Weather information provision method and weather information system

Abstract

Provided is a weather information provision method to be executed by a processor included in a weather information management device (200) that manages weather observation information which has been observed by a weather observation device (500) mounted on a moving body, wherein the processor acquires related information indicating an observation position and an observation date and time of weather observation information which is possessed by the weather observation device (500); discloses the related information to a weather prediction device (100) that predicts a weather condition; receives, from the weather prediction device (100), a request for requesting provision of the weather observation information corresponding to the related information; acquires the weather observation information corresponding to the received request from the weather observation device (500) which possesses this information; and provides the acquired weather observation information to the weather prediction device (100).

Description

Weather information providing method and weather information system

[0001] The present invention relates to a weather information providing method and a weather information system.

[0002] Technologies for predicting future weather conditions based on observation data are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a weather prediction system that acquires observation data (environmental data) observed by a plurality of moving objects, observation data held by a weather authority, etc., and predicts future weather phenomena based on these observation data.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-092396

[0004] Although the weather prediction system disclosed in Patent Document 1 can use environmental data acquired by a plurality of moving objects for weather prediction, it cannot be said that effective observation information for improving the accuracy of weather prediction is appropriately provided to the weather prediction device for predicting weather conditions. Therefore, the introduction of technologies for improving prediction accuracy is desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the prediction accuracy of weather conditions.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a weather information providing method according to the present invention is a weather information providing method executed by a processor included in a weather information management device that manages weather observation information observed by a weather observation device mounted on a moving object. The processor acquires related information indicating the observation position and observation date and time of the weather observation information held by the weather observation device, discloses the related information to a weather prediction device that predicts weather conditions, receives a request from the weather prediction device to request the provision of weather observation information corresponding to the related information, acquires the weather observation information corresponding to the received request from the weather observation device that holds this information, and provides the acquired weather observation information to the weather prediction device.

[0007] According to the present invention, a weather information providing method and a weather information system can improve the prediction accuracy of weather conditions.

[0008] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a weather information system according to an embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a weather forecasting device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a weather forecasting device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a weather information management device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a weather information management device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a weather observation device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a weather observation device. This is a diagram showing an example of weather forecast information and weather observation information. This is a diagram showing an example of a display image of map information associated with related information. This is a flowchart showing the flow of the weather observation information provision process.

[0009] Hereinafter, a weather information provision method and weather information system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The weather information provision method and weather information system according to embodiments of the present invention improve the accuracy of weather forecasts by providing weather observation information actually observed and acquired at the location of a moving object to a weather forecasting device and reflecting it in the weather forecast of the weather forecasting device.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the weather information system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises at least one weather forecasting device 100 for making weather forecasts, at least one weather information management device 200 for managing weather observation information, a plurality of vehicles 300a, 300b for each user to ride in and drive, a plurality of autonomous vehicles 400c, 400d capable of autonomous driving, and a plurality of weather observation devices 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d for observing weather conditions. Although Figure 1 shows two vehicles, two autonomous vehicles, and four weather observation devices, there are no restrictions on the number of vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and weather observation devices.

[0011] In the following explanation, when no particular distinction is made between vehicles 300a and 300b, they will be collectively referred to as vehicle 300. Similarly, when no particular distinction is made between autonomous vehicles 400c and 300d, they will be collectively referred to as autonomous vehicle 400. Furthermore, when no particular distinction is made between weather observation devices 500a, 500b, 500c, and 500d, they will be collectively referred to as weather observation device 500. In addition, a vehicle 300 or autonomous vehicle 400 equipped with a weather observation device 500 may be referred to as "vehicle 300, etc."

[0012] Furthermore, since weather observation devices are mounted on vehicles, a common alphabet is appended to the end of the names of the corresponding vehicles 300 and weather observation devices 500, such as weather observation device 500a mounted on vehicle 300a, weather observation device 500b mounted on vehicle 300b, and so on. The same applies to autonomous vehicles and the weather observation devices mounted on them.

[0013] Each of the weather forecasting device 100, weather information management device 200, and weather observation device 500 is wirelessly connected to enable the transmission and reception of information via, for example, a network NW. The network NW is composed of, for example, an internet line network, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a dedicated communication network, etc., and may also involve various network relay devices such as antennas, gateways, routers, and hubs.

[0014] The weather forecasting device 100 is an information processing device that uses observational data to predict future weather conditions in a target area, and is a general-purpose information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. The weather forecasting device 100 is installed and used, for example, by a meteorological agency or its affiliated organization that performs meteorological operations, or by a company that provides weather forecasting services. The weather forecasting device 100 may also be a server built on the cloud. The weather forecasting device 100 predicts future weather conditions using a weather forecasting model obtained by machine learning and supplies (distributes) weather forecast information generated based on the prediction results to external parties.

[0015] The weather information management device 200 is an information processing device that manages weather observation information observed by each weather observation device 500 mounted on the vehicle 300, etc., and is a general-purpose information processing device such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. The weather information management device 200 is managed and operated by, for example, the manufacturer of the vehicle 300 and the autonomous vehicle 400. The weather information management device 200 may also be a server built on the cloud. The weather information management device 200 acquires relevant information indicating the observation location and observation date and time of the weather observation information held by each weather observation device 500, and discloses the acquired relevant information to the weather forecasting device 100. In addition, the weather information management device 200 acquires weather observation information corresponding to the relevant information specified by a request received from the weather forecasting device 100 from the weather observation device 500 and provides it to the weather forecasting device 100.

[0016] Vehicle 300 is a mobile device having functions such as location information acquisition, imaging, display, and sensing. Vehicle 300 is just one example of a mobile device and may be an aircraft, drone, ship, railway vehicle, etc. Physically, vehicle 300 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, an imaging device, a sensor unit, etc. The imaging device is, for example, a drive recorder equipped with multiple cameras. The sensor unit consists of various sensors that detect the surrounding environment of vehicle 300. The sensor unit includes, for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a precipitation sensor, etc. The imaging device and the sensor unit supply the captured images and detected information to the weather observation device 500.

[0017] The autonomous vehicle 400, like the vehicle 300, is a mobile object equipped with location information acquisition, imaging, display, and sensing functions. The autonomous vehicle 400 is used by companies, organizations, etc., that manage and operate the weather information management device 200. The autonomous vehicle 400 is just one example of an autonomously mobile object (autonomous mobile object), and may be an aircraft, drone, ship, railway vehicle, etc. The autonomous vehicle 400 may or may not be capable of carrying a person. Physically, the autonomous vehicle 400 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) device, imaging device, sensor unit, etc.

[0018] The weather observation device 500 is an information processing device that can be mounted on the vehicle 300 and the autonomous vehicle 400. Based on detection information acquired from sensor units equipped on the vehicle 300 and the autonomous vehicle 400, the weather observation device 500 generates weather observation information indicating the current weather conditions around the vehicle's location. The weather observation device 500 transmits related information indicating the observation location and observation date and time of the generated weather observation information to the weather information management device 200. The weather observation device 500 also supplies weather observation information corresponding to the related information instructed by the weather information management device 200 to the weather information management device 200.

[0019] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the weather forecasting device 100 physically comprises a processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, communication interface (communication I / F (InterFace)) 104, display device 105, and input / output interface (input / output I / F) 106. Each of these components is electrically connected to the others via a bus line 107.

[0020] The processor 101 is a computing unit that controls the operation of the entire weather forecasting device 100. The processor 101 is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0021] Memory 102 is the main memory and includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor 101 reads programs and various data from ROM or storage 103 onto RAM and executes processing to realize the overall control and functions of the weather forecasting device 100.

[0022] Storage 103 is an auxiliary storage device that stores programs and various data necessary for program execution, and includes non-volatile storage devices such as HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) and SSDs (Solid State Drives). Storage 103 stores, for example, the OS (Operating System), which is the basic software that controls the entire weather forecasting device 100, and applications that run on the OS and provide various functions. Storage 103 also stores, for example, weather forecast information generated by the device itself, and weather observation information acquired from the weather observation devices 500 of each vehicle 300. Note that some of the programs and various data necessary for program execution may be stored in ROM.

[0023] The communication interface 104 connects to the network NW and is an interface for the weather forecasting device 100 to communicate data with the weather observation device 500. The communication interface 104 includes, for example, a network board, a wireless communication module, etc.

[0024] The display device 105 is an image display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), or organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and displays various images according to the control of the processor 101. The display device 105 displays, for example, weather forecast information, weather observation information, etc. on the display screen. The display device 105 may also be used in a configuration connected to the input / output interface 106.

[0025] The input / output interface 106 is an interface for connecting to input devices such as keyboards and mice that input operation signals, and output devices such as speakers that output audio data. For example, the input / output interface 106 takes in operation data input by the operator via the input device and outputs data such as moving images and audio to the output device. Note that if operator operation is not required, the weather forecasting device 100 does not need to be equipped with the display device 105 and the input / output interface 106.

[0026] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the weather forecasting device 100 functionally comprises a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a communication unit 130, a display unit 140, and an input / output unit 150.

[0027] The control unit 110 is implemented, for example, by the processor 101 and memory 102 shown in Figure 2. The storage unit 120 is implemented, for example, by the memory 102 and storage 103 shown in Figure 2. The communication unit 130 is implemented by the communication interface 104 shown in Figure 2. The display unit 140 is implemented by the display device 105 shown in Figure 2. The input / output unit 150 is implemented, for example, by the input / output interface 106 shown in Figure 2.

[0028] The control unit 110 controls the overall functions of the weather forecasting device 100. The control unit 110 includes a weather forecasting information generation unit 111, a first related information acquisition unit 112, a first weather observation information acquisition unit 113, and a weather forecasting model update unit 114.

[0029] The weather forecast information generation unit 111 periodically generates weather forecast information using a weather forecast model obtained through machine learning. The weather forecast model is a trained model obtained by machine learning the correlation between observational data of past or present weather conditions and forecast data of future weather conditions. The weather forecast model can be generated using any known learning algorithm such as a neural network, deep learning, SVM (Support Vector Machine), or k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN). For example, the weather forecast model takes observational data acquired from ground observation points, weather satellites, etc., as input and outputs forecast data (forecast values) such as weather, precipitation (rainfall amount, snowfall amount, etc.), temperature, humidity, and sea level pressure. Based on the forecast data output from the weather forecast model, the weather forecast information exemplified in Figure 8 is generated. Figure 8 also shows an example of weather observation information generated by the weather observation device 500. The weather forecast information includes, for example, forecast data (forecast values) for each weather element at predetermined intervals (e.g., every 10 minutes to 1 hour) within the forecast area and forecast time period. The forecast area is, for example, the entire Earth or a part of the Earth. The forecast time period is, for example, the time period from the time the weather forecast information generation unit 111 generates the weather forecast information up to 24 hours later. The generation interval for the weather forecast information is arbitrary, and for example, it can be around 10 minutes to 1 hour. The weather forecast information generation unit 111 provides the generated weather forecast information to a predetermined user. The weather forecast information generation unit 111 also stores the generated weather forecast information in the storage unit 120.

[0030] The first related information acquisition unit 112 acquires (receives) related information transmitted from the weather information management device 200 via the communication unit 130. The first related information acquisition unit 112 acquires map information on which the related information is associated with a road map (a map representing the travel environment) on which the vehicle 300 is traveling. In the MPI display image of the map information with associated related information shown in Figure 9, roads Ra on which the weather information management device 200 can provide weather observation information and roads Rb on which the weather information management device 200 cannot provide weather observation information are distinguished. Note that in Figure 9, only one of each of the roads on which multiple roads can provide weather observation information and roads on which multiple roads cannot provide weather observation information is assigned a code (Ra, Rb). Road Ra is a road on which the vehicle 300 equipped with the weather observation device 500 has traveled, and road Rb is a road on which the vehicle 300 equipped with the weather observation device 500 has not traveled. That is, there are vehicles 300 that possess weather observation information on road Ra, while there are no vehicles 300 that possess weather observation information on road Rb. Furthermore, Road Ra is displayed in different ways depending on the elapsed time since the observation date and time of the weather observation information. For example, Road Ra is displayed with a gradient according to the elapsed time, with darker colors as the elapsed time since the observation date and time decreases, and lighter colors as the elapsed time since the observation date and time increases. When the operator of the weather forecasting device 100 moves the cursor to any position on Road Ra and clicks, a callout SB indicating related information of the weather observation information (observation location and observation date and time) is displayed. This allows the operator of the weather forecasting device 100 to visually grasp whether or not weather observation information is currently available from the weather information management device 200 and the elapsed time since the observation date and time. The system may be designed so that a request for information is sent to the weather information management device 200 by a simple operation such as clicking the callout SB displayed on the display image MPI.

[0031] Returning to Figure 3, the first weather observation information acquisition unit 113 acquires weather observation information corresponding to the relevant information selected by the operator of the weather forecasting device 100. The first weather observation information acquisition unit 113 acquires weather observation information by sending a request for the provision of weather observation information and receiving the weather observation information sent from the weather information management device 200 as a response. The request includes, for example, relevant information relating to the weather observation information to be provided. When the operator of the weather forecasting device 100 sends a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than the weather observation information corresponding to the disclosed relevant information, and the conditions for provision are presented, the first weather observation information acquisition unit 113 sends a response to the conditions for provision according to the operator's instructions. The conditions for provision are, for example, acceptance of payment of a price (a predetermined amount, points, coupons, etc.) for the provision of the specific weather observation information. Here, the specific weather observation information is different from weather observation information that shows past weather conditions that have already been observed, and is weather observation information that shows future weather conditions that are to be observed. If these conditions for provision are met, the first weather observation information acquisition unit 113 can receive specific weather observation information from the weather information management device 200.

[0032] The weather forecast model update unit 114 updates the weather forecast model used to generate weather forecast information. The weather forecast model update unit 114 updates the existing weather forecast model using weather observation information acquired from the weather information management device 200. For example, the weather forecast model update unit 114 improves forecast accuracy by updating the weather forecast model using weather observation information and corresponding weather forecast information as training data.

[0033] The storage unit 120 stores control programs executed by the control unit 110 and various data. For example, the storage unit 120 stores weather forecast information, weather observation information acquired from the weather information management device 200, etc. The communication unit 130 transmits and receives various data with the weather information management device 200 via the network NW in accordance with the control unit 110. The display unit 140 displays various information in accordance with the control unit 110. The input / output unit 150 receives various data from the input device and outputs various data to the output device in accordance with the control unit 110.

[0034] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the weather information management device 200 will be described. As shown in Figure 4, the weather observation device physically comprises a processor 201, memory 202, storage 203, communication interface (communication I / F (InterFace)) 204, display device 205, and input / output interface (input / output I / F) 206. Each of these components is electrically connected to one another via a bus line 207. Note that the example of the hardware configuration of the weather information management device 200 is the same as the example of the hardware configuration of the weather forecasting device 100 described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0035] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the weather information management device 200 will be described. As shown in Figure 5, the weather information management device 200 functionally comprises a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit 230, a display unit 240, and an input / output unit 250.

[0036] The control unit 210 is implemented, for example, by the processor 201 and memory 202 shown in Figure 4. The storage unit 220 is implemented, for example, by the memory 202 and storage 203 shown in Figure 4. The communication unit 230 is implemented by the communication interface 204 shown in Figure 4. The display unit 240 is implemented by the display device 205 shown in Figure 2. The input / output unit 250 is implemented, for example, by the input / output interface 206 shown in Figure 4.

[0037] The control unit 210 controls the overall functions of the weather information management device 200. The control unit 210 includes a second related information acquisition unit 211, a related information disclosure unit 212, a second weather observation information acquisition unit 213, and a weather observation information provision unit 214.

[0038] The second related information acquisition unit 211 acquires related information indicating the observation location and date and time of observation of weather observation information from each weather observation device 500 that has observed the weather conditions. The second related information acquisition unit 211 acquires related information by receiving related information transmitted from the weather observation device 500 via the communication unit 230. The second related information acquisition unit 211 stores the related information acquired from each weather observation device 500 in the storage unit 220.

[0039] The related information disclosure unit 212 discloses related information acquired from each weather observation device 500 to the weather forecasting device 100. The related information disclosure unit 312 discloses the related information acquired by the second related information acquisition unit 211 by transmitting map information, for example, that is mapped onto a road map (a map representing the travel environment) on which the vehicle 300 described above travels, to the weather forecasting device 100. The related information disclosure unit 212 transmits map information with newly added or updated related information to the weather forecasting device 100 each time the second related information acquisition unit 211 acquires related information. The related information disclosure unit 212 may, for example, delete related information from the map information after a predetermined time (for example, 1 day to 1 week) has elapsed since it was acquired by the second related information acquisition unit 211.

[0040] The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 acquires weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 in response to a request received from the weather forecasting device 100. When the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 receives a request from the weather forecasting device 100 based on related information disclosed by the related information disclosure unit 212, it acquires weather observation information corresponding to the related information specified in the request from the relevant weather observation device 500.

[0041] On the other hand, if the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 receives a request from the weather forecasting device 100 for the provision of specific weather observation information other than the weather observation information corresponding to the related information disclosed by the related information disclosure unit 212, it presents the conditions for provision to the weather forecasting device 100. The conditions for provision are, for example, acceptance of payment for the specific weather observation information (a predetermined amount, points, coupons, etc.) as described above. If these conditions for provision are met, the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 distributes the related information and acquisition conditions related to the specific weather observation information to the weather observation device 500. The acquisition conditions are, for example, acceptance of receiving payment (a predetermined amount, points, coupons, etc.) in exchange for conducting weather observations at the observation location and observation date and time indicated by the related information in order to acquire the specific weather observation information. If these conditions are met, the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 acquires the specific weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 that has accepted the acquisition conditions.

[0042] If the acquisition conditions are not met, that is, if there is no weather observation device 500 that performs observations to acquire specific weather observation information in exchange for payment, the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 transmits relevant information related to the specific weather observation information to the weather observation device 500 mounted on the autonomous vehicle 400. The weather observation device 500 that receives the relevant information related to the specific weather observation information moves to the observation location at the observation date and time indicated by the relevant information in cooperation with the autonomous vehicle 400, observes the weather conditions, and generates the specific weather observation information. The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 acquires the specific weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 that generates and possesses the specific weather observation information.

[0043] The weather observation information provision unit 214 provides weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100 in response to a request. The weather observation information provision unit 214 provides weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100 by transmitting the weather observation information acquired by the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 via the communication unit 230.

[0044] The storage unit 220 stores the control program executed by the control unit 210 and various types of data. The storage unit 220 stores, for example, the related information acquired from each weather observation device 500. The communication unit 230 transmits and receives various types of data to and from the weather prediction device 100 and the weather observation device 500 via the network NW according to the control of the control unit 210. The display unit 240 displays various types of information according to the control of the control unit 210. The input / output unit 250 inputs various types of data from an input device and outputs various types of data to an output device according to the control of the control unit 210.

[0045] Next, a hardware configuration example of the weather observation device 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, physically, the weather observation device includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a storage 503, a communication interface (communication I / F) 504, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 505. These components are electrically connected to each other via a bus line 506. Note that since the hardware configuration example of the weather observation device 500 is the same as the hardware configuration examples of the above-described weather prediction device 100 and weather information management device 200 except that it does not include a display device, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] Subsequently, a functional configuration example of the weather observation device 500 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, functionally, the weather observation device 500 includes a control unit 510, a storage unit 520, a communication unit 530, and an input / output unit 540.

[0047] Note that the control unit 510 is realized by, for example, the processor 501 and the memory 502 shown in FIG. 6. The storage unit 520 is realized by, for example, the memory 502 and the storage 503 shown in FIG. 6. The communication unit 530 is realized by the communication interface 504 shown in FIG. 6. The input / output unit 540 is realized by, for example, the input / output interface 505 shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] The control unit 510 controls the functions of the entire weather observation device 500. The control unit 510 includes a weather observation information generation unit 511, a related information transmission unit 512, and a weather observation information transmission unit 513.

[0049] The weather observation information generation unit 511 periodically generates weather observation information indicating the weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 300, etc., on which the weather observation device 500 is mounted. Based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit of the vehicle 300, etc., the weather observation information generation unit 511 generates weather observation information indicating the current weather conditions around the location of the vehicle 300, etc. The weather observation information includes at least one weather element from among the weather, precipitation, temperature, humidity, local atmospheric pressure, and sea level pressure at the location of the vehicle 300, etc. For example, the weather observation information generation unit 511 generates the weather observation information exemplified in Figure 8 at predetermined time intervals (for example, from about 1 minute to 30 minutes). The weather observation information generation unit 511 also stores the generated weather observation information in the storage unit 520.

[0050] The weather observation information generation unit 511 analyzes images captured by an imaging device equipped on the vehicle 300, etc., using well-known image analysis techniques, and identifies the weather around the location of the vehicle 300, etc. For example, the weather observation information generation unit 511 estimates the conditions of the space around the vehicle, such as the distribution of sunlight and the amount of solar radiation, from the hue, brightness, lightness, etc., of the captured image, and identifies the weather around the location of the vehicle 300, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, the weather observation information generation unit 511 calculates sea level pressure based on the local atmospheric pressure at the location of the vehicle 300, etc., and includes this as a meteorological element in the weather observation information. The atmospheric pressure actually observed at weather observation points such as meteorological observatories and weather stations is called local atmospheric pressure, and in weather forecast information, sea level pressure obtained by correcting this local atmospheric pressure to sea level height (altitude 0m) is used as a meteorological element. Sea level pressure P0 can be calculated using the following formula (1). P0 = P[1 - {0.0065h / (T + 0.0065h + 273.15)}]^-5.257 ……(1) Here, P is local atmospheric pressure, T is the measured temperature (°C), h is the altitude (m), and the constant 0.0065K / m is the temperature lapse rate. Also, "^" indicates exponentiation.

[0052] The related information transmission unit 512 periodically transmits related information indicating the observation location and date and time of the generated weather observation information to the weather information management device 200 at predetermined intervals. Each time weather observation information is generated, the related information transmission unit 512 generates related information related to the generated weather observation information and transmits it to the weather information management device 200 via the communication unit 530.

[0053] The weather observation information transmission unit 513 transmits weather observation information to the weather information management device 200. The weather observation information transmission unit 513 reads the weather observation information related to the information requested to be transmitted from the weather information management device 200 from the storage unit 520 and transmits it to the weather information management device 200 via the communication unit 530.

[0054] The storage unit 520 stores control programs executed by the control unit 510 and various data. The communication unit 530 transmits and receives various data to and from the weather information management device 200 via the network NW in accordance with the control unit 510. The input / output unit 540 receives various data from the input device and outputs various data to the output device in accordance with the control unit 510.

[0055] Next, the operation of the weather information system 1 having the above configuration will be described. The flowchart shown in Figure 10 is an example of the operation of the weather information system 1, and is a flowchart relating to the weather observation information provision process executed by the weather information management device 200. This operation corresponds to the weather information provision method of the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment. The weather information management device 200 stores the relevant information received from each weather observation device 500 in the storage unit 220 and performs the process of disclosing it to the weather forecasting device 100 in parallel with the weather observation information provision process.

[0056] The control unit 210 of the weather information management device 200 starts processing the provision of weather observation information in response to receiving a request from the weather forecasting device 100 to provide weather observation information.

[0057] When the weather observation information provision process is started, the control unit 210 first determines whether or not the weather observation information requested by the request exists (step S101). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 refers to the related information stored in the storage unit 220 and makes the determination in this step depending on whether or not the related information specified by the request has already been acquired.

[0058] If the control unit 210 determines that weather observation information requested by the request exists (step S101: YES), it acquires the requested weather observation information (step S102). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 sends a transmission request to the weather observation device 500, the source of the related information specified by the request, requesting the transmission of weather observation information related to this related information. By receiving the weather observation information transmitted from the weather observation device 500 in response to this transmission request, the unit acquires the weather observation information requested by the weather forecasting device 100.

[0059] Next, the control unit 210 provides weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100 (step S103). The weather observation information provision unit 214 of the control unit 210 transmits the weather observation information acquired by the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 to the weather forecasting device 100 via the communication unit 230.

[0060] In the process of step S101, if it is determined that the weather observation information requested by the request does not exist (step S101: NO), the control unit 210 presents the conditions for provision to the weather forecasting device 100 (step S104). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 determines that the weather observation information requested by the request does not exist, that is, it has received a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than the weather observation information related to the disclosed related information, and presents the conditions for provision to the weather forecasting device 100. As described above, the conditions for provision are, for example, acceptance of payment of a price (a predetermined amount, points, coupons, etc.) for the provision of the specific weather observation information.

[0061] Next, the control unit 210 determines whether the conditions for provision have been met (step S105). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 makes the determination in this step depending on whether a response satisfying the presented conditions for provision has been obtained from the weather forecasting device 100.

[0062] If the control unit 210 determines that the conditions for provision have been met (step S105: YES), that is, if it determines that there has been a response agreeing to pay for the provision of specific weather observation information, it distributes the relevant information and acquisition conditions related to the requested specific weather observation information to the weather observation device 500 (step S106). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 distributes the relevant information and acquisition conditions related to the specific weather observation information to each weather observation device 500 via the communication unit 230. As described above, the acquisition conditions are, for example, agreement to conduct weather observations at the observation location and observation date and time indicated by the relevant information in order to acquire specific weather observation information, in exchange for receiving consideration (a predetermined amount of money, points, coupons, etc.).

[0063] Next, the control unit 210 determines whether the acquisition conditions have been met (step S107). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 makes the determination in this step depending on whether a response satisfying the presented acquisition conditions has been acquired from the weather observation device 500.

[0064] If the control unit 210 determines that the acquisition conditions have been met (step S107: YES), that is, if it determines that a response has been received agreeing to conduct observations of weather conditions at the observation location and time indicated by the relevant information in order to acquire specific weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 in exchange for receiving payment, the control unit 210 acquires the requested weather observation information (step S108). If the second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 receives multiple acceptance responses to the acquisition conditions, it sends a transmission request to, for example, the weather observation device 500 that responded first, and acquires the specific weather observation information that was actually observed.

[0065] Next, the control unit 210 provides the weather observation information acquired from the weather observation device 500 to the weather forecasting device 100 (step S109). The weather observation information provision unit 214 of the control unit 210 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the weather observation information acquired from the weather observation device 500 to the weather forecasting device 100.

[0066] In the process of step S107, if it is determined that the acquisition conditions are not met (step S107: NO), that is, if there is no response agreeing to conduct observations of weather conditions at the observation location and observation date and time indicated by the relevant information in order to acquire specific weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 in exchange for receiving payment, the control unit 210 transmits the relevant information related to the request to provide to the weather observation device 500 mounted on the autonomous vehicle 400 (step S110). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 transmits the relevant information indicating the requested observation location and observation date and time to the weather observation device 500 mounted on the autonomous vehicle 400 via the communication unit 230.

[0067] Next, the control unit 210 determines whether or not it has acquired specific weather observation information (step S111). The second weather observation information acquisition unit 213 makes the determination in this step depending on whether or not it has received specific weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 that transmitted the relevant information related to the request for provision. If it is determined that specific weather observation information has not been acquired (step S111: NO), the control unit 210 repeats the process in step S111 until it acquires the specific weather observation information.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that specific weather observation information has been acquired (step S111: YES), the control unit 210 provides the specific weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100 (step S112). The weather observation information provision unit 214 controls the communication unit 230 to transmit the weather observation information acquired from the weather observation device 500 to the weather forecasting device 100.

[0069] After executing any of the processes in step S103, step S109, or step S112, or if it is determined in step S105 that the conditions for provision are not met (step S105: NO), the control unit 210 terminates the weather observation information provision process.

[0070] As described above, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the weather information management device 200 acquires relevant information indicating the observation location and date and time of observation of weather observation information held by the weather observation device 500, and discloses the relevant information to the weather forecasting device 100. The weather information management device 200 then receives a request from the weather forecasting device 100 to provide weather observation information corresponding to the disclosed relevant information, acquires weather observation information corresponding to the received request from the weather observation device 500, and provides it to the weather forecasting device 100. As a result, when the weather forecasting device 100 is notified by a user that the weather forecast was wrong, for example, it can obtain observation information actually observed on site, thereby enabling it to analyze the factors that caused the weather forecast to be wrong, and also enable it to update and improve the weather forecasting model (trained model) used for weather forecasting. Thus, according to the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the accuracy of weather condition predictions can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, when the weather information management device 200 receives a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than the weather observation information corresponding to the related information disclosed to the weather forecasting device 100, it presents the conditions for providing the specific weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100. If these conditions are met, the related information and acquisition conditions for the specific weather observation information are distributed to the weather observation device 500, and the specific weather observation information related to the request is acquired from the weather observation device 500 that has accepted the acquisition conditions and provided to the weather forecasting device 100. This makes it possible to increase verification data by acquiring weather observation information for areas with poor localized prediction accuracy and low traffic volume, such as vehicles 300, on a paid basis. In addition, the weather forecasting device 100 can update and improve its weather forecasting model using the acquired weather observation information. From this as well, the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of weather condition predictions.

[0072] Furthermore, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the weather information management device 200 receives a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than the weather observation information corresponding to the related information disclosed to the weather forecasting device 100. If the conditions for providing specific weather observation information are met, but there is no weather observation device 500 that accepts the acquisition conditions, the weather information management device 200 transmits related information for the specific weather observation information to the weather observation device 500 mounted on the autonomous vehicle 400, causing it to generate the specific weather observation information. The weather information management device 200 provides the weather observation information generated by the weather observation device 500 to the weather forecasting device. This increases the probability of being able to provide the weather forecasting device with weather observation information for areas or times with low traffic volume, for example. Consequently, the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. Note that if the observation location is in a place with poor traffic or a dangerous location, the weather information management device 200 may request observation from the weather observation device 500 mounted on the autonomous vehicle 400 and acquire specific weather observation information, regardless of whether the acquisition conditions have been met.

[0073] Furthermore, in the weather information system 1 according to this embodiment, the weather information management device 200 discloses to the weather forecasting device 100 weather observation information (related information) that can be provided by map information, where related information is associated with a road map on which a vehicle 300 or the like travels, and the road is displayed in a gradient according to the elapsed time since the observation date and time of the weather observation information. As a result, the operator of the weather forecasting device 100 can visually grasp whether or not weather observation information is currently available from the weather information management device 200 and the elapsed time since the observation date and time, thereby improving the accuracy of weather forecasting.

[0074] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0075] (Modification) For example, the weather observation device 500 may be configured to transmit captured images taken around the location of the vehicle 300 along with weather observation information to the weather information management device 200, and the weather information management device 200 may provide the weather observation information and captured images to the weather forecasting device 100. In this case, the captured images may be either still images or moving images. Furthermore, the weather forecasting device 100 may be provided with multiple captured images that capture changes in weather phenomena at the observation location. This makes it possible to grasp localized weather phenomena that are difficult to capture with satellite images or weather radar, such as torrential downpours, tornadoes, and hail, and improves the accuracy of weather forecasting.

[0076] Furthermore, the weather information management device 200 may compare weather forecast information from the weather forecasting device 100 with weather observation information from the weather observation device 500 and provide the weather forecasting device 100 with comparison information showing the comparison results.

[0077] Furthermore, the weather information management device 200 may be configured to acquire weather observation information from weather observation devices 500 at weather observation points such as meteorological observatories and weather stations, and to notify the user of the weather observation device 500 that inspection of sensors installed in the weather observation device 500 and the vehicle 300, etc., is necessary based on predetermined judgment criteria such as a discrepancy between this weather observation information and weather forecast information.

[0078] Furthermore, the weather information management device 200 may acquire multiple weather observation information items with similar observation locations and observation dates from each weather observation device 500, and based on predetermined criteria such as the weather observation information not matching, it may notify the user whose most recent inspection date is earlier that inspection of the weather observation device 500 and the sensors on the vehicle 300 etc. is necessary. In this case, the weather observation information should include not only the observation data, but also the most recent inspection date of the weather observation device 500 and sensors used for the observation. This ensures the accuracy of the weather observation information generated by the weather observation device 500.

[0079] Furthermore, the weather information management device 200 may acquire multiple weather observation information items with similar observation locations and dates from each weather observation device 500, take a majority vote among them, and notify the user that the weather observation device 500 and sensor that observed the minority weather observation information need to be inspected. In this case as well, the accuracy of the weather observation information generated by the weather observation device 500 can be ensured.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the weather observation device 500 was described as a device mounted on the vehicle 300. However, the functions of the weather observation device 500 may be implemented on the vehicle 300, and the vehicle 300 and the weather information management device 200 may be configured to directly exchange weather information, etc., without going through the weather observation device 500.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the weather forecasting device 100 acquired weather observation information via the weather information management device 200. However, for example, the weather observation device 500 may be given relevant information to directly provide the corresponding weather observation information to the weather forecasting device 100.

[0082] In the above embodiment, for example, the control program executed by the processor 201 of the weather information management device 200 was mainly stored in storage 203 beforehand. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the control program for executing the above-mentioned various processes may be implemented in an existing general-purpose computer, framework, workstation, etc., thereby enabling it to function as a device equivalent to the weather information management device 200 according to the above embodiment. The same applies to the weather forecasting device 100 and the weather observation device 500.

[0083] The method of providing such programs is optional. For example, they may be distributed by storing them on a computer-readable storage medium (flexible disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM), or they may be stored on network storage such as the Internet and provided for download.

[0084] Furthermore, when the above processing is performed by a division of labor between the OS (Operating System) and the application program, or by collaboration between the OS and the application program, only the application program may be stored on a recording medium or storage. It is also possible to superimpose the program onto a carrier wave and distribute it over a network. For example, the above program may be posted on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a network and distributed over the network. The program may then be designed to execute the above processing by launching it and running it under the control of the OS, just like any other application program.

[0085] This invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. In other words, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

[0086] 1... Weather information system, 100... Weather forecasting device, 101... Processor, 102... Memory, 103... Storage, 104... Communication interface, 105... Display device, 106... Input / output interface, 107... Bus line, 110... Control unit, 111... Weather forecast information generation unit, 112... First related information acquisition unit, 113... First weather observation information acquisition unit, 114... Weather forecast model update unit, 120... Storage unit, 130... Communication unit, 140... Display unit, 150... Input / output unit, 200... Weather information management device, 201... Processor, 202... Memory, 203... Storage, 204... Communication interface, 205... Display device, 206... Input / output interface, 207... Bus line, 210... Control unit, 211... Second related information acquisition unit, 212... Related 213... Information disclosure unit, 214... Second weather observation information acquisition unit, 220... Weather observation information provision unit, 230... Storage unit, 240... Display unit, 250... Input / output unit, 300, 300a, 300b... Vehicle, 400, 400c, 400d... Autonomous driving vehicle, 500, 500a, 500b, 500c, 500d... Weather observation device, 501... Processor, 502... Memory, 503... Storage, 504... Communication interface, 505... Input / output interface, 506... Bus line, 510... Control unit, 511... Weather observation information generation unit, 512... Related information transmission unit, 513... Weather observation information transmission unit, 520... Storage unit, 530... Communication unit, 540... Input / output unit, MPI... Display image, NW... Network, Ra, Rb... Road, SB... Speech bubble.

Claims

1. A method for providing weather information, which is executed by a processor in a weather information management device that manages weather observation information observed by a weather observation device mounted on a mobile device, wherein the processor acquires relevant information indicating the observation location and date and time of observation of weather observation information held by the weather observation device, discloses the relevant information to a weather forecasting device that predicts weather conditions, receives a request from the weather forecasting device for the provision of weather observation information corresponding to the relevant information, acquires weather observation information corresponding to the received request from a weather observation device that holds such information, and provides the acquired weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

2. The weather information provision method according to claim 1, wherein the processor receives a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than weather observation information corresponding to the related information disclosed to the weather forecasting device, presents the conditions for providing the specific weather observation information to the weather forecasting device, delivers related information and acquisition conditions relating to the specific weather observation information to the weather observation device if the conditions for providing are met, acquires the specific weather observation information from the weather observation device if the acquisition conditions are met, and provides the specific weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

3. The weather information provision method according to claim 1, wherein the processor receives a request for the provision of specific weather observation information other than weather observation information corresponding to the relevant information disclosed to the weather forecasting device, transmits relevant information for the specific weather observation information to a weather observation device mounted on an automatically mobile vehicle, obtains the specific weather observation information from the weather observation device mounted on the automatically mobile vehicle, and provides the specific weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

4. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor discloses map information on which the relevant information is associated with a map representing the moving environment of the moving object, and the moving environment is displayed in different ways depending on the elapsed time from the observation date and time of the weather observation information.

5. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processor acquires the captured image at the observation date and time along with the weather observation information from the weather observation device, and provides the weather observation information and the captured image to the weather forecasting device.

6. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor acquires a plurality of image images per observation date and time at the observation location, along with the weather observation information, from the weather observation device, and provides the weather observation information and the plurality of image images to the weather forecasting device.

7. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor obtains weather observation information at a weather observation site from a weather observation device that possesses such information, based on the related information, obtains weather forecast information corresponding to the observation date and time of the weather observation information from the weather forecast device, and if it determines that the weather forecast information and the weather observation information do not match, it notifies the user of the weather observation device that it is necessary to inspect the sensors provided by the weather observation device and the mobile body.

8. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor acquires a plurality of weather observation information items with similar observation locations and observation dates and times based on the related information, and if it determines that the plurality of weather observation information items do not match, it notifies the user whose next inspection date is earlier that inspection of the weather observation device and sensor is necessary.

9. The weather information provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processor acquires a plurality of weather observation information items with similar observation locations and observation dates and times based on the related information, takes a majority vote of the plurality of weather observation information items, and notifies the user that the weather observation device and sensor that observed the minority weather observation information item needs to be inspected.

10. A weather information system comprising: a weather observation device mounted on a mobile body for observing surrounding weather conditions; a weather information management device for managing weather observation information from the weather observation device; and a weather forecasting device for predicting weather conditions, wherein a processor in the weather information management device acquires relevant information indicating the observation location and date and time of observation of weather observation information held by the weather observation device; discloses the relevant information to the weather forecasting device for predicting weather conditions; receives a request from the weather forecasting device for the provision of weather observation information corresponding to the relevant information; acquires weather observation information corresponding to the received request from the weather observation device that holds the said information; and provides the acquired weather observation information to the weather forecasting device.

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