acquisition unit 151 includes a candidate information acquisition unit 153 and a route evaluation unit 155. Based on status information, other aircraft information, and weather information, the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires information regarding the route of a target aircraft 810 that meets predetermined conditions.

[0122] In this embodiment, the route information refers to information indicating the path that the target aircraft 810 should follow. The route information may also be said to be information about the trajectory. The route information may include, for example, information about heading, altitude, and speed. That is, the route information acquisition unit 151 is configured to acquire, for example, recommended route information that the target aircraft 810 is recommended to take, regarding the direction of travel (heading), altitude, and speed, as route information. Note that the route information may also be information indicating points, areas, airspace, etc., that the target aircraft 810 should not pass through during its operation. Furthermore, the route information may not include, for example, information about heading, altitude, or speed. That is, the route information acquisition unit 151 may be configured to acquire recommended route information regarding heading, altitude, or speed as route information.

[0123] In this embodiment, the predetermined conditions include at least conditions relating to the fuel consumption of the target aircraft 810 or conditions relating to costs associated with the target aircraft 810. More specifically, the predetermined conditions are, for example, conditions set to relate to achieving a goal for the target aircraft 810 that includes either a reduction in fuel consumption or a reduction in costs. Here, costs associated with the target aircraft 810 refer to the costs required for the maintenance or operation of the target aircraft 810. Costs may mean monetary costs, human costs, time costs, or risk costs. Conditions relating to fuel consumption may be considered as being included in the conditions relating to costs. The predetermined conditions may also relate to viewpoints other than these, or may further include conditions relating to viewpoints other than these. For example, the predetermined conditions may be set to relate to achieving a goal that includes viewpoints such as a reduction in flight time or an improvement in safety. The predetermined conditions may be set to relate to achieving goals in two or more of these viewpoints.

[0124] In this embodiment, for example, a predetermined condition may be set that the score obtained so that a route leading to the achievement of the objective, as described later, receives a high score, is higher than or relatively high than a predetermined value. That is, the predetermined condition may include a condition related to the score. It is also possible that the score obtained so that a route leading to the achievement of the objective receives a lower score, in which case a predetermined condition may be set that the score is lower than or relatively low than a predetermined value. Furthermore, for example, a predetermined condition may be set that the route consumes less fuel than the comparison route, has lower maintenance costs, has a shorter flight time, or is a safer route. That is, a predetermined condition may be set that the route is relatively closer to achieving the objective than other routes.

[0125] Furthermore, the specified conditions are not limited to those that lead to a reduction in the fuel consumption of the target aircraft 810. For example, the specified conditions may be set so that the related aircraft 820 can achieve the above-mentioned objectives by flying a route that satisfies the conditions of the target aircraft 810. For example, the specified conditions may include at least conditions relating to the fuel consumption of one or more specified related aircraft 820 that are different from the target aircraft, or conditions relating to the costs associated with the related aircraft 820. The costs associated with the related aircraft 820 refer to the costs required for the maintenance or operation of the related aircraft 820. This makes it possible to obtain information on more efficient routes so that the organization using the flight support system 1, including the target aircraft 810 and related aircraft 820, can collectively achieve the objectives. Furthermore, the value of the cost indicator may be used as a score, and conditions relating to the score may be set as cost conditions. For example, if the score corresponds to the magnitude of the costs that are expected to be incurred when following that route, the specified conditions may include the score being lower than or relatively low than a specified value.

[0126] The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires route candidates from the candidate information acquisition unit 153, for example, as described later. The route information acquisition unit 151 then acquires recommended route information from among the acquired route candidates that meet predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 acquires two or more candidates, and the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires one or more recommended route information from those candidates. Alternatively, the candidate information acquisition unit 151 may be configured to acquire one candidate, and if the route information acquisition unit 151 determines that the candidate meets predetermined conditions, it may acquire that candidate as recommended route information.

[0127] In this embodiment, the route information acquisition unit 151 obtains a score corresponding to each of two or more candidate routes for the target aircraft 810, using the route evaluation unit 155. Then, based on the acquired scores, it obtains information about one or more routes. For example, the route information acquisition unit 151 obtains one candidate that satisfies the highest score (an example of a predetermined condition) as recommended route information.

[0128] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires recommended route information whenever predetermined acquisition conditions are met. These predetermined acquisition conditions can be set in various ways, such as being at a predetermined stage in the pre-flight process, reaching a predetermined time, a predetermined amount of time having elapsed since the last acquisition during flight, or reaching a predetermined position and altitude. For example, if the acquisition conditions are set to be met relatively frequently, the route information acquisition unit 151 can be said to acquire recommended route information in real time.

[0129] The candidate information acquisition unit 153 uses the status information acquired by the self-aircraft information acquisition unit 141, the other aircraft information acquired by the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143, and the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 145 to acquire candidate recommended route information for the target aircraft 810. In this embodiment, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 further uses the airspace information acquired by the airspace information acquisition unit 147 when acquiring candidates. In other words, the route information acquisition unit 151 can be said to acquire recommended route information for the target aircraft 810 using airspace information.

[0130] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions include that the route must be within flyable airspace, and the route information acquisition unit 151 may be configured to determine whether the candidate acquired by the candidate information acquisition unit 153 satisfies the predetermined conditions using airspace information.

[0131] In this embodiment, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 is configured to acquire candidate recommended route information using, for example, candidate learning information stored in the learning information storage unit 111. That is, the acquisition of candidates by the candidate information acquisition unit 153 can be achieved, for example, by machine learning acquisition, acquisition using correspondence relationships, or acquisition using functions. Here, status information, other aircraft information, weather information, and airspace information can be used as input information. The acquired information is information related to routes. The candidate information acquisition unit 153 can acquire acquired information as candidates using this input information. Specific examples will be described later. It should also be possible to output information that allows for the acquisition of route information by performing calculations or making judgments based on other criteria using the acquired information.

[0132] However, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 may be configured to acquire candidates without using learned information. In this case, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 may acquire candidates according to predetermined rules using status information, other aircraft information, and weather information. For example, the candidate information acquisition unit 153 may acquire as candidates routes that are determined not to interfere with other aircraft 820, 830 based on other aircraft information, and that are determined to be relatively easy to fly based on weather forecast information, based on status information such as flight plans.

[0133] The route evaluation unit 155 acquires a score based on status information, other aircraft information, and weather information. In this embodiment, the route evaluation unit 155 is configured to acquire a score using, for example, the learning information stored in the learning information storage unit 111. That is, the acquisition of candidates by the route evaluation unit 155 can be achieved, for example, by machine learning acquisition, acquisition using correspondence relationships, or acquisition using functions. Here, information on candidate routes, status information, other aircraft information, and weather information can be used as input information. Airspace information may also be included in the input information. The acquired information is a score. The route evaluation unit 155 can acquire a score as acquired information using this input information. In addition, the acquired information may be configured so that information from which a score can be obtained can be output by performing calculations or other methods using that information.

[0134] The route evaluation unit 155 may also calculate and obtain a score for each candidate flight based on the generated evaluation rules, using status information, other aircraft information, and weather information. The evaluation rules may include, for example, whether an indicator related to atmospheric conditions passes over a predetermined point, speed, comparison results with the flight plan, and evaluation conditions related to the distance to other aircraft 820, 830. For example, for each evaluation condition, if the condition is met, a first predetermined score may be reflected in the score, and if not, a second predetermined score may be reflected in the score, and the score can be obtained by aggregating these results. In the aggregation, the score may be calculated using a predetermined formula, such as by adding or multiplying in a predetermined method.

[0135] When output information based on recommended route information is output, the result information acquisition unit 157 acquires information regarding the operational results of the target aircraft 810 based on the output information. For example, if the goal is to reduce fuel consumption, the result information acquisition unit 157 acquires the fuel consumption measured by the target aircraft 810's instruments, etc., as the operational results of the target aircraft 810 based on the output information. The result information acquisition unit 157 stores the acquired operational results in the storage unit 110, associating them with an identifier that identifies the target aircraft 810 or an identifier that can identify the flight.

[0136] Furthermore, the route information acquisition unit 151 may compare the information acquired by the result information acquisition unit 157 with the fuel consumption predicted based on the recommended route information. The result information acquisition unit 157 may also be configured to perform a correction process using the comparison results when acquiring new recommended route information, for example, when evaluating candidates, and acquire the recommended route information based on the results. In such a case, the route information acquisition unit 151 can be said to acquire information regarding the route of the target aircraft 810 using the information acquired by the result information acquisition unit 157. This makes it possible to acquire information regarding the route of the target aircraft 810 more accurately.

[0137] The learning information generation unit 159 generates learning information using machine learning techniques. The use of machine learning techniques can be as described above. The learning information generation unit 159 stores the constructed learning information in the learning information storage unit 111. The learning information may be prepared for each scenario in which information is acquired using the learning information, such as for each aircraft, or for each aircraft type, each engine type, each flight route, each season, each related region, each landing airport, and each departure airport. In this case, the learning information generation unit 159 should generate learning information for each scenario using pairs of input information and acquired information (output information) for learning in each scenario.

[0138] Furthermore, the learning information generation unit 159 may regenerate the learning information using the results obtained by the information processing device 100 when the results obtained using the information acquired using the learning information are newly acquired. For example, when output information based on recommended route information acquired using the learning information is output, the learning information generation unit 159 may regenerate the learning information using the flight results when information regarding the flight results of the target aircraft 810 based on the output information is acquired. The route information acquisition unit 151 may be configured to acquire new recommended route information using the learning information generated in this way using the flight results. In this case, it can be said that the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires the recommended route information of the target aircraft 810 using the flight results acquired by the result information acquisition unit 157.

[0139] The output unit 161 outputs information by transmitting it to other devices using the transmission unit 170, etc., or by displaying the information on a display device provided on the information processing device 100, for example. The output unit 161 may or may not be considered to include output devices such as displays and speakers. The output unit 161 may be implemented by driver software for an output device, or by driver software for an output device and an output device, etc.

[0140] In this embodiment, the output unit 161 outputs output information to a terminal device 600 used by a ground user or to a terminal device 600 which is an electronic flight bag used by the pilot of the target aircraft 810. A ground user is, for example, a ground operations manager, a pilot before departure, or an airline representative, but is not limited to these. This makes it possible for pilots or ground users to check the output information using the terminal device 600 and utilize it in their operations.

[0141] The output unit 161 includes an output information configuration unit 163. The output unit 161 outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151. The output information is composed of the output information configuration unit 163.

[0142] In this embodiment, the output information configuration unit 163 configures flight setting information used for instrument flight of the target aircraft 810 as output information, based on the recommended route information acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151. Flight setting information is, for example, information that the pilot uses to perform operations such as inputting information to the target aircraft 810 for flight. However, it is not limited to this, and if the target aircraft 810 is capable of receiving information transmitted from the information processing device 100, flight setting information that is transmitted to the target aircraft 810 and reflected in the flight may be configured as output information. The output unit 161 outputs the configured flight setting information. However, the output information is not limited to this. The output information configuration unit 163 may configure output information in a different format using route information. Also, the output unit 161 may be configured to output route information as is. Also, the output information configuration unit 163 may configure output information using evaluation information based on a score acquired by the route evaluation unit 155 corresponding to the route information. For example, the output information may be configured so that information such as images showing the score and its corresponding rank are displayed together with information showing the route.

[0143] In this embodiment, the output unit 161 outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151 whenever a predetermined output condition is met during the flight of the target aircraft 810. The output condition may be that new route information is acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151. The route information acquisition unit 151 can output output information in real time during the flight of the target aircraft 810 based on the acquired route information. The output condition may also be different from this. For example, when route information is acquired and output information is output, the output condition may be that it is detected that the target aircraft 810 is flying a route different from the route corresponding to the output information. By outputting the output information again when the aircraft is deviating from the route, the pilot can be prompted to change the route. Alternatively, the output condition may be that a request for output information from the terminal device 600 has been received. The output unit 161 may be configured to output output information in predetermined cases, regardless of whether the output condition is met or not.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the output unit 161 outputs output information in a predetermined output mode (which may also be called a notification mode) that is different from the output mode (normal mode) when the notification condition is not met, when a predetermined notification condition regarding the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit is met. The notification condition may be that new route information is acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151, or it may be something other than this. For example, the notification condition may be that there is a predetermined difference between the route information acquired this time and the previously acquired route information, or that the route information acquired this time requires a predetermined amount of change in the flight state from the current flight state of the target aircraft 810, or that the status information of the target aircraft 810 is in a predetermined state. A predetermined difference could be, for example, a difference in speed or altitude that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, or that the position to be passed at the time a predetermined period of time has elapsed is further than a predetermined distance. A predetermined amount of change in the flight state could be, for example, that it is necessary to change the speed, attitude, etc., by a predetermined amount or more from the current state. Furthermore, the state information being in a predetermined state means, for example, that a predetermined flight time has elapsed, the remaining fuel amount has reached a predetermined level, or the distance to a destination or target waypoint, calculated based on the state information, has reached a predetermined value. In addition, the acceptance of a request for output information from the terminal device 600 may also be a notification condition. Note that if the output condition is met, the notification condition may also be met.

[0145] The differences between the normal mode and the predetermined notification mode are, for example, as follows: differences in the terminal device 600 to which the output is received, the presence or absence of information such as colors, characters, and predetermined images displayed on the terminal device 600, the presence or absence of audio output, and differences in the output means. Differences in the output means may include, for example, displaying on a screen in one case and sending a message using a predetermined message sending means in the other, or whether or not so-called push notifications are made in conjunction with the output of the output information.

[0146] In this way, the system is configured to output information in a different output manner than usual in certain cases, making it easier for pilots, flight managers, etc., to recognize that output information has been output in those cases.

[0147] In addition to the above, the output unit 161 may be configured to output output information for each of the multiple recommended routes when multiple recommended route information is obtained, or to output output information for the route corresponding to a selection instruction to choose one of the multiple routes transmitted via the terminal device 600.

[0148] The transmitting unit 170 transmits information to other devices that can communicate via a network. The transmitting unit 170 also transmits output information, for example, that is output by the output unit 161. The transmitting unit 170 is usually implemented by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented by broadcasting means.

[0149] Next, the operation flow of the information processing device 100 will be explained. The information processing device 100 performs various operations, for example, as follows. These operations are performed by the processing unit 140 executing control operations and the like using each part.

[0150] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation flow of the information processing device 100.

[0151] (Step S101) That is, the processing unit 140 determines whether or not the target aircraft 810 is in flight. If it is in flight, proceed to step S104; otherwise, proceed to step S102.

[0152] (Step S102) The processing unit 140 determines whether or not it has acquired the schedule information for the target aircraft 810. For example, if a flight plan for the next flight has been entered, the processing unit 140 determines that it has acquired the schedule information. If it determines that it has acquired the schedule information, it proceeds to step S103; otherwise, it terminates the process.

[0153] (Step S103) The processing unit 140 stores the acquired schedule information in the aircraft information storage unit 115. Proceed to step S104.

[0154] (Step S104) The processing unit 140 determines whether or not the information acquisition timing has arrived. For example, it is determined that the information acquisition timing has arrived when a user gives an instruction, when scheduled information is acquired, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last acquisition during flight. If it is determined that the information acquisition timing has arrived, the process proceeds to step S105; otherwise, it proceeds to step S106.

[0155] (Step S105) The processing unit 140 acquires status information, other aircraft information, and weather information, etc. This information can be acquired, for example, as described above. Airspace information may also be acquired. Information regarding flight results may also be acquired. Furthermore, the system may generate and update each type of learning information. Proceed to step S104.

[0156] (Step S106) The processing unit 140 determines whether the acquisition conditions are met. If it determines that the acquisition conditions are met, the process proceeds to step S107; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0157] (Step S107) The processing unit 140 acquires route information. That is, the processing unit 140 performs the process of acquiring recommended route information. This process will be described in detail later. Proceed to step S108.

[0158] (Step S108) The processing unit 140 determines whether the output condition is met. If it determines that the output condition has been met, the unit proceeds to step S109; otherwise, it proceeds to step S110.

[0159] (Step S109) The processing unit 140 constructs output information using the recommended route information and outputs it. Proceed to step S110.

[0160] (Step S110) The processing unit 140 determines whether the notification conditions are met. If it determines that the notification conditions are met, it proceeds to step S111; otherwise, it terminates the process.

[0161] (Step S111) The processing unit 140 constructs output information using the recommended route information and outputs it. In this case, the processing unit 140 ensures that the output information is output in a predetermined notification manner. After that, the process ends.

[0162] Such processing is initiated periodically and repeatedly. The order of these processes is not limited to this. Furthermore, for example, if output information has already been configured for a particular flight, it may be used to generate further output or output in a predetermined notification format.

[0163] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of acquiring recommended route information by the information processing device 100.

[0164] (Step S121) The route information acquisition unit 151 sets counter i to 1.

[0165] (Step S122) The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires multiple candidates using status information, other aircraft information, and weather information, etc., with the candidate information acquisition unit 153.

[0166] (Step S123) The route information acquisition unit 151 obtains a score corresponding to the i-th candidate using the route evaluation unit 155.

[0167] (Step S124) The route information acquisition unit 151 adds 1 to counter i.

[0168] (Step S125) The route information acquisition unit 151 determines whether or not the i-th candidate exists. If it exists, the unit returns to step S123; otherwise, it proceeds to step S126.

[0169] (Step S126) The route information acquisition unit 151 determines the candidate with the highest score among all the candidates. In other words, the route information acquisition unit 151 selects the candidate that satisfies the predetermined condition of having the highest score as the target for acquisition.

[0170] (Step S127) The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires the determined candidates as route information. Then it returns to the higher-level processing.

[0171] The information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, configured as described above, can acquire information regarding the route of the target aircraft 810 and output output information in the following specific scenarios, for example.

[0172] (Advanced configuration support)

[0173] The information processing device 100 can output output information for optimizing the altitude of the target aircraft 810 in flight. In this case, the output information may include, for example, recommended route information including altitude setting and speed information when transitioning altitudes.

[0174] Output information for altitude setting can be performed, for example, as follows: The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires candidate recommended route information, including altitude setting and speed information when transitioning altitudes, from the candidate information acquisition unit 153. Then, the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires recommended route information for each candidate based on the score acquired by the route evaluation unit 155. The output unit 161 outputs output information based on the acquired recommended route information.

[0175] The candidate information acquisition unit 153 takes as input information, for example, equipment characteristic information, the history of the target aircraft 810's position information, information about the target aircraft 810's flight status, the target aircraft 810's flight information, weather information, i.e., past weather information and atmospheric forecast information, position forecast information, and fuel consumption information. Using this input information and learning information, it acquires candidate recommended route information (information about the trajectory) as acquired information. In addition, the acquired information may be used to perform calculations or make judgments based on other criteria, etc., to output information that can be used to acquire candidates.

[0176] Figure 8 illustrates a specific example of the operation of the route information acquisition unit 151 in the information processing device 100 when altitude is set.

[0177] Figure 8 shows specific examples of input information used for acquiring candidates when setting altitude, and specific examples of acquired information. By using input information including each attribute value and pre-prepared learning information, the route information acquisition unit 151 can output each attribute value of the acquired information.

[0178] As shown in Figure 8, for example, attribute values ​​such as aircraft name, aircraft type, aircraft characteristics, and engine type may be used as equipment characteristic information. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, and altitude may be used as location history information for the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as mode (climbing, flying, descending, etc.), aircraft weight, aircraft center of gravity position, flight speed, flight Mach number, climb / descent speed, bank angle, pitch angle, and flight acceleration may be used as information about the flight status of the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as departure and arrival locations, departure and arrival times, planned arrival location, planned arrival time, and planned flight path may be used as flight information for the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, wind, temperature, pressure, weather, and turbulence intensity may be used as weather information. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, and altitude may be used as location prediction information. For example, attribute values ​​such as fuel consumption rate may be used as fuel consumption information. As information about the candidates that are acquired, attribute values ​​such as the altitude setting and transition speed may be used.

[0179] When recommended route information regarding altitude settings is obtained and output information is output, the user can utilize the information processing device 100 in the following procedure.

[0180] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of using the advanced setting support function in the information processing device 100.

[0181] (Step S151) Before the flight, the user (pilot, flight operations manager, etc.) inputs information regarding the flight plan and weight of the target aircraft 810. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 in the information processing device 100 acquires this information.

[0182] (Step S152) During cruising, the route information acquisition unit 151 uses information acquired as appropriate to perform the process of acquiring recommended route information for setting altitude. That is, the necessity of changing altitude is calculated. Note that, for example, output information will not be output until output conditions or notification conditions are met, but is not limited to this.

[0183] (Step S153) When the output condition or notification condition is met, the output information is output to the terminal device 600. Here, for example, the output information is output to and displayed on an electronic flight bag that can be viewed by the pilot.

[0184] (Step S154) The pilot reviews the output information and decides whether or not to change the altitude. If the altitude is to be changed, the pilot applies to Air Traffic Control (ATC) for an altitude setting, and if approved, sets the altitude in the Flight Management System (FMS) of the aircraft 810.

[0185] (Step S155) During cruising, the sequence from Step S152 to Step S154 is repeated. When cruising ends, the use of the altitude setting support function is completed.

[0186] Because such altitude setting support functions are available, this embodiment offers the following specific advantages. Specifically, it is possible to output information on the cruising altitude at which the aircraft can operate more efficiently at that stage, taking into account the traffic volume of other aircraft 820 and 830 in flight, and based on atmospheric forecast information and the status information of the target aircraft 810. Conventionally, when an aircraft is cruising, it has been difficult to determine the best route considering the actual traffic flow. Also, unless there is a need due to weather or traffic conditions, adjustments to the cruising altitude have been limited or have been performed in a predetermined manner. In this embodiment, it is possible for the user to grasp information on the cruising altitude at which the aircraft can operate efficiently in real time during flight, and the user can apply to ATC in a timely manner. Therefore, the target aircraft 810 can be operated actively and efficiently.

[0187] (Support for setting continuous upward and continuous downward movements)

[0188] The information processing device 100 can output information to optimize the route of the target aircraft 810 during continuous climb operation (CCO) or continuous descend operation (CDO). In this case, the output information may include, for example, recommended route information including information on the altitude setting and speed information.

[0189] Output information for CCO and CDO can be output in the following manner, for example: The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires candidate recommended route information, including information on passing altitude settings and speed information, from the candidate information acquisition unit 153. Then, the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires recommended route information for each candidate based on the score acquired by the route evaluation unit 155. The output unit 161 outputs output information based on the acquired recommended route information.

[0190] The candidate information acquisition unit 153 takes, for example, weather information, i.e., past weather information and atmospheric forecast information, airspace information, flight information of the target aircraft 810, equipment characteristics information, position prediction information, and fuel consumption information as input information. In this case, the airspace information includes, for example, airspace restriction information related to the departure or arrival airport. Then, using this input information and pre-prepared learning information, it acquires candidate recommended route information (information related to the trajectory) as acquired information. In addition, the acquired information may be used to perform calculations or make judgments based on other criteria, etc., to output information that can be used to acquire candidates.

[0191] Figure 10 illustrates a specific example of the operation of the route information acquisition unit 151 in the information processing device 100 during CCO or CDO.

[0192] Figure 10 shows specific examples of input information and acquired information used for candidate acquisition during CCO or CDO. By using the input information, which includes each attribute value, and the learned information, the route information acquisition unit 151 can output each attribute value of the acquired information.

[0193] As shown in Figure 10, for example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, wind, temperature, pressure, weather, and turbulence intensity may be used as meteorological information. For example, attribute values ​​such as SID, STAR, FAF, and altitude restriction information may be used as airspace information. For example, attribute values ​​such as departure and arrival locations, departure and arrival times, planned arrival locations, planned arrival times, and planned flight paths may be used as flight information for the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as aircraft name, aircraft type, aircraft characteristics, and engine type may be used as equipment characteristic information. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, and altitude may be used as position prediction information. For example, attribute values ​​such as fuel consumption rate may be used as fuel consumption information. For example, attribute values ​​such as passing altitude setting and speed may be used as information about the candidate that is acquired.

[0194] Furthermore, the information regarding the altitude settings included in the recommended route information for CCO and CDO is preferably, for example, an ascent profile or a descent profile. That is, in this embodiment, the route information should include at least one of the ascent profile and descent profile that the target aircraft 810 is recommended to pass through. This makes it possible to output more useful information for efficiently flying the aircraft during CCO or CDO. In this case, the route information preferably includes target altitude information regarding the altitudes of two or more waypoints or specific points in the ascent profile or descent profile, and it is preferable that output information including target altitude information is output. This makes it easier to fly the aircraft efficiently during CCO or CDO.

[0195] When recommended route information for CCO and CDO is obtained and output information is output, the user can utilize the information processing device 100 in the following procedure.

[0196] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of using the continuous upward and continuous downward setting support functions in the information processing device 100.

[0197] (Step S171) Before the flight, the user inputs information regarding the flight plan and weight of the target aircraft 810. Here, information such as SID and STAR is input as part of the flight plan. The aircraft information acquisition unit 141 in the information processing device 100 acquires this information.

[0198] (Step S172) Before flight, the information processing device 100 uses acquired weather information, etc., and the route information acquisition unit 151 performs the process of acquiring recommended route information regarding the ascent profile. Based on the acquired information, output information is output to the terminal device 600. The ascent profile is acquired in such a way as to satisfy the altitude restrictions of each waypoint, based on the airspace restriction information.

[0199] (Step S173) Before pushback, the pilot inputs the CCO settings into the FMS of the target aircraft 810 based on the output information. This enables efficient CCO according to the recommended route information. After takeoff, the target aircraft enters cruising mode.

[0200] (Step S174) Before the start of descent, the information processing device 100 acquires position prediction information, etc. Then, recommended route information regarding the recommended descent profile is acquired by the route information acquisition unit 151, and the output information is output to the EFB. In this case, it is preferable that information regarding the descent profile to be followed is acquired and output for two or more candidate descent start points (TODs).

[0201] (Step S175) The pilot reviews the output information and decides whether to perform a CDO with the recommended descent profile. If a CDO is performed, the pilot requests a CDO from ATC and asks for instructions regarding the timing of the TOD. If approved, the pilot selects a descent profile that allows for descent from the instructed TOD timing and enters the CDO settings into the FMS of the target aircraft 810.

[0202] Furthermore, when performing a CDO, it is preferable that the information processing device 100 acquires and outputs a recommended route information for a descent profile that is less affected by other aircraft 820,830, based on information regarding traffic flow. In this case, the pilot may apply to ATC for a CDO and also apply to ATC to set the timing for TOD according to the output information. This increases the likelihood of obtaining approval and also reduces the need for vectoring. Based on airspace restriction information, the descent profile is acquired so as to satisfy the altitude restrictions of each waypoint.

[0203] Since such support functions for setting up continuous ascent and continuous descent operations are available, this embodiment offers the following specific advantages.

[0204] In situations involving continuous descent operations, it is possible to descend efficiently at an altitude and speed that matches the traffic flow in the airport airspace, reducing the likelihood of needing to detour. Conventionally, the optimal descent route calculated by the aircraft did not take traffic flow into consideration, and sometimes vectoring was required based on the judgment of the airport airspace's ATC. By using the information processing device 100, it is possible to select an efficient descent trajectory from before entering the airspace using the output information obtained by understanding and predicting the traffic flow in the airport airspace, and it is expected that continuous descent operations will become easier to utilize.

[0205] In situations requiring continuous climb operations, it becomes possible to operate along an efficient climb trajectory based on highly accurate atmospheric forecast information. Under regulations regarding altitude and speed for climb methods, conventionally, it was common practice to climb to a predetermined airspeed or below, regardless of atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, climbs often involved step-by-step paths, which was inefficient. In contrast, the information processing device 100 can acquire climb routes that allow for efficient ascent at different altitudes, based on meteorological information measured most recently by other aircraft 820, 830, etc., and output them as output information.

[0206] (Short-circuit path setting support)

[0207] The information processing device 100 can output output information (Direct-to information) for changing the course of the target aircraft 810 in flight and flying along a short-circuit route. In this case, the output information may include, for example, recommended route information that includes information about the short-circuit route, information about the set altitude, and information about the transition speed.

[0208] Output information for flying a shortcut route can be performed, for example, as follows: The route information acquisition unit 151 acquires candidate recommended route information, including information about the shortcut route, information about the set altitude, and information about the transition speed, from the candidate information acquisition unit 153. Then, the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires recommended route information for each candidate based on the score acquired by the route evaluation unit 155. The output unit 161 outputs output information based on the acquired recommended route information.

[0209] The candidate information acquisition unit 153 takes as input information, for example, equipment characteristic information, the history of the target aircraft 810's position information, the target aircraft 810's flight information, information about the target aircraft 810's flight status, weather information, i.e., past weather information and atmospheric forecast information, position forecast information, and fuel consumption information. Using this input information and pre-prepared learning information, it acquires candidate recommended route information (information about the trajectory) as acquired information. In addition, the acquired information may be used to perform calculations or make judgments based on other criteria, etc., to output information that can be used to acquire candidates.

[0210] Figure 12 illustrates a specific example of the operation of the path information acquisition unit 151 when setting a short-circuit path in the information processing device 100.

[0211] Figure 12 shows specific examples of input information and acquired information used for obtaining candidate routes for flying along a short-circuit path. By using the input information, which includes each attribute value, and the learned information, the route information acquisition unit 151 can output each attribute value of the acquired information.

[0212] As shown in Figure 12, for example, attribute values ​​such as aircraft name, aircraft type, aircraft characteristics, and engine type may be used as equipment characteristic information. For example, attribute values ​​such as departure and arrival locations, departure and arrival times, planned arrival locations, planned arrival times, and planned flight paths may be used as flight information for the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, and altitude may be used as location information history for the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as mode (climbing, flying, descending, etc.), aircraft weight, aircraft center of gravity position, flight speed, flight Mach number, climb / descent speed, bank angle, pitch angle, and flight acceleration may be used as information about the flight status of the target aircraft 810. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, wind, temperature, pressure, weather, and turbulence intensity may be used as weather information. For example, attribute values ​​such as date and time, latitude, longitude, altitude, and aircraft type may be used as location prediction information. For example, attribute values ​​such as fuel consumption rate may be used as fuel consumption information. As information about the candidates that are acquired, attribute values ​​such as the short-circuit path, set altitude, and transition speed may be used.

[0213] When recommended route information for flying along a short-circuit path is obtained and output information is output, the user can utilize the information processing device 100 in the following procedure.

[0214] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of using the short-circuit path setting support function in the information processing device 100.

[0215] (Step S191) Before the flight, the user inputs the flight plan for the target aircraft 810. The information processing device 100's self-aircraft information acquisition unit 141 acquires the input information.

[0216] (Step S192) Before the flight, the information processing device 100 uses the input information and other acquired information to output output information regarding the short-circuit route to a terminal device 600 used by the flight operations manager, etc. The flight operations manager and the pilot of the target aircraft 810 can use the output information for briefing.

[0217] (Step S193) During flight, especially during cruising, the information processing device 100 acquires position information of the target aircraft 810. The route information acquisition unit 151 then acquires candidate short-circuit routes and repeatedly determines whether or not they meet predetermined conditions.

[0218] (Step S194) During cruising, if the route information acquisition unit 151 acquires a short-circuit route that satisfies predetermined conditions, output information regarding the short-circuit route is output from the information processing device 100 to the terminal device 600. Here, for example, the output information is output to and displayed on an electronic flight bag that can be viewed by the pilot.

[0219] (Step S195) The pilot reviews the output information and decides whether to change course. If a course change is necessary, the pilot requests a course change (Direct-to) from ATC, and if approved, changes the route of aircraft 810.

[0220] (Step S196) During cruising, the sequence from Step S193 to Step S195 is repeated. When cruising ends, the use of the short-circuit route setting support function is completed.

[0221] Since this shortcut route setting support function is available, this embodiment offers the following specific advantages. Specifically, it becomes possible to easily apply for a shortcut route flight when possible, allowing for efficient operation of the target aircraft 810. Conventionally, it has always been possible to apply for a shortcut route flight depending on traffic flow, weather, etc., but doing so on a case-by-case basis, taking various factors into consideration, relied heavily on the individual user's experience. Using the information processing device 100, output information is provided when a shortcut route flight is possible and efficient, taking into account the conditions of the own aircraft, other aircraft, and weather, etc., so users such as pilots can easily apply for an appropriate shortcut route flight.

[0222] Furthermore, it is believed that there are points along aircraft flight paths where applications for shortcut routes are more likely to be approved. In this embodiment, by generating learning information using information on past aircraft flight routes and information on past traffic flow in those cases, and by analyzing this information to set predetermined conditions, the information processing device 100 can recommend shortcut routes in points and situations where applications are more likely to be approved. Therefore, users will be able to fly shortcut routes even more easily.

[0223] As explained above, according to this embodiment, output information based on information about the aircraft's route is output, and the aircraft can be flown using this output information. Since route information that satisfies predetermined conditions is obtained, the aircraft can be flown efficiently. In other words, since route information that satisfies predetermined conditions is obtained, the aircraft can be flown in a way that achieves the intended objective.

[0224] In this embodiment, since route information is obtained using meteorological information, the aircraft can be flown efficiently according to the output information even if atmospheric conditions change. Meteorological information may include atmospheric forecast information predicted using atmospheric measurement information measured by a preceding aircraft. Route information can be obtained using atmospheric forecast information that is likely to be more accurate, and output information that allows the aircraft to be flown more efficiently can be output.

[0225] Furthermore, highly accurate fuel consumption and position prediction information can be used to obtain route information. Therefore, more reliable output information can be generated to fly the aircraft efficiently. By obtaining real-time route information based on information about the target aircraft and other aircraft under the latest conditions, as well as the latest weather information, more reliable output information can be generated to fly the aircraft efficiently.

[0226] In this embodiment, route information is obtained using airspace information. Therefore, output information can be obtained for routes that are actually flyable. Even if there are limited places where it is possible to deviate from normal, standard routes, output information corresponding to those deviations can be obtained.

[0227] The processing in this embodiment may be implemented by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. Alternatively, this software may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. The software that implements the information processing device 100 in this embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program is a program that is executed on the computer of the information processing device 100, and is a program that causes the computer of the information processing device 100 to function as a self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information about the status of the target aircraft, a other-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires other aircraft information about aircraft other than the target aircraft, a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information including information about atmospheric conditions, a route information acquisition unit that acquires information about the route of the target aircraft 810 that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the status information, other-aircraft information, and weather information, and an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit.

[0228] (others)

[0229] Figure 14 is an overview view of the computer system 800 in the above embodiment. Figure 15 is a block diagram of the same computer system 800.

[0230] These figures show the configuration of a computer that executes the program described herein to realize the information processing device and the like of the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be realized with computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon.

[0231] The computer system 800 includes a computer 801 with a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 802, a mouse 803, and a monitor 804.

[0232] Computer 801 includes, in addition to a CD-ROM drive 8012, an MPU 8013, a bus 8014 connected to the CD-ROM drive 8012, a ROM 8015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, a RAM 8016 connected to the MPU 8013 for temporarily storing instructions for application programs and providing temporary storage space, and a hard disk 8017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 801 may further include a network card for providing connectivity to a LAN.

[0233] The program that causes the computer system 800 to execute the functions of the information processing device, etc., of the above-described embodiment may be stored on CD-ROM 8101, inserted into CD-ROM drive 8012, and then transferred to hard disk 8017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to computer 801 via a network (not shown) and stored on hard disk 8017. The program is loaded into RAM 8016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from CD-ROM 8101 or the network.

[0234] The program does not necessarily have to include an operating system (OS) or third-party program that causes the computer 801 to execute the functions of the information processing device, etc., of the embodiment described above. The program only needs to include the instruction portion that calls the appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains the desired result. How the computer system 800 operates is well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0235] In the above program, the transmission step for sending information and the reception step for receiving information do not include hardware-based processing, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0236] Furthermore, the computer running the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0237] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, two or more components present in a single device may be physically realized in a single medium.

[0238] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each process (each function) may be implemented by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by multiple devices (in this case, the entire system composed of multiple devices that perform distributed processing can be understood as a single "device").

[0239] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exchange of information between each component may, for example, be performed by outputting information from one component and receiving information from the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically different, or by moving from the processing phase corresponding to one component to the processing phase corresponding to the other component if the two components performing the information exchange are physically the same.

[0240] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information received, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, as well as information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or for a long period of time stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. The storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). The reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0241] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the information used in each component, such as thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, can be changed by the user, then, even if not explicitly stated in the above description, the user may be allowed to change such information as appropriate, or not. If the user can change such information, the change may be implemented, for example, by a receiving unit (not shown) that receives change instructions from the user and a changing unit (not shown) that changes the information in response to those change instructions. The receiving unit (not shown) may receive change instructions from an input device, receive information transmitted via a communication line, or receive information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0242] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible, which are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0243] Some of the components and functions in the above-described embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, in acquiring information such as route information, weather forecast information, location forecast information, and fuel consumption information, information different from the above-described information may be used, or none of the above-described information may be used.

[0244] Furthermore, the various types of information acquired by the information processing device 100 to output information regarding the target aircraft's route in the above-described embodiment may be made useful for other purposes. For example, a providing device may be configured to store the information acquired by the information processing device 100 and provide the stored information for the operation of other aircraft or for other purposes. By using such a providing device, useful information can be provided to others. Specifically, for example, the providing device may be configured to output position prediction information acquired by the other aircraft information acquisition unit 143 and atmospheric forecast information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 145 to other devices. [Industrial applicability]

[0245] As described above, the information processing device according to the present invention has the effect of being able to output information useful for efficiently flying an aircraft, and is therefore useful as an information processing device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0246] 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Storage Unit 111 Learning Information Storage Unit 115 Aircraft Information Storage Unit 117 Weather Information Storage Unit 120 Receiver 130 Reception Department 140 Processing Unit 141 Self-Information Acquisition Unit 142 Consumption information acquisition department 143 Other aircraft information acquisition section 144 Route prediction unit 145 Weather Information Acquisition Department 147 Airspace Information Acquisition Department 151 Route Information Acquisition Unit 153 Candidate information acquisition unit 155 Route Evaluation Unit 157 Result information acquisition part 159 Learning Information Generation Unit 161 Output section 163 Output Information Configuration Unit 170 Transmitter 600 terminal devices 810 Target aircraft 820 Related Aircraft 830 other aircraft 910, 920, 930 Information Server

Claims

1. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The aforementioned other aircraft information includes other aircraft information related to the flight of the aircraft, which was acquired by the other aircraft during its flight. The system further includes a weather information acquisition unit that acquires weather information, including information on atmospheric conditions, based on forecast information on atmospheric conditions related to the airspace in which the target aircraft is flying and the information acquired by other aircraft related to the said airspace. The route information acquisition unit is an information processing device that acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that satisfies the predetermined conditions, based on the weather information.

2. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, An information processing device wherein the predetermined conditions include at least conditions relating to the costs required for the maintenance of the target aircraft.

3. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, An information processing device wherein the predetermined conditions include at least conditions relating to the costs required for the maintenance of one or more predetermined related aircraft different from the target aircraft.

4. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information regarding the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The aforementioned other aircraft information includes information regarding the position of one or more other aircraft after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The aforementioned other aircraft information acquisition unit is an information processing device that acquires information on the position of one or more other aircraft after a predetermined time has elapsed, based on information on the position of each of those other aircraft.

5. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The aforementioned aircraft information acquisition unit is an information processing device that acquires the status information using at least one of the following: equipment characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the equipment of the target aircraft and operation history information relating to the operation history of the target aircraft.

6. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft each time a predetermined acquisition condition is met. The aforementioned predetermined acquisition conditions are being at a predetermined stage in the pre-flight process, a predetermined time has arrived, or a predetermined position and altitude has been reached, according to the information processing device.

7. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The output unit outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit whenever a predetermined output condition is met during the flight of the target aircraft. The predetermined output condition is that it has been detected that the target aircraft is flying a route different from the route corresponding to the output information, in the information processing device.

8. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The output unit outputs the output information in a predetermined notification manner different from the output manner when the notification conditions are not met, when the predetermined notification conditions regarding the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit are met. The aforementioned predetermined notification conditions are that there is a predetermined difference between the route information acquired this time and the previously acquired route information, or that the route information acquired this time requires a predetermined amount of change in the flight state from the current flight state of the target aircraft, in the information processing device.

9. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, The aforementioned predetermined conditions include conditions related to scores, The route information acquisition unit acquires a score corresponding to each of two or more candidate routes to be acquired based on the status information and the other device information, and acquires information about one or more routes based on the acquired scores, and is an information processing device.

10. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, An information processing device comprising an output unit that outputs output information based on information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, wherein the route information acquisition unit acquires recommended route information, in terms of heading, altitude, or speed, that the target aircraft is recommended to take, as information regarding the target aircraft's route.

11. When output information based on the recommended route information is output, the system further includes a result information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the flight results of the target aircraft based on the output information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the route information acquisition unit acquires information relating to the route of the target aircraft using the information acquired by the result information acquisition unit.

12. The information processing device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the output unit outputs flight setting information used for instrument flight of the target aircraft based on the recommended route information.

13. A self-aircraft information acquisition unit that acquires status information relating to the status of the target aircraft, A unit for acquiring information on other aircraft, which acquires information on other aircraft different from the aforementioned target aircraft, A route information acquisition unit acquires information regarding the route of the target aircraft that meets predetermined conditions based on the status information and the other aircraft information, The system comprises an output unit that outputs output information based on the information acquired by the route information acquisition unit, Information processing device, wherein the information relating to the aforementioned route includes at least one of an ascent profile and a descent profile through which the aircraft in question is recommended to pass.

14. The information processing device according to claim 13, wherein the information relating to the route includes target altitude information relating to the altitudes of two or more points in the ascending profile or descending profile.

15. An information processing method that causes a computer to perform all the processing performed by the information processing device described in any one of Claims 1 to 14.

16. Computers, A program for causing an information processing device to function as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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