Operating equipment, operating method, and program

Abstract

To provide an operation device etc. capable of objectively reporting that a mobile body is being formally operated.SOLUTION: An operation device 11 includes a permission information acquisition section 111, a certification information generation section 112, and an origination section 113. The permission information acquisition section 111 acquires permission information which indicates that an operator has received a permission on an operation of a predetermined mobile body. The certification information generation section 112 generates certification information based on the received permission information and information for identifying the operator. The origination section 113 originates certification information so as to enable others to recognize via a predetermined communication line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device, an operating method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] The use of drones (also referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), etc.) is expanding. Along with this, proposals for smoothly utilizing drones have been made.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uniquely identifies various interacting components (such as UAVs) and related parties (users, owners, etc.) and supports the registration, management, and authentication of components for the above-mentioned related parties.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for using an authentication system to confirm UAV and user identification information and providing secure communication between the user and the UAV.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for authenticating a combination of a registered account identifier and a password in response to an authentication request for the combination.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for storing operation permission information received from an unmanned aircraft operation management means, receiving desired movement route information from an operation terminal, and transmitting movement route information determined to match the operation permission information to the unmanned aircraft when the desired movement route information matches the operation permission information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0008] Incidentally, when operating a drone, it may be required that the person operating the drone (i.e., the operator) obtain prior permission for operation from a designated organization, group, or local government. However, even if the operator has obtained permission or is operating the drone legally, there is no objective way to determine whether or not it is legal.

[0009] In light of the aforementioned issues, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an operating device, etc., that can objectively notify that a drone is officially in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The operating device described herein comprises a permission information acquisition unit, a certification information generation unit, and a transmission unit. The permission information acquisition unit acquires permission information indicating that the operator has been authorized to operate a specified mobile object. The certification information generation unit generates certification information based on the received permission information and information identifying the operator. The transmission unit transmits the certification information in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line.

[0011] The operating method described herein involves an operating device owned by an operator operating a specified mobile vehicle performing the following steps: The operating device obtains permission information indicating that it is authorized to operate the mobile vehicle. The operating device generates certification information based on the received permission information and information identifying the operator. The operating device transmits the certification information in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line.

[0012] The program according to the present disclosure causes an operating device possessed by an operator who operates a predetermined moving body to execute the following operating method. The operating device acquires permission information indicating that it has received permission to operate the moving body. The operating device generates certification information based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator. The operating device transmits the certification information so that it can be recognized by others via a predetermined communication line.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an operating device or the like that can objectively notify that the drone is being officially operated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of an operating device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart of an operating method according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a system configuration diagram including an operating device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram of an operating device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of an other terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing permission information. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing certification information. [Figure 8] It is a first diagram showing an example of the display of certification information. [Figure 9] It is a second diagram showing an example of the display of certification information. [Figure 10] It is a system configuration diagram including an operating device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram of an operating device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram of a permission device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] It is a sequence diagram executed by the operating device and the permission device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 14] It is a sequence diagram executed by the operation device according to Embodiment 3 and another terminal. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0016] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operation device according to Embodiment 1. The operation device 11 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for operating a predetermined moving body. The moving body in the present disclosure is, for example, a moving body that moves by remote control or a moving body that moves autonomously under predetermined management. More specifically, the moving body may include an unmanned aircraft, an autonomous driving vehicle, an autonomous mobile robot, and other ships, construction vehicles, walking robots, etc. that move by remote operation or autonomous movement.

[0017] The operation device 11 has a function of indicating to others that the person operating the moving body has received permission to operate the moving body. The main components of the operation device 11 include a permission information acquisition unit 111, a certification information generation unit 112, and a transmission unit 113. The operation device 11 may have a function of controlling the moving body.

[0018] The permission information acquisition unit 111 acquires permission information indicating that the operator has been granted permission to operate a specified mobile object. The permission information is issued by the governing body or other entity that oversees the operation of the mobile object in the space in which the mobile object moves. The permission information may include information regarding the time, place, and operator of the operation. The permission information may include aircraft information for identifying the mobile object being operated. The permission information acquisition unit 111 may, for example, acquire this permission information via a communication line from a permission device managed by the governing body. Alternatively, the permission information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the permission information via a specified non-volatile information medium.

[0019] The certification information generation unit 112 generates certification information. Certification information is information used to prove to others that the operator is operating the mobile vehicle with official permission. In other words, the certification information includes content that allows others to recognize that the operator is operating the mobile vehicle with official permission. Therefore, the certification information includes at least a part of the permission information. The certification information also includes information that identifies the operator.

[0020] Information identifying the operator may include, for example, the operator's name or a predetermined unique identifier. Information identifying the operator may also include information about the operator's current location. Information identifying the operator may also include information linking the operator to the operating device 11. Furthermore, information identifying the operator may also be information identifying the operating device 11.

[0021] The transmitting unit 113 transmits certification information so that others can recognize it via a predetermined communication line. The predetermined communication line may be wired or wireless. The predetermined line may also be a line that directly connects communication terminals, or it may be a line that allows others to access the certification information via a predetermined network.

[0022] Next, the processes performed by the operating device 11 will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the operating method according to Embodiment 1. The processes shown in Figure 2 may be performed, for example, by the operation of an operator using the operating device 11.

[0023] First, the permission information acquisition unit 111 of the operating device 11 acquires permission information from a predetermined permission device indicating that it has been authorized to operate the mobile device (step S11). The permission information acquisition unit 111 supplies the acquired permission information to the certification information generation unit 112.

[0024] Next, the certification information generation unit 112 generates certification information from the permission information received from the permission information acquisition unit 111 and the information identifying the operator (step S12). Once the certification information generation unit 112 has generated the certification information, it supplies the generated certification information to the transmission unit 113.

[0025] Next, the transmitting unit 113 transmits the certification information received from the certification information generation unit 112 (step S13). At this time, the transmitting unit 113 transmits the certification information in a way that is recognizable to others. Once the operating device 11 transmits the certification information, it terminates the series of processes.

[0026] The processes performed by the operating device 11 have been described above. Through the processes described above, others can recognize that the operator has been formally authorized to operate the mobile vehicle. As a result, those using the operating device 11 can operate the mobile vehicle smoothly. Step S13 may be repeated.

[0027] The operating device according to Embodiment 1 has been described above. The operating device 11 also includes a processor and a storage device, although these are not shown in the diagram. The storage device of the operating device 11 includes, for example, a storage device that includes non-volatile memory such as flash memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive). In this case, the storage device of the operating device 11 stores a computer program (hereinafter also referred to simply as a program) for executing the above-described method. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into a buffer memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and executes the program.

[0028] Each component of the operating device 11 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of each component may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be implemented by a single chip or by multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of each component of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Furthermore, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array), etc., can be used as the processor. Note that the descriptions of the configurations described herein may also apply to other devices or systems described below in this disclosure.

[0029] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the operating device 11 are realized by multiple operating devices or circuits, these multiple operating devices or circuits may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the operating devices or circuits may be realized in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. Also, the functions of the operating device 11 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format. Moreover, the above method may be stored on a computer-readable medium in order for a computer to execute the above method.

[0030] The authorization information and certification information may include a predetermined electronic encryption, token, or NFT (Non-Fungible Token). This allows the operating device 11 to demonstrate to others that the certification information is legitimate.

[0031] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an operating device, etc., that can objectively notify that a mobile vehicle is officially in operation.

[0032] <Embodiment 2> Next, the operating device will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of the operating system 1 including the operating device according to Embodiment 2. The operating system 1 includes an operating device 12 and a mobile body 100. The operating device 12 is wirelessly connected to the mobile body 100 and controls the mobile body 100. The operator P1 of the mobile body 100 possesses the operating device 12 and operates the mobile body 100 by operating the operating device 12.

[0033] Furthermore, the operating device 12 can transmit authentication information to terminals owned by others (other-party terminals). In this case, the frequency band of the radio waves used to control the mobile body 100 and the frequency band used to transmit authentication information to other-party terminals may be the same or different. The frequency band used by the operating device 12 is, for example, the 2.4 gigahertz band. The operating device 12 may transmit the authentication information in the signal used to control the mobile body 100. Alternatively, the operating device 12 may transmit the authentication information from a different channel than the signal used to control the mobile body 100.

[0034] The other party's terminal 30 is a computer with wireless communication capabilities owned by user P2, who is another party. More specifically, the other party's terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, or tablet device. The other party's terminal 30 is configured to receive signals transmitted by the operating device 12.

[0035] In the above configuration, operator P1 operates the mobile unit 100 in accordance with the permitted conditions. At this time, operator P1 controls the mobile unit 100 and transmits certification information indicating that he is operating the mobile unit 100 with permission. The other party terminal 30 held by user P2 receives the signal transmitted by the operating device 12 and reads the certification information from the received signal. Furthermore, the other party terminal 30 displays the read certification information in a way that user P2 can recognize. In this way, in the operating system 1, operator P1 operating the mobile unit 100 transmits certification information and makes it recognizable to user P2.

[0036] Next, the operating device 12 will be further described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram of the operating device according to Embodiment 2. The operating device 12 mainly consists of a mobile control unit 110, a permission information acquisition unit 111, a certification information generation unit 112, a transmission unit 113, and a storage unit 120.

[0037] The mobile unit control unit 110 is responsible for controlling the mobile unit 100. The mobile unit control unit 110 may include an operation reception unit for the operator P1 to operate the mobile unit, and a transmission unit that transmits signals related to the received operations to the mobile unit 100.

[0038] The authorization information acquisition unit 111 acquires authorization information. The authorization information acquisition unit 111 may acquire this authorization information via a communication line from an authorization device managed by a designated governing body or the like. Alternatively, the authorization information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the authorization information via a designated non-volatile information medium. Once the authorization information acquisition unit 111 acquires the authorization information, it stores the acquired authorization information in the storage unit 120.

[0039] The certification information generation unit 112 generates certification information. When generating certification information, the certification information generation unit 112 according to this embodiment uses the unique identifier stored in the storage unit and the certification information. The unique identifier may be associated with the aircraft information of the mobile unit. The unique identifier may mean the unique identifier of the own unit, or it may mean the unique identifier of the operator P1 who uses the operating device 12. Here, "own unit" refers to the operating device 12 itself.

[0040] The transmitting unit 113 transmits authentication information so that it can be recognized by others via a predetermined communication line. The predetermined communication line in this embodiment is, for example, one that can directly transmit authentication information to a terminal held by another person. More specifically, the communication line used by the transmitting unit 113 may be Bluetooth®. The communication line used by the transmitting unit 113 may be Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Aware, or Wi-Fi Beacon using Wi-Fi. The communication line used by the transmitting unit 113 may also conform to other communication standards that can realize the above functions.

[0041] The transmitting unit 113 in this embodiment may control the transmission of certification information according to the content of the certification information. For example, the transmitting unit 113 may transmit certification information related to the permit during the time when the operation is permitted (permitted time), and suppress the transmission of certification information related to the permit during times when the operation is not permitted (outside of permitted time).

[0042] Furthermore, for example, the transmitting unit 113 may transmit certification information related to the permit if the operating device 12 is located within the area for which it has been permitted to operate (within the permitted area), and suppress the transmission of certification information related to the permit if the operating device 12 is located outside the area for which it has been permitted to operate (outside the permitted area).

[0043] Next, the other party terminal 30 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram of the other party terminal 30 according to Embodiment 2. The other party terminal 30 mainly consists of a network communication unit 311, a direct communication unit 312, a camera 313, a display unit 314, an operation reception unit 315, a control unit 316, and a storage unit 320.

[0044] The network communication unit 311 has a function for connecting to a predetermined network line. The network line to which the network communication unit 311 connects may be, for example, the internet, Ethernet, and public telephone lines. The network communication unit 311 may include an antenna for connecting to the network line, and circuits for encryption and decryption.

[0045] The direct communication unit 312 has functions for enabling communication with other devices capable of predetermined direct communication. Direct communication may be, for example, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Aware, or Wi-Fi Beacon using Wi-Fi. Direct communication may also conform to other communication standards that enable direct communication with other devices. The direct communication unit 312 may include antennas, transmitting and receiving circuits, etc., for communication with other devices.

[0046] The direct communication unit 312 in this embodiment receives certification information transmitted from the operating device 12. Upon receiving the certification information, the direct communication unit 312 supplies the received information to the control unit 316.

[0047] Camera 313 captures the scenery outside the other terminal 30 and generates image data related to the captured scenery. Camera 313 includes an objective lens, an image sensor, and an image processing circuit, etc.

[0048] The display unit 314 is a display device for presenting various information to another terminal 30. The display unit 314 includes a liquid crystal panel and organic electroluminescence.

[0049] The operation reception unit 315 receives operations from users using other terminals 30. The operation reception unit 315 may include, for example, buttons, switches, touch sensors, etc. The operation reception unit 315 may be a touch panel superimposed on the display unit 314 and function in cooperation with the display unit 314.

[0050] The control unit 316 receives signals from each component of the other terminal 30 as appropriate, processes the received signals, and issues instructions to each component. The control unit 316 includes computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The control unit 316 starts an application program stored in the memory unit 320 and executes predetermined processes according to this application program. As one specific process, when the control unit 316 receives certification information from the operating device 12, it displays the received certification information.

[0051] The storage unit 320 is a storage device that includes non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory. The storage unit 320 stores at least a predetermined application program. The predetermined application program is a program for displaying certification information received from the operating device 12.

[0052] Next, we will explain the permission information with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the permission information. The permission information shown in Figure 6 includes the permission number, time, location, operator identification number, operator's name, aircraft information, etc.

[0053] The permit number is a number assigned to each permit by the governing body that manages the approval or rejection of operations. The time refers to the duration of the operation covered by the permit, including, for example, the start time and end time of the operation. In other words, a permitted operator can operate the vehicle during the period between the start time and the end time of the operation.

[0054] The location is information indicating the area where the permitted operation takes place. Figure 6 shows the latitude and longitude of two points. In this case, the area where operation is permitted is defined by a rectangle formed by the diagonal line connecting the two points. The location may also be defined by a name of the location or by a pre-defined area. The location may include altitude. The location may also include information about areas where operation is prohibited.

[0055] The operator identification number is, for example, a number used to identify the operator. The operator's name may be the name of an individual operator or the name of a corporation. The aircraft information may include the aircraft's identification number, model name, and other functions and performance related to the operation permit.

[0056] The above explains the authorization information, but the authorization information is not limited to what is described above. The authorization information may include multiple times and locations for authorization. For example, the location may change depending on the time. The authorization information may also include a remote ID (ID = Identifier).

[0057] A remote ID is information used to identify a mobile object, such as a drone, from a distance. A remote ID may include information that identifies the mobile object, such as a registration number, serial number, location information, and time. However, a remote ID is not limited to this information and may also include information representing the operating status of the mobile object.

[0058] Next, we will explain the certification information with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the certification information. The certification information may include at least a part of the permit information. For example, the certification information may include the permitted operating hours and permitted locations.

[0059] The certification information includes a unique identifier in addition to the authorization information. The unique identifier is information that identifies the device as the operating device 12. The unique identifier may also include the aircraft information of the mobile device and the identification information of the operator.

[0060] The certification information may also include information about the current time and current location. The current time is the time at which the certification information is generated. The current location is the position at the time the certification information is generated, and may include, for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude.

[0061] The above describes an example of certification information. The operating device 12 may transmit the certification information while updating it at predetermined intervals.

[0062] Next, an example of how certification information is displayed will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is the first diagram showing an example of how certification information is displayed. Figure 8 shows the display unit 314 of another person's terminal 30. The display unit 314 is displaying a map image G10. The map image G10 includes icons G11 and information display G12.

[0063] Icon G11 is an icon that indicates a specific location on the map. Icon G11 indicates the location of operator P1 included in the certification information received by the other terminal 30.

[0064] Information display G12 shows at least some of the textual information of the certification information associated with icon G11. For example, information display G12 shown in Figure 8 shows the information "Authorized Operator" and "Registration Number ***".

[0065] In this way, the other party's terminal 30 displays the location of the operating device 12 on its display unit 314 based on the location information of the operating device 12 included in the certification information. The other party's terminal 30 can also display predetermined information included in the certification information obtained from the operating device 12 on the display unit 314. User P2 using the other party's terminal 30 can recognize the location of the operator P1 by looking at the display unit 314. User P2 can also recognize that operator P1 is a person who is officially authorized to operate a mobile vehicle.

[0066] Next, with reference to Figure 9, the display method of the certification information will be further explained. Figure 9 is a second diagram showing an example of the display of certification information. The display unit 314 shown in Figure 9 displays a camera image G20 in which predetermined information is superimposed on an image taken by the camera 313 of the other terminal 30. The operator P1 is displayed in the center of the camera image G20. In other words, the camera image G20 indicates that user P2 is taking a picture of operator P1 with the camera 313 of the other terminal 30.

[0067] Furthermore, the camera image G20 includes an icon G21 and an information display G12. Icon G21 is an image superimposed on the camera image G20, which was taken in the direction in which the operating device 12 is located, at the position where the operating device 12 is presumed to be located. The other terminal 30 associates the position of the operating device 12 included in the certification information with the orientation of the other terminal 30 and displays the position of the operating device 12 on the display unit 314 of the other terminal 30. The icon G21 shown in Figure 9 is a circle drawn with a dotted line. This indicates that the operating device 12 is located within the area of ​​the circle covered by icon G21.

[0068] In this case, the other terminal 30 may, for example, measure the strength of the radio waves containing the certification information and set the position and size of the icon G21 according to the measured radio wave strength. For example, the other terminal 30 may display a larger diameter circle as the icon G21 when the radio wave strength is relatively strong, and a smaller diameter circle as the radio wave strength is relatively weak.

[0069] As described above, the other terminal 30 may superimpose an image of the scenery in the direction from which the other terminal is located and the position of the operating device 12 on the display unit 314. By displaying the information in this way, the other terminal 30 can allow user P2 to intuitively understand the location of the operator.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 9, the other terminal 30 may, instead of displaying the captured image as is, apply a predetermined modification to the display of the person. More specifically, for example, the other terminal 30 may detect the image of a person included in the camera image G20 and superimpose a predetermined alternative image, such as an avatar, onto the detected image of the person. This allows the other terminal 30 to display necessary information to user P2 while respecting the privacy of the operator P1 being photographed.

[0071] Although Embodiment 2 has been described above, the operating device 12 according to Embodiment 2 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the operating device 12 may not be integrated with the mobile unit control unit 110.

[0072] The aforementioned operating device 12 can make certification information recognizable to a designated third party. If user P2, who is the third party, has a third-party terminal 30, then user P2 can recognize the presence of the operator of the mobile object. This allows both the operator P1 of the mobile object and user P2, who is the third party, to alleviate any concerns regarding the operation of the mobile object 100. Thus, according to Embodiment 2, it is possible to provide an operating device, etc., that can objectively notify that a drone is officially in operation.

[0073] <Embodiment 3> Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. Figure 10 is a system configuration diagram including the operating device according to Embodiment 3. Figure 10 shows the operating system 2 and the other party terminal 30. The difference between this embodiment and the previously described embodiment is that both the operating system 2 and the other party terminal 30 are connected to the network N1.

[0074] The operating system 2 according to this embodiment has an operating device 13 instead of an operating device 12. Furthermore, the operating system 2 has an authorization device 20 that is connected to the operating device 13 in a manner that enables communication between them via a network N1. The operating device 13 and the authorization device 20 are connected to each other in a manner that enables communication via the network N1. Note that the network N1 may be a telephone line, a wide area network, or a local area network.

[0075] In the operating system 2, the operating device 13 can obtain authorization information from the authorization device 20 via the network N1. Furthermore, in the operating system 2, the operating device 13 can transmit certification information to other terminals 30 via the network N1. Other terminals 30 can obtain the certification information transmitted by the operating device 13 via the network N1. Additionally, other terminals 30 can communicate with the authorization device 20 and query the authorization device 20 for the certification information received from the operating device 13.

[0076] The operating device 13 will be described with reference to Figure 11. The operating device 13 differs from the operating device 12 described above in that it further includes a request unit 114 and an authentication unit 115.

[0077] The request unit 114 requests permission information from the permission device 20. That is, for example, the operating device 13 requests the permission device 20 to issue permission information through an operation by the operator P1. In this case, the permission information acquisition unit 111 acquires permission information from the permission device 20 as a response to this request.

[0078] The authentication unit 115 authenticates the operator P1. In this case, the authentication unit 115 authenticates the operator P1 by, for example, comparing pre-registered authentication information with authentication information obtained in a predetermined operation. A detailed explanation of the authentication mechanism is omitted here, but for example, the authentication unit 115 may pre-register and store the operator P1's biometric information. Biometric information may include fingerprints, iris scans, facial images, etc.

[0079] If authentication by the authentication unit 115 is successful, the authorization information acquisition unit 111 acquires authorization information from the authorization device 20. On the other hand, if authentication by the authentication unit 115 is unsuccessful, the authorization information acquisition unit 111 does not acquire authorization information from the authorization device 20.

[0080] Next, the authorization device 20 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a block diagram of the authorization device 20 according to Embodiment 3. The authorization device 20 mainly consists of a communication unit 211, an authorization information processing unit 212, an inquiry information processing unit 213, an authentication unit 214, and a storage unit 220.

[0081] The communication unit 211 is an interface for connecting to the network N1. When the communication unit 211 receives predetermined information via the network N1, it supplies the received information to each component of the authorization device 20 as appropriate. Conversely, when the communication unit 211 receives predetermined information from each component of the authorization device 20, it supplies the received information to the operating device 13 and other terminals 30 via the network N1.

[0082] The authorization information processing unit 212 receives a request signal from the operating device 13 regarding the issuance of authorization information and supplies authorization information corresponding to the received request signal to the operating device 13.

[0083] The inquiry information processing unit 213 compares the authentication information supplied from the other terminal 30 with the authorization information stored in the storage unit 220 to determine the authenticity of the authentication information. If the inquiry information processing unit 213 determines the authenticity of the authentication information, it supplies the result of the determination to the other terminal 30.

[0084] Furthermore, the third-party terminal 30 in this embodiment has a function to report the result of the authenticity determination to a predetermined recipient when it receives the result of the authenticity determination from the authorization device 20. That is, for example, if the authorization device 20's inquiry determines that the certification information issued by the operating device 13 is not officially authorized, the third-party terminal 30 can report this result to a predetermined enforcement agency such as the police or an administrator (i.e., an administrator, etc.). Here, the information regarding the result may include, for example, information identifying the operator or location information of the operating device 13.

[0085] When the authentication unit 214 issues permission information in response to a request signal received from the operating device 13, it authenticates the operator P1 related to the request signal or the operating device 13 which is the source of the request signal.

[0086] The storage unit 220 is a storage device that includes non-volatile memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or flash memory. The storage unit 220 stores multiple permission information.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the processes performed by the operating device 13 and the authorization device 20 will be described. Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the operating device 13 and the authorization device 20 according to Embodiment 3.

[0088] First, the operating device 13 requests the authorization device 20 to issue authorization information regarding the operation of its own aircraft (step S101).

[0089] Next, the authorization device 20, having received a request from the operating device 13, reads the corresponding authorization information from the storage unit 220 and transmits the read authorization information to the operating device 13 (step S102).

[0090] Next, the operating device 13 obtains permission information from the permission device 20 via the network N1 in response to the above request (step S103). The processing after the operating device 13 obtains the permission information is the same as the processing shown in Figure 2.

[0091] Next, with reference to Figure 14, the processes performed by the other party terminal 30 and the authorization device 20 will be described. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processes performed by the operating device and the other party terminal according to Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the other party terminal 30 is assumed to have a program for querying certification information. Furthermore, the other party terminal 30 in this embodiment is assumed to have a program for notifying a predetermined recipient according to the results of the acquired certification information.

[0092] First, the other terminal 30 acquires the certification information transmitted by the operating device 13 (step S201). Next, the other terminal 30 performs a process to query the acquired certification information (step S202). More specifically, for example, the other terminal 30 uses a predetermined application program to supply query information including the certification information to the authorization device 20 and requests a query regarding the certification information.

[0093] Next, when the inquiry information processing unit 213 of the authorization device 20 receives inquiry information from the other terminal 30, it compares the certification information contained in the received inquiry information with the authorization information stored in the storage unit 220, and transmits the result information, which is the result of the inquiry, to the other terminal 30 (step S203). In other words, the authorization device 20 determines whether or not to permit operation based on the received inquiry information, and transmits the result of this determination as result information to the other terminal 30.

[0094] Next, the other terminal 30 obtains result information from the authorization device 20 (step S204). Furthermore, the other terminal 30 determines whether or not to make a notification based on the result information (step S205). If the result information indicates that the queried certification information is officially authorized, the other terminal 30 does not make a notification. In other words, in this case, the other terminal 30 does not decide to make a notification. In this case (step S205: NO), the other terminal 30 does not make a notification and terminates the process. On the other hand, if the result information does not indicate that the queried certification information is officially authorized, the other terminal 30 makes a notification. In this case (step S205: YES), the other terminal 30 notifies the pre-registered administrator, etc., that it has received certification information relating to an operation that is not officially authorized (step S206). After making the above notification, the other terminal 30 terminates the series of processes.

[0095] Embodiment 3 has been described above. According to the above configuration, the operating device 13 can suitably make others recognize that it is operating a mobile vehicle with permission. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, if the vehicle is not operating with formal permission, others can recognize this and report it to the administrator. In the flowchart described above, if the queried certification information does not indicate that it is formally authorized (step S205: YES), the other party terminal 30 may have a function to allow user P2, the other party, to decide or choose whether or not to make a report. In this case, the display unit 314 of the other party terminal 30 displays a message prompting the user to choose whether or not to make a report. The operation reception unit 315 then receives the operation related to the selection made by user P2. If user P2 chooses to make a report, the other party terminal 30 makes the report (step S206). On the other hand, if user P2 does not choose to make a report, the other party terminal 30 terminates the process without making a report.

[0096] As described above, this embodiment provides an operating device, etc., that can objectively notify that a mobile vehicle is officially in operation.

[0097] <Example hardware configuration> The following describes how each functional configuration of the determination device in this disclosure is realized through a combination of hardware and software.

[0098] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of a computer. The management device in this disclosure can realize the above-described functions using a computer 500 including the hardware configuration shown in the figure. The computer 500 may be a portable computer such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or a stationary computer such as a PC. The computer 500 may be a dedicated computer designed to realize each device, or it may be a general-purpose computer. The computer 500 can realize the desired functions by installing a predetermined program.

[0099] Computer 500 has a bus 502, a processor 504, memory 506, a storage device 508, an input / output interface 510 (an interface is also called an I / F (Interface)), and a network interface 512. Bus 502 is a data transmission path for the processor 504, memory 506, storage device 508, input / output interface 510, and network interface 512 to send and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 504 and the other components to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0100] Processor 504 is a variety of processors such as a CPU, GPU, or FPGA. Memory 506 is main memory implemented using RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0101] The storage device 508 is an auxiliary storage device implemented using a hard disk, SSD, memory card, or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage device 508 stores a program for implementing a desired function. The processor 504 reads this program into memory 506 and executes it to implement each functional component of each device.

[0102] The input / output interface 510 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 with input / output devices. For example, input devices such as keyboards and output devices such as display devices are connected to the input / output interface 510.

[0103] Network interface 512 is an interface for connecting computer 500 to a network.

[0104] The above describes examples of hardware configurations in this disclosure, but the embodiments described above are not limited thereto. This disclosure can also be implemented by having a processor execute a computer program to perform any processing.

[0105] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention.

[0107] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A permission information acquisition unit that acquires permission information indicating that the operator has been granted permission to operate a designated mobile vehicle, A certification information generation unit generates certification information based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, It comprises a transmitting unit that transmits the aforementioned certification information in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation device. (Note 2) The permit information acquisition unit acquires the permit information, which includes at least one of the time and place of the operation related to the permit. The operating equipment described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The certification information generation unit generates the certification information, which includes the unique identifier of the machine. The operating equipment described in Appendix 1. (Note 4) The certification information generation unit generates the certification information, which includes the position information of the aircraft. The operating equipment described in Appendix 1. (Note 5) The transmitting unit transmits the certification information relating to the permit during the time for which the permit for the operation has been granted. Outside of the hours for which the aforementioned operation is permitted, the transmission of the aforementioned certification information relating to the aforementioned permission will be suppressed. The operating equipment described in Appendix 1. (Note 6) The system further comprises a request unit that requests the aforementioned authorization information from the authorization device that issues the authorization information, The permission information acquisition unit acquires the permission information as a response to the request. The operating device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The vehicle further comprises an authentication unit for authenticating the aforementioned operator, The authorization information acquisition unit acquires the authorization information when the authentication is successful. The operating device described in Appendix 6. (Note 8) The transmitting unit transmits the certification information directly to a terminal owned by another person as the communication line. The operating device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 9) The operating equipment owned by the operator who operates the specified mobile vehicle, Obtain permission information indicating that permission has been granted to operate the aforementioned mobile device, Based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, certification information is generated. The aforementioned certification information is transmitted in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation method. (Note 10) Obtain permission information indicating that the operator is authorized to operate the designated vehicle. Based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, certification information is generated. The aforementioned certification information is transmitted in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation method Make the computer execute it. program. (Note 11) The other party's terminal, Upon receiving the aforementioned certification information, The inquiry information based on the received certification information is queried to the designated authorization device. The result information of the aforementioned inquiry is received from the authorization device. The operating method described in Appendix 9. (Note 12) The aforementioned other party's terminal is, The position of the operating device and the orientation of the other party's terminal are correlated, and the position of the operating device and the result information are displayed on the image display unit of the other party's terminal. The operating method is as described in Appendix 11. (Note 13) The aforementioned other party's terminal is, The image display unit displays an image of the scenery in the direction where the other terminal is located, superimposed with the position of the operating device. The operating method is as described in Appendix 12. (Note 14) The licensing device determines whether to permit or deny the operation based on the inquiry information and transmits the result of the determination as result information to the other party's terminal. The operating method described in any one of the appendices 11 to 13. (Note 15) If the aforementioned other party's terminal does not indicate in the result information that the operation is permitted, it shall report information regarding the operation device to the designated administrator. The operating method is as described in Appendix 14. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Operating System 2. Operating System 11 Navigation equipment 12 Navigation equipment 13 Navigation equipment 20 Permit device 30 Other people's devices 100 Mobile Units 110 Mobile Unit Control Unit 111 Permit information acquisition department 112 Certification Information Generation Unit 113 Transmission Unit 114 Request part 115 Authentication Department 120 Storage section 211 Communications Department 212 Authorization Information Processing Unit 213 Inquiry Information Processing Unit 214 Authentication Department 220 Storage section 311 Network Communications Department 312 Direct Communications Department 313 Camera 314 Display section 315 Operation Reception Unit 316 Control Unit 320 Storage section N1 Network P1 operator P2 User

Claims

1. A permission information acquisition unit that acquires permission information indicating that the operator has been granted permission to operate a designated mobile vehicle, A certification information generation unit generates certification information based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, It comprises a transmitting unit that transmits the aforementioned certification information in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation device.

2. The permit information acquisition unit acquires the permit information, which includes at least one of the time and place of the operation related to the permit. The operating device according to claim 1.

3. The certification information generation unit generates the certification information, which includes the unique identifier of the machine. The operating device according to claim 1.

4. The certification information generation unit generates the certification information, which includes the position information of the aircraft. The operating device according to claim 1.

5. The transmitting unit transmits the certification information relating to the permit during the time for which the permit for the operation has been granted. Outside of the hours for which the aforementioned operation is permitted, the transmission of the aforementioned certification information relating to the aforementioned permission will be suppressed. The operating device according to claim 1.

6. The system further comprises a request unit that requests the aforementioned authorization information from the authorization device that issues the authorization information, The permission information acquisition unit acquires the permission information as a response to the request. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The vehicle further comprises an authentication unit for authenticating the aforementioned operator, The authorization information acquisition unit acquires the authorization information when the authentication is successful. The operating device according to claim 6.

8. The transmitting unit transmits the certification information directly to a terminal owned by another person via the communication line. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The operating equipment owned by the operator who operates the specified mobile vehicle, Obtain permission information indicating that permission has been granted to operate the aforementioned mobile device, Based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, certification information is generated. The aforementioned certification information is transmitted in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation method.

10. Obtain permission information indicating that the operator is authorized to operate the designated vehicle. Based on the received permission information and the information identifying the operator, certification information is generated. The aforementioned certification information is transmitted in a manner recognizable by others via a predetermined communication line. Operation method Make the computer execute it. program.

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