Schedule information output device, schedule information output method, and recording medium

Abstract

In order to make it possible to reduce the possibility that work planned to be performed by a communication device is delayed, this schedule information output device acquires work information, which is information pertaining to a plurality of pieces of work planned to be performed by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using sound waves in water, and environment information, which is information pertaining to the environment around the wireless communication device. On the basis of the work information and the communicable range of the wireless communication calculated on the basis of the environment information, the schedule information output device determines a schedule for the plurality of pieces of work, and outputs schedule information, which is information pertaining to the schedule.

Description

Schedule information output device, schedule information output method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a schedule information output device, a schedule information output method, and a recording medium.

[0002] It is being considered to communicate using acoustic waves underwater. Hereinafter, communication using acoustic waves underwater will be referred to as underwater acoustic communication.

[0003] Because radio waves are significantly attenuated underwater, sound waves are more suitable for communication than radio waves in deep water.

[0004] In recent years, a method has become known in which a control device on land or on water communicates with an underwater communication device via a base station floating on the water surface. When a control device on land or on water communicates with an underwater communication device via a base station floating on the water surface, the communication between the base station and the communication device is performed by underwater acoustic communication. Furthermore, the communication between the base station and the control device is performed by radio wave communication or wired communication. Furthermore, an underwater communication device can communicate with another underwater communication device by underwater acoustic communication.

[0005] Furthermore, a related technique is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-222999.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-172060

[0007] The communication device performs some task underwater.

[0008] In underwater acoustic communication, the longer the communication distance, the lower the communication quality. The communication distance is the distance between the communication device and the communication partner. Therefore, depending on the location where the communication device performs its task, the communication quality required for communication may not be met. Furthermore, if the communication quality required for communication is not met, the task performed by the communication device may be delayed. As a result, the communication device may take longer than expected to complete the task, and the task may not be completed by the deadline.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a schedule information output device, a schedule information output method, and a recording medium that make it possible to reduce the possibility of delays in work scheduled to be performed by a communication device.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a schedule information output device includes an acquisition means for acquiring task information, which is information about a plurality of tasks that are scheduled to be performed by a wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a determination means for determining a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the communication range of the wireless communication calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and an output means for outputting schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a schedule information output method acquires job information, which is information about multiple jobs that are scheduled to be performed by a wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device, determines a schedule for the multiple jobs based on the communication range of the wireless communication calculated based on the environmental information and the job information, and outputs schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a schedule information output program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium causes a computer to realize an acquisition function for acquiring job information, which is information about multiple jobs scheduled to be performed by a wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly using acoustic waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a decision function for determining a schedule for the multiple jobs based on the communication range of the wireless communication calculated based on the environmental information and the job information; and an output function for outputting schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0013] According to the above aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the possibility that work scheduled to be performed by a communication device will be delayed.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a schedule information output device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of a schedule information output device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system including a schedule information output device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system including a schedule information output device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a schedule information output device according to each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that a specific example of the schedule information output device 10 in the first embodiment is a schedule information output device 20 in a second embodiment, which will be described later.

[0016] 1 shows an example of the configuration of a schedule information output device 10. The schedule information output device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0017] The acquisition unit 11 acquires task information and environmental information. The task information is information relating to a plurality of tasks that the wireless communication device is scheduled to perform. The wireless communication device performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater. The environmental information is information relating to the environment surrounding the wireless communication device.

[0018] The determination unit 12 determines a schedule for a plurality of tasks based on a wireless communication range and task information. The wireless communication range is calculated based on environmental information. The wireless communication range is a range within which communication with a wireless communication source is possible with a predetermined communication quality.

[0019] The output unit 13 outputs the schedule information. The schedule information is information relating to a schedule.

[0020] Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of an operation flow of the schedule information output device 10.

[0021] The acquisition unit 11 acquires task information and environmental information (step S101).

[0022] The determination unit 12 determines a schedule for a plurality of tasks based on the wireless communication range and the task information (step S102). The wireless communication range is calculated based on the environmental information.

[0023] The output unit 13 outputs the schedule information (step S103). The schedule information is information relating to a schedule.

[0024] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the schedule information output device 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an output unit 13. The acquisition unit 11 acquires task information and environmental information. The task information is information relating to multiple tasks that are scheduled to be performed by the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater. The environmental information is information relating to the environment surrounding the wireless communication device. The determination unit 12 determines a schedule for the multiple tasks based on the wireless communication range and the task information. The wireless communication range is calculated based on the environmental information. The output unit 13 outputs schedule information. The schedule information is information relating to the schedule.

[0025] This allows the schedule of multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device to be determined based on the communication range calculated based on the environmental information. As a result, it is possible to reflect the communication range in the work schedule. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the communication quality required for wireless communication will not be satisfied due to changes in the communication range caused by the environment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that tasks scheduled to be performed by the wireless communication device will be delayed.

[0026] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that a specific example of the schedule information output device 10 in the first embodiment is a schedule information output device 20-i (where i is an integer from 1 to N, and N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) in the second embodiment.

[0027] 3 shows an example of the configuration of a communication system 60 including a schedule information output device 20-i. The communication system 60 includes a schedule information output device 20-i, a base station 40, a control device 41, and a wireless communication device 50-i. The schedule information output device 20-i and the wireless communication device 50-i are included in a mobile unit 65-i.

[0028] The base station 40 is located on the water and is capable of wireless communication with the wireless communication device 50-i using acoustic waves.

[0029] The control device 41 is connected to the base station 40. The control device 41 is located on water or on land. The control device 41 can communicate with the base station 40 wirelessly via radio waves or by wire.

[0030] The mobile object 65-i can move underwater. The mobile object 65-i may be, for example, an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) or an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The mobile object 65-i includes a wireless communication device 50-i and a schedule information output device 20-i.

[0031] The wireless communication device 50-i is included in the moving body 65-i. The wireless communication device 50-i is located underwater. The wireless communication device 50-i can perform wireless communication using acoustic waves with the base station 40. The wireless communication device 50-i can communicate with the control device 41 via the base station 40. The wireless communication devices 50-1 to 50-N may be collectively referred to as the wireless communication device 50. The wireless communication device 50 may also perform wireless communication using acoustic waves with other wireless communication devices (wireless communication devices 50 other than the wireless communication device 50-i).

[0032] Furthermore, the frequency that the wireless communication device 50-i uses for wireless communication using sound waves with the communication partner will hereinafter be referred to as the operating frequency. Note that the wireless communication using sound waves may be communication using band signals. In this case, the operating frequency may be a frequency band. When the wireless communication is communication using band signals, the term "frequency" refers to a "frequency band." Furthermore, the operating frequencies of the wireless communication devices 50-1 to 50-N may be different from each other, or may include the same frequencies.

[0033] The wireless communication device 50-i performs a task. The task may be, for example, underwater monitoring or collection of various underwater information. The wireless communication device 50-i may transmit to the control device 41, for example, an image captured by a camera (not shown) mounted on the mobile body 65-i at a designated underwater point. The wireless communication device 50-i may also transmit to the control device 41, for example, information acquired by various sensors (not shown) mounted on the mobile body 65-i while moving to a designated underwater point. The wireless communication device 50-i may also transmit to the control device 41, information acquired by the camera or various sensors while tracking a predetermined object (such as a living thing or a moving object). In this case, the wireless communication device 50-i may automatically track the predetermined object or may move according to instructions from the control device 41. In the following description, the task performed by the wireless communication device 50-i has the same meaning as the task performed by the mobile body 65-i.

[0034] Furthermore, the work performed by the wireless communication device 50-i is not limited to work requiring wireless communication. In addition to work requiring frequent wireless communication, there may be work requiring intermittent wireless communication or work not requiring wireless communication. For example, a work not requiring wireless communication may be work in which sensor information is stored in a storage means (not shown) within the mobile unit 65-i, and the sensor information is read from the storage means after the mobile unit 65-i is recovered on land.

[0035] Information relating to work performed by the wireless communication device 50-i is transmitted, for example, from the control device 41 to the wireless communication device 50-i. Information relating to work performed by the wireless communication device 50-i will hereinafter be referred to as work information. The work information may be transmitted from the control device 41 to the schedule information output device 20-i. Alternatively, the work information may be transmitted from the schedule information output device 20-i to the wireless communication device 50-i. Alternatively, the work information may be transmitted from the wireless communication device 50-i to the schedule information output device 20-i.

[0036] The wireless communication device 50-i performs work based on work information and schedule information. The schedule information is information regarding the schedule of multiple works that the wireless communication device 50-i is scheduled to perform. The wireless communication device 50-i receives the schedule information from the schedule information output device 20-i or the control device 41.

[0037] The schedule information output device 20-i outputs schedule information. The schedule information output device 20-i outputs the schedule information to, for example, the wireless communication device 50-i. Alternatively, the schedule information may be output from the schedule information output device 20-i to the control device 41 and then transmitted from the control device 41 to the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0038] The schedule information output device 20 may be connected to the base station 40 rather than being included in the mobile unit 65-i. FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a communication system 61 in which the schedule information output device 20 is connected to the base station 40. The schedule information output device 20 is connected to the base station 40. The schedule information output device 20 is located on water or on land. The schedule information output device 20 can communicate with the base station 40 wirelessly via radio waves or via wired communication. The schedule information output device 20 may be connected to a control device 41. Hereinafter, the communication system 60 ( FIG. 3 ) will be described, but unless otherwise specified, the description of the schedule information output device 20-i can be replaced with the description of the schedule information output device 20 in FIG. 4 . Furthermore, the schedule information output device 20 in FIG. 4 outputs schedule information for each of the wireless communication devices 50-1 to 50-N. In other words, the schedule information output device 20 in FIG. 4 fulfills the role of the schedule information output devices 20-1 to 20-N in FIG. 3 .

[0039] 5 shows an example of the configuration of the schedule information output device 20-i. The schedule information output device 20-i includes an acquisition unit 21-i, a determination unit 22-i, and an output unit 23-i.

[0040] The acquisition unit 21-i acquires task information and environmental information. The task information is information about a plurality of tasks that are scheduled to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. The environmental information is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device 50-i. The task information includes information about tasks to be performed in a predetermined period (e.g., one day). The environmental information includes parameter values ​​for the period for the parameters included in the environmental information. The environmental information may include predicted values ​​for the parameters included in the environmental information for each time period (e.g., every hour) within the period. The predicted values ​​of the parameters included in the environmental information may be values ​​estimated based on a weather forecast, for example.

[0041] The wireless communication device 50-i performs a plurality of tasks. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i include a task of performing wireless communication.

[0042] Specifically, the periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may be, for example, a range that can be reached by sound waves emitted by the wireless communication device 50-i. The periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may also be a predetermined range. The periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may also be a range within a predetermined distance from the wireless communication device 50-i. The periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may also be a body of water where the wireless communication device 50-i may be present when performing its work. The periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may also be a range within a predetermined distance from a location where the wireless communication device 50-i may be present when performing its work. The periphery of the wireless communication device 50-i may also be a range that is the target of estimation of the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, a range within a predetermined distance from the base station 40. The communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i is a range within which wireless communication with the wireless communication device 50-i is possible with a predetermined communication quality. Estimation of the communication range will be described later.

[0043] The acquisition unit 21-i may acquire the task information and the environmental information, for example, by receiving the information from the control device 41. Furthermore, when at least one of the environmental information and the task information is updated, the acquisition unit 21-i may receive updated information from the control device 41. Furthermore, when the wireless communication device 50-i completes one task, the acquisition unit 21-i may acquire new environmental information.

[0044] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 21-i may acquire new environmental information before the wireless communication device 50-i completes a task. For example, the acquisition unit 21-i may acquire new environmental information based on the schedule determined by the determination unit 22-i, so that the determination unit 22-i can determine a new schedule based on the new environmental information before the task is completed. For example, the acquisition unit 21-i may acquire environmental information a predetermined time before the scheduled completion time of the task. In this case, the predetermined time may be a time that takes into consideration the time required to determine the schedule. Furthermore, information on the scheduled completion time of the task may be included in the task information.

[0045] The task information includes communication requirement information for each of a plurality of tasks that the wireless communication device 50-i is scheduled to perform. The communication requirement information is information relating to requirements for wireless communication in a task.

[0046] The communication requirement information may include, for example, communication necessity information, which indicates whether wireless communication is necessary for work.

[0047] The communication requirement information may also include communication frequency information. The communication frequency information indicates the frequency at which wireless communication is performed in a job. For example, the communication frequency information may include communication interval information indicating the interval at which wireless communication is performed in a job. For example, the communication interval information may be information such as one hour or 30 minutes. For a job that requires wireless communication to be available at all times, the communication interval information may be information indicating that wireless communication must be available at all times. The communication frequency information may also include communication timing information indicating the timing at which wireless communication is performed in a job. The timing indicated by the communication timing information may be a specific time or a time period. For example, the communication timing information may be information indicating that wireless communication is performed once between a certain time and a certain time.

[0048] The job information also includes maximum communication distance information for each of the multiple jobs that the wireless communication device 50-i is scheduled to perform, for a job that will perform wireless communication. The maximum communication distance information is information about the maximum communication distance for the job. The maximum communication distance is the maximum possible value of the distance between the wireless communication device 50-i and the communication partner when wireless communication is performed between the wireless communication device 50-i and the communication partner. In other words, the maximum communication distance information is information about the maximum distance between the wireless communication device 50-i and the communication partner at which wireless communication may be performed. Note that the communication partner may be a base station 40 or another wireless communication device (a wireless communication device 50 other than the wireless communication device 50-i).

[0049] The maximum communication distance information may be information on the maximum communication distance or information required for calculating the maximum communication distance. The maximum communication distance information may include, for example, information on a location where the wireless communication device 50-i may perform wireless communication at work or information on the location of a communication partner.

[0050] In addition, in a case where the wireless communication device 50-i performs wireless communication with two or more communication partners at work and the communication ranges of the wireless communication with each of the communication partners are different, at least one of the maximum communication distance information and the communication requirement information may include information about each of the communication partners. For example, suppose the wireless communication device 50-i performs wireless communication with a base station 40 and also with other wireless communication devices. In this case, for example, due to differences in the transmission signal levels of the wireless communication, the communication ranges of the wireless communication with the base station 40 and the wireless communication with the other wireless communication devices may differ. Therefore, at least one of the maximum communication distance information and the communication requirement information may include information about each of the wireless communication with the base station 40 and the wireless communication with the other wireless communication devices.

[0051] The task information may also include information on a deadline for completing each task performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. The task information may also include information on a scheduled completion time for the task. The task information may also include information on a location where the wireless communication device 50-i performs the task. The task information may also include information on the priority of the task. The task information may also include information on the operation of the task performed by the wireless communication device 50-i and information on the type of task.

[0052] The environmental information includes information about parameters that cause changes in the communication range of wireless communication with a communication partner, such as information about weather that causes changes in the communication range.

[0053] The environmental information may include, for example, information about water temperature. Since the speed of sound in water changes depending on the water temperature, the communication range also changes depending on the water temperature.

[0054] The environmental information may include, for example, at least one of information on wind speed, wave height, and rainfall, which affect the noise level (SNR (Signal Noise Ratio)) of sound waves and therefore affect the communication range.

[0055] The environmental information may also include information on known sources of interference with the wireless communication performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. An interference source is an object that emits interference waves. Interference waves are sound waves that can interfere with the wireless communication between the wireless communication device 50-i and the communication partner. Interference waves are also sound waves emitted from an object different from the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, waves with frequencies close to the frequency used by the wireless communication device 50-i can be interference waves. In the case of wireless communication using sound waves, sound waves used in communications by other operators, natural sounds, sounds of construction work being carried out on water, on land, or underwater, and sounds emitted by ships can also be interference waves. Devices that communicate using sound waves, underwater creatures, construction equipment, ships, etc. can also be interference sources. For example, the environmental information may include ship operation information. Sound waves emitted by interference sources also affect the SNR of the wireless communication performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, thereby affecting the communication range.

[0056] The determination unit 22-i determines a schedule for a plurality of tasks based on a wireless communication range and task information. The wireless communication range is a range in which wireless communication is possible. Alternatively, the wireless communication range may be a distance at which communication is possible. The wireless communication range may be calculated based on environmental information.

[0057] The determination unit 22-i may determine a work schedule when the acquisition unit 21-i acquires work information and environmental information. The determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule when instructed to determine a schedule by the control device 41. Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule when, for example, the acquisition unit 21-i acquires new environmental information.

[0058] For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine, as a schedule, the order in which the wireless communication device 50-i performs a plurality of tasks. Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine, as a schedule, the start time of each of the plurality of tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine a task schedule such that the wireless communication device 50-i temporarily suspends one task, performs another task, and then resumes the suspended task. In this case, the determination unit 22-i may determine, as a schedule, the resume time of the task.

[0059] The determination unit 22-i may calculate the communication range. The method of calculating the communication range will be described later. Alternatively, the determination unit 22-i may acquire the communication range corresponding to the parameter value included in the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit 21-i from a storage means in which calculation results of the communication range corresponding to the parameter value for the parameter included in the environmental information are stored in advance. Alternatively, the determination unit 22-i may increase or decrease the reference communication range by an increase or decrease amount corresponding to the parameter value included in the environmental information. In this case, the increase or decrease amount corresponding to the parameter value may be stored in advance in the storage means.

[0060] The determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and communication requirement information for each of the multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0061] The determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for multiple tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and communication necessity information for each of the multiple tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may preferentially allocate tasks requiring wireless communication to time periods with wider communication ranges. More specifically, the determination unit 22-i may preferentially allocate tasks requiring wireless communication over tasks not requiring wireless communication, in order from the time period with the widest communication range.

[0062] Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for multiple tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and communication frequency information for each of the multiple tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may preferentially allocate tasks requiring higher frequency of wireless communication to time periods with wider communication ranges. For example, the determination unit 22-i may preferentially allocate tasks requiring constant wireless communication to time periods with wider communication ranges.

[0063] Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and maximum communication distance information for each of the multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for each task to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i so that the communication range is greater than the maximum communication distance.

[0064] Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine a schedule for a plurality of tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i, for example, based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and communication timing information for each of the plurality of tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine the schedule so that the communication range at the communication timing is greater than the distance between the wireless communication device 50-i and the communication partner.

[0065] Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i may determine the schedule based on the communication range of the wireless communication device 50-i and the maximum communication distance information and communication requirement information for each of the multiple tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine the schedule so that the communication range at the communication timing is greater than the maximum communication distance.

[0066] The determination unit 22-i may further determine the schedule by taking into consideration the travel time from the completion of one task to the start of the next task by the wireless communication device 50-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine the start time of each task by taking into consideration the travel time. Also, for example, the determination unit 22-i may determine the schedule so that the travel time is short. In this case, the task information may include information on the location where the task is performed.

[0067] The determination unit 22-i may further determine the schedule taking into consideration the remaining battery power of the wireless communication device 50-i and the remaining available activity time based on the remaining battery power. For example, the determination unit 22-i may determine the schedule so that a high-priority job is performed first when the remaining battery power has decreased to a predetermined level. In this case, the job information may include information on the priority of the job.

[0068] The determination unit 22-i may further determine a schedule taking into consideration information about a deadline for completing a task. Furthermore, when the start time of the next task scheduled for the wireless communication device 50-i arrives but the previous task is not completed, the determination unit 22-i may re-determine a schedule taking into consideration information about a deadline for completing a task.

[0069] Furthermore, if the environmental information includes a predicted value of water temperature and the actual water temperature information acquired by the wireless communication device 50-i differs from the predicted water temperature for the time period in which the actual water temperature information was acquired, the determination unit 22-i may re-determine the schedule based on the communication range based on the actual water temperature information acquired by the wireless communication device 50-i. In this case, the wireless communication device 50-i includes a water temperature sensor.

[0070] The output unit 23-i outputs schedule information. The schedule information is information related to a schedule. For example, the schedule information may include information indicating the order in which the wireless communication device 50-i performs a plurality of tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. The schedule information may also include information indicating the start time of each of the plurality of tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i. The schedule information may also include information indicating the restart time of each of the plurality of tasks performed by the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0071] The output unit 23-i may output schedule information to the wireless communication device 50-i. Then, the wireless communication device 50-i may perform work in accordance with the schedule information. Furthermore, the output unit 23-i may output the schedule information to the control device 41. Then, the control device 41 may control the wireless communication device 50-i in accordance with the schedule information. Furthermore, the control device 41 may display the schedule information on a display means (not shown).

[0072] Next, a method for estimating the communication range will be described.

[0073] The communication range may be estimated by a determination unit 22-i of the schedule information output device 20-i. For example, the determination unit 22-i may estimate the communication range based on the position information of the wireless communication device 50-i, topographical information about the vicinity of the wireless communication device 50-i, and the sound speed distribution in water around the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0074] The topographical information is information indicating the shape of the land. The topographical information indicates, for example, the topography of the seabed. The topographical information may also include information indicating the geology of the land. The geology of the land may be, for example, the bottom sediment of the ocean. The sound speed distribution indicates the sound speed at each underwater point around the wireless communication device 50-i. The topographical information around the wireless communication device 50-i is stored in advance in a storage means (not shown) inside or outside the schedule information output device 20-i. The storage means stores topographical information indicating the topography of the underwater area (for example, the seabed) around the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0075] Regarding the speed of sound in water, for example, the speed of sound in the ocean depends on water temperature, pressure (depth), and salinity. Therefore, the determination unit 22-i may estimate the vertical and horizontal sound speed distributions based on at least one of the water temperature and salinity around the wireless communication device 50-i. The determination unit 22-i may receive information acquired by an information acquisition device (not shown) or the control device 41, and estimate the vertical and horizontal sound speed distributions based on the received information. Furthermore, if the environmental information includes water temperature information, the determination unit 22-i estimates the sound speed distribution using the water temperature information included in the environmental information.

[0076] The information acquisition device acquires information about the depth of the information acquisition device. The information acquisition device also acquires information about at least one of the water temperature and salinity concentration around the information acquisition device. For example, the information acquisition device is equipped with a depth sensor and acquires information about the depth of the information acquisition device. For example, the information acquisition device is equipped with a water temperature sensor and acquires information about the water temperature around the information acquisition device. For example, the information acquisition device is equipped with a salinity concentration sensor and acquires information about the salinity concentration around the information acquisition device. The information acquisition device may be a wireless communication device 50. The information acquisition device may also be an underwater drone for acquiring information, etc.

[0077] Note that the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) cannot be used underwater to determine the position of the information acquisition device. Therefore, the determination unit 22-i may estimate the position of the information acquisition device based on the direction of arrival of sound waves emitted by the information acquisition device relative to the base station 40 and the position of the base station 40. For example, the schedule information output device 20-i receives information on the direction of arrival of sound waves emitted by the information acquisition device from the base station 40. The schedule information output device 20-i also receives information on the vertical position (depth) of the information acquisition device from the information acquisition device via the base station 40. The determination unit 22-i can then estimate the position of the information acquisition device based on the information on the direction of arrival and the information on the vertical position (depth). Note that the position of the information acquisition device may be measured based on an inertial sensor provided in the information acquisition device. The position of the information acquisition device may also be measured using an underwater positioning method such as LBL (Long Baseline).

[0078] Alternatively, the schedule information output device 20-i may receive information from an information server (not shown). The information server may estimate the current water temperature and salinity at a predetermined location based on, for example, information on past water temperature and salinity at the predetermined location or information on past water temperature and salinity in an environment similar to the predetermined location.

[0079] Furthermore, the schedule information output device 20-i can receive information on the vertical position (depth) of the wireless communication device 50-i from the wireless communication device 50-i. The wireless communication device 50-i is equipped with a pressure (depth) sensor and acquires information on the vertical position (depth) of the wireless communication device 50-i. Furthermore, the schedule information output device 20-i can estimate the position of the wireless communication device 50-i in the same manner as described above.

[0080] Furthermore, the determining unit 22-i can simulate the propagation of sound waves based on the sound speed distribution in the vertical and horizontal directions, and estimate the communication range.

[0081] Furthermore, the determination unit 22-i can estimate a noise level using information included in the environmental information and reflect the estimated noise level in the communication range. For example, the determination unit 22-i may increase or decrease the communication range based on the difference between a noise level estimated from information included in the environmental information (such as information on wind speed, wave height, and rainfall, or information on known interference sources) and a reference value.

[0082] Next, an example of the operation flow of the schedule information output device 20-i will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] The acquisition unit 21-i acquires task information and environmental information (step S101).

[0084] The determination unit 22-i determines a schedule of a plurality of tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i based on the communication range of the wireless communication performed by the wireless communication device 50-i and the task information (step S102). The communication range of the wireless communication is calculated based on the environmental information.

[0085] The output unit 23-i outputs the schedule information (step S103). The schedule information is information about the schedule of work to be performed by the wireless communication device 50-i.

[0086] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the schedule information output device 20-i includes an acquisition unit 21-i, a determination unit 22-i, and an output unit 23-i. The acquisition unit 21-i acquires task information and environmental information. The wireless communication device 50-i performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater. The task information is information relating to multiple tasks that the wireless communication device is scheduled to perform. The environmental information is information relating to the environment surrounding the wireless communication device. The determination unit 22-i determines a schedule for the multiple tasks based on the wireless communication range and the task information. The wireless communication range is calculated based on the environmental information. The output unit 23-i outputs the schedule information. The schedule information is information relating to the schedule.

[0087] This allows the schedule of multiple tasks to be performed by the wireless communication device to be determined based on the communication range calculated based on the environmental information. As a result, it is possible to reflect the communication range in the work schedule. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the communication quality required for wireless communication will not be satisfied due to changes in the communication range caused by the environment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that tasks scheduled to be performed by the wireless communication device will be delayed.

[0088] The environmental information may also include predicted values ​​for the parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period. This allows the determination unit to determine a schedule based on the communication range for each time period within the predetermined period. In this case, the predicted values ​​may be values ​​estimated based on a weather forecast. In this case, the determination unit can determine a schedule based on the communication range taking weather conditions into consideration.

[0089] The environmental information may include at least one of water temperature, wind speed, wave height, and rainfall, which enables the determination unit to determine a schedule based on a communication range that takes into account at least one of water temperature, wind speed, wave height, and rainfall.

[0090] The task information also includes, for each of the tasks, communication requirement information that is information about requirements for wireless communication in the task. This enables the determination unit to determine a schedule based on the communication requirement information.

[0091] The communication requirement information may also include communication necessity information indicating whether wireless communication is necessary for the work, which enables the determination unit to determine the schedule based on whether wireless communication is necessary for the work.

[0092] The determination unit may also preferentially allocate tasks requiring wireless communication to time periods when the communication range is wider, thereby reducing the possibility that the quality of wireless communication will be degraded for tasks requiring wireless communication.

[0093] The communication requirement information may also include communication frequency information indicating how often wireless communication is performed at work, which enables the determination unit to determine the schedule based on how often wireless communication is performed at work.

[0094] The determination unit may also preferentially allocate a job requiring a higher frequency of wireless communication to a time period when the communication range is wider, thereby reducing the possibility that the quality of wireless communication will be degraded for a job requiring a higher frequency of wireless communication.

[0095] The communication frequency information may also include communication timing information indicating the timing at which wireless communication is performed, which enables the determination unit to determine the schedule based on the timing at which wireless communication is performed.

[0096] The determination unit may determine the schedule so that the communication range at the timing when wireless communication is performed is greater than the distance between the wireless communication device and the communication partner, thereby reducing the possibility that the quality of wireless communication will deteriorate at the timing when wireless communication is performed.

[0097] The task information may also include maximum communication distance information, which is information about a maximum communication distance for each of the tasks that involve wireless communication. The maximum communication distance is the maximum possible distance between the wireless communication device and the communication partner when wireless communication is performed between the wireless communication device and the communication partner. This allows the determination unit to determine a schedule based on the maximum communication distance.

[0098] The determination unit may also determine a schedule for each of the plurality of tasks so that the communication range is greater than the maximum communication distance, thereby reducing the possibility that the communication range will be shorter than the maximum communication distance and the quality of wireless communication will be reduced.

[0099] [Hardware Configuration Example] An example of the configuration of hardware resources for realizing the schedule information output device (10, 20, 20-i) in each embodiment of the present disclosure described above using one information processing device (computer) will be described. Note that the schedule information output device may be physically or functionally realized using at least two information processing devices. Also, the schedule information output device may be realized as a dedicated device. Also, only some of the functions of the schedule information output device may be realized using an information processing device. Also, at least some of the functions of the schedule information output device may be realized on the cloud.

[0100] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can realize the schedule information output device according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, a computing device 93, a storage device 94, a nonvolatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

[0101] 1 can be realized by a communication interface 91 and a computing device 93. Furthermore, the determining unit 12 can be realized by the computing device 93.

[0102] The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the schedule information output device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device via a wired or / and wireless connection. When the schedule information output device is realized using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected via the communication interface 91 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0103] The input / output interface 92 is a man-machine interface including a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

[0104] The arithmetic unit 93 is realized by a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or other arithmetic processing device, and a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic unit 93 is capable of, for example, reading various programs stored in a nonvolatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and executing processing in accordance with the read programs.

[0105] The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be accessed by the arithmetic device 93, and stores programs, various data, etc. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

[0106] The nonvolatile storage device 95 is a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs, data, and the like.

[0107] The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 97, which will be described later.

[0108] The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor flash memory.

[0109] Each embodiment of the present disclosure may be realized, for example, by configuring a schedule information output device using the information processing device 90 illustrated in FIG. 6 and supplying a program capable of realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this schedule information output device.

[0110] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the arithmetic unit 93 execute a program supplied to the schedule information output device. Also, it is possible to configure some, but not all, of the functions of the schedule information output device in the information processing unit 90.

[0111] Furthermore, the schedule information output device may be configured so that the program is recorded on a recording medium 97 and stored in the nonvolatile storage device 95 as appropriate when the schedule information output device is shipped or when it is in operation. In this case, the program may be supplied by installing it into the schedule information output device using an appropriate jig during the manufacturing stage before shipping or during operation. The program may also be supplied by a general procedure such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0112] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 1) A schedule information output device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring task information, which is information about a plurality of tasks to be performed by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a determination means for determining a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the wireless communication range calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and an output means for outputting schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 2) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 3) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the predicted value is a value estimated based on a weather forecast.

[0116] (Supplementary Note 4) The schedule information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the environmental information includes at least one of information on water temperature, wind speed, wave height, and rainfall.

[0117] (Supplementary Note 5) The schedule information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the task information includes, for each of the plurality of tasks, communication requirement information that is information regarding requirements for the wireless communication in the task.

[0118] (Supplementary Note 6) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the communication requirement information includes communication necessity information indicating whether the wireless communication is necessary for work.

[0119] (Supplementary Note 7) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period, and the decision means preferentially allocates work requiring wireless communication to time periods when the communication range is wider.

[0120] (Supplementary Note 8) The schedule information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 5 to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the communication requirement information includes communication frequency information indicating how often the wireless communication is performed in the course of work.

[0121] (Supplementary Note 9) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period, and the decision means preferentially allocates work with a higher frequency of wireless communication to time periods when the communication range is wider.

[0122] (Supplementary Note 10) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the communication frequency information includes communication timing information indicating a timing at which the wireless communication is performed.

[0123] (Supplementary Note 11) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the determining means determines the schedule so that the communication range at the timing when the wireless communication is performed is greater than a distance between the wireless communication device and a communication partner.

[0124] (Supplementary Note 12) The schedule information output device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the job information includes, for each of the plurality of jobs in which wireless communication is performed, maximum communication distance information, which is information regarding a maximum communication distance, which is the maximum value that the distance between the wireless communication device and the communication partner can be when the wireless communication device and the communication partner perform the wireless communication.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 13) The schedule information output device according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the determining means determines the schedule such that the communication range is greater than the maximum communication distance for each of the plurality of tasks.

[0126] (Supplementary Note 14) A schedule information output method comprising: acquiring task information, which is information about a plurality of tasks to be performed by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; determining a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the task information and a communication range of the wireless communication calculated based on the environmental information; and outputting schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0127] (Supplementary Note 15) A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a schedule information output program that causes a computer to realize the following functions: an acquisition function that acquires task information, which is information about a plurality of tasks that are scheduled to be performed by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a decision function that determines a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the wireless communication range calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and an output function that outputs schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

[0128] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 13, which are dependent on Supplementary Note 1, may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 14 and 15 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 13. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 14, and 15, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0130] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-047881, filed March 25, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0131] 10, 20, 20-i Schedule information output device 11, 21-i Acquisition unit 12, 22-i Determination unit 13, 23-i Output unit 40 Base station 41 Control device 50, 50-i Wireless communication device 60, 61 Communication system 65-i Mobile object 90 Information processing device 91 Communication interface 92 Input / output interface 93 Arithmetic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile storage device 96 Drive device 97 Recording medium

Claims

1. A schedule information output device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring task information, which is information about a plurality of tasks to be performed by a wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a determination means for determining a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the wireless communication range calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and an output means for outputting schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

2. The schedule information output device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period.

3. The schedule information output device according to claim 2, wherein the predicted value is a value estimated based on a weather forecast.

4. The schedule information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the environmental information includes at least one of information on water temperature, wind speed, wave height, and rainfall.

5. A schedule information output device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the work information includes, for each of the plurality of works, communication requirement information which is information relating to the requirements for wireless communication in the work.

6. The schedule information output device according to claim 5, wherein the communication requirement information includes communication necessity information indicating whether or not the wireless communication is necessary for work.

7. The schedule information output device of claim 6, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period, and the determination means preferentially allocates work requiring wireless communication to time periods when the communication range is wider.

8. A schedule information output device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the communication requirement information includes communication frequency information indicating how often the wireless communication is performed in the course of work.

9. The schedule information output device according to claim 8, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period, and the determination means preferentially allocates work with a higher frequency of wireless communication to time periods when the communication range is wider.

10. The schedule information output device according to claim 8, wherein the communication frequency information includes communication timing information indicating the timing at which the wireless communication is performed.

11. The schedule information output device according to claim 10, wherein the determination means determines the schedule so that the communication range at the timing when the wireless communication is performed is greater than the distance between the wireless communication device and the communication partner.

12. A schedule information output device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the job information includes, for each of the plurality of jobs in which wireless communication is performed, maximum communication distance information, which is information regarding the maximum communication distance, which is the maximum value that the distance between the wireless communication device and the communication partner can be when the wireless communication device and the communication partner perform the wireless communication.

13. The schedule information output device according to claim 12, wherein said determination means determines the schedule for each of said plurality of tasks so that the communication range is greater than the maximum communication distance.

14. A schedule information output method comprising: acquiring task information, which is information relating to a plurality of tasks to be performed by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information relating to the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; determining a schedule for the plurality of tasks based on the wireless communication range calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and outputting schedule information, which is information relating to the schedule.

15. The schedule information output method according to claim 14, wherein the environmental information includes predicted values ​​for parameters included in the environmental information for each time period within a predetermined period.

16. The schedule information output method according to claim 15, wherein the predicted value is a value estimated based on a weather forecast.

17. A schedule information output method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the environmental information includes at least one of water temperature, wind speed, wave height, and rainfall.

18. A schedule information output method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the work information includes, for each of the plurality of works, communication requirement information which is information relating to the requirements for wireless communication in the work.

19. The schedule information output method according to claim 18, wherein the communication requirement information includes communication necessity information indicating whether or not the wireless communication is necessary for work.

20. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a schedule information output program that causes a computer to realize the following functions: an acquisition function that acquires task information, which is information about multiple tasks scheduled to be performed by a wireless communication device that communicates wirelessly using sound waves underwater, and environmental information, which is information about the environment surrounding the wireless communication device; a decision function that determines a schedule for the multiple tasks based on the wireless communication range calculated based on the environmental information and the task information; and an output function that outputs schedule information, which is information about the schedule.

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