Schedule processing system and schedule processing method

Abstract

A schedule processing system (100) comprises: a schedule generation unit (14) that generates a schedule (d10) of passengers boarding an aircraft (1), using passenger information (17a), which is information relating to the passengers boarding the aircraft (1), and flight information (16a), which is information relating to a flight made by the aircraft (1) between two hubs having a time difference; and a display unit (11) that displays the generated schedule (d10).

Description

Schedule Processing System and Schedule Processing Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for processing schedules and the like.

[0002] Conventionally, a communication terminal device has been proposed as a system for processing schedules (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This communication terminal device generates a schedule in accordance with preset conditions.

[0003] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2014-518408

[0004] However, the communication terminal device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it may sometimes be difficult to present an appropriate schedule.

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a schedule processing system and the like capable of presenting an appropriate schedule.

[0006] A schedule processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a schedule generation unit that generates a schedule for the passenger while the passenger is on board the aircraft by using passenger information, which is information related to passengers boarding the aircraft, and flight information, which is information related to the flight performed by the aircraft between two locations with a time difference; and a display unit that displays the generated schedule.

[0007] These general or specific aspects may be implemented by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be implemented by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The recording medium may also be a non-transitory recording medium.

[0008] The schedule processing system of the present disclosure can present an appropriate schedule.

[0009] Further advantages and effects of an aspect of the present disclosure will be apparent from the specification and the drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by the configurations described in several embodiments, the specification and the drawings, but not all configurations are necessarily required to obtain the same.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an example of an aircraft equipped with the scheduling system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 shows an example of hardware for configuring the scheduling system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the scheduling system according to the embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of flight information and passenger information according to the embodiment. Figure 5 shows an example of a schedule confirmation screen including the schedule generated by the schedule generation unit according to the embodiment. Figure 6 shows an example of a schedule change screen according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule discouragement screen in the embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram comparing three examples of schedules generated by the schedule processing system in the embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule screen in the embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a content screen in the embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a work mode screen in the embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of a sleep mode screen in the embodiment. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation by the schedule processing system in the embodiment. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of schedule change processing by the schedule processing system in the embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit in the embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit in the embodiment. Figure 17 is a diagram showing yet another example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit in the embodiment.

[0012] A schedule processing system according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a schedule generation unit that generates a schedule for a passenger while on board an aircraft, using passenger information which is information relating to a passenger on board an aircraft and flight information which is information relating to the aircraft's flight between two locations with a time difference, and a display unit that displays the generated schedule.

[0013] As a result, a schedule generated using passenger and flight information is displayed, allowing the system to present passengers with an optimal schedule for their time on board, even when an aircraft flies between two locations with different time zones. Consequently, for example, the effects of jet lag on passengers can be mitigated. Thus, in the first embodiment, an appropriate schedule can be presented.

[0014] Furthermore, the schedule processing system according to the second embodiment may further include a dialogue unit that, by interacting with the passenger, acquires schedule conditions including the passenger's schedule requests and generates passenger information including the schedule conditions. The second embodiment may be subordinate to the first embodiment.

[0015] This allows passenger information, including schedule conditions, to be generated through interaction with passengers, thus minimizing the burden on passengers and making it easy to generate that information.

[0016] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the third embodiment, the passenger information may indicate at least one of passenger attributes and schedule conditions, the passenger attributes may indicate at least one of the passenger's travel purpose, the passenger's age, and the passenger's gender, and the schedule conditions may indicate at least one of the passenger's desired sleep duration and the passenger's desired activity. Note that the third embodiment may be dependent on the first or second embodiment.

[0017] This allows for the effective generation of optimal schedules for passengers.

[0018] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the fourth embodiment, the flight information may indicate at least one of the following: the flight time required for the flight between the two bases, the average time spent eating in-flight meals, the departure time of the aircraft, the arrival time of the aircraft, and the time difference between the two bases. Note that the fourth embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0019] This allows for the effective generation of appropriate schedules based on aircraft flight patterns.

[0020] Furthermore, the schedule processing system according to the fifth embodiment further includes an acquisition unit that acquires change information indicating the changes to the generated schedule in response to a request from the passenger, and the schedule generation unit may further modify the schedule based on the changes indicated by the change information when the change information is acquired by the acquisition unit. Note that the fifth embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0021] This allows for schedule changes based on passenger requests, enabling the creation of more optimal schedules.

[0022] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the sixth embodiment, the schedule generation unit may further determine whether the modified schedule satisfies predetermined conditions as a result of the schedule change, and if it determines that the modified schedule does not satisfy the conditions, it may display a message on the display unit indicating that changing the schedule is not recommended. Note that the sixth embodiment may be dependent on the fifth embodiment.

[0023] This helps to deter unreasonable changes made by passengers. For example, if a passenger's requested schedule change would cause inconvenience to the passenger or the service operations on the aircraft, the aforementioned message will be displayed in advance, thus preventing such inconvenience from occurring.

[0024] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the seventh embodiment, if the change information is acquired by the acquisition unit, the schedule generation unit may further specify a restricted range corresponding to the passenger information and restrict the change content indicated by the change information to the specified restricted range. Note that the seventh embodiment may be subordinate to the fifth embodiment.

[0025] This helps to prevent passengers from making unreasonable changes to their sleep schedule. For example, for a child passenger, a minimum of three hours of sleep is specified. Even if that passenger tries to change their sleep time to less than three hours, it can be restricted to three hours or more.

[0026] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the eighth embodiment, the schedule generation unit generates the schedule by arranging the activity period in which each of the multiple activities by the passenger takes place within the flight period in which the aircraft flies between the two bases, and in arranging the multiple activity periods, the activity period for meals among the multiple activity periods may be given priority over the activity periods of other activities other than meals, according to the standard time at the aircraft's arrival destination, which is one of the two bases. Note that the eighth embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the first to seventh embodiments.

[0027] This prioritizes scheduling meal times according to the destination's standard time. As a result, it reduces passenger stress caused by hunger and minimizes jet lag after the aircraft arrives at its destination, allowing passengers to adapt to the new environment more effectively.

[0028] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the ninth embodiment, the schedule generation unit may, in arranging the multiple activity periods, prioritize the sleep activity period among the multiple activity periods over the activity periods of other activities other than meals and sleep, after the meal activity period has been arranged, according to the standard time at the destination. The ninth embodiment may be subordinate to the eighth embodiment.

[0029] This ensures that sleep activity periods are prioritized after meal activity periods, according to the standard time of the destination. As a result, stress caused by sleep deprivation among passengers can be reduced, and the effects of jet lag after the aircraft arrives at the destination can be minimized, allowing passengers to adapt to the new environment more effectively.

[0030] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the tenth embodiment, the schedule generation unit may, in arranging the multiple activity periods, after the activity period for eating and the activity period for sleeping have been arranged, search among the multiple viewing content for viewing content whose playback time fits within the free period, which is an empty period within the flight period, and arrange the activity period for viewing the found viewing content within the free period. Note that the tenth embodiment may be dependent on the eighth or ninth embodiment.

[0031] This allows us to suggest the most suitable viewing content to passengers during their downtime.

[0032] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the 11th embodiment, if the passenger has specified the desired viewing content when arranging the multiple activity periods, the schedule generation unit may, after arranging the meal activity period and the sleep activity period, arrange a period of a length corresponding to the playback time of the viewing content as the viewing content viewing activity period during the free period, which is an empty period within the flight period. Note that the 11th embodiment may be subordinate to the 8th or 9th embodiment.

[0033] This allows the playback time of the content a passenger wishes to watch to be appropriately contained within the activity period for watching that content. As a result, it is possible to prevent the playback of the content from being cut short because the playback time exceeds the activity period, and to make effective use of that activity period for watching the content.

[0034] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the 12th embodiment, the schedule generation unit, in arranging the multiple activity periods, after the activity period for eating and the activity period for sleeping have been arranged, arranges the activity periods for one or more activities other than eating and sleeping in the free period, which is the free period within the flight period. The one or more activities may be at least one of listening to music, playing games, displaying maps, taking medicine, looking at scenery, exercising, and hydrating. Note that the 12th embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the first to 11th embodiments.

[0035] This allows passengers to engage in a wide variety of activities on board the aircraft.

[0036] Furthermore, in the schedule processing system according to the 13th embodiment, the schedule generation unit may, in the arrangement of the multiple activity periods, after the activity period for meals and the activity period for sleep have been arranged, place an activity period for controlling sleep in the free period, which is a free period within the flight period, either before or after the activity period for sleep. Note that the 13th embodiment may be subordinate to any one of the 1st to 12th embodiments.

[0037] This allows passengers to sleep deeply during the sleep-activity period, for example, and wake up feeling refreshed after the sleep-activity period.

[0038] Furthermore, the scheduling method according to the first aspect of this disclosure is a scheduling method performed by a computer, which uses passenger information, which is information relating to passengers boarding an aircraft, and flight information, which is information relating to the aircraft's flight between two locations with a time difference, to generate a schedule for the passengers while they are on board the aircraft, and displays the generated schedule on a display unit.

[0039] This makes it possible to achieve the same effects and advantages as the scheduling system according to the first embodiment.

[0040] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, those not described in the independent claim representing the highest-level concept are described as optional components. In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Also, the same reference numerals are used for the same components in each figure.

[0042] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aircraft equipped with a schedule processing system according to the present embodiment.

[0043] The schedule processing system according to the present embodiment is mounted on, for example, an aircraft 1 shown in FIG. 1. The aircraft 1 is an airplane having a passenger cabin 2. A plurality of seats 3 are arranged in the passenger cabin 2. A passenger of the aircraft 1 sits on one of the plurality of seats 3 arranged in the passenger cabin 2. A monitor device 10 is attached to the back side of the backrest of each seat 3. The monitor device 10 is used for IFE (In-flight entertainment), displays video included in viewing content such as movies, and outputs audio included in the viewing content. A passenger sitting on a seat 3 operates the monitor device 10 attached to the seat 3 in front of the passenger to view the viewing content. Note that the monitor device 10 is not limited to playing movies, and may perform other processes. For example, the monitor device 10 may play music, and may execute processes related to game play, map display, video display by an external camera, video display for in-flight shopping, and the like.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of hardware for configuring the schedule processing system according to the present embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the schedule processing system 100 according to the present embodiment is configured by the monitor device 10 and the seat box 20 attached to the seat 3, and an in-flight server 30. The schedule processing system 100 generates and presents a schedule for a passenger u sitting on a seat 3 installed behind the seat 3.

[0046] The monitor device 10 comprises a display unit 11 configured to display images or videos, and a dialogue interface 12a configured to dialogue with a passenger u. The display unit 11 is, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. In addition, the display unit 11 displays a schedule generated for the passenger u. The dialogue interface 12a comprises a speaker that outputs voice to the passenger u based on an output audio signal, and a microphone that collects voice uttered by the passenger u and converts the collected voice into an input audio signal (that is, an electrical signal). Furthermore, the dialogue interface 12a may comprise a connector connected to a headset, output an output audio signal to the speaker of the headset via the connector, and acquire an input audio signal from the microphone of the headset.

[0047] The seat box 20 is connected to the monitor device 10 via a wired or wireless connection, and has a function of controlling the monitor device 10 and the like.

[0048] The in-flight server 30 communicates with each monitor device 10 and each seat box 20 provided in the cabin 2 of the aircraft 1 via a wireless or wired connection, and controls them. For example, the in-flight server 30 transmits viewing content such as movies to each monitor device 10.

[0049] Note that the schedule processing system 100 according to the present embodiment may be configured by only one or two pieces of hardware among the monitor device 10, the seat box 20, and the in-flight server 30.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the schedule processing system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0051] The schedule processing system 100 comprises the display unit 11, the dialogue interface 12a, a dialogue unit 12b, an operation unit 13, a schedule generation unit 14, a first storage unit 16, a second storage unit 17, and a communication unit 15. Note that the interface may also be expressed as I / F.

[0052] The dialogue unit 12b obtains the schedule conditions requested by passenger u by interacting with passenger u via the dialogue interface 12a. At this time, the dialogue unit 12b may obtain the schedule conditions by interacting with passenger u while referring to the flight information 16a stored in the first storage unit 16 and the passenger attributes stored in the second storage unit 17. The dialogue unit 12b then generates passenger information 17a including the passenger information and schedule conditions by storing the obtained schedule conditions in the second storage unit 17. The passenger attributes may be pre-included in the second storage unit 17. For example, the passenger attributes may be pre-stored in the second storage unit 17 by transmission from the in-flight server 30 or the passenger u's mobile terminal. Alternatively, the dialogue unit 12b may obtain the passenger attributes by interacting with passenger u in the same manner as described above and store them in the second storage unit 17. In other words, the means of including passenger attributes in the second storage unit 17 are not particularly limited and may be any.

[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, the dialogue unit 12b interacts with the passenger u via the dialogue interface 12a to obtain schedule conditions, which are the passenger u's requests for the schedule, and generates passenger information 17a that includes those schedule conditions. In other words, the dialogue unit 12b generates passenger information 17a that includes those schedule conditions and passenger attributes by storing the obtained schedule conditions in the second storage unit 17.

[0054] Furthermore, when the dialogue unit 12b acquires an input voice signal from the dialogue interface 12a, it outputs speech information corresponding to that input voice signal to the schedule generation unit 14. This speech information indicates the content of the speech made by passenger u. The dialogue unit 12b may also use a large-scale language model to interact with passenger u. In this case, the dialogue unit 12b may use at least one of the flight information 16a stored in the first memory unit 16 and the passenger information 17a stored in the second memory unit 17 to interact. The large-scale language model may be provided in the schedule processing system 100 or on a ground server. For example, the dialogue unit 12b communicates with a ground server and uses its large-scale language model.

[0055] The operation unit 13 receives input operations from passenger u and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received input operation. The operation unit 13 may be incorporated into the monitor device 10. Alternatively, the operation unit 13 may be integrated with the display unit 11. In other words, the operation unit 13 and the display unit 11 may be configured as a touch panel or touch panel display. Alternatively, the operation unit 13 may be configured as a keyboard, as a unit with physical buttons, or in other forms. The operation unit 13 may also communicate with the passenger u's mobile terminal, such as a smartphone, via wireless or wired connection, and obtain an operation signal from the mobile terminal corresponding to the passenger u's input operation to the mobile terminal and output it to the schedule generation unit 14. The operation unit 13 may also obtain an input audio signal from the mobile terminal and output it to the dialogue unit 12b, and obtain an output audio signal from the dialogue unit 12b and transmit it to the mobile terminal. The input audio signal is a signal obtained by converting the passenger u's voice, picked up by the microphone of the mobile terminal, into an electrical signal. Furthermore, the output audio signal sent to the mobile terminal is output as sound from the mobile terminal's speaker. Wireless communication between the operation unit 13 and the mobile terminal may be performed using Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or low-power radio. In other words, the operation unit 13 may achieve the same functionality as the dialogue interface 12a by coordinating with the mobile terminal. This functionality may also be provided in the seat box 20.

[0056] The first storage unit 16 is a recording medium for storing flight information 16a, and the second storage unit 17 is a recording medium for storing passenger information 17a of passenger u. At least one of the first storage unit 16 and the second storage unit 17 is provided in one of the monitor device 10, seat box 20, and in-flight server 30. These recording media are hard disk drives, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or semiconductor memory, etc. These recording media may be volatile or non-volatile.

[0057] The schedule generation unit 14 reads flight information 16a from the first storage unit 16 and passenger information 17a from the second storage unit 17. Based on the flight information 16a and passenger information 17a, the schedule generation unit 14 generates a schedule for passenger u. Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 displays the generated schedule on the display unit 11. In addition, if the schedule generation unit 14 receives speech information from the dialogue unit 12b or an operation signal from the operation unit 13, it modifies the generated schedule according to the speech information or operation signal. At this time, the schedule generation unit 14 may also modify the schedule by changing the schedule conditions. The schedule generation unit 14 also transmits the generated schedule or the modified schedule information to the terminal device 40 via the communication unit 15. The terminal device 40 may be, for example, a terminal carried by the crew of the aircraft 1, or a terminal installed on the aircraft 1. This allows the crew to check the schedule for passenger u displayed on the terminal device 40. As a result, the crew can serve meals to passengers at the meal times indicated in the schedule.

[0058] The communication unit 15 communicates with the terminal device 40 by wired communication or wireless communication. Wireless communication may be performed using Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, or specified low-power wireless communication.

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of flight information 16a and passenger information 17a.

[0060] Flight information 16a, as shown in Figure 4(a) for example, indicates the departure point, destination, departure time, arrival time, and flight time. The departure point is the place from which aircraft 1 takes off or departs. The destination is the place from which aircraft 1 lands or arrives. The departure time is the time when aircraft 1 takes off or departs from the departure point, expressed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) (i.e., Greenwich Mean Time). Note that the departure time may include not only the time expressed in UTC but also the time expressed in the standard time of the departure point. The arrival time is the time when aircraft 1 lands or arrives at the destination, expressed in UTC. Note that the arrival time may include not only the time expressed in UTC but also the time expressed in the standard time of the destination. Flight time is the time required for the flight between two locations, the departure point and the destination. Flight information 16a may also indicate the average meal consumption time and the time difference between the two locations.

[0061] It should be noted that the flight information 16a does not need to show all of the above-mentioned items such as the departure point, and may show at least one of them. In other words, the flight information 16a in this embodiment may show at least one of the following: the flight time required for the flight between the two locations, the average time spent eating in-flight meals, the departure time of aircraft 1, the arrival time of aircraft 1, and the time difference between the two locations.

[0062] Passenger information 17a, as shown in Figure 4(b), for example, indicates passenger attributes such as the passenger's age, gender, purpose of travel, and seat class, as well as schedule conditions. The schedule conditions may also indicate the passenger's desired sleep duration and activities.

[0063] It should be noted that passenger information 17a does not need to show all of the above-mentioned items such as age, and may show at least one of them. In other words, in this embodiment, passenger information 17a may show at least one of passenger attributes and schedule conditions. Passenger attributes may show at least one of the following: passenger u's travel purpose, passenger u's age, and passenger u's gender. Schedule conditions may show at least one of the following: passenger u's desired sleep time and passenger u's desired activities.

[0064] Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 in this embodiment generates a schedule for passenger u using the flight information 16a and passenger information 17a described above. In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 uses passenger information 17a, which is information about passenger u boarding aircraft 1, and flight information 16a, which is information about the flight of aircraft 1 between two locations with a time difference, to generate a schedule for passenger u while on board aircraft 1.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of a schedule confirmation screen that includes the schedule generated by the schedule generation unit 14.

[0066] The schedule generation unit 14 generates a schedule d10 and displays a schedule confirmation screen D1, which includes the generated schedule d10, on the display unit 11, as shown in Figure 5, for example.

[0067] This schedule confirmation screen D1 includes a schedule d10, an approval button d22, and a change button d23. Schedule d10 consists of multiple activity periods scheduled for passenger u, arranged along a time axis. Each of the activity periods is a period during which passenger u performs an activity, defined by its start time, end time, and the activity itself. Activities include preparing for takeoff, watching a movie, having dinner, sleeping, watching travel programs, having lunch, relaxing, preparing for landing, and preparing for arrival. The time axis may be expressed using the standard time of the departure location and the standard time of the arrival location. In the example in Figure 5, the standard time of the departure location is Japan Standard Time (JST), and the standard time of the arrival location is Pacific Standard Time (PST).

[0068] For example, the schedule generation unit 14 generates a schedule d10 from the time the aircraft 1 takes off or departs until it lands or arrives, according to a predetermined algorithm, while referring to flight information 16a and passenger information 17a. Here, there is a time difference between the departure point and the arrival point, i.e., between the two locations. Therefore, as the aircraft 1 approaches the arrival point, the schedule generation unit 14 generates a schedule d10 that conforms to the standard time of the arrival point. For example, if the arrival time indicated in the flight information 16a is during the daytime, the schedule d10 is generated by placing activity periods such as lunch or watching a movie in the time period close to that arrival time, without placing activity periods such as sleep.

[0069] In a more specific example, the schedule generation unit 14 determines the in-flight time on aircraft 1 from the standard time of the departure point and the standard time of the arrival point. The schedule generation unit 14 may then arrange the activity periods for meals and sleep, etc., between the departure point and the arrival point according to the in-flight time. The time in in-flight time is expressed, for example, using flight time a, the departure time x in the standard time of the departure point, elapsed time b from the departure point, and the time difference Δ. Specifically, the time in in-flight time at the point where elapsed time b has elapsed from the departure point is expressed as x + (b / a) × Δ + b. As a result, as aircraft 1 approaches the destination, that is, as elapsed time b approaches flight time a, the time in in-flight time approaches the time in the standard time of the arrival point. In other words, when aircraft 1 arrives at the destination, the relationship elapsed time b = flight time a holds, and both the time in in-flight time and the time in the standard time of the arrival point are expressed as x + a + Δ. The schedule generation unit 14 arranges each activity period along the time axis according to its in-flight standard time. For example, the schedule generation unit 14 places the lunch activity period in the 12:00-13:00 time zone and the dinner activity period in the 18:00-19:00 time zone. Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 places the sleep activity period in the 23:00-7:00 time zone. The schedule generation unit 14 may then adjust these activity periods according to the passenger information 17a. For example, the schedule generation unit 14 may adjust the sleep activity period to be longer for younger passengers, and shorter than the standard time if the purpose of travel is sightseeing. The standard time for sleep may be set to be longer for longer flight times and shorter for shorter flight times.

[0070] The approval button d22 is a button for accepting approval from passenger u of schedule d10 included in the schedule confirmation screen D1. When passenger u confirms schedule d10 and approves it, passenger u selects the approval button d22 by inputting into the operation unit 13 or by speaking into the dialogue interface 12a. When the approval button d22 is selected, the schedule generation unit 14 confirms schedule d10. Note that if the schedule generation unit 14 confirms schedule d10 by the aforementioned speech, it does not need to include the approval button d22 in the schedule confirmation screen D1.

[0071] The change button d23 is a button that accepts changes made by passenger u to schedule d10 included in the schedule confirmation screen D1. Passenger u checks schedule d10, and if they wish to change it, they select the change button d23 by inputting into the operation unit 13 or by speaking into the dialogue interface 12a. When the change button d23 is selected, the schedule generation unit 14 displays a schedule change screen on the display unit 11 to change schedule d10. Note that if the schedule generation unit 14 displays the schedule change screen based on the aforementioned speech, it does not need to include the change button d23 in the schedule confirmation screen D1.

[0072] Figure 6 shows an example of a schedule change screen.

[0073] The schedule generation unit 14 displays a schedule change screen D2 for changing schedule d10 on the display unit 11, for example, as shown in Figure 6. The schedule change screen D2 includes the schedule d10 to be changed and a confirmation button d26. When the display unit 11 and the operation unit 13 are configured as a touch panel display, the passenger u touches the desired activity period a1 (for example, an activity period of having dinner while watching a movie) included in schedule d10 with their fingertip and moves their fingertip along the time axis. As a result, the schedule generation unit 14 extends or shortens the activity period in response to the input operation by moving the fingertip, that is, the input operation by the passenger u to the operation unit 13. When the passenger u finishes changing the schedule d10, they select the confirmation button d26 by making an input operation to the operation unit 13 or by speaking to the dialogue interface 12a. When the confirmation button d26 is selected, the schedule generation unit 14 performs a confirmation process for the changed schedule d10.

[0074] In the example described above, the schedule d10 is changed in response to an input operation to the operation unit 13, but it may also be changed by speaking to the dialogue interface 12a.

[0075] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit, which consists of the operation unit 13, the dialogue interface 12a, and the dialogue unit 12b, acquires change information indicating the changes to the generated schedule d10 in response to a request from the passenger u. When the schedule generation unit 14 acquires change information from the acquisition unit, it modifies the schedule d10 based on the changes indicated by that change information. In the example in Figure 6, the change information indicates a change in the activity period a1, either by extending or shortening it. This allows the schedule d10 to be modified in response to the passenger u's request, and enables the generation of a more optimal schedule d10.

[0076] In the confirmation process described above, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether the schedule d10 modified by passenger u meets predetermined recommended conditions. If the recommended conditions are not met, it displays a schedule discouragement screen on the display unit 11.

[0077] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen indicating that scheduling is not recommended.

[0078] If the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the modified schedule d10 does not meet the recommended conditions, it displays, for example, the schedule discouragement screen D3 shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 11. One specific example of the recommended conditions is that the sleep time is 3 hours or more. As in the example in Figure 6, the extension of the activity period a1 by passenger u changes the activity period a2 for sleep to less than 3 hours. In this case, the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the activity period a2 of the modified schedule d10 does not meet the recommended conditions and displays the schedule discouragement screen D3 shown in Figure 7 on the display unit 11.

[0079] The schedule discouragement screen D3 includes a message indicating that changes by passenger u are not recommended, a YES button d24, and a NO button d25. The YES button d24 is for canceling the changes made by passenger u and returning schedule d10 to its previous state. The NO button d25 is for maintaining the changes made by passenger u. The schedule discouragement screen D3 may also show recommended conditions and reasons why changes are not recommended.

[0080] If passenger u checks the schedule discouragement screen D3 and wishes to cancel the change to schedule d10, they select the YES button d24 by inputting into the operation unit 13 or speaking into the dialogue interface 12a. This causes the schedule generation unit 14 to revert the changed schedule d10 back to the original schedule d10. At this point, the schedule generation unit 14 may also revert the schedule discouragement screen D3 back to the schedule confirmation screen D1 and display it on the display unit 11. Alternatively, if passenger u wishes to retain the change to schedule d10, they select the NO button d25 by inputting into the operation unit 13 or speaking into the dialogue interface 12a. This causes the schedule generation unit 14 to retain the changed schedule d10 and reflect it on the schedule confirmation screen D1. The schedule generation unit 14 then displays the schedule confirmation screen D1, including the changed schedule d10, on the display unit 11.

[0081] In this embodiment, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether the modified schedule d10 meets predetermined recommended conditions after the schedule d10 has been changed. If the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the modified schedule d10 does not meet the recommended conditions, it displays a message on the display unit 11 indicating that the change to schedule d10 is not recommended. This helps to suppress unreasonable changes by passenger u. For example, if a change to schedule d10 desired by passenger u would cause disadvantage to passenger u or the service operations on the aircraft 1, the aforementioned message is displayed in advance, thus preventing the occurrence of such disadvantages. Specifically, if the change to schedule d10 is a reduction in sleep time, passenger u will suffer disadvantages such as sleep deprivation. Also, if the change to schedule d10 is a significant shift in the meal service period, the meal service operations on the aircraft 1 will become more complicated, resulting in disadvantages. In such cases, by displaying a message in advance indicating that the changes to schedule d10 are not recommended, the occurrence of such disadvantages can be prevented.

[0082] Furthermore, if the schedule generation unit 14 acquires change information from the acquisition unit, it may specify a restriction range corresponding to the passenger information 17a. The schedule generation unit 14 may then restrict the changes indicated by the change information to the specified restriction range. The acquisition unit may consist of an operation unit 13, a dialogue interface 12a, and a dialogue unit 12b. This makes it possible to suppress changes made by passenger u that are unreasonable to that passenger u. For example, for passenger u under the age of 12, a restriction range of 3 hours or more is specified as the limit range for sleep time. Even if that passenger u tries to change their sleep time to less than 3 hours, their sleep time can be restricted to 3 hours or more. The restriction range may be predetermined for each content of the passenger information 17a.

[0083] Figure 8 is a diagram comparing three examples of schedules d10 generated by the scheduling processing system 100.

[0084] As described above, the schedule generation unit 14 generates a schedule d10 according to the passenger information 17a.

[0085] Specifically, if the passenger information 17a indicates an age of "10 years old," the schedule generation unit 14 generates schedule d11 as a child's schedule d10, as shown in Figure 8, for example. As an example, the schedule generation unit 14 sets the sleep activity period a2 to a longer time than the standard time and generates schedule d11 that includes the activity period a2 set in this way.

[0086] Furthermore, if the passenger information 17a indicates age "34 years old" and travel purpose "business," the schedule generation unit 14 generates schedule d12 as a schedule d10 for an adult with business purposes, as shown in Figure 8, for example. As an example, the schedule generation unit 14 generates schedule d12 in which the work activity period a3 is placed before the sleep activity period a2.

[0087] Furthermore, if the passenger information 17a indicates age "34 years old" and travel purpose "tourism," the schedule generation unit 14 generates schedule d13 as a schedule d10 for adults with a tourism purpose, as shown in Figure 8, for example. As an example, the schedule generation unit 14 sets the activity period a2 for sleep to be shorter than the standard time and sets the activity period for entertainment to be longer or longer. The activity period for entertainment is an activity period a1 for movies and dinner, an activity period a4 for watching travel programs, etc. Then, the schedule generation unit 14 generates schedule d13 in which activity period a1 is placed before activity period a2 and activity period a4 is placed after activity period a2.

[0088] The schedule generation unit 14 may display a schedule screen, including the generated and confirmed schedule d10, on the display unit 11 in response to, for example, an input operation by the passenger u to the operation unit 13 or a speech to the dialogue interface 12a.

[0089] Figure 9 shows an example of a schedule screen.

[0090] The schedule generation unit 14 displays a schedule screen D4, including the generated and confirmed schedule d10, on the display unit 11, as shown in Figure 9, for example. Here, the schedule generation unit 14 may obtain the current time from the internal clock and display an indicator d31 showing the current time superimposed on the schedule d10 on the display unit 11. The internal clock may be provided in the monitor device 10, the seat box 20, or the in-flight server 30. In the example in Figure 9, this indicator d31 moves from top to bottom as time progresses. The schedule generation unit 14 may also display the current time near the indicator d31. This current time may be expressed in standard time at the departure or arrival point.

[0091] Furthermore, the schedule processing system 100 may display a content screen including a reduced schedule d10 when passenger u is watching movie or other viewing content.

[0092] Figure 10 shows an example of a content screen.

[0093] The schedule generation unit 14 displays a content screen D5 on the display unit 11, for example, as shown in Figure 10, which includes a reduced schedule d10 and a video c1 corresponding to the content being viewed. In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 reduces the schedule d10 shown in Figure 9, places the reduced schedule d10 at the top of the content screen D5, for example, and places the video c1 at the bottom of the content screen D5. In the example of Figure 10, the time axis of the schedule d10 is arranged in the left-right direction. The indicator d31 moves from left to right as time progresses. The schedule d10 may also include a details button d32. When the details button d32 is selected by a passenger u through input to the operation unit 13 or interaction with the dialogue interface 12a, the schedule generation unit 14 changes the content screen D5 to the schedule screen D4 shown in Figure 9.

[0094] In the example shown in Figure 10, schedule d10 is located at the top of content screen D5, but it may also be located at the bottom of content screen D5, or on the left or right side of content screen D5.

[0095] Here, if the IFE system determines that the current time is within the work activity period a3, it may display the work mode screen on the display unit 11. For example, the IFE system changes the IFE menu screen to the work mode screen. The IFE system is a system realized by at least one of the functions of the monitor device 10, seat box 20, and in-flight server 30 shown in Figure 2.

[0096] Figure 11 shows an example of the work mode screen.

[0097] The IFE system displays, for example, the work mode screen D6 shown in Figure 11 on the display unit 11. This work mode screen D6 includes work buttons d41 to d43. When work button d41 is selected in response to an input operation by a passenger u to the control unit 13 or a speech input to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system outputs music from the speaker provided on the dialogue interface 12a. For example, the IFE system downloads music data from the in-flight server 30 via the communication unit 15 and outputs music corresponding to that music data from the speaker. Also, when work button d42 is selected in response to an input operation by a passenger u to the control unit 13 or a speech input to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system turns on the lighting equipment placed for that passenger u. For example, the IFE system turns on the lighting equipment by sending a light-up signal to the lighting equipment. Furthermore, in response to input operations on the control unit 13 by the passenger u, or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system changes the work mode screen D6 to the menu screen when the work button d43 is selected. Alternatively, the IFE system may change the screen to the home screen, schedule screen D4, or another predetermined screen instead of the menu screen.

[0098] This allows the work mode screen D6 to include only the minimum necessary work buttons to ensure that passenger u can perform their tasks smoothly, thereby simplifying operations for passenger u.

[0099] Furthermore, if the IFE system determines that the current time is within the sleep activity period a2, it may display the sleep mode screen on the display unit 11. For example, the IFE system may change the IFE menu screen to the sleep mode screen.

[0100] Figure 12 shows an example of a sleep mode screen.

[0101] The IFE system displays, for example, the sleep mode screen D7 shown in Figure 12 on the display unit 11. This sleep mode screen D7 includes sleep buttons d51 to d55. When sleep button d51 is selected in response to input operations by the passenger u to the operation unit 13 or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system displays a flight map on the display unit 11. The flight map is a map of the area where the aircraft 1 is flying, showing the position of the aircraft 1 on the map and the flight path of the aircraft 1. For example, the IFE system may obtain information showing the flight map from the in-flight server 30 via the communication unit 15 and display the flight map on the display unit 11 based on that information. Also, when sleep button d52 is selected in response to input operations by the passenger u to the operation unit 13 or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system obtains the current time from the internal clock and displays it on the display unit 11.

[0102] Furthermore, in response to input operations by passenger u to the control unit 13 or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system will output music from the speaker provided in the dialogue interface 12a when the sleep button d53 is selected. Also, in response to input operations by passenger u to the control unit 13 or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system will turn on the lighting equipment provided for that passenger u when the sleep button d54 is selected. Also, in response to input operations by passenger u to the control unit 13 or speech to the dialogue interface 12a, the IFE system will change the sleep mode screen D7 to the menu screen when the sleep button d55 is selected. Alternatively, the IFE system may change the menu screen to the home screen, schedule screen D4, or another predetermined screen.

[0103] This allows the sleep mode screen D7 to include only the minimum necessary sleep buttons, for example, simplifying operation for the passenger u.

[0104] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation by the scheduling system 100 in this embodiment.

[0105] The schedule generation unit 14 of the schedule processing system 100 first acquires flight information 16a and passenger information 17a from the first storage unit 16 and the second storage unit 17 (step S1).

[0106] Next, the schedule generation unit 14 sets the activity periods for meals and sleep based on the flight information 16a and passenger information 17a (step S2). Specifically, the schedule generation unit 14 prioritizes the meal and sleep activity periods over other activity periods in empty schedules d10 where no activity periods are currently scheduled.

[0107] In other words, in this embodiment, the schedule generation unit 14 generates the schedule d10 by arranging the activity period during which each of the multiple activities performed by passenger u takes place within the flight period during which aircraft 1 flies between the two bases. When arranging the multiple activity periods, the schedule generation unit 14 prioritizes the meal activity period over the activity periods of other activities, according to the standard time at the arrival destination of aircraft 1, which is one of the two bases. As a result, the meal activity period is prioritized according to the standard time of the arrival destination. Therefore, the stress caused by hunger of passenger u can be reduced, and even after aircraft 1 arrives at the destination, the effects of jet lag on passenger u can be reduced, allowing passenger u to adapt appropriately to the destination. After the meal activity period has been arranged, the schedule generation unit 14 prioritizes the sleep activity period over the activity periods of other activities, according to the standard time of the arrival destination. As a result, the sleep activity period is prioritized after the meal activity period, according to the standard time of the arrival destination. Therefore, it is possible to reduce stress caused by sleep deprivation in passenger U, and even after aircraft 1 arrives at the destination, it is possible to reduce the effects of jet lag on passenger U, allowing passenger U to adapt appropriately to the destination.

[0108] Next, the schedule generation unit 14 determines activities other than eating and sleeping based on the passenger information 17a (step S3). These other activities may include watching movies, relaxing, or exercising.

[0109] Then, the schedule generation unit 14 places the activity periods of other activities determined in step S3 into the available periods in the aforementioned schedule d10 (step S4). For example, movie viewing is determined in step S3. In this case, after the activity periods for meals and sleep are set, the schedule generation unit 14 searches for movie viewing content from multiple viewing content that fits within the available periods in the aforementioned flight period. Then, the schedule generation unit 14 places the activity period for viewing the searched viewing content into the available periods. This allows the optimal viewing content for the available periods to be suggested to passenger u. Also, in step S3, movie viewing is determined as indicated in the schedule conditions of passenger information 17a. This movie viewing is the viewing of a movie (i.e., viewing content) desired by passenger u. In this case, that is, when the viewing content desired by passenger u is specified, after the activity periods for meals and sleep are set, the schedule generation unit 14 places a period of length corresponding to the playback time of that movie as the activity period for movie viewing within the available periods in the aforementioned flight period. This allows the playback time of the movie desired by passenger U to be appropriately contained within the activity period for watching the movie. As a result, it is possible to prevent the movie from being cut short due to exceeding the activity period, and to make effective use of that activity period for watching the movie.

[0110] Alternatively, activities other than watching a movie may be determined in step S3. For example, after the activity periods for eating and sleeping have been set, the schedule generation unit 14 sets the activity periods for one or more activities other than eating and sleeping in the free period, which is the free period within the aforementioned flight period. These one or more activities may be at least one of the following: listening to music, playing games, viewing maps, taking medication, looking at scenery, exercising, and hydrating. This allows passenger u to engage in a wide variety of activities on board aircraft 1.

[0111] Next, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether there is still an available period in the schedule d10 (step S5). If the schedule generation unit 14 determines that there is an available period (Yes in step S5), it repeats the process from step S3. Alternatively, the schedule generation unit 14 may extend the length of the activity period that has already been allocated.

[0112] On the other hand, if the schedule generation unit 14 determines that there are no available periods (No in step S5), it includes the schedule d10, which is filled with multiple activity periods, on the schedule confirmation screen D1 and displays it on the display unit 11 (step S6). The schedule generation unit 14 then determines whether or not the passenger u has requested a change to the schedule d10 (step S7). In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether or not the change button d23 on the schedule confirmation screen D1 has been selected. If the schedule generation unit 14 determines that there is a request for a change (Yes in step S7), that is, if it determines that the change button d23 has been selected, it executes the schedule change process (step S8). The schedule generation unit 14 then repeatedly executes the process from step S6. On the other hand, if the schedule generation unit 14 determines that there is no request for a change (No in step S7), that is, if it determines that the change button d23 has not been selected and the approval button d22 has been selected, it terminates the schedule generation process.

[0113] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the schedule change process performed by the schedule processing system 100 in this embodiment. In other words, Figure 14 is a flowchart that shows in detail the process of step S8 in Figure 13.

[0114] First, the schedule generation unit 14 receives the changes requested by the passenger u (step S81). For example, as shown in Figure 6, the schedule generation unit 14 receives changes that extend the activity period a1 and shorten the activity period a2 in response to the input operation of the passenger u to the operation unit 13. Then, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether the schedule d10 that reflects these changes, i.e., the modified schedule d10, meets the recommended conditions (step S82).

[0115] Here, if the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the modified schedule d10 meets the recommended conditions (Yes in step S82), it reflects the modified schedule d10 on the schedule confirmation screen D1 (step S85) and terminates the schedule modification process. In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 replaces the schedule d10 included in the schedule confirmation screen D1 displayed in step S6 of Figure 13 with the modified schedule d10.

[0116] On the other hand, if the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the modified schedule d10 does not meet the recommended conditions (No. in step S82), it displays the schedule discouragement screen D3 on the display unit 11 (step S83). This schedule discouragement screen D3 may also display a message indicating that passenger u does not recommend making changes, and the recommended conditions.

[0117] The schedule generation unit 14 then determines whether or not a change has been canceled (step S84). In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether the YES button d24 in Figure 7 or the NO button d25 has been selected. If the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the YES button d24 has been selected, that is, that a change has been canceled (Yes in step S84), it terminates the schedule change process. On the other hand, if the schedule generation unit 14 determines that the NO button d25 has been selected, that is, that no change has been canceled (No in step S84), it reflects the changed schedule d10 on the schedule confirmation screen D1 (step S85) and terminates the schedule change process.

[0118] In the example described above, the schedule generation unit 14 determines whether the modified schedule d10 satisfies the recommended conditions, but it may also determine whether it satisfies the necessary conditions. For example, a necessary condition is that for passengers u belonging to economy class as their seat class, the meal activity period included in the generated schedule d10 cannot be changed. In this case, when the schedule generation unit 14 receives the change, which is the change in the meal activity period as described above, in step S81, it checks the seat class indicated in the passenger attributes of the passenger information 17a. If the seat class is economy class, the schedule generation unit 14 determines in step S82 that the modified schedule does not satisfy the necessary conditions and executes the same process as in steps S83 and S84. For example, the schedule generation unit 14 displays a screen on the display unit 11 similar to the schedule discouragement screen D3 shown in Figure 7. This screen may include an explanation of why the necessary conditions are not met. The necessary conditions described above may also be shown in the flight information 16a. Furthermore, the flight information 16a may be changed in real time by components provided in, for example, the monitoring device 10, seat box 20, in-flight server 30, etc. For example, at the time when the operation of aircraft 1 is delayed, at least one of the departure time and arrival time shown in the flight information 16a may be changed. In addition, at the time when turbulence occurs, conditions such as the temporary suspension of meal or beverage service may be added to the flight information 16a. Also, in response to changes in the above conditions, existing schedules may be changed, or passengers may be notified that changes are necessary.

[0119] In this embodiment, the schedule generation unit 14 may generate the schedule d10 using artificial intelligence (AI).

[0120] Figure 15 shows an example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit 14 in this embodiment.

[0121] The schedule generation unit 14 includes a prompt generation unit 141, a data conversion unit 142, a generation AI processing unit 143, and a display processing unit 144.

[0122] The prompt generation unit 141 acquires speech information from the dialogue unit 12b and generates a prompt to be input to the generating AI according to that speech information. The speech information is information indicating the content of passenger u's speech and includes the schedule conditions described above. The schedule conditions are, for example, the passenger u's preference for at least one activity period included in the schedule d10. The prompt generation unit 141 may use the passenger attributes of the flight information 16a and passenger information 17a stored in the first storage unit 16 and the second storage unit 17 to generate the prompt. The prompt includes content that instructs the generation of passenger u's schedule d10 according to the flight information 16a and the passenger attributes and schedule conditions of the passenger information 17a.

[0123] The data conversion unit 142 acquires response information from the generation AI processing unit 143, converts the response information into voice information in a format appropriate to the dialogue unit 12b, and outputs the voice information to the dialogue unit 12b. The response information is information for responding to the passenger u's utterance (i.e., utterance information), and if the content of the utterance is ambiguous, it may also be information for inquiring about the content of the utterance. When the dialogue unit 12b acquires the voice information from the data conversion unit 142, it outputs an output voice signal corresponding to the voice information to the dialogue interface 12a. As a result, the dialogue interface 12a outputs a voice response to passenger u to passenger u.

[0124] The generation AI processing unit 143 outputs the above-mentioned response information to the data conversion unit 142. Furthermore, the generation AI processing unit 143 obtains a prompt from the prompt generation unit 141 and obtains the schedule d10 corresponding to that prompt from the generation AI. The generation AI may be provided in any one of the monitor device 10, the seat box 20, and the in-flight server 30, or it may be provided in a server installed on the ground. In other words, the generation AI processing unit 143 communicates with the generation AI, for example, via the communication unit 15. Then, when the generation AI processing unit 143 obtains the schedule d10 from the generation AI, it outputs the schedule d10 to the display processing unit 144.

[0125] When the display processing unit 144 obtains the schedule d10 from the generation AI processing unit 143, it displays the schedule d10 on the display unit 11.

[0126] Figure 16 shows another example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit 14 in this embodiment.

[0127] The schedule generation unit 14, similar to the example shown in Figure 15, includes a prompt generation unit 141, a data conversion unit 142, a generated AI processing unit 143, and a display processing unit 144, and may also include a schedule modification unit 145.

[0128] The generation AI processing unit 143 obtains the schedule d10 from the generation AI, similar to the example shown in Figure 15, and outputs the schedule d10 to the schedule modification unit 145.

[0129] When the schedule modification unit 145 obtains schedule d10 from the generation AI processing unit 143, it determines whether or not the schedule d10 satisfies the constraints. One specific example of a constraint is that the sleep duration is 3 hours or more. If the schedule modification unit 145 determines that schedule d10 satisfies the constraints, it outputs schedule d10 to the display processing unit 144. On the other hand, if the schedule modification unit 145 determines that schedule d10 does not satisfy the constraints, it modifies the schedule d10 and outputs the modified schedule d10 to the display processing unit 144. For example, if the sleep activity period included in the schedule d10 obtained from the generation AI processing unit 143 is less than 3 hours, the schedule modification unit 145 modifies that activity period to 3 hours. The constraints may also refer to the aforementioned limit range.

[0130] Figure 17 shows yet another example of the configuration of the schedule generation unit 14 in this embodiment.

[0131] The schedule generation unit 14, similar to the example shown in Figure 15, includes a prompt generation unit 141, a data conversion unit 142, a generated AI processing unit 143, and a display processing unit 144, and may also include a schedule determination unit 146.

[0132] The generation AI processing unit 143 obtains the schedule d10 from the generation AI, similar to the example shown in Figure 15, and outputs the schedule d10 to the schedule determination unit 146.

[0133] When the schedule determination unit 146 obtains schedule d10 from the generation AI processing unit 143, it determines whether or not the schedule d10 satisfies the constraint conditions. One specific example of a constraint condition is that the sleep time is 3 hours or more. If the schedule determination unit 146 determines that schedule d10 satisfies the constraint conditions, it outputs the schedule d10 to the display processing unit 144. On the other hand, if the schedule determination unit 146 determines that schedule d10 does not satisfy the constraint conditions, it instructs the prompt generation unit 141 to generate a new prompt. This new prompt includes content that encourages the user to satisfy the aforementioned constraint conditions. As a result, the generation AI processing unit 143 obtains a new schedule d10 from the generation AI corresponding to the new prompt and outputs the new schedule d10 to the schedule determination unit 146. This makes it possible to generate a schedule d10 that satisfies the constraint conditions and display it on the display unit 11.

[0134] As described above, in the schedule processing system 100 of this embodiment, a schedule d10 generated using passenger information 17a and flight information 16a is displayed. Therefore, even when the aircraft 1 flies between two locations with a time difference, the optimal schedule d10 for passenger u to spend on board the aircraft 1 can be presented to passenger u. As a result, for example, the effects of jet lag on passenger u can be reduced. Thus, in this embodiment, an appropriate schedule d10 can be presented. Furthermore, in this embodiment, passenger information 17a including schedule conditions is generated through interaction with passenger u, so the burden on passenger u is reduced and the passenger information 17a can be easily generated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since passenger information 17a indicates passenger attributes such as passenger u's travel purpose, an optimal schedule d10 for passenger u can be effectively generated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since flight information 16a indicates flight time, average meal time, etc., an appropriate schedule d10 corresponding to the flight of the aircraft 1 can be effectively generated.

[0135] In this case, a movie with a playback time longer or shorter than the activity period for watching a movie included in the generated schedule d10 may be played during that activity period. In such cases, the schedule generation unit 14 may adjust the playback speed of the movie to match the playback time to the activity period. In other words, when the schedule generation unit 14 generates the schedule d10, after the activity periods for eating and sleeping are set, it places the activity period for watching movie or other viewing content in the free period, which is an empty period within the flight period. The schedule generation unit 14 may then adjust the playback speed of the viewing content according to the activity period. This makes it possible to fit the playback time of movie or other viewing content into the activity period even if the playback time of the viewing content does not fit within the activity period by increasing the playback speed of the viewing content.

[0136] The scheduling system 100 and the scheduling method using the scheduling system 100 have been described above based on the above embodiments, but the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications to the above embodiments that a person skilled in the art can conceive of are also included in the disclosure, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0137] For example, passenger information 17a may indicate passenger u's plans after the aircraft 1 arrives at the destination. For example, if the plan is to attend a meeting, the schedule generation unit 14 may set the activity period in schedule d10 so that the end time of the sleep activity period is close to the arrival time. This allows passenger u to attend the meeting without feeling tired after arriving at the destination. On the other hand, if the plan is to rest at a hotel, the schedule generation unit 14 may set the end time of the sleep activity period well before the arrival time. This allows passenger u to make thorough preparations for after arrival, such as checking the route from the destination to the hotel, even if they are somewhat tired.

[0138] Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 may determine whether passenger u can change the schedule d10 based on the seat class indicated in the passenger information 17a. For example, if the seat class is economy class, the schedule generation unit 14 may not accept changes to the meal activity period by passenger u, but if the seat class is first class, it may accept changes to the meal activity period by passenger u.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the dialogue unit 12b acquires passenger information 17a through dialogue with the passenger u via the dialogue interface 12a, but the operation unit 13 may acquire passenger information 17a in response to input operations by the passenger u.

[0140] Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 may generate passenger u's schedule d10 based on previously generated schedules. For example, the schedule generation unit 14 searches for the pair of flight information and passenger information that is closest to the flight information 16a of aircraft 1 and the passenger information 17a of passenger u from a plurality of past flight information and passenger information. The schedule generation unit 14 then identifies a previously generated schedule for that pair and generates passenger u's schedule d10 based on that past schedule. In other words, the schedule generation unit 14 generates passenger u's schedule d10 by modifying the above-mentioned past schedule according to the difference between the flight information and passenger information included in the above-mentioned pair and the flight information 16a and passenger information 17a. Even in such a case, an appropriate schedule d10 can be generated.

[0141] Furthermore, the schedule generation unit 14 may include an activity period for adjusting sleep in the schedule d10. This activity period may be a period of taking a melatonin-containing tablet 30 minutes before the sleep activity period, or a period of drinking a caffeine-containing beverage after the sleep activity period. In other words, after the meal activity period and the sleep activity period are set, the schedule generation unit 14 places an activity period for controlling sleep either before or after the sleep activity period during the free period, which is a free period within the flight. This allows passenger u to sleep deeply during the sleep activity period, or wake up refreshed after the sleep activity period.

[0142] In the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. Here, the software that implements the scheduling processing system 100 in the above embodiment is a computer program that causes a computer to execute each step of the flowchart shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0143] The following cases are also included in this disclosure.

[0144] (1) The at least one device or system described above is specifically a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. The at least one device or system described above achieves its function by the operation of the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program. Here, the computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands to the computer in order to achieve a predetermined function.

[0145] (2) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices or systems may be composed of a single system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is a multi-functional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components onto a single chip, and specifically, is a computer system comprising a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its function by operating the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program.

[0146] (3) Some or all of the components constituting at least one of the above-described devices or systems may consist of an IC card or a standalone module that is detachable from the device. The IC card or module is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-described multi-functional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its function by the operation of the microprocessor in accordance with the computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0147] (4) The disclosure may also be the methods described above. Alternatively, it may be a computer program that implements these methods using a computer, or a digital signal consisting of a computer program.

[0148] Furthermore, this disclosure may also refer to a computer program or digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray® Disc), semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, it may refer to a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0149] Furthermore, this disclosure may also include the transmission of computer programs or digital signals via telecommunications lines, wireless or wired communication lines, networks such as the Internet, data broadcasting, etc.

[0150] Alternatively, the program or digital signal may be carried out by another independent computer system by recording and transferring it on a recording medium, or by transferring the program or digital signal via a network or the like.

[0151] The scheduling system of this disclosure can be applied, for example, to a device or system that generates passenger schedules on an aircraft.

[0152] 1 Aircraft 2 Cabin 3 Seat 10 Monitor device 11 Display unit 12a Interactive interface 12b Interactive unit 13 Operation unit 14 Schedule generation unit 15 Communication unit 16 First memory unit 16a Flight information 17 Second memory unit 17a Passenger information 20 Seat box 30 In-flight server 40 Terminal device 100 Schedule processing system 141 Prompt generation unit 142 Data conversion unit 143 Generation AI processing unit 144 Display processing unit 145 Schedule correction unit 146 Schedule determination unit a1, a2, a3, a4 Activity period c1 Video D1 Schedule confirmation screen D2 Schedule change screen D3 Schedule discouraged screen D4 Schedule screen D5 Content screen D6 Work mode screen D7 Sleep mode screen d10, d11, d12, d13 Schedule d22 Approve button d23 Change button d24 YES button d25 NO button d26 Confirm button d31 Indicator d32 Details button d41, d42, d43 Work buttons d51, d52, d53, d54, d55 Sleep button u Passenger

Claims

1. A schedule processing system comprising: a schedule generation unit that generates a schedule for a passenger while on board an aircraft, using passenger information, which is information relating to a passenger on board an aircraft, and flight information, which is information relating to the aircraft's flight between two locations with a time difference; and a display unit that displays the generated schedule.

2. The schedule processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a dialogue unit that, by interacting with the passenger, obtains schedule conditions including the passenger's schedule requests and generates passenger information including the schedule conditions.

3. The schedule processing system according to claim 1, wherein the passenger information indicates at least one of passenger attributes and schedule conditions, the passenger attributes indicate at least one of the passenger's purpose of travel, the passenger's age, and the passenger's gender, and the schedule conditions indicate at least one of the passenger's desired sleep time and the passenger's desired activity.

4. The schedule processing system according to claim 1, wherein the flight information indicates at least one of the following: the flight time required for the flight between the two locations, the average time spent eating in-flight meals, the departure time of the aircraft, the arrival time of the aircraft, and the time difference between the two locations.

5. The schedule processing system further comprises an acquisition unit that acquires change information indicating the changes to the generated schedule in response to a request from the passenger, and the schedule generation unit, when the change information is acquired by the acquisition unit, further modifies the schedule based on the changes indicated by the change information, the schedule processing system according to claim 1.

6. The schedule processing system according to claim 5, wherein the schedule generation unit further determines whether the modified schedule satisfies predetermined conditions as a result of the schedule change, and if it determines that the modified schedule does not satisfy the conditions, it displays a message on the display unit indicating that the schedule change is not recommended.

7. The schedule processing system according to claim 5, wherein, when the change information is acquired by the acquisition unit, the schedule generation unit further identifies a restricted range corresponding to the passenger information and restricts the change content indicated by the change information to the identified restricted range.

8. The schedule generation unit generates the schedule by, for each of the multiple activities performed by the passenger, arranging the activity period in which the activity is performed within the flight period during which the aircraft flies between the two bases, and in arranging the multiple activity periods, prioritizing the meal activity period among the multiple activity periods over the activity periods of other activities other than meals, according to the standard time at the aircraft's arrival point, which is one of the two bases, the schedule processing system according to claim 1.

9. The schedule generation unit, in arranging a plurality of activity periods, after the activity period for meals has been arranged, prioritizes the arrangement of the activity period for sleep among the plurality of activity periods over the activity periods for other activities other than meals and sleep, according to the standard time at the destination, the schedule processing system according to claim 8.

10. The schedule generation unit, in the arrangement of a plurality of activity periods, searches among the plurality of viewing content for viewing content whose playback time fits within the free period, which is an empty period within the flight period, after the activity period for eating and the activity period for sleeping have been arranged, and places the activity period for viewing the searched viewing content within the free period, the schedule processing system according to claim 9.

11. The schedule generation unit, in arranging a plurality of activity periods, if the passenger has specified the viewing content they wish to view, after the meal activity period and the sleep activity period have been arranged, arranges a period of a length corresponding to the playback time of the viewing content as the viewing content activity period during the free period, which is an empty period within the flight period. This is the schedule processing system according to claim 9.

12. The schedule generation unit, in arranging a plurality of activity periods, after the activity period for eating and the activity period for sleeping have been arranged, arranges the activity periods for one or more activities other than eating and sleeping in the free period which is a free period in the flight period, wherein the one or more activities are at least one of listening to music, playing games, viewing maps, taking medicine, looking at scenery, exercising, and hydrating, the schedule processing system according to claim 9.

13. The schedule generation unit, in the arrangement of a plurality of activity periods, after the activity period for eating and the activity period for sleeping have been arranged, places an activity period for controlling sleep in the free period, which is a free period in the flight period, either before or after the activity period for sleeping, according to claim 9.

14. A scheduling method performed by a computer, comprising: generating a schedule for a passenger while on board an aircraft using passenger information, which is information relating to a passenger on board an aircraft, and flight information, which is information relating to the aircraft's flight between two locations with a time difference; and displaying the generated schedule on a display unit.

Images