Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To accurately identify the radio wave conditions emitted by base stations during a disaster. [Solution] The system includes a setting unit 131 that sets the flight route of the aircraft 2, a flight control unit that transmits flight route information indicating the flight route set by the setting unit 131 to the aircraft 2 and causes the aircraft 2 to fly based on the flight route, and a receiving unit 134 that receives from the aircraft 2 via a satellite station 5, which is a satellite that functions as a base station for wireless communication, radio wave strength information that correlates the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by a ground station 4, which is a base station for wireless communication on the ground, measured by the aircraft 2 while it is flying along the flight route, with the location where the radio wave strength was measured.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a base station of a wireless terminal has created an area map indicating an area where the wireless terminal can communicate. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that predicts the radio wave intensity of each of a plurality of base stations and creates an area map based on the predicted radio wave intensity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An area map is created based on the result of simulating the radio wave arrival situation in consideration of terrain and buildings. When a disaster such as an earthquake occurs, the base station may become unusable, the base station may tilt and the range where radio waves reach may change, or a building may collapse, resulting in a change in the radio wave reach range compared to when no disaster has occurred. Therefore, it is required to accurately identify the radio wave situation output by the base station during a disaster.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to accurately identify the radio wave situation output by the base station during a disaster.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a setting unit for setting a flight route for an aircraft; a flight control unit for transmitting flight route information indicating the flight route set by the setting unit to the aircraft and for causing the aircraft to fly based on the flight route; and a receiving unit for receiving radio wave intensity information from the aircraft via a satellite station, which is a satellite functioning as a base station for wireless communication, which associates the radio wave intensity of radio waves output by a ground station, which is a base station for wireless communication on the ground, measured by the aircraft while it is flying along the flight route, with the measurement location of the radio wave intensity.

[0007] The receiving unit may receive the radio wave strength information from the aircraft via the satellite station, which associates the radio wave strength, the measurement location of the radio wave strength, and ground station identification information for identifying the ground station that emitted the radio wave corresponding to the radio wave strength.

[0008] The information processing device may further include an area identification unit that identifies an area in which wireless communication with at least one of one ground stations is possible, based on the radio wave intensity information corresponding to each of the plurality of measurement locations received by the receiving unit.

[0009] The receiving unit receives the radio wave strength information from the aircraft via the satellite station, which associates the radio wave strength, the measurement location of the radio wave strength, and ground station identification information for identifying the ground station that emitted the radio wave corresponding to the radio wave strength. The area identification unit may identify ground station identification information for identifying a target station, which is a ground station that is the target of the radio wave strength measurement, and, based on the radio wave strength information corresponding to the ground station identification information received by the receiving unit, identify a target station area, which is an area where communication with the target station is possible.

[0010] The information processing device may further include an evaluation unit that evaluates the operating status of the target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit. The information processing device may have a target station identification unit that identifies the target station to be restored based on the evaluation results of the operational status of the target station by the evaluation unit. The information processing device may have a planning unit that generates planning information indicating a recovery plan for the target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit.

[0011] The receiving unit may further receive from the aircraft via the satellite station an image of the ground captured by the aircraft while it is flying along the flight route, or explanatory information describing the ground shown in the image.

[0012] The setting unit may set the flight route based on the locations of one or more target stations, which are ground stations for which radio wave intensity is to be measured. The setting unit may set the flight route based on the location of the target station, which includes a specific base in an area where communication is possible under normal circumstances. The information processing device may have an instruction unit that instructs the aircraft to measure the radio wave intensity in the area of ​​the target station.

[0013] The setting unit may acquire area information indicating the disaster area, which is the area where the disaster has occurred, and set the flight route to fly over the disaster area. The setting unit may acquire area map information indicating an area where communication is possible by at least one of the multiple ground stations, assuming that the multiple ground stations are operating normally, and set the flight route based on the area indicated by the acquired area map information.

[0014] The setting unit may acquire area map information based on a simulation assuming that the multiple ground stations are operating normally, or area map information created based on the radio wave strength information when the multiple ground stations are operating normally, and set the flight route based on the area indicated by the acquired area map information.

[0015] The aircraft is provided with a port for the aircraft to land on, and the receiving unit may receive the radio wave strength information via the satellite station from the aircraft after it has landed at the port following the flight route.

[0016] The receiving unit may receive the radio wave strength information via the ground station if the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by the ground station, measured by the aircraft flying along the flight route at the measurement position, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and may receive the radio wave strength information via the satellite station if the radio wave strength is below the predetermined threshold. The flight control unit may perform flight control of the aircraft via the satellite station.

[0017] The setting unit may identify the starting position and flight speed of each of the multiple aircraft, and based on the starting position and flight speed of each of the multiple aircraft, and the positions of multiple target stations which are ground stations that are the targets for measuring radio wave strength and which include at least one of a certain number of bases as a communication area under normal circumstances, it may set the flight route for each of the multiple aircraft so that the time required for measuring radio wave strength in multiple areas is relatively shortened.

[0018] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an information processing method which includes the steps of: setting a flight route for an aircraft, which is performed by a computer; transmitting flight route information indicating the set flight route to the aircraft and causing the aircraft to fly based on the flight route; and receiving from the aircraft, via a satellite station which is a satellite functioning as a base station for wireless communication, radio wave intensity information which associates the radio wave intensity of radio waves output by a ground station which is a base station for wireless communication on the ground, measured by the aircraft while it is flying along the flight route, with the location where the radio wave intensity was measured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, the conditions of radio waves emitted by base stations can be accurately identified in the event of a disaster. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the overview of an information processing device. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a recovery plan formulated by a planning unit. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing the flow of processing related to an information processing apparatus.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [Overview of Information Processing Apparatus 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 is a computer that can communicate with an aircraft 2, a ground station 4 and a satellite station 5 as a base station, and receives radio intensity information indicating the radio intensity of the ground station 4 measured by the aircraft 2.

[0022] The aircraft 2 has, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) function, can measure its own position, and is a drone that can fly autonomously based on the position. The aircraft 2 is stored in port 3 during standby. The ground station 4 is a base station for wireless communication such as a mobile phone line such as an LTE (Long Term Evolution) line or a 5G (5th Generation) line provided on the ground. The satellite station 5 is a satellite such as STARLINK (registered trademark) that functions as a base station for wireless communication such as a mobile phone line, and can communicate with the aircraft 2 even in an area where the radio waves of the ground station 4 do not reach.

[0023] When receiving radio intensity information from the aircraft 2, the information processing apparatus 1 sets the flight route of the aircraft 2 ((1) in FIG. 1). The information processing apparatus 1 transmits flight route information indicating the set flight route to the aircraft 2 ((2) in FIG. 1), and makes the aircraft 2 fly based on the flight route.

[0024] While flying along its flight path, the aircraft 2 measures the signal strength of the radio waves emitted by the ground station 4 (Figure 1, (3)). The aircraft 2 transmits signal strength information, which associates the measured signal strength with the location where the signal strength was measured, to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5 (Figure 1, (4)). The information processing device 1 receives the signal strength information from the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5.

[0025] In this way, even if the ground station 4 becomes unusable due to a disaster such as an earthquake, and the range of radio waves from the ground station 4 changes compared to when no disaster occurs, the information processing device 1 can acquire radio wave strength information indicating the radio wave strength measured by the aircraft 2, thereby accurately identifying the radio wave conditions emitted by the ground station 4 during a disaster.

[0026] [Functional configuration of the information processing device 1] Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0027] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for sending and receiving data with the aircraft 2, etc., via a communication network such as a mobile phone line. The memory unit 12 is a storage medium for storing various types of data, and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk, and SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 12 stores programs to be executed by the control unit 13. For example, the memory unit 12 stores programs that cause the control unit 13 to function as a setting unit 131, a flight control unit 132, an instruction unit 133, a receiving unit 134, an area identification unit 135, an evaluation unit 136, a target station identification unit 137, a planning unit 138, and an output unit 139.

[0028] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing a program stored in the memory unit 12, the control unit 13 functions as a setting unit 131, a flight control unit 132, an instruction unit 133, a receiving unit 134, an area identification unit 135, an evaluation unit 136, a target station identification unit 137, a planning unit 138, and an output unit 139.

[0029] The setting unit 131 sets the flight route of the aircraft 2. For example, the setting unit 131 sets the flight route of the aircraft 2 based on the location of one or more target stations, which are ground stations 4 that are to be measured for radio wave intensity.

[0030] Specifically, the configuration unit 131 acquires area map information indicating the area where communication is possible by at least one of the multiple ground stations 4, assuming that the multiple ground stations 4 are operating normally. The target stations are selected appropriately, for example, depending on the disaster situation. For example, fewer target stations are selected when the scale of the disaster is large compared to when the scale of the disaster is small. The target stations may also be selected based on whether or not they include specific locations such as evacuation sites or government offices where disaster response headquarters are set up.

[0031] Area map information is, for example, area map information based on a simulation assuming that multiple target stations are operating normally, or area map information created in advance based on radio wave strength information showing the radio wave strength measured by aircraft 2 when multiple target stations are operating normally.

[0032] The setting unit 131 sets a flight route that flies over locations where radio waves generated by at least one of the multiple target stations can reach, based on the area indicated by the acquired area map information. For example, based on the area map information, the setting unit 131 sets a flight route that flies near the boundary between the area where radio waves can reach and the area where they cannot, as this is a location where it is difficult to determine whether or not the radio waves from the target stations can reach.

[0033] The setting unit 131 may also set a flight route based on the location of the target station, which includes a specific base in an area where communication is possible under normal circumstances. In this case, the setting unit 131 may set a flight route that flies within a predetermined range from the specific base. By doing so, the information processing device 1 can cause the aircraft 2 to measure the radio wave strength at the ground station 4, which is preferably maintained in a state where communication is possible during a disaster.

[0034] The setting unit 131 may also acquire disaster information indicating the disaster area where a disaster has occurred and set a flight route to fly over the disaster area. For example, the setting unit 131 identifies target stations that are pre-installed in the disaster area and are to be used to measure radio wave strength. The setting unit 131 then sets a flight route to fly over an area where communication is possible, assuming that the identified target stations are operating normally.

[0035] The setting unit 131 generates flight route information indicating the set flight route. For example, the setting unit 131 generates flight route information that includes the flight order of each of the multiple flight positions in which the aircraft 2 flies, latitude and longitude information indicating the flight position, and altitude information indicating the flight altitude. The setting unit 131 may also generate flight route information that includes the flight start time of the aircraft 2, the flight time for each of the multiple flight positions, and the flight end time.

[0036] The flight control unit 132 transmits flight route information, which indicates the flight route set by the setting unit 131, to the aircraft 2 and causes the aircraft 2 to fly based on the flight route. Upon receiving the flight route information, the aircraft 2 begins flying based on the flight route indicated by the flight route information.

[0037] The flight control unit 132 causes the aircraft 2 to fly based on the flight route by transmitting flight route information to the aircraft 2. However, it is not limited to this, and flight control of the aircraft 2 may also be performed via the satellite station 5. For example, the flight control unit 132 may transmit the flight position indicated by the flight route information to the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5 and cause the aircraft 2 to fly to that position. Alternatively, the flight control unit 132 may transmit return command information to port 3 to the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5 and cause the aircraft 2 to return to port 3. In this way, the information processing device 1 can appropriately cause the aircraft 2 to change its flight route even if a problem arises when the aircraft 2 flies along the flight route, for example, when a disaster relief helicopter starts flying.

[0038] The instruction unit 133 instructs the aircraft 2 to measure the radio wave strength in the area of ​​the target station by transmitting measurement instruction information to the aircraft 2, for example, before the aircraft 2 starts its flight, thereby instructing the aircraft 2 to measure the radio wave strength in the area of ​​the target station. The measurement instruction information may include, for example, information indicating the interval between radio wave strength measurements and measurement location information indicating the measurement locations where the radio wave strength will be measured. The aircraft 2 may then measure the radio wave strength at the interval indicated by the information indicating the interval included in the measurement instruction information, or at the measurement locations indicated by the measurement location information.

[0039] Furthermore, the instruction unit 133 may, for example, transmit transmission instruction information to the aircraft 2 before the aircraft 2 begins flight, instructing the aircraft 2 to transmit radio wave strength information. The transmission instruction information may include, for example, information instructing the aircraft to transmit radio wave strength information at the time the radio wave strength is measured. The instruction unit 133 may also transmit transmission instruction information to the aircraft 2 instructing the ground station 4 or satellite station 5 to transmit the radio wave strength information. In this case, the transmission instruction information may include information instructing the aircraft to transmit the radio wave strength information via the ground station 4 if it is determined that the measured radio wave strength of the ground station 4 is above a predetermined threshold, and to transmit the radio wave strength information via the satellite station 5 if it is determined that the radio wave strength is below the predetermined threshold.

[0040] During flight, the aircraft 2 receives radio waves emitted by ground station 4, measures the signal strength of the received radio waves, and obtains a ground station ID (Identification) contained in the radio waves, which is ground station identification information for identifying ground station 4 that emitted the radio waves.

[0041] In response to measuring radio wave intensity, the aircraft 2 transmits radio wave intensity information to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5 in real time. This information includes the measured radio wave intensity, measurement location information indicating the location where the radio wave intensity was measured, and the ground station ID of the ground station 4 that emitted the radio wave corresponding to the radio wave intensity.

[0042] Furthermore, the aircraft 2 may measure radio wave intensity and also image the ground using an imaging unit installed on it. The aircraft 2 may then associate the image of the ground with the imaging location indicating the location where the image was taken and transmit this information to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5.

[0043] Alternatively, instead of transmitting the captured image, the aircraft 2 may transmit information describing the ground conditions shown in the captured image to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5. In this case, the aircraft 2 may, for example, analyze the captured image, generate explanatory information describing the ground conditions shown in the captured image, and transmit this explanatory information to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5 as information describing the ground conditions shown in the captured image.

[0044] Furthermore, the aircraft 2 transmits radio wave strength information to the information processing device 1 via the satellite station 5, but is not limited to this. When the aircraft 2 receives transmission instruction information from the information processing device 1 instructing it to transmit radio wave strength information via the ground station 4 or the satellite station 5, it determines at the time of measuring the radio wave strength whether the measured radio wave strength of the ground station 4 is above a predetermined threshold. If the aircraft 2 determines that the measured radio wave strength of the ground station 4 is above a predetermined threshold, it may transmit the radio wave strength information via the ground station 4. If the aircraft 2 determines that the radio wave strength is below a predetermined threshold, it may transmit the radio wave strength information via the satellite station 5. In this way, the aircraft 2 can reduce power consumption by communicating via the ground station 4 when stable communication is possible via the ground station 4, compared to communicating via the satellite station 5.

[0045] The receiving unit 134 receives radio wave strength information from the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5, which associates the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by the ground station 4, the location where the radio wave strength was measured, and the ground station ID of the ground station 4, as measured by the aircraft 2 while it is flying along the flight route.

[0046] Furthermore, when the aircraft 2 takes images of the ground, the receiving unit 134 may receive the images of the ground taken by the aircraft 2 while it is flying along its flight route, or explanatory information describing the ground shown in the images, from the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5. In this way, the information processing device 1 can provide, for example, the images of the ground or the explanatory information to its user, allowing the user to understand the extent of the damage on the ground caused by the disaster.

[0047] The receiving unit 134 may also receive radio wave strength information from the aircraft 2 that has landed on port 3 via the satellite station 5. In this way, the aircraft 2 transmits radio wave strength information in port 3, which is a stable environment, so the information processing device 1 can stably receive the radio wave strength information.

[0048] Furthermore, if the instruction unit 133 transmits transmission instruction information to the aircraft 2 instructing the ground station 4 or satellite station 5 to transmit radio wave strength information, the receiving unit 134 may receive radio wave strength information from the aircraft 2 via the ground station 4 or satellite station 5. For example, if the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by the ground station 4, measured by the aircraft 2 while flying along the flight route at a measurement position, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the receiving unit 134 may receive radio wave strength information via the ground station 4, and if the radio wave strength is below the predetermined threshold, the receiving unit 134 may receive radio wave strength information via the satellite station 5.

[0049] The area identification unit 135 identifies an area where wireless communication with at least one of the ground stations 4 is possible, based on radio wave strength information corresponding to each of the multiple flight positions received by the receiving unit 134. For example, the area identification unit 135 identifies a ground station ID to identify the target station, which is the ground station 4 whose radio wave strength is to be measured. Then, based on the radio wave strength information corresponding to the said ground station ID received by the receiving unit 134, the area identification unit 135 identifies a target station area, which is an area where communication with the target station is possible.

[0050] The area identification unit 135 identifies the area in which the target station can communicate wirelessly by, for example, estimating the radio wave strength of the target station at a location where radio wave strength cannot be measured, based on the relationship between the location of the target station and the radio wave strength of the radio waves emitted by the target station, as indicated by the radio wave strength information corresponding to each of the multiple flight positions received by the receiving unit 134.

[0051] The area identification unit 135 identifies the area where wireless communication is possible with at least one of the target stations by identifying the target station area for each of the one or more target stations.

[0052] The evaluation unit 136 evaluates the operational status of the target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135. For example, the evaluation unit 136 identifies the size of the target station area under normal conditions, as well as the size of the area identified by the area identification unit 135. The evaluation unit 136 evaluates the operational status of the target station by calculating a score that indicates the operational status of the target station based on the comparison result between the size of the target station area under normal conditions and the size of the area identified by the area identification unit 135. For example, the evaluation unit 136 calculates the score such that the smaller the size of the area identified by the area identification unit 135 is compared to the size of the target station area under normal conditions, the lower the score will be.

[0053] Furthermore, if a specific base is located within a predetermined range from the location of the target station, the evaluation unit 136 may calculate a score based on whether or not that specific base is included in the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135 for the target station. In this case, the evaluation unit 136 may calculate a score such that the score is lower if the specific base is not included in the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135.

[0054] The target station identification unit 137 identifies the target stations to be restored based on the evaluation results of the operational status of the target stations by the evaluation unit 136. For example, the target station identification unit 137 identifies a predetermined number of target stations from among several target stations whose scores calculated by the evaluation unit 136 are lower than a predetermined score as target stations to be restored.

[0055] The planning unit 138 generates recovery plan information showing the recovery plan for a target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135. For example, for a target station to be restored identified by the target station identification unit 137, if the target station area in a specific direction from the location of the target station is narrow, the planning unit 138 formulates a recovery plan to adjust the orientation and tilt angle of the antenna installed at the target station so that the target station area expands in that direction, and generates recovery plan information showing the said recovery plan.

[0056] Furthermore, if a specific base station is located within a predetermined range from the target station to be restored, the target station identification unit 137 may generate recovery plan information indicating a flight plan to fly a mobile base station, such as an aircraft, near the target station.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example of a recovery plan formulated by the Planning Department 138. As shown in Figure 3(a), it is assumed that the target station area A of ground station 4 has been identified as the target station when the disaster occurs. In this case, it can be confirmed that the specific base B is not included in the target station area A. The Planning Department 138 identifies the target station area A under normal conditions as shown in Figure 3(b), and estimates the degree of inclination of the target station in the target station area A when the disaster occurs.

[0058] The planning unit 138 then performs a simulation of changing the orientation and tilt angle of the antenna installed at the target station, taking into account the inclination of the target station in area A. The planning unit 138 then estimates the orientation and tilt angle of the antenna when area A of the target station comes to include a specific base B, as shown in Figure 3(c). The planning unit 138 then generates recovery plan information that shows a recovery plan to adjust the orientation and tilt angle of the antenna installed at the target station.

[0059] The output unit 139 outputs the recovery plan information generated by the planning unit 138. For example, the output unit 139 outputs the recovery plan information to the terminal (not shown) of the user using the information processing device 1. The output unit 139 may also output to the user's terminal information indicating the target station to be recovered as identified by the target station identification unit 137, or area information indicating the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135.

[0060] [Processing flow in information processing device 1] Next, we will explain the processing flow in the information processing device 1. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow related to the information processing device 1.

[0061] First, the setting unit 131 sets the flight route for the aircraft 2 (S1). Next, the instruction unit 133 instructs the aircraft 2 to measure the radio wave intensity in the area of ​​the target station by transmitting measurement instruction information to the aircraft 2, for example, before the aircraft 2 starts flying (S2).

[0062] Next, the flight control unit 132 transmits flight route information indicating the flight route set by the setting unit 131 to the aircraft 2 (S3), and causes the aircraft 2 to fly based on the flight route.

[0063] Next, the receiving unit 134 receives radio wave strength information from the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5, which associates the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by the ground station 4, the measurement location of the radio wave strength, and the ground station ID of the ground station 4, as measured by the aircraft 2 while it is flying along the flight route (S4).

[0064] The area identification unit 135 identifies an area where wireless communication with at least one of the one or more ground stations 4 is possible as a target station area, based on the radio wave strength information corresponding to each of the multiple flight positions received by the receiving unit 134 (S5). Subsequently, the evaluation unit 136 evaluates the operational status of the target stations based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135 (S6).

[0065] Next, the target station identification unit 137 identifies the target stations to be restored based on the evaluation results of the operational status of the target stations by the evaluation unit 136 (S7). Next, the planning unit 138 generates restoration plan information showing the restoration plan for the target stations based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit 135 (S8). Next, the output unit 139 outputs the restoration plan information generated by the planning unit 138 (S9).

[0066] [Differentiation] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 1 sets the flight route for one aircraft 2 and has the aircraft 2 measure the radio wave intensity, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device 1 may set the flight route for each of multiple aircraft 2 and have the aircraft 2 measure the radio wave intensity.

[0067] In this case, the setting unit 131 identifies the flight start position and flight speed of each of the multiple aircraft 2. Based on the flight start position, flight speed, and location of the target station, the setting unit 131 sets the flight routes for each of the multiple aircraft 2 so that the time required to measure radio wave intensity in multiple areas corresponding to the multiple target stations is relatively shortened. In this case, the target station may be a ground station 4 that is the target of radio wave intensity measurement and whose communication area includes at least one of a specific number of locations under normal circumstances.

[0068] The flight control unit 132 then transmits flight route information indicating the set flight route to each of the multiple aircraft 2, and the instruction unit 133 instructs each of the multiple aircraft 2 to measure the radio wave strength. The receiving unit 134 receives radio wave strength information from each of the multiple aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5, which associates the radio wave strength of the radio waves output by the ground station 4 measured by each of the multiple aircraft 2, the location where the radio wave strength was measured, and the ground station ID of the ground station 4. In this way, the information processing device 1 can quickly identify the status of the radio waves output by the target station in the event of a disaster or the like.

[0069] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the information processing device 1 sets the flight route for the aircraft 2, transmits flight route information indicating the said flight route to the aircraft 2, and causes the aircraft 2 to fly based on the said flight route. The information processing device 1 then receives from the aircraft 2 via the satellite station 5 radio wave strength information, which associates the radio wave strength of the radio waves emitted by the ground station 4, a wireless communication base station located on the ground, measured by the aircraft 2 while it is flying along the flight route, with the location where the radio wave strength was measured. In this way, the information processing device 1 can accurately identify the status of radio waves emitted by the base station in the event of a disaster.

[0070] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0071] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. For example, all or part of the apparatus can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating in any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations are combined with the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1. Flight control system 2 flying objects 3 ports 4 Ground stations 5 satellite stations 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Settings Section 132 Flight Control Unit 133 Instruction section 134 Receiving Unit 135 Area Specific Section 136 Evaluation Department 137 Target Station Identification Department 138 Planning Department 139 Output section

Claims

1. A setting unit for setting the flight route of an aircraft in the event of a disaster, A flight control unit transmits flight route information indicating the flight route set by the setting unit to the aircraft, and flies the aircraft based on the flight route. A receiving unit receives radio wave strength information from the aircraft, via a satellite station which functions as a radio wave base station, which associates the radio wave strength of the radio waves emitted by one or more target stations, which are ground-based radio communication base stations and are the target stations for measuring radio wave strength, with the location where the radio wave strength was measured, as measured by the aircraft while it is flying along the aforementioned flight route. It has, The setting unit selects one or more target stations according to the scale of the disaster, and sets the flight route based on the location of the selected one or more target stations. Information processing device.

2. The setting unit selects fewer target stations when the scale of the disaster is large compared to when the scale of the disaster is small. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The receiving unit receives the radio wave strength information from the aircraft via the satellite station, which associates the radio wave strength, the measurement location of the radio wave strength, and ground station identification information for identifying the ground station that emitted the radio wave corresponding to the radio wave strength. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The receiving unit further includes an area identification unit that identifies an area where wireless communication is possible with at least one of the target stations, based on the radio wave strength information corresponding to each of the multiple measurement locations received by the receiving unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The receiving unit receives the radio wave strength information, which associates the radio wave strength, the measurement location of the radio wave strength, and ground station identification information for identifying the target station that emitted the radio wave corresponding to the radio wave strength, from the aircraft via the satellite station. The area identification unit identifies ground station identification information for identifying the target station, and based on the radio wave strength information corresponding to the ground station identification information received by the receiving unit, it identifies the target station area, which is an area where communication with the target station is possible. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The area identification unit has an evaluation unit that evaluates the operating status of the target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. Based on the evaluation results of the operational status of the target station by the evaluation unit, the system has a target station identification unit that identifies the target station to be restored. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The area identification unit has a planning unit that generates planning information indicating a recovery plan for the target station based on the target station area identified by the area identification unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The receiving unit further receives from the aircraft via the satellite station a ground image captured by the aircraft while it is flying along the flight route, or explanatory information describing the ground shown in the captured image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The setting unit sets the flight route based on the location of the target station, which includes a specific base in an area where communication is possible under normal circumstances. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The aircraft has an instruction unit that instructs the aircraft to measure the radio wave intensity in the area of ​​the target station, The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The setting unit acquires area information indicating the disaster area, which is the area where the disaster occurred, and sets the flight route to fly over the disaster area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The setting unit acquires area map information indicating an area where communication is possible by at least one of the multiple ground stations, assuming that the multiple ground stations are operating normally, and sets the flight route based on the area indicated by the acquired area map information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The setting unit acquires area map information based on a simulation assuming that the multiple ground stations are operating normally, or area map information created based on the radio wave strength information when the multiple ground stations are operating normally, and sets the flight route based on the area indicated by the acquired area map information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13.

15. The aforementioned aircraft is provided with a port for the aircraft to land on, The receiving unit receives the radio wave strength information via the satellite station from the aircraft that has landed at the port after flying along the flight route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

16. The receiving unit receives the radio wave strength information via the target station if the radio wave strength of the radio waves emitted by the target station, measured by the aircraft flying along the flight route at the measurement position, exceeds a predetermined threshold, and receives the radio wave strength information via the satellite station if the radio wave strength is below the predetermined threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

17. The flight control unit performs flight control of the aircraft via the satellite station. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

18. The setting unit identifies the flight start position and flight speed of each of the multiple aircraft, and sets the flight route for each of the multiple aircraft based on the flight start position and flight speed of each of the multiple aircraft, and the positions of multiple target stations that include at least one of a certain number of bases as a communication area under normal circumstances, so as to shorten the time required to measure radio wave intensity in multiple areas. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

19. A computer executes Steps to set the flight route of an aircraft in the event of a disaster, The steps include transmitting flight route information indicating the set flight route to the aircraft and flying the aircraft based on the flight route, The steps include receiving radio wave strength information from the aircraft, via a satellite station which functions as a radio wave base station, which correlates the radio wave strength of the radio waves emitted by one or more target stations, which are ground-based radio communication base stations and are the target stations for measuring radio wave strength, with the location where the radio wave strength was measured, as measured by the aircraft while it is flying along the aforementioned flight route, It has, In the setting step, the computer selects one or more target stations according to the scale of the disaster and sets the flight route based on the locations of the selected one or more target stations. Information processing methods.

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