Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

This information processing method for preventing bias from occurring in collected data includes an acquisition step for acquiring underwater or above-water data and attribute information related to the data, and a calculation step for calculating a value equivalent to the data on the basis of at least one of the data and the attribute information.

Description

Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

[0002] Technologies for acquiring and utilizing various underwater or surface data are being studied. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an invention in which underwater data is provided to a terminal by integrating map information of a measurement point with measurement data. It also describes that a fee may be paid to the information provider.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-288226

[0004] In an invention such as that described in Patent Document 1, if information providers are paid a fee for providing information, there is a possibility that information will be collected intensively in locations that are easily accessible to information providers, which could result in a significant bias in the collected data.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that can suppress bias in collected data when collecting underwater or surface data.

[0006] An information processing method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data, and a calculation step of calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0007] An information processing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or above-water data and attribute information related to the data, and a calculation means for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0008] An information processing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data, and a calculation means for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0009] In addition, the information processing device according to each aspect may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the information processing device on a computer by causing the computer to operate as each means provided in the information processing device, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] According to one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an exemplary effect is achieved in that bias in collected data can be suppressed when collecting data related to underwater or surface water.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an information processing method according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing by an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining processing by an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer functioning as an information processing device according to the present disclosure.

[0012] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technical means employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form for each of the exemplary embodiments described below. Note that the scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technical means shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0014] (Flow of Information Processing Method S1) The flow of processing in the information processing method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the flow of processing in the information processing method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing method S1 includes a step (process, process) S11 of acquiring data and attribute information, and a step (process, process) S12 of calculating compensation.

[0015] (Step S11) In step S11, data related to underwater or abovewater conditions and attribute information related to the data are acquired. Here, the data related to underwater or abovewater conditions includes, for example, information acquired by various sensors placed underwater or abovewater, and various sensors directed underwater or abovewater. Here, "various sensors directed underwater or abovewater" may include, for example, various sensors such as cameras placed on land or in the air and directed underwater or abovewater. The types of the various sensors do not limit this exemplary embodiment, and examples include: an acoustic sensor that detects sound waves propagating through water or the atmosphere; an optical sensor that detects light propagating through water or the atmosphere; a condition sensor that detects the condition of water or the atmosphere; and a sensor or detection device that detects various substances present in underwater or the atmosphere.

[0016] Here, examples of the acoustic sensor include a fish finder or sonar. Examples of the optical sensor include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and radar. Examples of the condition sensor include a temperature sensor, a water pressure gauge, a barometer, a hygrometer, a wind vane, a flow vane, an anemometer, a current meter, a rain gauge, or various sensors related to meteorological and oceanographic conditions. Examples of the position of the sensor or detection device that detects the various substances include a pH sensor, a turbidity measurement device, a plankton identification device, or a microplastics amount measurement device.

[0017] Specific examples of the "underwater or surface data" acquired by the various exemplary sensors or detection devices are as follows. However, these examples do not limit the present exemplary embodiment. Acoustic data acquired by a fish finder or sonar; Image data acquired by reference to the acoustic data; Image data acquired by a camera; Data acquired by an optical sensor; Radar data; Atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed, and their vertical distribution; Data related to meteorological and oceanographic conditions, such as rainfall, wave height, current direction and speed, and seawater temperature; Environmental data, such as seawater acidity and turbidity, plankton species, and macroplastics. Meanwhile, the "attribute information" acquired in this step is information related to the attributes of the data, and may include, for example, at least one of the data type, the location where the data was acquired, and the date and time the data was acquired. The "data type" may also include information related to the type of sensor that acquired the data. For example, "fish finder," "camera," and "temperature sensor" are examples of "attribute information" of the data.

[0018] Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Model numbers of various sensors, operation modes when acquiring data such as frequency, etc. - Course and speed of the vessel on which the various sensors are mounted, etc. Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Operational status of various devices such as various sensors and communication devices that communicate the data, etc.

[0019] (Step S12) In step S12, a compensation for the data is calculated based on at least one of the data and the attribute information acquired in step S11. As an example, the degree of rarity of the data may be determined by referring to at least one of the data and the attribute information, and the compensation may be calculated so as to have a positive correlation with the degree of rarity. In other words, the compensation may be calculated so that the higher the rarity, the higher the compensation.

[0020] For example, the price of data D1 obtained in sea area A1, where the number of ships passing through is relatively small, may be calculated so that the price is higher than the price of data D2, which is the same type of data as data D1 but obtained in sea area A2, where more ships pass through than sea area A1.

[0021] Alternatively, the price of data D1 obtained in sea area A during time period T1 when the number of passing ships is relatively small may be calculated so that the price is higher than the price of data D2, which is the same type of data as data D1 but obtained during time period T2 when more ships are passing through sea area A than during time period T1.

[0022] In addition, in this step, a compensation for the data may be calculated based on both the data and the attribute information acquired in step S11. In addition, in this step, or prior to this step, an analysis step may be executed to analyze the data acquired in step S11, and in this step, a compensation for the data may be calculated according to the results of the analysis step.

[0023] The compensation calculated in this step is provided to the data provider in the form of points for various services or cash, for example, but these specific forms do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0024] (Effects of Information Processing Method S1) As described above, the information processing method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes the following processes: Acquiring underwater or surface-of-water data and attribute information related to the data, and Calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information. In this way, in collecting underwater or surface-of-water data, the compensation for the data to be collected can be suitably calculated, thereby preventing bias in the collected data.

[0025] (Configuration of information processing device 1) Next, the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information processing device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a calculation unit 12.

[0026] (Acquisition unit 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires data relating to underwater or above water and attribute information relating to the data. Here, the "data relating to underwater or above water" and "attribute information" acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are, for example, similar to the "data relating to underwater or above water" and "attribute information" acquired in step S11 of the information processing method S1 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0027] (Calculation unit 12) The calculation unit 12 calculates the compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Here, the calculation unit 12 executes, as an example, a process similar to the calculation process in step S12 of the information processing method S1 described above.

[0028] The compensation calculated by the calculation unit 12 is provided to the provider of the data in the form of points for various services or cash, for example, but these specific forms do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0029] (Effects of Information Processing Method 1) As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment employs the following configuration: Acquires underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data, and Calculates compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information. The above configuration provides the same effects as those of information processing method S1.

[0030] (Configuration of Information Processing System 100) Next, the configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing system 100 includes an acquisition unit 11 and a calculation unit 12. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the acquisition unit 11 and the calculation unit 12 are connected via a network N. Here, the specific configuration of the network N does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, a satellite communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0031] (Acquisition unit 11) As described above, the acquisition unit 11 acquires underwater or above-water data and attribute information related to the data. Here, the "underwater or above-water data" and "attribute information" acquired by the acquisition unit 11 are, for example, similar to the "underwater or above-water data" and "attribute information" acquired in step S11 of the information processing method S1 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0032] (Calculation unit 12) As described above, the calculation unit 12 calculates the compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Here, as an example, the calculation unit 12 executes a process similar to the calculation process in step S12 of the information processing method S1 described above.

[0033] The compensation calculated by the calculation unit 12 is provided to the provider of the data in the form of points for various services or cash, for example, but these specific forms do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0034] (Effects of Information Processing System 100) As described above, the information processing system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment employs the following configuration: Acquires underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data, and Calculates compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information. This configuration provides the same effects as the information processing method S1.

[0035] Second Exemplary Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0036] (Example of Schematic Configuration of Information Processing System 100A) First, with reference to FIG. 4, the schematic configuration of the information processing system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the schematic configuration of the information processing system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing system 100A is configured to include an information processing device 1A, a first terminal device 51, a second terminal device 52, and a third terminal device 53. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal device 51 and the second terminal device 52 are respectively disposed in a surface vessel V51 and an underwater vessel V52. Hereinafter, the surface vessel V51 may be simply referred to as a vessel V51, and the underwater vessel V52 may be simply referred to as a submarine V52.

[0037] (Ship V51) As shown in Fig. 4, a first terminal device 51 is disposed on the ship V51. The terminal device 51 is operated, for example, by a crew member U51 of the ship V51. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the ship V51 is equipped with various sensors, such as a fish finder D511, a radar device D512, a visible light camera D513, and a temperature sensor D514. These sensors may be collectively referred to as a sensor group D51.

[0038] As an example, various sensing data from the sensor group D51 are transmitted via a communication unit provided in the ship V51 or the first terminal device 51, an artificial satellite 60, and a base station and ground station not shown, and are acquired by the information processing device 1A.

[0039] (Submersible Vehicle V52) Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 4, a second terminal device 52 is arranged in the submersible vehicle V52. This terminal device 52 is operated, for example, by a crew member U52 of the submersible vehicle V52. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, the submersible vehicle V52 is equipped with a sensor group D52. Various sensing data from the sensor group D52 is transmitted, for example, via a communication unit provided in the submersible vehicle V52 or the terminal device 51, a repeater 70, and an artificial satellite 60, and is acquired by the information processing device 1A.

[0040] 4, the sensor group D51 equipped on the ship V51 and the sensor group D52 equipped on the submersible V52 are given as examples of sensors that acquire data related to underwater or surface water, but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. The information processing system 100A also includes various other sensors, and data related to underwater or surface water acquired by these sensors is provided to the information processing device 1A.

[0041] As in the first exemplary embodiment, such sensors include, for example, information acquired by various sensors disposed underwater or on water, and various sensors oriented underwater or above water. Here, "various sensors oriented underwater or above water" may include, for example, various sensors such as cameras disposed on land or in the air and oriented underwater or above water. Furthermore, the types of the various sensors do not limit this exemplary embodiment, and examples include: an acoustic sensor that detects sound waves propagating through water or the atmosphere; an optical sensor that detects light propagating through water or the atmosphere; a condition sensor that detects the condition of water or the atmosphere; and a sensor or detection device that detects various substances present in water or the atmosphere.

[0042] Here, examples of the acoustic sensor include a fish finder or sonar. Examples of the optical sensor include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and radar. Examples of the condition sensor include a temperature sensor, a water pressure gauge, a barometer, a hygrometer, a wind vane, a flow vane, an anemometer, a current meter, a rain gauge, or various sensors related to meteorological and oceanographic conditions. Examples of the position of the sensor or detection device that detects the various substances include a pH sensor, a turbidity measurement device, a plankton identification device, or a microplastics amount measurement device.

[0043] Specific examples of underwater or surface data that have been or can be acquired by the various exemplary sensors or detection devices are as follows, although these examples do not limit the present exemplary embodiment: Acoustic data acquired by a fish finder or sonar Image data obtained by reference to the acoustic data Camera image data Data from an optical sensor Radar data Air pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed, and their vertical distributions Data related to meteorological and oceanographic conditions, such as rainfall, wave height, tidal current direction and speed, and seawater temperature Environmental data, such as seawater acidity and turbidity, plankton types, and the amount of macroplastics These data are acquired by the information processing device 1A via a predetermined transmission path, as specifically described for the ship V51 and the submarine V52.

[0044] (Terminal Device 53) The terminal device 53 is operated by, for example, a user U53. The user U53 is, for example, a user who wishes to acquire data. Attribute information of the target data desired by the user is transmitted to the crew member U51 or crew member U52 of the ship V51 or submersible V52 via, for example, the information processing device 1A, and the target data is acquired by the sensor group D51 or D52 equipped on the ship V51 or submersible V52. A more specific example of the processing performed by the terminal device 53 will be described later.

[0045] (Processing Example 1 in Information Processing System 100A) Next, a processing flow example 1 in the information processing system 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing a processing flow example 1 in the information processing system 100A.

[0046] (Step S101) In step S101, attribute information related to one or more pieces of data desired to be acquired is notified to a data provider candidate. Here, an example of the data provider candidate is crew member U51 or crew member U52 of ship V51 or submersible V52. In this step, as an example, the attribute information is transmitted from information processing device 1A to first terminal device 51 or second terminal device 52, and the attribute information is presented to crew member U51 or crew member U52 via a display provided on first terminal device 51 or second terminal device 52.

[0047] Note that the data provision candidates are not limited to crew members of the ship V51, submersible V52, etc., but may also be persons other than crew members. For example, an information transmission route may be such that the attribute information is viewed by a certain user on the user's mobile terminal device, and the user transmits the attribute information to crew member U51 or crew member U52 of the ship V51 or submersible V52. In addition, in this exemplary embodiment, the data desired to be acquired is sometimes referred to as target data, but this term does not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0048] On the other hand, the attribute information notified in this step is information that specifies the type of target data that is desired to be acquired. As an example, the attribute information includes at least one of the type of target data, the location where the target data is desired to be acquired, and the date and time when the target data is desired to be acquired. Furthermore, the "type of target data" may be configured to include information regarding the type of sensor that acquires the target data. For example, "fish finder," "camera," "temperature sensor," etc. are examples of "attribute information" of the target data.

[0049] Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Model numbers of various sensors, operation modes when acquiring data such as frequency, etc. - Course and speed of the vessel on which the various sensors are mounted, etc. Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Operational status of various devices such as various sensors and communication devices that communicate the data, etc.

[0050] The upper part of Fig. 6 shows an example of attribute information TA notified in this step. In the example shown in the upper part of Fig. 6, attribute information including: - Data type: "Fish finder data" - Location: "AA sea area" - Date and time: "yyyy year mm month dd day 17:00-18:00" is associated with request ID 001. Also, attribute information including: - Data type: "Temperature data" - Location: "10 km south of BB Island, depth 100 m-110 m" - Date and time: "summer of yyyy" is associated with request ID 002. Also, attribute information including: - Data type: "Image data" - Location: "CC Ridge" - Date and time: "yyyy year-zzzz year" is associated with request ID 003.

[0051] The lower part of Figure 6 shows an example of attribute information displayed on the display 512 of the first terminal device 51 arranged on the vessel V51. In the example shown in the lower part of Figure 6, the existence of target data requested for acquisition is displayed in association with the position on the nautical chart NC indicated by the attribute information of the target data. For example, attribute information associated with request ID 001 is displayed in the AA sea area on the nautical chart NC. Here, the attribute information may be displayed in the following manner: The attribute information shown in the upper part of Figure 6 may be displayed directly on the nautical chart NC, or, as shown in the lower part of Figure 6, it may be displayed indirectly using an icon such as "Requested, ID: 001," and the attribute information may be displayed when the icon is clicked. The same applies to the attribute information associated with request ID 002 and request ID 003.

[0052] (Step S102) In step S102, the data provider candidate who has recognized the attribute information TA of the target data, for example, operates a vessel V51 or a submersible V52, etc., and acquires the target data using various sensors, such as the sensor group D51 or the sensor group D52, equipped on the vessel V51 or the submersible V52. The data acquired by these various sensors is then provided to the information processing device 1A via the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52. The data provider candidate also provides attribute information of the acquired data to the information processing device 1A via the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52. The "attribute information" provided in this step is information related to the attributes of the data, and includes, for example, at least one of the type of data, the location where the data was acquired, and the date and time when the data was acquired. The "type of data" may also include information related to the type of sensor that acquired the data. For example, "fish finder," "camera," and "temperature sensor" are examples of "attribute information" of the data.

[0053] Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Model numbers of various sensors, operation modes when acquiring data such as frequency, etc. - Course and speed of the vessel on which the various sensors are mounted, etc. Furthermore, the "attribute information" acquired in this step may further include: - Operational status of various devices such as various sensors and communication devices that communicate the data, etc.

[0054] (Step S11) Subsequently, in step S11, the underwater or above-water data provided in step S102 and attribute information related to the data are acquired. As an example, the information processing device 1A acquires the data and the attribute information.

[0055] The upper part of Figure 7 shows an example of the data and attribute information acquired in this step. In the example shown in the upper part of Figure 7, the following are associated with data ID: 00101: provider ID: P001; data body: xxx.format1; data type: "fish finder data"; location: "AA Sea Area"; and date and time: "yyyy year mm month dd day 17:10-17:20." Also, the following are associated with data ID: 00102: provider ID: P012; data body: yyy.format2; data type: "temperature data"; location: "10 km south of BB Island, depth 105 m"; and date and time: "July 10, yyyy." In this example, the data body is an example of the above-mentioned "underwater or surface data," and the data type, location, and date and time are examples of the above-mentioned "attribute information."

[0056] Other specific examples of the "data" acquired in this step include the examples described in the explanation of "(sensor group)" above, but these specific examples will not be repeated here. However, the "data" acquired in this step is not limited to these examples. Furthermore, specific examples of the "attribute information" acquired in this step include the examples described in (step S102), but are not limited to these examples.

[0057] (Step S12) Subsequently, in step S12, a compensation for the data is calculated based on at least one of the data and the attribute information acquired in step S11. As an example, the degree of rarity of the data may be determined by referring to at least one of the data and the attribute information, and the compensation may be calculated so as to have a positive correlation with the degree of rarity. In other words, the compensation may be calculated so that the higher the rarity, the higher the compensation.

[0058] For example, the price of data D1 obtained in sea area A1, where the number of ships passing through is relatively small, may be calculated so that the price is higher than the price of data D2, which is the same type of data as data D1 but obtained in sea area A2, where more ships pass through than sea area A1.

[0059] Alternatively, the price of data D1 obtained in sea area A during time period T1 when the number of passing ships is relatively small may be calculated so that the price is higher than the price of data D2, which is the same type of data as data D1 but obtained during time period T2 when more ships are passing through sea area A than during time period T1.

[0060] In addition, in this step, a compensation for the data may be calculated based on both the data and the attribute information acquired in step S11. In addition, in this step, or prior to this step, an analysis step may be executed to analyze the data acquired in step S11, and in this step, a compensation for the data may be calculated according to the results of the analysis step.

[0061] The lower part of Figure 7 shows an example of the compensation calculated in this step. In the example shown in the lower part of Figure 7, the compensation for the data identified by data ID 00101 shown in the upper part of Figure 7 is calculated to be 100 points, and is managed in association with the provider ID = P001 of the provider who provided the data. The same applies to the compensation for the data identified by data ID 00102. Note that the calculated compensation and provider ID are examples of information included in the compensation information RI. Below, examples of the compensation calculation process in this step will be described, but this exemplary embodiment is not limited to these examples. In addition, processing examples that combine the following compensation calculation process examples are also included in this exemplary embodiment.

[0062] (Remuneration Calculation Process Example 1) As an example, if the data acquired in step S11 is image data, in this step, the analysis unit 15 included in the information processing device 1A may apply an object detection process to the image data, and the calculation unit 12 included in the information processing device 1A may determine the compensation for the image data in accordance with the detected object. In other words, the compensation for the data may be calculated in accordance with an object that appears in an image indicated by the image data, which is the data.

[0063] For example, the information processing device 1A may store correspondence information between multiple objects and the value of each object in advance, and the calculation unit 12 provided in the information processing device 1A may calculate the value of the data acquired in step S11 by comparing the detected object with the correspondence information.

[0064] The calculation unit 12 may also calculate the compensation for the data acquired in step S11 using a trained model that takes image data as input and outputs compensation. The information processing device 1A may be configured to include a learning unit that trains such a model using training data that includes multiple pairs of image data and label data related to compensation.

[0065] (Reason Calculation Process Example 2) As another example, the reward for the data acquired in step S11 may be calculated according to the season corresponding to the date and time information indicated in the attribute information of the data. As an example, information processing device 1A may store correspondence information between data type, season, and reward in advance, and calculation unit 12 included in information processing device 1A may calculate the reward for the data acquired in step S11 by comparing the data type indicated in the attribute information acquired in step S11 and the date and time when the data was acquired with the correspondence information.

[0066] For example, consider a case where the type of data indicates a school of fish in sea area A, and there is a relative shortage of summer school of fish data in sea area A compared to other seasons. In such a case, the calculation unit 12 may calculate the price of summer school of fish data to be higher than that of fish school data in other seasons.

[0067] (Reason Calculation Process Example 3) As another example, the reward for the data acquired in step S11 may be calculated according to the depth at which the data was acquired. As one example, information processing device 1A may store correspondence information between data type, depth, and reward in advance, and calculation unit 12 included in information processing device 1A may calculate the reward for the data acquired in step S11 by comparing the data type indicated by the attribute information acquired in step S11 and the depth at which the data was acquired with the correspondence information.

[0068] For example, consider a case where the type of data indicates seawater temperature in sea area A, and data on seawater temperature at depths of 1000 m or more is relatively scarce compared to data on seawater temperature at other depths in sea area A. In such a case, the calculation unit 12 may calculate the price for the data on seawater temperature at depths of 1000 m or more to be higher than the price for data on seawater temperature at other depths.

[0069] (Compensation Calculation Process Example 4) As another example, the compensation for data in a certain area acquired in step S11 may be calculated based on the date and time when data of the same type as the data was previously acquired in the certain area. In other words, the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area may be calculated based on the date and time when similar data of the same type as the data was acquired in the certain area. In other words, the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area may be determined based on the length of time from the date and time when similar data of the same type as the data was acquired in the certain area before the data in question. In this case, the calculation unit 12 may determine the compensation for the acquired data so that it has a positive correlation with the length of time. In other words, the compensation may be calculated so that the longer the time since the previous acquisition, the higher the compensation.

[0070] For example, if data indicating the seawater temperature at a depth of 100 m in sea area A is acquired at date and time T1, date and time T2, and date and time T3, and the time interval between date and time T2 and date and time T3 is longer than the time interval between date and time T1 and date and time T2, the price of the data acquired at date and time T3 may be calculated to be higher than the price of the data acquired at date and time T2.

[0071] (Step S13) Subsequently, in step S13, the compensation calculated in step S12 is provided to the provider who provided the data acquired in step S11. As an example, the compensation calculated in step S13 is provided to the data provider in the form of points for various services, cash, or the like. However, these specific aspects do not limit this exemplary embodiment.

[0072] (Processing Example 2 in Information Processing System 100A) Next, a processing flow example 2 in the information processing system 100A will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing a processing flow example 2 in the information processing system 100A.

[0073] (Step S100) In step S100, attribute information regarding the target data desired to be acquired is received from a data demander. Here, the data demander refers, for example, to a person who desires the data. Furthermore, the attribute information constitutes, for example, part of the attribute information of the target data desired to be acquired, which is notified to the data provider candidate in the next step S101. Therefore, this step may be expressed as a step of receiving, from the data demander, attribute information regarding at least one of the one or more target data desired to be acquired.

[0074] FIG. 9 shows an example of attribute information that the acquisition unit 11 of the information processing device 1A receives from the data demander in this step. The data demander inputs the following via the input / output unit 532 of the terminal device 53 that the data demander operates: - Type of data desired to be acquired - Location where data is desired to be acquired - Date and time when data is desired to be acquired. The example of FIG. 9 shows a case where "fish school data" is input as the data type, "ocean area AA" as the location, and "yyyy year mm month dd day 17:00 to 18:00" as the date and time. This information is transmitted from the terminal device 53 to the information processing device 1A as attribute information related to the target data desired to be acquired, and is acquired by the acquisition unit 11 of the information processing device 1A.

[0075] In this step, information regarding the price of the target data desired to be acquired may be received from the data consumer. For example, information regarding the amount that the data consumer is willing to pay as price for the target data may be received. The information regarding the price is referenced in calculating the price in step S12.

[0076] (Steps S101 to S13) With regard to the processing of steps S101 to S13 shown in Figure 8, duplicated explanations will be omitted for content similar to the processing described in the above-mentioned processing flow example 1. Note that the attribute information TA notified in step S101 is associated with request ID = 001, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6 as an example, and includes: Data type: "Fish finder data" Location: "AA sea area" Date and time: "yyyy year mm month dd day 17:00 to 18:00", which is the "attribute information related to the target data desired to be acquired" obtained from the data demander in the above-mentioned step S100.

[0077] Furthermore, if information regarding the price of the target data desired to be acquired is received from the data demander in step S100, the information is referenced in the price calculation process in step S12. As an example, if information regarding the amount the data demander is willing to pay as price for the target data is received in step S100, the following processing may be performed in step S12: - refer to the attribute information of the data acquired in step S11 to determine whether the data acquired in step S11 corresponds to the target data desired to be acquired and received from the data demander in step S100; and - if the data acquired in step S11 corresponds to the target data desired to be acquired and received from the data demander, determine the price for the data according to the amount the data demander is willing to pay. For example, the price for the data may be calculated as the amount the data demander is willing to pay plus a predetermined fee.

[0078] (Configuration of Information Processing System 100A) Next, a specific configuration example of the information processing system 100A that executes at least some of the processes included in the above-described processing example will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the information processing system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment.

[0079] 10 , an information processing system 100A, as an example, includes an information processing device 1A and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the information processing system 100A via a network N. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , more specifically, the information processing system 100A includes a first terminal device 51 operated by a first data provider candidate, a second terminal device 52 operated by a second data provider candidate, and a third terminal device 53 operated by a data consumer. An example of the first data provider candidate is the crew member U51 of the ship V51 described above, an example of the second data provider candidate is the crew member U52 of the submarine V52 described above, and an example of the data consumer is the user U53 described above, but these examples do not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the network N does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, a satellite communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0081] (First Terminal Device 51) As shown in FIG. 10, the first terminal device 51 includes a communication unit 511, an input / output unit 512, and a control unit 513.

[0082] (Communication unit 511) The communication unit 511 communicates with devices external to the first terminal device 51. As an example, the communication unit 511 communicates with the information processing device 1A. The communication unit 511 transmits data supplied from the control unit 513 to the information processing device 1A, and supplies data received from the information processing device 1A to the control unit 513.

[0083] The data received by the communication unit 511 from the information processing device 1A includes the "attribute information on the target data desired to be acquired" notified by the information processing device 1A in the above-mentioned step S101. The data provided by the communication unit 511 to the information processing device 1A includes the "data acquired by various sensors and attribute information of the data" in the above-mentioned step S102.

[0084] (Input / Output Unit 512) The input / output unit 512 is configured to include at least one of input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input / output unit 512 may be configured to be connected to input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. In this configuration, the input / output unit 512 accepts various types of information input to the first terminal device 51 from the connected input devices. Furthermore, the input / output unit 512 outputs various types of information to the connected output devices under the control of the control unit 513. The input / output unit 512 may be an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). An example of a screen displayed on a display provided in the input / output unit 512 is shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0085] (Control unit 513) The control unit 513 controls each unit of the first terminal device 51. For example, the control unit 513 displays a screen showing data acquired by the communication unit 511 on a display provided in the input / output unit 512, and transmits user input data received via the input / output unit 512 from the communication unit 511.

[0086] 10, the second terminal device 52 includes a communication unit 521, an input / output unit 522, and a control unit 523. The communication unit 521, the input / output unit 522, and the control unit 523 have the same configurations as the communication unit 511, the input / output unit 512, and the control unit 513 included in the first terminal device 51, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0087] (Third Terminal Device 53) As shown in FIG. 10, the third terminal device 53 includes a communication unit 531, an input / output unit 532, and a control unit 533.

[0088] (Communication unit 531) The communication unit 531 transmits data supplied from the control unit 533 to the information processing device 1A, and supplies data received from the information processing device 1A to the control unit 533. Note that the data that the communication unit 531 and the communication unit 511 provide to the information processing device 1A includes the "attribute information on the target data desired to be acquired" in step S100 described above. In addition, the data that the communication unit 531 receives from the information processing device 1A includes the "compensation" in step S13 described above.

[0089] (Input / Output Unit 532) The input / output unit 532 is configured to include at least one of input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input / output unit 532 may be configured to have input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel connected to it. In this configuration, the input / output unit 532 accepts various types of information input to the third terminal device 53 from the connected input devices. Furthermore, the input / output unit 532 outputs various types of information to the connected output devices under the control of the control unit 533. The input / output unit 532 may be an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). An example of a user interface screen displayed on a display provided in the input / output unit 532 is the input screen example shown in the lower part of FIG. 9.

[0090] (Control unit 533) The control unit 533 controls each unit of the third terminal device 53. For example, the control unit 533 displays a screen showing data acquired by the communication unit 531 on a display provided in the input / output unit 532, and transmits user input data received via the input / output unit 532 from the communication unit 531.

[0091] (Information Processing Device 1A) Next, the configuration of the information processing device 1 A will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the information processing device 1 A includes a control unit 10 A, a storage unit 20 A, a communication unit 30, and an input / output unit 40.

[0092] (Communication Unit 30) The communication unit 30 communicates with devices external to the information processing device 1A. As an example, the communication unit 30 communicates with a plurality of terminal devices 51, 52, 53, .... The communication unit 30 transmits data supplied from the control unit 10A to any one of the plurality of terminal devices 51, 52, 53, ..., and supplies data received from any one of the plurality of terminal devices 51, 52, 53, ... to the control unit 10A.

[0093] The data received by the communication unit 30 from the third terminal device 53 includes the "attribute information on the target data desired to be acquired" described in step S100. The data transmitted by the communication unit 30 to the third terminal device 53 includes the "compensation" described in step S13.

[0094] The data transmitted by the communication unit 30 to the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52 includes the "attribute information on the target data desired to be acquired" described in step S101. The data received by the communication unit 30 from the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52 includes the "underwater or surface data and attribute information on the data" described in step S11.

[0095] (Input / Output Unit 40) The input / output unit 40 is configured to include at least one of input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input / output unit 40 may be configured to be connected to input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. In this configuration, the input / output unit 40 accepts various types of information input to the information processing device 1A from the connected input devices. Furthermore, the input / output unit 40 outputs various types of information to connected output devices under the control of the control unit 10A. The input / output unit 40 may be, for example, an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0096] (Storage unit 20A) The storage unit 20A stores various data referenced by the control unit 10A and various data generated by the control unit 10A. As an example, the storage unit 20A includes: a data group BDG; compensation information RI; attribute information TA; and analysis results AR.

[0097] Here, the data group BDG is a data group including a set of underwater or abovewater data and attribute information related to the data, acquired by the acquisition unit 11 in step S11 described above. Specific examples of the data and attribute information have been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that the data included in the data group BDG may be given the symbol BD, and the attribute information included in the data group BDG may be given the symbol BA.

[0098] The consideration information RI is information indicating the consideration calculated by the calculation unit 12 in the above-mentioned step S12, and is associated with each of the data BD included in the data group BDG. In other words, consideration information RI indicating the consideration calculated by the calculation unit 12 for the data BD is associated with a certain data BD.

[0099] The attribute information TA is information indicating the attributes of the target data desired to be acquired. For example, the attribute information TA is acquired from the data demander in step S100 described above, and is notified to the terminal device used by the data provider candidate in step S101.

[0100] The analysis result AR is the analysis result obtained by the analysis step described in step S12 above. The analysis step is executed by the analysis unit 15, for example, but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the analysis step may be executed by a device external to the information processing device 1A or by an analyst.

[0101] (Control Unit 10A) As shown in FIG. 10 , the control unit 10A includes an acquisition unit 11, a calculation unit 12, a provision unit 13, a notification unit 14, and an analysis unit 15.

[0102] (Acquisition unit 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires data BD relating to underwater or above water and attribute information BA relating to the data BD. The acquired data BD and attribute information BA are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 20A as a data group BDG. As an example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires "data relating to underwater or above water" and "attribute information" as described in step S11. These data and information have already been described, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0103] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 acquires attribute information TA relating to the target data desired to be acquired from the data consumer. The acquired attribute information TA is stored in the storage unit 20A. As an example, as described in step S100, the acquisition unit 11 may be expressed as receiving attribute information TA relating to at least one of the one or more target data desired to be acquired from the data consumer. Specific examples of the attribute information TA acquired by the acquisition unit 11 have been described in step S100, and therefore, repeated description will be omitted.

[0104] (Calculation unit 12) The calculation unit 12 calculates the compensation for the data BD based on at least one of the data BD and the attribute information BA acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The calculated compensation is stored in the storage unit 20A as compensation information RI. As an example, the calculation unit 12 may be configured to calculate the compensation for the data BD based on both the data BD and the attribute information BA acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Furthermore, the calculation unit 12 may be configured to calculate the compensation for the data BD according to the result of the analysis process by the analysis unit 15. More specifically, the calculation unit 12 calculates the compensation through each process described in step S12. The specific contents of each process have already been described, so duplicate explanations will be omitted.

[0105] (Providing Unit 13) The providing unit 13 provides the compensation calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the provider who provided the data BD acquired by the acquiring unit 11. As an example, the providing unit 13 provides the compensation calculated by the calculation unit 12 to the provider of the data in the form of points for various services, cash, or the like. However, these specific aspects do not limit the present exemplary embodiment.

[0106] For example, the providing unit 13 may provide desired data to a user who wishes to purchase the data, such as the user U53, and may receive payment from the user for the provision of the data.

[0107] (Notification Unit 14) The notification unit 14 notifies the data provider candidate of attribute information TA related to one or more pieces of data desired to be acquired. As an example, the notification unit 14 notifies the data provider candidate of the attribute information TA acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As an example, the notification unit 14: - transmits the attribute information TA from the information processing device 1A to the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52 via the communication unit 30; - presents the attribute information to the crew member U51 or the crew member U52 via the display provided on the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52, thereby notifying the data provider candidate of the attribute information TA related to one or more pieces of data desired to be acquired. A specific processing example for notifying the data provider of the attribute information TA has been described in step S101, so a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0108] (Analysis Unit 15) The analysis unit 15 analyzes at least one of the underwater or above-water data BD and attribute information BA acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As an example, if the data BD is image data, an object is detected from the image data by applying an object detection process to the image data. Here, a specific example of the object detection process does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but as an example, the object detection process may be performed using a machine-learned model. Furthermore, various neural network models including a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) may be used as the machine-learned model.

[0109] Furthermore, when the data BD is a series of sensing data in a time series, the analysis unit 15 may perform the analysis process by applying various types of filtering, such as a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, and a band-pass filter, to the sensing data. Alternatively, the analysis unit 15 may be configured to perform the analysis process by applying various types of trained neural network models, including a recurrent neural network (RNN), to the sensing data. The analysis results by the analysis unit 15 are, for example, referenced in the compensation calculation process by the calculation unit 12.

[0110] Furthermore, if the attribute information BA includes the operating status of various devices such as sensors and communication devices, the analysis unit 15 may be configured to analyze the operating status and execute a fault detection process for these various devices. The results of the fault detection process may be transmitted to the first terminal device 51 or the second terminal device 52 via the communication unit 30 and presented to the crew member U51 or crew member U52. Alternatively, the results of the fault detection process may be notified to the owner of the ship V51 or submersible V52.

[0111] The analysis unit 15 may also be configured to refer to: information on the types of sensors equipped on the ship V51 or submersible V52; and attribute information TA on one or more target data, to calculate a recommended route for the ship V51 or submersible V52 to acquire the one or more target data, and notify the ship V51 or submersible V52 of the recommended route. The calculated recommended route is displayed, for example, on the nautical chart NC shown in the lower part of Figure 6.

[0112] (Effects of Information Processing System 100A) The information processing system 100A configured as described above includes the following processes: Acquire data BD related to underwater or above water and attribute information BA related to the data, and Calculate compensation for the data BD based on at least one of the data BD and the attribute information BA. In this way, the information processing system 100A calculates compensation for the data BD based on at least one of the data BD and the attribute information BA, so that when collecting underwater or above water data, compensation for the data to be collected can be suitably calculated, thereby preventing bias in the collected data.

[0113] [Third Exemplary Embodiment] A third exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technical means shown in each drawing referenced to describe this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0114] (Configuration of Information Processing System 100B) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the information processing system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the information processing system 100A according to the second exemplary embodiment. However, in the information processing system 100B, the acquisition unit 11, calculation unit 12, provision unit 13, notification unit 14, analysis unit 15, and storage unit 20A may each be distributed and arranged in separate devices. In the information processing system 100B, these units are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the information processing system 100A.

[0115] (Application Example) Below, an application example of the information processing system 100A or 100B according to this exemplary embodiment will be described. In this application example, as an example, ships equipped with sensors and communication devices such as a fish finder, radar, and camera are deployed on the ocean, the sensors of each ship are owned by an owner, and the owner may be on the ship or may direct the ship from the ground, repeaters such as artificial satellites and aircraft are hovering in the sky to relay communications between the ships on the ocean and base stations on the ground, ground stations are located on the ground to collect data relayed from the repeaters, and users who receive data from the ground stations are scattered throughout the area.

[0116] Here, the "sensors such as fish finders, radars, and cameras" are an example of the sensor group D51 described with reference to Fig. 4, and the "ship" is an example of the ship V51 and submersible V52. The "artificial satellite" is an example of the artificial satellite 60 shown in Fig. 4. The "user receiving data from the ground station" is an example of the user U53 shown in Fig. 4.

[0117] Multiple ships deployed on the ocean use acoustic sensors such as fish finders or sonars to acquire data on biological resources such as schools of fish in the sea, man-made objects navigating the sea, and so on. The data can be waveform signals of the reflected sound of sound waves transmitted to these objects, beam signals synthesized from waveform signals from multiple transducers, or image data assembled from beam signals. Passive data acquisition that does not emit acoustic waves is also possible. Other sensors, such as underwater optical sensors or underwater cameras, can also be used as long as they are close-range.

[0118] The acquired data is uploaded to the repeater automatically, or data specified by the ship's crew. At this time, the coordinates and time of data acquisition are also sent. Data acquisition and uploading may be performed via a dedicated app approved by the ground station to prevent data tampering. Here, the dedicated app may be included in the sensor control software, for example, and tampering is prevented except through updates approved by the ground station. When uploading sensor data, in addition to the operating mode at the time of data acquisition, such as the sensor model number and frequency, the ship's course and speed may also be uploaded. The operating status of various devices, such as sensors and communication equipment, may also be uploaded to assist in troubleshooting.

[0119] Here, the "acquired data" is an example of the above-mentioned data BD, and the "coordinates and time when the data was acquired," "operating mode when data was acquired, such as sensor model number and frequency," "course and speed of the ship," and "operating status of various equipment" are examples of the above-mentioned attribute information BA.

[0120] The owner instructs the ship's crew to acquire and upload data from on board the ship or from land, or acquires and uploads data themselves on board the ship. Each owner receives points from a ground station via a telephone network or other means depending on the content of the uploaded data, the type of sensor used, and the time and location of acquisition. Here, the above-mentioned "points" are an example of the compensation mentioned above.

[0121] The repeater relays data uploaded from the ship to the ground station. At this time, the communication may be configured to be encrypted to prevent eavesdropping. Furthermore, if there are multiple repeaters in the sky, the repeater with the shortest distance may be configured to relay the data, taking into account, for example, the distance from the ship and the distance from the ground station. Furthermore, in situations where repeaters are constantly moving, such as in low-orbit constellation satellites, the repeater that relays the data will be rotated one after another. The repeater may be configured to only accept data from dedicated apps approved by the ground station.

[0122] The ground station collects data sent from each ship via a repeater. Each piece of data is analyzed and identified as, for example, containing acoustic data of a school of fish or video of an artificial vessel. AI may be used for this identification. Here, the "data sent from each ship" is an example of the data BD described above. Furthermore, the "AI" is an example of a trained model used by the analysis unit 15 described above.

[0123] Points are then set according to predetermined criteria depending on the content of the data. Points are also set according to predetermined criteria depending on the location, time, depth, sensor type, etc. at which the data was acquired. These criteria may be determined by the ground station itself, or may be determined in advance by the user purchasing the data, or at the time of purchase. These processes are examples of the compensation calculation process executed by the calculation unit 12 described above. Furthermore, the "user purchasing data" is an example of the user U53 described above.

[0124] For example, when the data is seawater temperature, it is preferable to obtain the vertical distribution of seawater temperature in various sea areas and seasons, as the vertical distribution of seawater temperature has a significant effect on the propagation of sound waves and affects sonar performance.Seawater temperature conditions also affect the behavior of marine life, so it is important from the perspective of fishing.

[0125] Points may be awarded as follows: - No points for sea surface temperature, since it can be obtained from aircraft or satellites - Points are increased by 1 for every 10 m of depth Furthermore, compensation for temperatures at multiple depths may be calculated by adding up the points for each of the temperatures at the multiple depths.

[0126] In addition, points may be awarded according to the length of time since the last time data was collected, such as: - If the seawater temperature has not been measured in an area for more than a week, the points may be multiplied by 10.

[0127] In addition, points may be awarded in the following ways: - Points may be multiplied by 10 in areas with severe weather conditions such as typhoons; - In areas where the number of ships entering and leaving varies depending on the season, for example, in areas where there are fewer ships in winter, points may be doubled.

[0128] In addition, points can be awarded in the following ways: - If a data purchaser wishes to obtain data for a specific season or a specific sea area, high points can be set for that specific season and specific sea area; - High points can be awarded to an owner who provides the depth distribution of seawater temperature in a specific sea area in real time for a long period of time.

[0129] Furthermore, points can be awarded in the following manner: - If the data is, for example, an image of a marine life, the type of life varies depending on the season and ocean area, so for example, if a specific type of fish is targeted, 1 point can be awarded if one fish of that type is captured, and 2 points can be awarded if two fish are captured.

[0130] However, in the case of fishing grounds, where many ships are concentrated, it is not very useful if multiple ships report the presence of the same type of fish in the same sea area. In such sea areas, the points may be reduced to 1 / 10, or other configuration may be adopted to encourage ships to disperse as much as possible.

[0131] Alternatively, points may be awarded to the owner who reports first, and not to the second or subsequent owners.

[0132] The density of ships can be determined using observations from artificial satellites. Alternatively, it can be estimated from the position information of each ship obtained from the AIS (Automatic Identification System). Alternatively, the distribution status of surrounding ships obtained from ship radar can be uploaded and points can be added to this as well.

[0133] It is preferable that these points be made known to each owner. For example, the points may be superimposed on an online nautical chart, or the points may be displayed as they change continuously, like stock prices or exchange rates, depending on the density of ships and the needs of buyers.

[0134] These points may be converted into cash at a preset exchange rate, or may be traded or exchanged for other types of points, such as those obtained through online shopping.

[0135] The set points may be configured to be sent to the owner via a telephone network or the like. These points can be accumulated. With these points, the user can purchase data accumulated at the ground station. These points can be converted into points on various e-commerce sites at a predetermined rate, or can be exchanged for cash.

[0136] The ground station accepts user registrations and receives fees from users. To make it easier for users to select data, the content of the data can be explained in text or a digest video can be presented. Users register with the ground station in advance. Users can pay fees to the ground station on a monthly subscription basis, or they can pay a fee each time they purchase data. Users can also view explanations and digest videos of data stored in the ground station and select the data they want to download.

[0137] According to this application example, by providing incentives in the form of points to ship owners who collect data, they will actively collect data, which will accelerate the accumulation of marine data. Furthermore, by changing the points based on data content, location, and time, comprehensive data collection and users will be able to obtain the data they need more easily.

[0138] Note that sensors on the ship may also be sensors on the water, such as radar or underwater cameras. In this case, the sensing target as the data BD may be other ships or aircraft on the sea, swimmers, divers, seabirds, etc. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which weather data is utilized as the attribute information BA. Furthermore, the data BD may be images of seascapes or images of islands seen from the sea.

[0139] Alternatively, various sensors may be installed on a buoy that rises to the surface of the ocean, rather than on a ship, and data may be sent from the buoy via satellite. Alternatively, swimmers or divers may carry various sensors and send data from the ocean surface via satellite.

[0140] Other sensors that ships can carry include sensors for meteorological and oceanographic information such as air pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed and their vertical distribution, rainfall, wave height, tidal current direction and speed, and seawater temperature, as well as environmental sensors for seawater acidity and turbidity, plankton types, and the amount of macroplastics. Ship owners can also use autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to conduct underwater searches and communicate underwater between the ship and the AUV, allowing the ship to obtain information about a wide area of ​​the water.

[0141] As described above, this application example can contribute to detailed understanding of the status of marine resources such as schools of fish, and thus can be used in the fisheries industry. Furthermore, as it can contribute to the detection of underwater vessels, it can also be used in the defense industry and maritime security industry. From the perspective of using beautiful and unique images of the sea and above the ocean, it can also be used in marine leisure and tourism. Furthermore, it is expected that comprehensive observation of weather and ocean conditions can contribute to accurate forecasts, and it can also be used in the weather forecasting industry and disaster prevention industry. Thus, according to this application example, by providing incentives for data acquisition, ordinary ships will be encouraged to actively acquire sensor data from all sea areas, which provides an exemplary benefit of providing comprehensive marine information to users.

[0142] [Example of implementation by software] Some or all of the functions of the information processing devices 1, 1A, terminal devices 51 to 53, and information processing systems 100, 100A, 100B (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0143] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0144] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to function as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0145] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0146] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0147] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0148] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0149] (Appendix A1) An information processing method including: an acquisition step of acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data; and a calculation step of calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0150] (Supplementary Note A2) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note A1, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of a type of the data, a location where the data was acquired, and a date and time when the data was acquired.

[0151] (Supplementary Note A3) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note A1 or A2, wherein in the calculating step, a price for the data is calculated based on both the data and the attribute information.

[0152] (Supplementary Note A4) The information processing method according to Supplementary Note A3, further comprising: an analyzing step of analyzing the data; and in the calculating step, calculating a price for the data according to a result of the analyzing step.

[0153] (Supplementary Note A5) The information processing method according to any one of Supplementary Note A1 to A4, further comprising a notification step of notifying a data provider candidate of attribute information relating to one or more pieces of target data desired to be acquired.

[0154] (Supplementary Note A6) The information processing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A5, further comprising a receiving step of receiving, from a data demander, attribute information relating to at least any one of the one or more target data desired to be acquired.

[0155] (Supplementary Note A7) The information processing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A6, wherein in the calculating, a price for the data is determined according to a depth at which the data is acquired.

[0156] (Appendix A8) The information processing method according to any one of Appendices A1 to A7, wherein in the calculation step, the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area is calculated according to a date and time when similar data of the same type as the data in question was acquired in the certain area.

[0157] (Supplementary Note A9) The information processing method according to any one of Supplementary Notes A1 to A8, wherein in the calculating, a price for the data is calculated according to a season in which the data is acquired.

[0158] (Appendix A10) The information processing method according to any one of Appendices A1 to A9, wherein the data is image data, and in the calculating step, a value for the data is calculated according to an object depicted in an image represented by the image data.

[0159] (Appendix A11) The information processing method according to any one of Appendices A1 to A10, further comprising: a providing step of providing the value calculated in the calculating step to a provider of the data.

[0160] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0161] (Appendix B1) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data; and a calculation means for calculating a price for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0162] (Supplementary Note B2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note B1, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of a type of the data, a location where the data was acquired, and a date and time when the data was acquired.

[0163] (Supplementary Note B3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note B1 or B2, wherein in the calculating step, a price for the data is calculated based on both the data and the attribute information.

[0164] (Supplementary Note B4) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note B3, further comprising: analysis means for analyzing the data; and the calculation means for calculating a price for the data according to a result of the analysis process by the analysis means.

[0165] (Supplementary Note B5) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B4, further comprising a notification means for notifying a data provider candidate of attribute information relating to one or more pieces of target data desired to be acquired.

[0166] (Supplementary Note B6) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B5, further comprising a receiving unit that receives attribute information relating to at least one of the one or more pieces of target data desired to be acquired from a data demander.

[0167] (Supplementary Note B7) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B6, wherein the calculation means determines a price for the data depending on a depth at which the data was acquired.

[0168] (Supplementary Note B8) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B7, wherein the calculation means calculates the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area according to a date and time when similar data of the same type as the data was acquired in the certain area.

[0169] (Supplementary Note B9) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B8, wherein the calculation means calculates a price for the data depending on a season in which the data is acquired.

[0170] (Supplementary Note B10) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B9, wherein the data is image data, and the calculation means calculates the compensation for the data according to an object depicted in an image represented by the image data.

[0171] (Supplementary Note B11) The information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes B1 to B10, further comprising: a providing means for providing the value calculated by the calculating means to a provider of the data.

[0172] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0173] (Appendix C1) An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data; and a calculation means for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0174] (Supplementary Note C2) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note C1, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of the type of the data, the location where the data was acquired, and the date and time when the data was acquired.

[0175] (Supplementary Note C3) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note C1 or C2, wherein in the calculating step, a price for the data is calculated based on both the data and the attribute information.

[0176] (Supplementary Note C4) The information processing system according to Supplementary Note C3, further comprising: analysis means for analyzing the data; and the calculation means for calculating a price for the data according to a result of the analysis process by the analysis means.

[0177] (Supplementary Note C5) The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Note C1 to C4, further comprising a notification means for notifying the data provider candidate of attribute information relating to one or more pieces of target data desired to be acquired.

[0178] (Supplementary Note C6) The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Note C1 to C5, further comprising a receiving means for receiving attribute information relating to at least any of the one or more target data desired to be acquired from a data demander.

[0179] (Supplementary Note C7) The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes C1 to C6, wherein the calculation means determines a price for the data depending on a depth at which the data was acquired.

[0180] (Appendix C8) The information processing system according to any one of Appendices C1 to C7, wherein the calculation means calculates the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area according to a date and time when similar data of the same type as the data was acquired in the certain area.

[0181] (Supplementary Note C9) The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Note C1 to C8, wherein the calculation means calculates a price for the data depending on a season in which the data is acquired.

[0182] (Appendix C10) The information processing system according to any one of appendices C1 to C9, wherein the data is image data, and the calculation means calculates the compensation for the data according to an object depicted in an image represented by the image data.

[0183] (Supplementary Note C11) The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Note C1 to C10, further comprising: a providing means for providing the value calculated by the calculating means to a provider of the data.

[0184] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0185] (Appendix D1) A non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon an information processing program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device, the information processing program causing the computer to execute an acquisition process for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information related to the data, and a calculation process for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

[0186] S11: Acquisition step S12: Calculation step S13: Provision step 100, 100A, 100B: Information processing system 1, 1A: Information processing device 11: Acquisition unit 12: Calculation unit 13: Provision unit 14: Notification unit 15: Analysis unit

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information relating to the data; and a calculation step of calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of the type of the data, the location where the data was acquired, and the date and time when the data was acquired.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the calculation step calculates the value for the data based on both the data and the attribute information.

4. An information processing method according to claim 3, further comprising an analysis step of analyzing the data, wherein in the calculation step, a price for the data is calculated according to the results of the analysis step.

5. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the calculation step, a price for the data is determined according to the depth at which the data was acquired.

6. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the calculation step, the compensation for the data acquired in a certain area is calculated according to the date and time when similar data of the same type as the data in question was acquired in the certain area.

7. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in the calculation step, the price for the data is calculated according to the season in which the data was acquired.

8. An information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data is image data, and in the calculation step, the compensation for the data is calculated according to an object depicted in an image represented by the image data.

9. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information relating to the data; and a calculation means for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

10. An information processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring underwater or surface data and attribute information relating to the data; and a calculation means for calculating compensation for the data based on at least one of the data and the attribute information.

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