Information processing device, information processing method, and recording medium

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present disclosure comprises an identification unit, a determination unit and a flying body control unit. The identification unit identifies a work target area in which improvement of a communication state is required. The determination unit determines, within the identified work target area, a landing position at which to land a flying body having at least one of a base station function and a relay station function. The flying body control unit causes the flying body to land at the determined landing position.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Information Processing Method, and Recording Medium

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

[0002] Related art to this disclosure is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for improving communication failures by arranging a mobile base station composed of a flying object such as a drone over an area covered by a fixed base station where a communication failure has occurred.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-170831

[0004] Although techniques for improving communication conditions using flying objects have been studied, there is still room for improvement. For example, in the case of the technique described in Patent Document 1, a flying object equipped with functions such as a base station needs to keep flying in the air. When the flying object keeps flying in the air, the battery consumption of the flying object becomes faster. And when the battery of the flying object runs out, improvement of the communication condition using the flying object cannot be realized.

[0005] Note that the problems exemplified here are merely examples, and the object of this disclosure is not limited to solving the problems exemplified here. An example of the object of this disclosure is to provide a new technique for improving communication conditions using a flying object.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an information processing apparatus having: specifying means for specifying a work target area where improvement of communication conditions is required; determining means for determining a landing position for landing a flying object having at least one of a base station function and a relay station function within the work target area; and flight control means for landing the flying object at the landing position.

[0007] Further, according to one aspect of this disclosure, there is provided an information processing method in which one or more computers specify a work target area where improvement of communication conditions is required, determine a landing position for landing a flying object having at least one of a base station function and a relay station function within the work target area, and land the flying object at the landing position.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as: an identification means for identifying a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary; a determination means for determining a landing position within the work area for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function to land; and an aircraft control means for landing the aircraft at the landing position.

[0009] According to one example of this disclosure, new technologies will be realized to improve communication conditions using aircraft.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of an information processing device. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of an information processing device. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of an information processing system. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by a communication improvement aircraft. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by a communication improvement aircraft. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing flow of an information processing device. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing flow of an information processing device. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing another example of a processing flow of an information processing device. Figure 10 is a diagram showing another example of a functional block diagram of an information processing device. Figure 11 is a diagram showing another example of a functional block diagram of an information processing device. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output by an information processing device. Figure 13 is a diagram showing another example of a functional block diagram of an information processing system.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings are associated with one or more embodiments. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the information processing device 10. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the information processing device 10.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 includes a specific unit 11, a decision unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13. These functional units execute the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 2.

[0014] In S10, the identification unit 11 identifies the work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary. In S11, the determination unit 12 determines a landing position within the work area identified in S10 for an aircraft equipped with at least one of base station and relay station functions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "communication improvement aircraft"). In S12, the aircraft control unit 13 lands the communication improvement aircraft at the landing position determined in S11.

[0015] In this way, the information processing device 10 can determine the landing position of the communication improvement aircraft and land the communication improvement aircraft at the determined landing position. When using such an information processing device 10, the communication improvement aircraft can be made to perform base station functions or relay station functions while it is landed at a predetermined position. In other words, it is not necessary to keep the communication improvement aircraft flying in the air while it is performing base station functions or relay station functions. With such an information processing device 10, battery consumption of the communication improvement aircraft can be reduced compared to when the communication improvement aircraft is kept flying in the air. As a result, the improvement of communication conditions using the communication improvement aircraft can be sustained for a long period of time.

[0016] Thus, the information processing device 10 realizes a new technology for improving communication conditions using a communication improvement aircraft.

[0017] <<Second Embodiment>> <Overview> The information processing device 10 of the second embodiment is a concrete implementation of the configuration of the information processing device 10 of the first embodiment. The information processing device 10 determines a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft to land, based on the characteristics (height, etc.) of buildings in the work area where communication improvement is required. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0018] <Hardware Configuration> First, an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described. Each functional unit of the information processing device 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations in the implementation method and the device. The software includes programs that are pre-installed at the time of shipment of the device, as well as programs downloaded from recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs) or from servers on the Internet.

[0019] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 includes a processor 1A, memory 2A, input / output interface 3A, peripheral circuitry 4A, and bus 5A. The peripheral circuitry 4A includes various modules. The information processing device 10 does not necessarily have peripheral circuitry 4A. The information processing device 10 may also be composed of multiple physically and / or logically separated devices. In this case, each of the multiple devices may have the above hardware configuration.

[0020] Bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to send and receive data to and from each other. The processor 1A is a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). Memory 2A is a memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes interfaces for acquiring information from input devices, external devices, external servers, external sensors, cameras, etc., and interfaces for outputting information to output devices, external devices, external servers, etc. The input / output interface 3A also includes interfaces for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. Input devices include, for example, a keyboard, mouse, microphone, physical buttons, touch panel, etc. Output devices include, for example, a display, projection device, speaker, printer, mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on their calculation results.

[0021] <Functional Configuration> "Functional Configuration of the Information Processing System" First, the functional configuration of the information processing system, including the information processing device 10, will be explained. Figure 4 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing system. As shown in the figure, the information processing system has a communication improvement aircraft 1 and a center system 2. The center system 2 functions as the information processing device 10. As will be explained in the following modified examples, the communication improvement aircraft 1 can also function as the information processing device 10.

[0022] The communication improvement aircraft 1 and the center system 2 are connected to each other in a way that enables communication using widely known communication technology. Although the figure shows one communication improvement aircraft 1, the information processing system may have multiple communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0023] "Functional Configuration of Communication Improvement Aircraft 1" The communication improvement aircraft 1 has flight capabilities. The communication improvement aircraft 1 is, for example, an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone, but is not limited to this. The communication improvement aircraft 1 can perform autonomous flight in accordance with flight instructions from its own device or an external device. The communication improvement aircraft 1 may be remotely controlled via a remote controller or the like.

[0024] Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 has communication capabilities. The communication improvement aircraft 1 can communicate via a communication satellite (artificial satellite). The communication improvement aircraft 1 may also communicate wirelessly with external devices using widely known wireless communication standards without going through a communication satellite (artificial satellite).

[0025] Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 has an information gathering function. For example, the communication improvement aircraft 1 has a camera that can photograph the surroundings. The camera may detect visible light and create images, or it may detect other electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays and create images. The camera may generate still images or moving images. In addition, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may have a microphone or other sensors (such as radar or LiDAR) and may collect information about the surroundings through these information gathering devices. Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may have a function to determine its own current position. The communication improvement aircraft 1 may determine its own current position using positioning technology such as GPS (global positioning system).

[0026] Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 is equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function.

[0027] The communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with base station functionality is an aircraft equipped with base station functions. Such a communication improvement aircraft 1 becomes a mobile base station. The communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with base station functionality may perform base station communication using communication via a communication satellite, for example, as shown in Figure 5. The configuration of the communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with base station functionality is realized using widely known technologies. For example, the communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with base station functionality may be realized by mounting a configuration similar to that of a widely known mobile base station (for example, a vehicle equipped with base station functionality) on an aircraft.

[0028] The communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with relay station functionality is an aircraft equipped with relay station functions. Such a communication improvement aircraft 1 becomes a mobile relay station. The communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with relay station functionality can relay radio waves between nearby base stations and terminal devices, for example, as shown in Figure 6. The configuration of the communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with relay station functionality is realized using widely known technologies. For example, the communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with relay station functionality may be realized by mounting a configuration similar to that of a widely known mobile relay station (for example, a vehicle equipped with relay station functionality) on an aircraft. The communication improvement aircraft 1 may have the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0029] "Functional Configuration of Center System 2" Returning to Figure 4, Center System 2 is a system that controls and manages at least one communication improvement aircraft 1. Center System 2 may be a server, for example, a cloud server. Center System 2 may have the hardware configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0030] The center system 2 is communicatively connected to at least one communication improvement aircraft 1. The center system 2 can send various instructions to each communication improvement aircraft 1 and control the operation of each aircraft 1. The center system 2 can also receive information acquired by each communication improvement aircraft 1 (images, sensing data, information indicating current position, etc.) from each communication improvement aircraft 1. The center system 2 may also analyze the received information or output it to an operator.

[0031] The central system 2 functions as an information processing device 10. The functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described later.

[0032] "Functional Configuration of Information Processing Device 10" Next, the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described in detail. Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 has a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13.

[0033] The identification unit 11 identifies the work area where improvement of the communication status is necessary.

[0034] "Communication status" refers to the communication status of the terminal device, or more specifically, the communication status of the terminal device via a fixed base station. When the communication status deteriorates, various symptoms can occur. For example, poor communication status can slow down the communication speed. Also, poor communication status can make it difficult to start a call smoothly with the other party (difficulty connecting). Conversely, when the communication status improves, the communication speed can increase. Also, when the communication status improves, it can make it easier to start a call smoothly with the other party (easy connection).

[0035] A "fixed base station" is a base station installed at a specific location and is different from a mobile base station realized by the communication improvement aircraft 1. Fixed base stations are known to include, but are not limited to, tower-type, building-mounted, small base stations installed on utility poles, and indoor base stations installed indoors.

[0036] A "terminal device" is a device equipped with communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablet devices, mobile phones, personal computers, smartwatches, other wearable devices, game consoles, and home appliances.

[0037] For example, a malfunction in a fixed base station or overload of a fixed base station due to communication congestion can worsen communication conditions in the area covered by that fixed base station (the area where radio waves reach). For example, during a disaster, malfunctions in fixed base stations or overload of fixed base stations due to communication congestion can occur. Also, when a large number of people gather temporarily due to an event, for example, overload of fixed base stations due to communication congestion can occur. The identification unit 11 identifies the work area where communication conditions have deteriorated and improvement is needed for reasons such as these.

[0038] The identification unit 11 can identify the work area by executing any of the following identification processing examples 1 to 4.

[0039] ○Specific Processing Example 1 In specific processing example 1, the operator of the information processing device 10 inputs information indicating the work area into the information processing device 10. The identification unit 11 identifies the work area indicated by the input information.

[0040] The operator can input information indicating the work area to the information processing device 10 via input devices such as a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, physical buttons, microphone, and joystick.

[0041] For example, the operator may input to specify a certain area as the work target area on the map displayed on the UI (user interface) screen. Alternatively, the operator may input to specify a fixed base station in which a problem or overload has occurred from among a plurality of pre-registered fixed base stations. In the case of this example, information indicating the area covered by each of the plurality of fixed base stations is stored in a predetermined storage device in advance. The specifying unit 11 refers to the said information, specifies the area covered by the fixed base station specified by the operator, and specifies the specified area as the work target area. The said predetermined storage device may be provided in the information processing device 10, or may be provided in an external device communicably connected to the information processing device 10. The premise of the said predetermined storage device can be made the same as follows.

[0042] ○ Specific processing example 2 In specific processing example 2, the specifying unit 11 acquires fixed base station information indicating the status of each fixed base station, and specifies the work target area based on the said information.

[0043] The specifying unit 11 can acquire fixed base station information from each fixed base station. The fixed base station information in this case is information indicating the status of the fixed base station that can be acquired by the fixed base station itself. For example, the fixed base station information includes, but is not limited to, the number of terminal devices connected to the fixed base station, the data traffic volume of the fixed base station, the usage rate of a predetermined resource (such as a radio resource) of the fixed base station, etc. Each fixed base station has a function to measure such data. The said function is realized by using a widely known technology.

[0044] The specifying unit 11 specifies a fixed base station that requires improvement in status based on the fixed base station information.

[0045] For example, the specifying unit 11 may specify a fixed base station to which the number of terminal devices connected is equal to or greater than a threshold value as a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation. Alternatively, the specifying unit 11 may specify a fixed base station whose data traffic is equal to or greater than a threshold value as a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation. Alternatively, the specifying unit 11 may specify a fixed base station whose usage rate of a predetermined resource is equal to or greater than a threshold value as a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation. Alternatively, the specifying unit 11 may specify a fixed base station in which two or more of the number of terminal devices connected to the fixed base station, the data traffic of the fixed base station, and the usage rate of a predetermined resource of the fixed base station are equal to or greater than a threshold value as a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation. Alternatively, the specifying unit 11 may specify a fixed base station that has continuously satisfied the condition for determining that improvement of the situation is necessary as described above for a predetermined time or more as a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation.

[0046] The threshold values of the above conditions are predefined. The threshold values of the above conditions may be different for each fixed base station, or may be a common value for all fixed base stations.

[0047] After specifying a fixed base station that requires improvement of the situation, the specifying unit 11 specifies the area covered by the specified fixed base station as the work target area. The specification of the area covered by each fixed base station is as described in the above specific processing example 1.

[0048] Note that "acquisition" includes at least one of the actions of the self-device going to obtain data or information stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition), and the self-device inputting data or information output from another device (passive acquisition). Examples of active acquisition include making a request or the like to another device and receiving its reply, and accessing another device or storage medium to read it out. Examples of passive acquisition include receiving information that is distributed (or transmitted, push-notified, etc.). Further, acquisition may be to select and acquire from the received data or information, or to select and receive the distributed data or information.

[0049] ○Specific Processing Example 3 In specific processing example 3, the identification unit 11 acquires "fixed base station information" using a different method than in specific processing example 2, and identifies the work target area based on that information.

[0050] In this example, communication speed measuring devices are pre-installed in the areas covered by each fixed base station. The communication speed measuring devices installed in each area communicate via the fixed base station covering that area. Each communication speed measuring device measures the speed of communication via each fixed base station. The measurement of communication speed by the communication speed measuring devices is achieved using widely known technology. Then, each communication speed measuring device transmits the measurement result to the information processing device 10. Each communication speed measuring device and the information processing device 10 are connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another.

[0051] Furthermore, the specific unit 11 can acquire information indicating the communication speed measured by each communication speed measuring device as fixed base station information.

[0052] The identification unit 11 can identify fixed base stations covering areas where communication speed measuring devices are installed, where the communication speed (measurement result) is below a threshold, as fixed base stations that require improvement. In addition, the identification unit 11 may identify fixed base stations covering areas where communication speed measuring devices are installed, where the situation of communication speed (measurement result) being below a threshold has continued for a predetermined time or longer, as fixed base stations that require improvement. The threshold is predetermined. The threshold may differ for each fixed base station, or it may be a value common to all fixed base stations. Information indicating the fixed base stations covering areas where each communication speed measuring device is installed is stored in advance in a predetermined storage device. Based on this information, the identification unit 11 can identify fixed base stations covering areas where communication speed measuring devices are installed, where the communication speed (measurement result) satisfies the above conditions.

[0053] After identifying fixed base stations that require improvement, the identification unit 11 identifies the areas covered by the identified fixed base stations as the work area. The identification of the areas covered by each fixed base station is as described in the identification process example 1 above.

[0054] ○Specific Processing Example 4 In specific processing example 4, the identification unit 11 acquires "fixed base station information" using a different method than in specific processing examples 2 and 3, and identifies the work target area based on said information.

[0055] The identification unit 11 detects that a certain fixed base station is unable to communicate and generates fixed base station information indicating the detected information (that the fixed base station is unable to communicate). The identification unit 11 then identifies the area covered by the fixed base station that is unable to communicate as the work area. The identification of the area covered by each fixed base station is as described in the identification process example 1 above.

[0056] The detection of a fixed base station being unable to communicate can be achieved using widely known techniques. For example, the identification unit 11 may attempt to communicate with each fixed base station and perform the detection based on whether or not there is a response from each fixed base station. In this example, the identification unit 11 can determine that a fixed base station that does not respond is unable to communicate. Alternatively, each fixed base station may be configured to repeatedly transmit predetermined information (various parameters, etc.) to the information processing device 10 while in operation. The identification unit 11 may then determine that a fixed base station from which the transmission of such information has been interrupted is unable to communicate. Note that the examples given here are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0057] The determination unit 12 determines a landing position for the communication improvement aircraft 1 within the work area identified by the identification unit 11. In one example, the identification unit 11 can determine any of the buildings located within the work area as the landing position.

[0058] The determination unit 12 can determine the landing position (building) based on at least one of the following: • Height of buildings within the work area • Seismic performance of buildings within the work area • Presence or absence of seismic isolation capabilities of buildings within the work area • Time elapsed since construction or repair of buildings within the work area • Whether or not permission for aircraft to land is granted at buildings within the work area • Presence or absence of power supply spots at buildings within the work area • Communication status of buildings within the work area

[0059] "Building height" is expressed in units such as meters. By landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 on a taller building, it becomes possible to extend the radio waves of the communication improvement aircraft 1 to a wider area. For this reason, it is preferable to determine a taller building as the landing site.

[0060] "Building seismic performance" indicates the degree of a building's ability to withstand earthquakes. Building seismic performance can be expressed using various indicators. For example, widely used indicators defined by laws and regulations may be used. One example of such seismic performance is the seismic resistance rating. Seismic resistance ratings are divided into ranks 1 to 3, with higher numbers indicating higher seismic performance. It should be noted that there may be buildings that do not fall into any of the seismic resistance ratings. The seismic resistance rating of such buildings may be expressed as 0. Seismic resistance rating 0 is a rank with lower seismic performance than the other ranks (seismic resistance ratings 1 to 3). In addition, indicators independently defined by designated organizations may be used.

[0061] By landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 on a building with higher seismic resistance, it becomes possible to ensure a higher level of safety for the communication improvement aircraft 1 after landing. For this reason, it is preferable to select a building with higher seismic resistance as the landing site.

[0062] "Whether or not a building has seismic isolation capabilities" indicates whether or not the building has seismic isolation capabilities that reduce the transmission of earthquake tremors to the building. By landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 on a building with seismic isolation capabilities, it is possible to ensure a higher level of safety for the communication improvement aircraft 1 after landing. For this reason, it is preferable to determine a building with seismic isolation capabilities as the landing site.

[0063] "Time elapsed since the construction or repair of a building" is indicated by the number of days or years elapsed. Buildings with a shorter elapsed time are considered to have less deterioration. By landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 on a building with less deterioration, it is possible to ensure a higher level of safety for the communication improvement aircraft 1 after landing. For this reason, it is preferable to select a building with a shorter elapsed time as the landing site.

[0064] "Whether or not permission for the aircraft to land on the building is available" indicates whether or not permission has been obtained from the owner or manager of each building to land the communication improvement aircraft 1 on the building. Landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 on a building owned or managed by someone else without permission may cause problems. Therefore, in preparation for a situation where communication conditions deteriorate, it is preferable to obtain permission in advance from the owner or manager of each building to land the communication improvement aircraft 1 on the building in such a situation. Furthermore, in order to avoid problems arising with the owner or manager of the building, it is preferable to determine the landing location to be a building for which landing permission has been obtained.

[0065] "Presence or absence of a power supply spot in the building" indicates whether or not there is equipment (power supply spot) in the building that supplies power to the communication improvement aircraft 1. More specifically, it may indicate whether or not there is a power supply spot in the location where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land, such as on the roof of the building.

[0066] If a power supply spot is available, the communication improvement aircraft 1 can be powered using that spot, allowing it to perform base station or relay station functions. As a result, the improvement in communication conditions using the communication improvement aircraft 1 can be sustained for a long period of time. For this reason, it is preferable to determine a building with a power supply spot as the landing site.

[0067] "Building communication status" indicates the communication status with the nearest fixed base station at the location of each building. The communication status of each building may vary due to factors such as the distance between the building and the fixed base station, the surrounding environment of the building, and the environment between the fixed base station and the building. This communication status can be indicated by various indicators. For example, the communication status may be indicated by a predetermined number of ranks such as "Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor," or it may be indicated by an estimate of the communication speed, or by other indicators.

[0068] When the communication improvement aircraft 1 functions as a relay station, it will communicate with the nearest fixed base station. In this case, it is preferable to determine the landing site to be a building with better communication conditions with the nearest fixed base station.

[0069] Building characteristic information, which indicates the various characteristics of each of the multiple buildings as described above, is stored in a predetermined storage device. The building characteristic information can indicate at least identification information that identifies each of the multiple buildings, the location of each building, and the various characteristics described above.

[0070] The determination unit 12 can extract buildings located within the work area based on the location of each building indicated by the building characteristic information. Then, based on the various characteristics of each building indicated by the aforementioned building characteristic information, the determination unit 12 can determine which building to land the communication improvement aircraft 1 in from among the extracted buildings (buildings located within the work area).

[0071] For example, the decision unit 12 may determine which building the communication improvement aircraft 1 should land in by executing either of the following decision processing examples 1 and 2.

[0072] ○Decision Processing Example 1 In this example, a first decision condition is defined in advance, using the characteristics of the building described above, to determine which building is the one on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The decision unit 12 can then determine which building satisfies the first decision condition is the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land.

[0073] The first determination criterion may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: • The building is permitted to land on the communication improvement aircraft 1. • The building is taller than the first criterion value (e.g., X m or more). • The building has seismic performance equal to or greater than the second criterion value (e.g., seismic resistance grade 2 or higher). • The building has base isolation capabilities. • The building has a power supply spot. • The building has communication status equal to or greater than the third criterion value (e.g., excellent or good). • The building has been constructed or repaired for less than or equal to the fourth criterion value (e.g., 10 years or less).

[0074] Multiple first decision conditions may have a predetermined priority order. The decision unit 12 may then use the first decision conditions in order of priority to narrow down the buildings within the work area to which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The decision unit 12 narrows down the buildings to those that satisfy the first conditions. When only one building remains, the decision unit 12 may decide that the remaining building is the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. An example of the priority order of multiple first decision conditions is the order described above (the first decision conditions described earlier have higher priority), but it is not limited to this.

[0075] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings remaining after narrowing down the options using multiple first determination conditions, the determination unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined means and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined means for selecting one building, but for example, the determination unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0076] ○Decision Processing Example 2 In this example, a calculation rule is defined in advance to calculate an evaluation value for a building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land, using the characteristics of the buildings as described above. The decision unit 12 calculates an evaluation value for each building based on the calculation rule and the characteristics of each building. The decision unit 12 can then determine the building with the highest evaluation value as the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land.

[0077] While there are various calculation rules, one example is shown below. Note that the calculation rules are not limited to this example. In this example, the determination unit 12 determines the score for each of the following evaluation items for each building according to the following rules, and calculates the sum of the scores for each determined evaluation item as the evaluation value. ・Is the building permitted to land for the communication improvement aircraft 1? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・What is the height of the building? (Xm or more: 5 points, less than Xm but Ym or more: 3 points, less than Ym: 1 point) ・What is the seismic performance? (Seismic resistance level 3: 5 points, Seismic resistance level 2: 3 points, Seismic resistance level 1: 1 point, Seismic resistance level 0: 0 points) ・Does it have seismic isolation capability? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・Is there a power supply spot? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・What is the communication status? (Excellent: 5 points, Good: 3 points, Acceptable: 1 point, Poor: 0 points) How long has it been since construction or repair? (10 years or less: 5 points, 10 to 20 years or less: 3 points, 20 to 30 years or less: 1 point, 30 years or more: 0 points)

[0078] In the example above, the maximum score for each evaluation item is set to "5," but you could also assign different weights to each evaluation item by varying the maximum score for each item.

[0079] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings with the highest evaluation value, the decision unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined means and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined means for selecting one building, but for example, the decision unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0080] The aircraft control unit 13 lands the communication improvement aircraft 1 at the landing position determined by the decision unit 12. The aircraft control unit 13 transmits to the communication improvement aircraft 1 "information indicating the landing position (building) determined by the decision unit 12" and "an instruction to fly to the position indicated by the said information and land at that position." The information indicating the landing position (building) can, for example, indicate the landing position using latitude and longitude.

[0081] Upon receiving the information and instructions, the communication improvement aircraft 1 flies to the designated landing location (building) in accordance with the instructions and lands at that location. Then, the communication improvement aircraft 1 performs base station or relay station functions at that location and operates as a base station or relay station.

[0082] Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may commence its base station function or relay station function after landing at the designated landing position.

[0083] In addition, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may perform base station or relay station functions while flying toward a designated landing position. In this case, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may start its base station or relay station functions in response to receiving the above information and instructions from the information processing device 10 and starting flight toward the designated landing position (building). In this case, starting the base station or relay station functions of the communication improvement aircraft 1 earlier can improve the communication situation earlier.

[0084] In addition, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may start its base station function or relay station function after beginning flight toward the designated landing position (building) and entering the work area. In this case, the information processing device 10 can transmit information indicating the work area to the communication improvement aircraft 1 in addition to the above information and instructions. The communication improvement aircraft 1 uses this information to identify the work area and then starts monitoring whether its own position is within the work area. The communication improvement aircraft 1 can determine its current position using positioning technology such as GPS. The communication improvement aircraft 1 can then start its base station function or relay station function when its own position enters the work area. In this case, starting the base station function or relay station function of the communication improvement aircraft 1 earlier can improve the communication situation earlier. Also, by avoiding the inconvenience of executing the base station function or relay station function at unnecessary times (when it is not in the work area), unnecessary battery consumption can be reduced.

[0085] In addition, the aircraft control unit 13 may monitor whether the above-mentioned communication improvement aircraft 1 has entered the work area. In this example, the aircraft control unit 13 receives information indicating the current position from the communication improvement aircraft 1 in real time and performs the monitoring. Then, in response to the position of the communication improvement aircraft 1 entering the work area, the aircraft control unit 13 transmits an instruction to the communication improvement aircraft 1 to start the base station function or relay station function. The communication improvement aircraft 1 can start the base station function or relay station function in response to this instruction.

[0086] Next, an example of the processing flow of the information processing device 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7. The purpose here is simply to explain the processing flow. Details of each process have been described above, so explanations will be omitted here as appropriate.

[0087] In S20, the information processing device 10 identifies a work area where communication conditions need to be improved. In S21, the information processing device 10 determines a building (landing position) where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land, based on the characteristics of the buildings located within the work area identified in S20. In S22, the information processing device 10 lands the communication improvement aircraft 1 at the determined building (landing position).

[0088] In S20, the information processing device 10 may specify one work target area or multiple work target areas. If multiple work target areas are specified in S20, the information processing device 10 can assign a priority to the multiple work target areas according to a predetermined criterion and execute the processes in S21 and S22 in order from the work target area with the highest priority.

[0089] The above-mentioned predetermined criteria may be defined, for example, using the number of terminal devices connected to fixed base stations covering each work area. In this case, the information processing device 10 can prioritize work areas covered by fixed base stations with a large number of connected terminal devices. The information processing device 10 can obtain information from each fixed base station indicating the number of terminal devices connected to each fixed base station.

[0090] In addition, the above-mentioned criteria may be defined using the population of the region that includes each work area. In this case, the information processing device 10 can give higher priority to work areas that are located in regions with larger populations. The populations of multiple regions may be stored in a predetermined storage device beforehand. The information processing device 10 can then perform the above processing using this information.

[0091] Furthermore, the processing described here for cases where multiple work target areas are identified can be adopted in all of the following embodiments.

[0092] <Effects and Effects> The information processing device 10 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects and effects as the information processing device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can determine a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 based on the characteristics of buildings located within the work area. With such an information processing device 10, for example, a position that can ensure the safety of the communication improvement aircraft 1 can be determined as the landing position. Furthermore, with such an information processing device 10, for example, a position that can ensure better communication conditions can be determined as the landing position. Furthermore, with such an information processing device 10, for example, a position that can sustain the improvement of communication conditions using the communication improvement aircraft 1 for a longer period of time can be determined as the landing position. Furthermore, with such an information processing device 10, for example, a position that can avoid unnecessary trouble (e.g., trouble with building owners or managers) caused by landing the communication improvement aircraft 1 can be determined as the landing position.

[0094] <<Third Embodiment>> In the third embodiment, the information processing device 10 identifies the current status (degree of damage, etc.) of buildings in the work area where communication status improvement is required by image analysis, and determines a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 to land based on the identified status. This will be explained in detail below.

[0095] Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 has a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13. The configuration of the specific unit 11 and the aircraft control unit 13 can be the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0096] The decision unit 12 identifies the status of buildings within the work area based on images taken of the work area. Then, based on the identified building status, the decision unit 12 determines which building the communication improvement aircraft 1 should land in.

[0097] First, we will explain the process of acquiring an image of the work area (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "work area image"). The determination unit 12 can acquire the work area image by executing either of the following acquisition process examples 1 and 2.

[0098] ○Acquisition Processing Example 1 In acquisition processing example 1, the decision unit 12 causes the communication improvement aircraft 1 to take an image of the work area. The decision unit 12 then acquires the work area image taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1. In this example, before determining the landing position of the communication improvement aircraft 1, the decision unit 12 has the communication improvement aircraft 1 fly over the work area and take an image of the work area. Then, based on the work area image taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1, the decision unit 12 determines the landing position (building) of the communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0099] The decision unit 12 may, for example, transmit an instruction to the communication improvement aircraft 1 to fly over the entire work area and photograph the entire work area. In this case, the decision unit 12 transmits information indicating the work area to the communication improvement aircraft 1. The communication improvement aircraft 1 then flies over the entire work area along a predetermined flight route and photographs the entire work area.

[0100] In addition, the decision unit 12 may extract candidate landing sites for the communication improvement aircraft 1 from among the buildings located within the work area. The decision unit 12 may then send an instruction to the communication improvement aircraft 1 to photograph the candidate buildings. In this case, the decision unit 12 sends information indicating the location of the candidate buildings to the communication improvement aircraft 1. The communication improvement aircraft 1 then tours the candidate buildings and photographs them in order.

[0101] There are various ways to extract candidate landing locations for the communication improvement aircraft 1. For example, the determination unit 12 may use the characteristics of buildings described in the second embodiment to extract buildings whose predetermined characteristics satisfy predetermined candidate conditions as candidates. Candidate conditions include, but are not limited to, "permission to land for the communication improvement aircraft 1 is granted" or "permission to land for the communication improvement aircraft 1 is granted AND the building height is Xm or more". In addition, the determination unit 12 may extract buildings located within an area whose distance from the center of the work area is within a threshold as candidates.

[0102] ○Acquisition Processing Example 2 In acquisition processing example 2, the determination unit 12 acquires images generated by surveillance cameras that were pre-installed in the work area as work area images. Information indicating the installation location of each surveillance camera is stored in a predetermined storage device in advance. Based on this information, the determination unit 12 identifies the surveillance cameras that were pre-installed in the work area. The determination unit 12 then acquires images generated by the identified surveillance cameras as work area images.

[0103] The information processing device 10 and the surveillance camera may be connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another. In this case, the decision unit 12 can acquire images of the work target area from the surveillance camera. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 and the server that stores images generated by the surveillance camera may be connected to each other in a way that allows them to communicate with one another. In this case, the decision unit 12 can acquire images of the work target area from the server.

[0104] After acquiring an image of the work area, the determination unit 12 identifies the status of buildings present within the work area based on the image of the work area.

[0105] "Building condition" refers to the safety status of the building's structure. The building condition is indicated by, for example, the degree of damage or the degree of tilt, but is not limited to these. The degree of damage can be indicated by various indicators. For example, the degree of damage may be indicated by a predetermined number of ranks such as "total damage, partial damage, minor damage, no damage," or by other indicators. The degree of tilt can be indicated by various indicators. For example, the degree of tilt may be indicated by a predetermined number of ranks such as "large, medium, small, none," or by the angle of tilt, or by other indicators. The determination unit 12 can estimate the building condition in the image using, for example, an estimation model (classifier, etc.) generated by machine learning.

[0106] The determination unit 12 can identify buildings in an image by various means. For example, the characteristic quantities of the exterior of each building may be stored in advance in a predetermined storage device. The determination unit 12 may then identify which building is in the image by comparing these characteristic quantities with the characteristic quantities of the buildings in the image. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may identify buildings in an image by using the image's shooting location. Information indicating the location of each building may be stored in advance in a predetermined storage device. The determination unit 12 may then use this information to identify buildings located at the location where each image was taken. Furthermore, the determination unit 12 may combine the above techniques. For example, the determination unit 12 may refer to information indicating the location of each building and extract buildings located around the location where each image was taken. The determination unit 12 may then identify which building is in the image by comparing the pre-registered characteristic quantities of the exterior of the extracted buildings with the characteristic quantities of the buildings shown in the image.

[0107] In addition, as mentioned above, in one example, the communication improvement aircraft 1 tours the candidate landing sites (buildings) and photographs the candidate buildings in order. In this case, the determination unit 12 may identify which building is in the image by comparing the pre-registered external feature quantities of the candidate with the feature quantities of the building captured in the image.

[0108] After identifying the status of buildings within the work area, the determination unit 12 determines the building (landing position) on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land, based on the status of those buildings.

[0109] For example, the decision unit 12 may determine which building the communication improvement aircraft 1 should land in by executing either of the following decision processing examples 3 and 4.

[0110] ○Decision Processing Example 3 In this example, a second decision condition is defined in advance, using the building conditions described above, to determine which building is the one on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The decision unit 12 can then determine which building satisfies the second decision condition is the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land.

[0111] The second determination criterion may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: • The building is one whose degree of damage meets a specified condition (e.g., no damage) • The building is one whose degree of tilt meets a specified condition (e.g., no tilt)

[0112] Multiple second decision conditions may have a predetermined priority order. The decision unit 12 may then use the second decision conditions in order of priority to narrow down the buildings in the work area to which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The decision unit 12 narrows down the buildings to those that satisfy the second conditions. When only one building remains, the decision unit 12 may decide that the remaining building is the building to which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. An example of the priority order of multiple second decision conditions is the order described above (the second decision conditions listed earlier have higher priority), but it is not limited to this.

[0113] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings remaining after narrowing down the options using several second determination conditions, the determination unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined method and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined methods for selecting one building, but for example, the determination unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0114] ○Decision Processing Example 4 In this example, a calculation rule is defined in advance to calculate an evaluation value for a building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land, using the building conditions described above. The decision unit 12 calculates an evaluation value for each building based on the calculation rule and the conditions of each building. The decision unit 12 can then determine the building with the highest evaluation value as the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land.

[0115] While there are various calculation rules, one example is shown below. Note that the calculation rules are not limited to this example. In this example, the determination unit 12 determines the score for each of the following evaluation items for each building according to the following rules, and calculates the sum of the scores for each determined evaluation item as the evaluation value. - Degree of damage? (No damage: 5 points, Partial damage: 3 points, Half damage: 1 point, Total damage: 0 points) - Degree of tilt? (No tilt: 5 points, Greater than 0 degrees but less than or equal to D degrees: 3 points, Greater than D degrees: 1 point)

[0116] In the example above, the maximum score for each evaluation item is set to "5," but you could also assign different weights to each evaluation item by varying the maximum score for each item.

[0117] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings with the highest evaluation value, the decision unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined means and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined means for selecting one building, but for example, the decision unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0118] Next, an example of the processing flow of the information processing device 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8. Note that the purpose here is to explain the processing flow. Details of each process have been described above, so explanations will be omitted here as appropriate.

[0119] In S30, the information processing device 10 identifies the work area where communication conditions need to be improved. In S31, the information processing device 10 acquires an image of the work area taken from the work area. Based on the work area image, the information processing device 10 identifies the condition of the buildings located within the work area. In S32, the information processing device 10 determines which building (landing position) the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land in from among the buildings located within the work area, based on the condition of the buildings. In S33, the information processing device 10 lands the communication improvement aircraft 1 in the determined building (landing position).

[0120] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 in the third embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 in the first and second embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system in the third embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0121] The information processing device 10 of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the information processing device 10 of the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can determine a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 based on the status of buildings present in the work area. With such an information processing device 10, for example, a position that can better ensure the safety of the communication improvement aircraft 1 can be determined as the landing position.

[0122] <<Fourth Embodiment>> In the fourth embodiment, the information processing device 10 determines a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 based on both the building characteristics described in the second embodiment and the building conditions described in the third embodiment. This will be explained in detail below.

[0123] Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 has a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13. The configuration of the specific unit 11 and the aircraft control unit 13 can be the same as in the first to third embodiments.

[0124] The determination unit 12 determines the landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 based on both the building characteristics described in the second embodiment and the building conditions described in the third embodiment. The means for identifying the building characteristics and building conditions are as described in the second and third embodiments.

[0125] After identifying the characteristics and conditions of buildings within the work area, the decision unit 12 may, for example, determine which building the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land in by executing either of the following decision processing examples 5 and 6.

[0126] ○Decision Processing Example 5 In this example, a third decision condition is defined in advance, using the characteristics and conditions of the building, to determine which building is the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The decision unit 12 can then determine which building within the work area satisfies the third decision condition to be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land.

[0127] The third determination criterion may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: • The building is permitted to land on the communication improvement aircraft 1. • The building is taller than the first criterion value (e.g., X m or more). • The building has seismic performance equal to or greater than the second criterion value (e.g., seismic resistance grade 2 or higher). • The building has base isolation capabilities. • The degree of damage meets the specified conditions (e.g., no damage). • The degree of tilt meets the specified conditions (e.g., no tilt). • The building has a power supply spot. • The communication status is equal to or greater than the third criterion value (e.g., excellent or good). • The elapsed time since construction or repair is less than or equal to the fourth criterion value (e.g., 10 years or less).

[0128] Multiple third decision conditions may have a predetermined priority order. The decision unit 12 may then use the third decision conditions in order of priority, starting with the highest priority, to narrow down the buildings in the work area to which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land. The decision unit 12 narrows down the buildings to those that satisfy the third condition. When only one building remains, the decision unit 12 may decide that the remaining building is the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land. An example of the priority order of multiple third decision conditions is the order described above (the third decision conditions listed earlier have higher priority), but it is not limited to this.

[0129] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings remaining after narrowing down the options using several third determination conditions, the determination unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined means and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined means for selecting one building, but for example, the determination unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0130] ○Decision Processing Example 6 In this example, a calculation rule is defined in advance to calculate an evaluation value for a building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land, using the characteristics and condition of the buildings. The decision unit 12 calculates an evaluation value for each building based on the calculation rule and the characteristics and condition of each building. The decision unit 12 can then determine the building with the highest evaluation value as the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 can land.

[0131] While there are various calculation rules, one example is shown below. Note that the calculation rules are not limited to this example. In this example, the determination unit 12 determines the score for each of the following evaluation items for each building according to the following rules, and calculates the sum of the scores for each determined evaluation item as the evaluation value. ・Is the building permitted to land for the communication improvement aircraft 1? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・What is the height of the building? (Xm or more: 5 points, less than Xm but Ym or more: 3 points, less than Ym: 1 point) ・What is the seismic performance? (Seismic resistance level 3: 5 points, Seismic resistance level 2: 3 points, Seismic resistance level 1: 1 point, Seismic resistance level 0: 0 points) ・Does it have seismic isolation capability? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・Is there a power supply spot? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・What is the communication status? (Excellent: 5 points, Good: 3 points, Acceptable: 1 point, Poor: 0 points) How long has it been since construction or repair? (10 years or less: 5 points, more than 10 years but less than 20 years: 3 points, more than 20 years but less than 30 years: 1 point, more than 30 years: 0 points) How severe is the damage? (No damage: 5 points, Partial damage: 3 points, Half damage: 1 point, Total damage: 0 points) How severe is the tilt? (No tilt: 5 points, more than 0 degrees but less than or equal to D degrees: 3 points, greater than D degrees: 1 point)

[0132] In the example above, the maximum score for each evaluation item is set to "5," but you could also assign different weights to each evaluation item by varying the maximum score for each item.

[0133] Furthermore, if there are multiple buildings with the highest evaluation value, the decision unit 12 can select one building from among those multiple buildings using a predetermined means and determine that the selected building will be the building on which the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. There are various predetermined means for selecting one building, but for example, the decision unit 12 may select a building that is located closer to the center of the work area, select the tallest building, or select the building with the shortest elapsed time since construction or repair.

[0134] Next, an example of the processing flow of the information processing device 10 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. The purpose here is simply to explain the processing flow. Details of each process have been described above, so explanations will be omitted here as appropriate.

[0135] In S40, the information processing device 10 identifies the work area where communication conditions need to be improved. In S41, the information processing device 10 acquires an image of the work area taken from the work area. Based on the work area image, the information processing device 10 identifies the condition of buildings within the work area. In S42, the information processing device 10 determines which building (landing position) the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land in from among the buildings within the work area, based on the characteristics and condition of the buildings. In S43, the information processing device 10 lands the communication improvement aircraft 1 in the determined building (landing position).

[0136] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 of the fourth embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 of the first to third embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system of the fourth embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0137] The information processing device 10 of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the information processing device 10 of the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can determine a landing position (building) for the communication improvement aircraft 1 based on both the characteristics and condition of the buildings located within the work area. With such an information processing device 10, it is possible to simultaneously achieve the effects of both the information processing device 10 of the second embodiment and the information processing device 10 of the third embodiment.

[0138] <<Fifth Embodiment>> In the fifth embodiment, the information processing device 10 has a function to determine which communication improvement aircraft 1 to dispatch to the work area from among a plurality of communication improvement aircraft 1. This will be described in detail below.

[0139] Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 has a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13. The configuration of the specific unit 11 and the aircraft control unit 13 can be the same as in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0140] The decision unit 12 determines which communication improvement aircraft 1 to dispatch to the work area from among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1, based on at least one of the following: the current position of each communication improvement aircraft 1, the task being performed, the function, and the remaining battery level of each aircraft 1.

[0141] The "operations of the communication improvement aircraft 1" can include a variety of tasks. For example, the operations of the communication improvement aircraft 1 may include tasks to improve communication conditions (tasks to perform base station functions and tasks to perform relay station functions). Furthermore, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may be used for purposes other than communication improvement. For example, the operations of the communication improvement aircraft 1 may include delivery of goods, surveying, agricultural work (such as pesticide spraying), security (photographing a designated area from the air), etc.

[0142] Each communication improvement aircraft 1 is assigned a predetermined task. Each communication improvement aircraft 1 then performs the assigned task. It should be noted that among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1, there may be some that are in a standby state and have not been assigned any task.

[0143] There are various means of assigning tasks to the communication improvement aircraft 1. An operator may determine the assignment content and register it in the information processing device 10. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may determine the tasks to be assigned to each communication improvement aircraft 1 using a predetermined algorithm and register it in its own device.

[0144] The "functions of the communication improvement aircraft 1" include base station functions and relay station functions. The communication improvement aircraft 1 may also have other functions. Information indicating which functions each communication improvement aircraft 1 possesses is registered in advance with the center system 2 and each communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0145] Next, the process by which the determination unit 12 identifies at least one of the following for each of the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1: the current position, the task being performed, the function, and the remaining battery level.

[0146] The determination unit 12 may acquire information from each of the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 indicating at least one of the following: current position, current task, function, and battery level. In this case, each communication improvement aircraft 1 can determine its current position using positioning technology such as GPS. Each communication improvement aircraft 1 can also store information indicating the current task or function in advance. Furthermore, each communication improvement aircraft 1 can measure the battery level using widely known technology.

[0147] In addition, the determination unit 12 may acquire information indicating at least one of the following for each of the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 registered in the center system 2: the current position, the task being performed, the function, and the remaining battery level. In this case, the center system 2 can acquire information indicating the current position from each communication improvement aircraft 1. The center system 2 can also store the functions of each of the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 in advance. The center system 2 can also store the tasks assigned to each communication improvement aircraft 1 in advance. The center system 2 can also acquire information indicating the remaining battery level from each communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0148] Next, the process by which the decision unit 12 determines which communication improvement aircraft 1 to dispatch to the work area from among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1, based on at least one of the current position, the task being performed, the function, and the remaining battery level of each of the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1, will be described. For example, the decision unit 12 may determine which communication improvement aircraft 1 to dispatch by executing either of the following decision process examples 7 and 8.

[0149] ○Decision Processing Example 7 In this example, the decision unit 12 can decide to dispatch a communication improvement aircraft 1 that satisfies the following dispatch conditions: - Has the necessary functions for the task of improving the communication status - Has no ongoing tasks, or the priority of ongoing tasks is lower than that of the task of improving the communication status - The distance to the work area is within the threshold - The battery level is greater than or equal to the amount of power required to arrive at the work area + α (α is a predetermined value greater than 0)

[0150] The "functions required for the current communication improvement operation" are either base station functions or relay station functions. A communication improvement aircraft 1 equipped with the functions required for the current communication improvement operation is selected as the communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched. The operator may input the functions required for the current communication improvement operation into the information processing device 10. The determination unit 12 may then identify the functions required for the current communication improvement operation based on the input.

[0151] The "priority of tasks" is predetermined. That is, a priority is predetermined for the multiple tasks that the communication improvement aircraft 1 can perform, as described above. The communication improvement aircraft 1 that is not performing any tasks, or the communication improvement aircraft 1 whose current task has a lower priority than the task of improving communication conditions, is selected as the communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched.

[0152] Multiple dispatch conditions may have a predetermined priority order. The decision unit 12 may then use the dispatch conditions in order of priority to narrow down the number of communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched from among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1. The decision unit 12 narrows down the number of communication improvement aircraft 1 that meet the dispatch conditions. When only one communication improvement aircraft 1 remains, the decision unit 12 may decide that the remaining single communication improvement aircraft 1 is the communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched. An example of the priority order of multiple dispatch conditions is the order described above (the dispatch conditions listed earlier have higher priority), but it is not limited to this.

[0153] Furthermore, if there are multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 remaining after narrowing down the options using the dispatch conditions, the decision unit 12 can select one communication improvement aircraft 1 from among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 using a predetermined means and decide that the selected communication improvement aircraft 1 will be dispatched. There are various predetermined means for selecting one communication improvement aircraft 1, but for example, the decision unit 12 may select a communication improvement aircraft 1 that is closer to the work area, or it may select a communication improvement aircraft 1 with a larger battery charge, or it may select one communication improvement aircraft 1 randomly.

[0154] ○Decision Processing Example 8 In this example, a calculation rule is defined in advance for calculating the evaluation value of each communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched. The decision unit 12 calculates the evaluation value of each communication improvement aircraft 1 based on the calculation rule and the function and status of each communication improvement aircraft 1. The decision unit 12 can then decide that the communication improvement aircraft 1 with the highest evaluation value will be dispatched.

[0155] While there are various calculation rules, one example is shown below. Note that the calculation rules are not limited to this example. In this example, the determination unit 12 determines the score for each of the following evaluation items for each communication improvement aircraft 1 according to the following rules, and calculates the sum of the scores for each determined evaluation item as the evaluation value. ・Does it have the necessary functions for the task of improving the communication status? (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・There are no tasks currently being performed (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・The priority of the tasks currently being performed is lower than the task of improving the communication status (Yes: 3 points, No: 0 points) ・The distance to the work area is within the threshold (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points) ・The battery level is greater than or equal to the amount of power required to reach the work area + α (Yes: 5 points, No: 0 points)

[0156] By giving each evaluation item a different maximum score, each evaluation item can be weighted accordingly. If there are multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 with the highest evaluation value, the decision unit 12 can select one communication improvement aircraft 1 from among the multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 using a predetermined means and decide to dispatch the selected communication improvement aircraft 1. There are various predetermined means for selecting one communication improvement aircraft 1, but for example, the decision unit 12 may select a communication improvement aircraft 1 that is closer to the work area, or a communication improvement aircraft 1 with a higher battery level, or it may select one communication improvement aircraft 1 randomly.

[0157] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 in the fifth embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 in the first to fourth embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system in the fifth embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0158] The information processing device 10 of the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the information processing device 10 of the first to fourth embodiments. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can determine the optimal communication improvement aircraft 1 from among a plurality of communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched to the work area. For example, the information processing device 10 can determine which communication improvement aircraft 1 to dispatch based on at least one of the current location of the communication improvement aircraft 1, the task being performed, its function, and its battery level. With such an information processing device 10, a variety of tasks can be performed by efficiently utilizing a plurality of communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0159] <<Sixth Embodiment>> In the sixth embodiment, the information processing device 10 has the function of dispatching an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to the work area, based on the communication status of the work area, after dispatching an aircraft 1 to the work area. This will be described in detail below.

[0160] Figure 1 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 has a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, and an aircraft control unit 13. The configuration of the specific unit 11 can be the same as in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0161] After dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1 to the work area, the decision unit 12 determines whether or not to dispatch additional communication improvement aircraft 1 based on the communication status of the work area. For example, the decision unit 12 may determine whether or not to dispatch additional communication improvement aircraft 1 by executing any of the following decision processing examples 9 to 11.

[0162] ○Decision Processing Example 9 In Decision Processing Example 9, the decision unit 12 can obtain information from the dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 indicating the communication status of the work area after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1. Based on this information, the decision unit 12 can then determine whether or not to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0163] For example, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the number of terminal devices connected to the mobile base station (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "target mobile base station") realized by the dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1. The decision unit 12 may then determine that it is necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 if the number of terminal devices connected to the target mobile base station is greater than or equal to a threshold. On the other hand, if the number of terminal devices connected to the target mobile base station is less than the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is not necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0164] In addition, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the data traffic volume of the target mobile base station. The decision unit 12 may then determine that it is necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 if the data traffic volume of the target mobile base station is above a threshold. On the other hand, if the data traffic volume of the target mobile base station is below the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is not necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0165] In addition, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the utilization rate of a predetermined resource of the target mobile base station. The decision unit 12 may then determine that it is necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 if the utilization rate of the predetermined resource of the target mobile base station is above a threshold. On the other hand, if the utilization rate of the predetermined resource of the target mobile base station is below the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is not necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0166] In addition, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary if two or more of the following are above a threshold: the number of terminal devices connected to the target mobile base station, the amount of data communication at the target mobile base station, and the utilization rate of predetermined resources at the target mobile base station. In other cases, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is unnecessary.

[0167] In addition, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary if the conditions for determining the need for additional dispatch as described above are continuously met for a predetermined period of time or longer. In other cases, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is not necessary.

[0168] The thresholds for each of the above conditions are predefined. The thresholds for each of the above conditions may differ for each target mobile base station, or they may be values ​​common to all target mobile base stations.

[0169] ○Decision Processing Example 10 In Decision Processing Example 10, the decision unit 12 can obtain information from a fixed base station covering the work area (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "target fixed base station") that shows the communication status of the work area after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1. Based on this information, the decision unit 12 can then determine whether or not to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0170] For example, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the number of terminal devices connected to the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1. If the number of terminal devices connected to the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is greater than or equal to a threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that the dispatch of an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary. On the other hand, if the number of terminal devices connected to the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is less than the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that the dispatch of an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 is unnecessary.

[0171] In addition, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the amount of data traffic at the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1. The decision unit 12 may then determine that it is necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 if the amount of data traffic at the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is above a threshold. On the other hand, if the amount of data traffic at the target fixed base station after the dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is below the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is not necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0172] In addition, the decision unit 12 may acquire information indicating the utilization rate of predetermined resources at the target fixed base station after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1. The decision unit 12 may then determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary if the utilization rate of predetermined resources at the target fixed base station after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1 is above a threshold. On the other hand, if the utilization rate of predetermined resources at the target fixed base station after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1 is below a threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is unnecessary.

[0173] In addition, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary if, after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1, two or more of the following are above a threshold: the number of terminal devices connected to the target fixed base station, the amount of data transmitted, and the utilization rate of predetermined resources. In other cases, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is unnecessary.

[0174] In addition, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is necessary if the conditions for determining the need for additional dispatch as described above are continuously met for a predetermined period of time or longer. In other cases, the decision unit 12 may determine that additional dispatch of the communication improvement aircraft 1 is not necessary.

[0175] The thresholds for each of the above conditions are predefined. The thresholds for each of the above conditions may differ for each target fixed base station, or they may be values ​​common to all target fixed base stations.

[0176] ○Decision Processing Example 11 In decision processing example 11, the decision unit 12 can obtain information indicating the communication speed of the work area after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1 from a communication speed measuring device installed in the work area.

[0177] The decision unit 12 can determine if the communication speed is below a threshold and if an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 is needed. On the other hand, if the communication speed is greater than the threshold, the decision unit 12 may determine that an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 is not needed.

[0178] In addition, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 if the situation in which the communication speed is below a threshold continues for a predetermined period of time or longer. In other cases, the decision unit 12 may determine that it is not necessary to dispatch an additional communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0179] If the decision unit 12 determines that it is necessary to dispatch additional communication improvement aircraft 1, it can determine the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched, taking into consideration the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1.

[0180] The decision unit 12 can execute either of the following additional decision processing examples 1 or 2: (Additional decision processing example 1) The landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 is maintained as previously determined, and the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched is determined. (Additional decision processing example 2) The landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 is re-determined, and the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched is determined.

[0181] ○ Additional Decision Processing Example 1 First, let's explain additional decision processing example 1. In this case, the decision unit 12 maintains the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 as it was previously determined. That is, the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 does not change. Then, the decision unit 12 takes into account the previously determined landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 and determines the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched. An example of this process will be explained below.

[0182] For example, the decision unit 12 identifies an area within a predetermined distance from the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 as a prohibited area. The decision unit 12 then determines the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched within the area of ​​the work target area excluding the prohibited area. That is, the decision unit 12 determines the building (landing position) where the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 will land from among buildings that are located within the work target area and not within the prohibited area. The decision unit 12 can determine the building (landing position) where the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 will land from among buildings that are located within the work target area and not within the prohibited area by means similar to those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0183] ○ Additional Decision Processing Example 2 Next, we will explain additional decision processing example 2. In this case, the decision unit 12 re-determines the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1. That is, the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 is changed. Then, the decision unit 12 takes into account the re-determined landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 and determines the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched. An example of this process will be explained below.

[0184] For example, the decision unit 12 determines a predetermined portion of the work area as the first prohibited area. For example, the decision unit 12 may determine the central part of the work area as the first prohibited area. Alternatively, the decision unit 12 may divide the work area into two parts according to a predetermined rule and determine one of the areas as the first prohibited area.

[0185] The determination unit 12 then determines a new landing position for the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 within the work area, excluding the first prohibited area. That is, the determination unit 12 determines a new landing position (building) for the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 from among buildings that are located within the work area and not within the first prohibited area. The determination unit 12 can determine a new landing position (building) for the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 from among buildings that are located within the work area and not within the first prohibited area by means similar to those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0186] Next, the decision unit 12 identifies an area within a predetermined distance from the new landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 as a second prohibited area. Then, the decision unit 12 determines the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched within the area of ​​the work target area excluding the second prohibited area. That is, the decision unit 12 determines the building (landing position) on which the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched will land from among buildings that are located within the work target area and are not located within the second prohibited area. The decision unit 12 can determine the building (landing position) on which the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 to be dispatched will land from among buildings that are located within the work target area and are not located within the second prohibited area by means similar to those of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0187] The aircraft control unit 13 lands the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 at the designated landing position. The aircraft control unit 13 controls the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 using the same process as the process for controlling the communication improvement aircraft 1 described in the second embodiment, and can land it at the predetermined landing position.

[0188] Furthermore, if the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 is re-determined, the aircraft control unit 13 will land the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 at its new landing position. The aircraft control unit 13 can control the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 using the same process as the process for controlling the communication improvement aircraft 1 described in the second embodiment, and land it at the predetermined landing position. In this case, the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 will move from the previously determined landing position to the newly determined landing position.

[0189] Other components of the aircraft control unit 13 can be the same as those in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0190] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 of the sixth embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 of the first to fifth embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system of the sixth embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0191] The information processing device 10 of the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the information processing device 10 of the first to fifth embodiments. Furthermore, if further improvement of the communication status is necessary after dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1, the information processing device 10 can dispatch additional communication improvement aircraft 1. With such an information processing device 10, the communication status of the work area can be effectively improved.

[0192] Furthermore, when dispatching an additional communication improvement aircraft 1, the information processing device 10 can determine the landing position of the additional communication improvement aircraft 1 by considering the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1. As a result, the inconvenience of overlapping coverage areas between the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 and the additionally dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1, which land in close proximity to each other, can be suppressed.

[0193] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can re-determine the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 when an additional communication improvement aircraft 1 is dispatched. The optimal placement position may differ depending on whether one communication improvement aircraft 1 is placed in the work area or multiple communication improvement aircraft 1 are placed there. The information processing device 10, which can re-determine the landing position of the previously dispatched communication improvement aircraft 1 in response to the dispatch of an additional communication improvement aircraft 1, can achieve a placement appropriate to the number of communication improvement aircraft 1 dispatched each time.

[0194] <<Seventh Embodiment>> In the seventh embodiment, the information processing device 10 dispatches the communication improvement aircraft 1 to the work area to improve the communication status, and then has a function to start the distribution of images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1 and the transmission of said images to a predetermined external system. This will be described in detail below.

[0195] Figure 10 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 includes a specific unit 11, a determination unit 12, an aircraft control unit 13, and an image transmission unit 14. The configurations of the specific unit 11, the determination unit 12, and the aircraft control unit 13 can be the same as those of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0196] The image transmission unit 14 dispatches the communication improvement aircraft 1 to the work area and starts at least one of the base station function and relay station function, and then instructs the communication improvement aircraft 1 to start distributing the images it has taken and transmitting those images to a predetermined external system. The communication improvement aircraft 1 starts distributing and transmitting the images in accordance with the control of the image transmission unit 14.

[0197] "Image distribution" refers to providing images to a large number of viewers. For example, the communication improvement aircraft 1 may achieve this distribution by uploading images to a predetermined image distribution platform or a predetermined website.

[0198] The "specified external system" is a system that analyzes images of the work area and performs various processes. For example, the specified external system may be a disaster prevention system that monitors the disaster situation and provides warning information related to the disaster. Note that this example is merely one example and is not limited to this.

[0199] "Images to be distributed or transmitted" are images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1. For example, the images to be distributed or transmitted may include live images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1. In addition, the images to be distributed or transmitted may include images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1 before the distribution or transmission of images begins. Such images may include images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1 before landing at the landing site, or images taken by the communication improvement aircraft 1 after landing at the landing site.

[0200] The communication improvement aircraft 1 can distribute and transmit the above images using a communication network whose communication conditions have been improved by the execution of base station or relay station functions.

[0201] The image transmission unit 14 may instruct the communication improvement aircraft 1 to start distributing or transmitting the above images in response to the communication improvement aircraft 1 starting at least one of the base station function and relay station function within the work area.

[0202] In addition, the image transmission unit 14 may control the start timing, taking into consideration that it takes a certain amount of time from the start of at least one of the base station function and relay station function until the communication status improves. For example, the image transmission unit 14 may cause the communication improvement aircraft 1 to start distributing or transmitting the images in response to a predetermined amount of time having elapsed since the communication improvement aircraft 1 started at least one of the base station function and relay station function within the work area.

[0203] In addition, the image transmission unit 14 may control the start timing based on the "determination result of whether or not additional dispatch of communication improvement aircraft 1" by the determination unit 12 as described in the sixth embodiment. For example, the image transmission unit 14 may cause the communication improvement aircraft 1 to start distributing or transmitting the image in response to the determination unit 12 determining that "additional dispatch of communication improvement aircraft 1 is unnecessary".

[0204] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 in the seventh embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 in the first to sixth embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system in the seventh embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0205] The information processing device 10 of the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the information processing device 10 of the first to sixth embodiments. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can start distributing or transmitting images generated by the communication improvement aircraft 1 after the communication status of the work area has been improved by dispatching the communication improvement aircraft 1. Such a communication improvement aircraft 1 can perform the additional task of providing information indicating the status of the work area, in addition to improving the communication status. The communication improvement aircraft 1 starts providing information indicating the status of the work area after the communication status has been improved. Therefore, by providing information indicating the status of the work area, it is possible to suppress the inconvenience of further deterioration of the communication status of the work area.

[0206] <<Eighth Embodiment>> In the eighth embodiment, the information processing device 10 has a function to provide the operator with various information related to improving communication conditions. This will be described in detail below.

[0207] Figure 11 is an example of a functional block diagram of the information processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 includes a specification unit 11, a determination unit 12, an aircraft control unit 13, and an information output unit 15. Although not shown, the information processing device 10 may also include an image transmission unit 14. The configurations of the specification unit 11, the determination unit 12, the aircraft control unit 13, and the image transmission unit 14 can be the same as those in the first to seventh embodiments.

[0208] The information output unit 15 outputs a screen showing at least one of the following: • Information indicating at least one work area • Information indicating the location of a fixed base station • Information indicating the damage status of a fixed base station • Information indicating the location of a building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Building characteristics information of the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the damage status of the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the location of a candidate building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Building characteristics information of a candidate building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the damage status of a candidate building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of a candidate building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land • Information indicating the location of at least one communication improvement aircraft 1 • Related information of at least one communication improvement aircraft 1 (at least one of the tasks and functions currently being performed) • Information considered in determining the landing position of the communication improvement aircraft 1 (conditions used to narrow down the landing position)

[0209] The information output unit 15 can acquire the above information using the methods described in the first to seventh embodiments. The information output unit 15 can also acquire the above information which has been pre-registered in a predetermined storage device. Furthermore, the information output unit 15 can acquire from the decision unit 12 information indicating the content determined by the decision unit 12.

[0210] Here, an example of a screen output by the information output unit 15 is shown in Figure 12. Note that the example in Figure 12 is just one example, and the above information may be displayed on the screen in other display modes.

[0211] In the example shown in Figure 12, the above information is mapped onto a map. The mark "B" in the figure indicates the location of the fixed base station. The mark "D" indicates the location of the building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The mark "L" indicates the location of a candidate building where the communication improvement aircraft 1 will land. The mark "F" indicates the location of the communication improvement aircraft 1. The area inside the shaded circular region in the figure indicates the work area.

[0212] If an operation is performed to select one "B" mark on the screen, the damage status of that fixed base station may be displayed in a separate window or the like.

[0213] Furthermore, when a user selects a "D" mark on the screen, information about the building's characteristics, damage status, and damage status of power supply spots may be displayed in a separate window. Also, when a user selects a "D" mark on the screen, information considered when determining that building as a landing location (conditions used to narrow down the landing location) may be displayed in a separate window.

[0214] Furthermore, if an operation is performed to select one "L" mark on the screen, the building's characteristics, damage status, and damage status of power supply spots may be displayed in a separate window or similar.

[0215] Furthermore, if an operation is performed to select one "F" mark on the screen, related information about the communication improvement aircraft 1 may be displayed in a separate window or the like.

[0216] The information output unit 15 can output the above-described screen via an output device such as a display or projection device. Alternatively, the information output unit 15 may transmit the above-described screen to an external device and have the external device output (display, etc.) it.

[0217] Other configurations of the information processing device 10 of the eighth embodiment may be the same as those of the information processing device 10 of the first to seventh embodiments. The functional configuration of the information processing system of the eighth embodiment may be the same as that described in the second embodiment.

[0218] The information processing device 10 of the eighth embodiment can achieve the same effects and advantages as the information processing device 10 of the first to seventh embodiments. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can provide the operator with various information related to the communication status improvement work. Based on this information, the operator can grasp the status of the communication status improvement work and perform appropriate tasks as needed.

[0219] <<Modification>> Here, a modification applicable to the first to eighth embodiments will be described. In this modification, the same effects and advantages as those of the first to eighth embodiments will be achieved.

[0220] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 13, the communication improvement aircraft 1 functions as an information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 in this modified example will be described below.

[0221] The identification unit 11 identifies the work area. The identification unit 11 may identify the work area by executing the processes described in the first to eighth embodiments.

[0222] In addition, the center system 2 may perform the processing of the identification unit 11 described in the first to eighth embodiments and transmit information indicating the identified work target area to the communication improvement aircraft 1. In this case, the identification unit 11 can identify the work target area based on the information indicating the work target area transmitted from the center system 2.

[0223] Furthermore, the determination unit 12 determines a landing position for the communication improvement aircraft 1 within the work area based on various information (building characteristic information, information indicating the building's condition, etc.). The identification unit 11 can determine the landing position of the communication improvement aircraft 1 by executing the processes described in the first to eighth embodiments.

[0224] The determination unit 12 may acquire various information used to determine the landing position by executing the processes described in the first to eighth embodiments. Alternatively, the center system 2 may acquire various information used to determine the landing position by executing some of the processes of the determination unit 12 described in the first to eighth embodiments, and transmit this information to the communication improvement aircraft 1. In this case, the determination unit 12 can acquire the various information transmitted from the center system 2.

[0225] The aircraft control unit 13, the image transmission unit 14, and the information output unit 15 can perform some or all of the processing described in the first to eighth embodiments. If the aircraft control unit 13, the image transmission unit 14, and the information output unit 15 perform some of the processing described in the first to eighth embodiments, the center system 2 may perform the remaining part.

[0226] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of this disclosure are possible, which can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0227] Furthermore, the flowcharts used in the above description show multiple steps (processes) in sequence. However, the execution order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order in which they are described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that it does not impede the content.

[0228] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: 1. An information processing device having: an identification means for identifying a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary; a determination means for determining a landing position for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function to land within the work area; and an aircraft control means for landing the aircraft at the landing position. 2. Information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising information output means for outputting a screen showing at least one of the following: information indicating at least one work area; information indicating the location of a fixed base station; information indicating the damage status of a fixed base station; information indicating the location of a building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of at least one aircraft; information relating to at least one aircraft; and information considered in determining the landing position. 3. Information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means identifies the status of buildings located within the work area based on an image of the work area, and determines a building on which the aircraft will land based on the status of the buildings. 4. The information processing device according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the determination means determines which building to land the aircraft on based on at least one of the following: the height of the building located within the work area, the seismic performance of the building located within the work area, whether or not the building located within the work area has seismic isolation capabilities, the time elapsed since the construction or repair of the building located within the work area, whether or not permission for the aircraft to land is granted at the building located within the work area, whether or not there is a power supply spot at the building located within the work area, and the communication status of the building located within the work area.5. An information processing device according to any one of 1 to 4, further comprising image transmission means for dispatching the aircraft to the work area and initiating at least one of the base station function and relay station function, and then initiating the distribution of images taken by the aircraft and the transmission of the images to a predetermined external system. 6. An information processing device according to any one of 1 to 5, wherein the determination means determines which aircraft to dispatch to the work area from among the multiple aircraft based on at least one of the current position, the task being performed, and the function of each of the multiple aircraft. 7. An information processing device according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the determination means, after dispatching the aircraft to the work area, determines whether additional aircraft dispatch is necessary based on the communication status of the work area, and if it is determined that additional aircraft dispatch is necessary, determines the landing position of the additional aircraft to be dispatched, taking into account the landing position of the previously dispatched aircraft. 8. The information processing device according to 7, wherein the determination means performs a process of maintaining the previously determined landing position of the previously dispatched aircraft as previously determined and determining the landing position of the additionally dispatched aircraft, or a process of re-determining the landing position of the previously dispatched aircraft and determining the landing position of the additionally dispatched aircraft. 9. An information processing method in which one or more computers identify a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary, determine a landing position within the work area for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function to land, and land the aircraft at the landing position. 10. A program that causes a computer to function as: identification means for identifying a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary; determination means for determining a landing position within the work area for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function to land; and aircraft control means for landing the aircraft at the landing position.

[0229] Some or all of the appendices 2 to 8, which are dependent on the information processing device described in appendice 1 above, may also be dependent on the information processing method in appendice 9 and the program in appendice 10 in the same dependent relationship as between appendice 1 and appendices 2 to 8. Furthermore, without departing from the embodiments described above, some or all of the configurations described as appendices can be realized in various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems.

[0230] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-163391, filed on 20 September 2024, and incorporates all of its disclosures herein.

[0231] 1. Aircraft for improving communication 2. Center system 10. Information processing unit 11. Identification unit 12. Decision unit 13. Aircraft control unit 14. Image transmission unit 15. Information output unit 1A. Processor 2A. Memory 3A. Input / output I / F 4A. Peripheral circuitry 5A. Bus

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: identification means for identifying a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary; determination means for determining a landing position within the work area for landing an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function; and aircraft control means for landing the aircraft at the landing position.

2. Information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising information output means for outputting a screen showing at least one of the following: information indicating at least one work area; information indicating the location of a fixed base station; information indicating the damage status of a fixed base station; information indicating the location of a building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of the building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of the power supply spot of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of at least one aircraft; information relating to at least one aircraft; and information considered in determining the landing position.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means identifies the status of buildings located within the work area based on an image taken of the work area, and determines which building the aircraft will land on based on the status of the buildings.

4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the determination means determines which building to land the aircraft on based on at least one of the following: the height of the building located within the work area, the seismic performance of the building located within the work area, whether or not the building located within the work area has seismic isolation capabilities, the time elapsed since the construction or repair of the building located within the work area, whether or not permission for the aircraft to land is granted at the building located within the work area, whether or not there is a power supply spot at the building located within the work area, and the communication status of the building located within the work area.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising image transmission means for dispatching the aircraft to the work area and initiating at least one of the base station function and relay station function, and then initiating the distribution of images taken by the aircraft and the transmission of the images to a predetermined external system.

6. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination means determines which aircraft to dispatch to the work area from among the plurality of aircraft based on at least one of the current position, the task being performed, and the function of each of the plurality of aircraft.

7. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the determination means dispatches the aircraft to the work area, determines whether it is necessary to dispatch additional aircraft based on the communication status of the work area, and if it is determined that it is necessary to dispatch additional aircraft, determines the landing position of the additional aircraft to be dispatched, taking into consideration the landing position of the aircraft that was previously dispatched.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the determination means performs a process of maintaining the previously determined landing position of the previously dispatched aircraft and determining the landing position of the additionally dispatched aircraft, or a process of re-determining the landing position of the previously dispatched aircraft and determining the landing position of the additionally dispatched aircraft.

9. An information processing method comprising one or more computers identifying a work area where communication conditions need to be improved, determining a landing position within the work area for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function, and landing the aircraft at the landing position.

10. The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein one or more computers output a screen showing at least one of the following: information indicating at least one work area; information indicating the location of a fixed base station; information indicating the damage status of a fixed base station; information indicating the location of a building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a power supply spot on a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a power supply spot on a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of at least one aircraft; information relating to at least one aircraft; and information considered in determining the landing position.

11. The information processing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein one or more computers identify the status of buildings located within the work area based on images taken of the work area, and determine which building the aircraft will land on based on the status of the buildings.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein one or more computers determine which building to land the aircraft on based on at least one of the following: the height of the building located within the work area, the seismic performance of the building located within the work area, whether or not the building located within the work area has seismic isolation capabilities, the time elapsed since the construction or repair of the building located within the work area, whether or not permission is granted for the aircraft to land in the building located within the work area, whether or not there is a power supply spot in the building located within the work area, and the communication status of the building located within the work area.

13. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein one or more computers dispatch the aircraft to the work area and start at least one of the base station function and relay station function, and then start distributing images taken by the aircraft and transmitting the images to a predetermined external system.

14. The information processing method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein one or more computers determine which of the multiple aircraft to dispatch to the work area based on at least one of the current position, the task being performed, and the function of each of the multiple aircraft.

15. A recording medium on which a program is recorded causing a computer to function as: an identification means for identifying a work area where improvement of communication conditions is necessary; a determination means for determining a landing position for an aircraft equipped with at least one of a base station function and a relay station function to land within the work area; and an aircraft control means for landing the aircraft at the landing position.

16. The recording medium according to claim 15, which further functions as an information output means for outputting a screen showing at least one of the following: information indicating at least one work area; information indicating the location of a fixed base station; information indicating the damage status of a fixed base station; information indicating the location of a building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a power supply spot on a building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; building characteristics information of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the damage status of a power supply spot on a candidate building on which the aircraft will land; information indicating the location of at least one aircraft; information relating to at least one aircraft; and information considered in determining the landing position.

17. The recording medium according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the determination means identifies the status of buildings located within the work area based on an image taken of the work area, and determines which building the aircraft will land on based on the status of the buildings.

18. The recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the determination means determines which building to land the aircraft on based on at least one of the following: the height of the building located within the work area, the seismic performance of the building located within the work area, whether or not the building located within the work area has seismic isolation capabilities, the time elapsed since the construction or repair of the building located within the work area, whether or not permission is granted for the aircraft to land in the building located within the work area, whether or not there is a power supply spot in the building located within the work area, and the communication status of the building located within the work area.

19. The recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 18, which records the program that causes the computer to function as an image transmission means that, after dispatching the aircraft to the work area and initiating at least one of the base station function and relay station function, initiates the distribution of images taken by the aircraft and the transmission of the images to a predetermined external system.

20. The recording medium according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the determination means determines which aircraft to dispatch to the work area from among the plurality of aircraft based on at least one of the current position, the task being performed, and the function of each of the plurality of aircraft.

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