JP7537744B2 - Airfield operations support systems and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an airport operation support system and program.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an object detection system for use at airports that reads out the output signal from an imaging means as an image for each screen and uses it to detect the entry or exit of an object. The system extracts a difference image of an area where a specific object is expected to be detected from the difference image between the input image and a reference image, detects the entry or exit of an object when a concentration detection result that is equal to or greater than a certain value is obtained from the difference image of the area, and updates the reference image when the entry or exit of objects is detected simultaneously in multiple areas.

Patent No. 3398510

For example, airport operations have not evolved significantly for the past few decades, and have kept up with the times through human effort. However, in recent years, due to factors such as airport privatization and labor shortages, it has become difficult to quickly and efficiently communicate information and pass on know-how between employees who operate airports (airside: the restricted area where aircraft operate).
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize a system capable of providing information necessary for carrying out operational tasks at an airport.

With this objective in mind, the present invention provides an airport operations support system comprising: a storage means for storing operational information relating to airport operations; an update means for updating the operational information using information obtained from a terminal device used by an employee engaged in airport operations; and a sharing means for enabling the operational information to be shared between one terminal device used by one employee and another terminal device used by another employee.
Here, the storage means stores the details of the work performed by the worker as the operational information, and a plurality of items indicating the details of the work are displayed on the terminal device.
The update means also updates the operational information using confirmation information regarding confirmation by an employee of the item.
Furthermore, request information for requesting confirmation of the item by an employee is displayed on the terminal device.
The apparatus further includes an acquisition means for acquiring location information of the terminal device, and the terminal device displays, on the basis of the location information, information that the worker should be aware of.
The operational information also includes wildlife information regarding birds and animals at the airport.
The system also includes an analysis means for performing analysis using images of birds and animals photographed by the terminal device, and the update means updates the operational information using analysis information regarding the birds and animals analyzed by the analysis means.
Furthermore, the terminal device displays the details of the work required to deal with bird strikes.
The system further includes a measuring means for measuring the distance and/or area of an object photographed by the terminal device, and the updating means updates the operational information using measurement information measured by the measuring means.
With this objective in mind, the present invention is a program that provides the following functions in a computer used to support airport operations: storing operational information related to airport operation tasks; updating the operational information using information obtained from terminal devices used by employees engaged in airport operation tasks; and enabling the operational information to be shared between one terminal device used by one employee and another terminal device used by another employee.

The present invention makes it possible to realize a system that can provide the information necessary to carry out operational tasks at an airport.

1 is a schematic diagram of an airport operations support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server device according to the present embodiment. 2 is a schematic diagram of a number of functions realized by the operation support system. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a checklist used in the SOP function. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen used in the hazard management function. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a report screen used in the bird and animal discovery recording function. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a corresponding screen used in a bird strike function. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management server device according to the present embodiment.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the airport operations support system 1 of this embodiment.

[Airfield Operation Support System 1]
1, the airport operations support system 1 of this embodiment includes an operations terminal device 10 used by operators, an office terminal device 20 used by office staff, an on-site terminal device 30 used by on-site staff, and a management server device 40 that manages operations information related to the operation of the airport. In the airport operations support system 1, the operations terminal device 10, the office terminal device 20, the on-site terminal device 30, and the management server device 40 are capable of communicating information with each other via a network.

The number of each of the operation terminal devices 10, office terminal devices 20, field terminal devices 30, and management server devices 40 is not limited to the example in this embodiment, and each may be more than one.
In addition, in the description of this embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the operation terminal device 10, the office terminal device 20, and the field terminal device 30, they will be simply referred to as "terminal devices."

The network is not particularly limited as long as it is a communication network used for data communication between each device, and may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or a local 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system). The communication line used for data communication may be, for example, wired or wireless. Each device may be connected via multiple networks or communication lines using a relay device such as a gateway device or a router. However, since the operation support system 1 of this embodiment requires special security measures for airport operation, internal information cannot be accessed from outside the network.

The operation support system 1 of this embodiment digitizes operation information related to the operation of an airport, such as specialized knowledge of laws and regulations, know-how accumulated by experienced workers, and on-site information collected from flight scenes such as runways, and stores it in the management server device 40. The operation information stored in the management server device 40 is updated as needed by the operation terminal device 10, office terminal device 20, and on-site terminal device 30 used by employees engaged in the operation of the airport. In the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, employees share the operation information stored in the management server device 40 with each other via the operation terminal device 10, office terminal device 20, and on-site terminal device 30 that they each use.

In this way, in the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, the operational information accumulated in the management server device 40 is shared and utilized by each employee, thereby improving the level of airport operation work and achieving safe, secure and efficient operation of the airport.
Such an operation support system 1 will be described in detail below.

In the description of this embodiment, examples of the workers include operations staff, office workers, and field staff. Operations staff are, for example, those who are primarily engaged in the management of airports. Office workers are, for example, those who are primarily engaged in various administrative tasks such as construction coordination, approval processing, contracts, and accounting. Field staff are, for example, those who are primarily engaged in the maintenance of flight surfaces such as runways and taxiways, and airport facilities.

[Operation terminal device 10]
The operation terminal device 10 can be, for example, a fixed terminal device installed in an operation room where an operator works. Note that the operation terminal device 10 may be, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet terminal.

The operation terminal device 10 then displays various information to the operator based on the operation information acquired from the management server device 40. For example, in the operation terminal device 10, the operator refers to the standard operation manual (SOP: Standard Operation Procedure) and checklists, etc., which are used to check whether work is proceeding smoothly and to prevent mistakes. In addition, in the operation terminal device 10, the operator searches for operation methods when an irregular incident occurs. In addition, in the operation terminal device 10, the operator refers to the emergency operation manual (COP: Contingency Operation Procedure) when an emergency incident occurs, which is used to collect information from the airport site and give instructions to the site.

The operation terminal device 10 also transmits information entered by the operator to the management server device 40. For example, the operation terminal device 10 transmits information such as the items checked by the operator and instructions to the field staff to the management server device 40.

[Office terminal device 20]
The office terminal device 20 may be, for example, a fixed terminal device installed in an office where an office worker lives. Note that the office terminal device 20 may also be, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a tablet terminal.
The office terminal device 20 then displays various information to the office staff based on the operation information acquired from the management server device 40. For example, the office staff refers to normal operation manuals and checklists on the office terminal device 20. Furthermore, when an irregular incident occurs, the office staff searches for operation methods on the office terminal device 20. Furthermore, the office terminal device 20 is used to collect information from the airport when an emergency incident occurs.

The office terminal device 20 also transmits information entered by office staff to the management server device 40. For example, the office terminal device 20 is used to enter and update the contents of normal operation manuals, emergency operation manuals, know-how, various data, etc.

[On-site terminal device 30]
The on-site terminal device 30 may be a device that can be carried by on-site workers, such as a mobile phone such as a smartphone, or a portable terminal device such as a tablet terminal.
The on-site terminal device 30 of the present embodiment is provided with a touch panel and has a function of displaying information on a screen and accepting operations and instructions for images displayed on the screen by a user touching the screen. The on-site terminal device 30 also has a function of inputting and outputting voice.

The on-site terminal device 30 also has a photographing function such as a camera capable of photographing still images and videos and reading identification information such as a two-dimensional code. The on-site terminal device 30 also has a GPS (Global Positioning System) function for identifying the location of the device body.
Furthermore, the on-site terminal device 30 has a function of identifying the movement of the device body by a motion sensor. In this case, the motion sensor may be, for example, a three-axis gyro sensor that detects the angular velocity (rotational speed) of the on-site terminal device 30, a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the on-site terminal device 30, or a three-axis geomagnetic sensor that detects the geomagnetism to detect the absolute direction of the on-site terminal device 30.

The on-site terminal device 30 displays various information to on-site personnel based on the operational information acquired from the management server device 40. For example, on-site personnel refer to normal operation manuals and checklists on the on-site terminal device 30. Furthermore, on-site personnel use the on-site terminal device 30 to search for operational methods when an irregular incident occurs. Furthermore, the on-site terminal device 30 is used to collect information from the airport when an emergency incident occurs.

The on-site terminal device 30 also transmits information entered by on-site personnel to the management server device 40. For example, the on-site terminal device 30 transmits information about foreign object debris (FOD) at the on-site flight scene or bird strikes to the management server device 40 in order to report the information to the operations room or record it in a database.

[Management Server Device 40]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the management server device 40 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the management server device 40 includes a storage unit 41 that stores various information, a user management unit 42 that manages access by employees, and a display control unit 43 that displays information on a terminal device. The management server device 40 further includes an update unit 44 that updates the information stored in the storage unit 41, a processing unit 45 that performs predetermined processing, and a call management unit 46 that manages calls made via multiple terminal devices.

The memory unit 41 stores operational information, which is information related to the operational tasks of the airport. The operational information includes a normal operations manual (SOP) that documents operational tasks under normal circumstances, and an emergency operations manual (COP) that documents operational tasks under emergency circumstances. The operational information also includes bird strike information, which is information about bird strikes that occur when an aircraft in operation collides with a bird, bird and animal detection information, which is information about the detection of birds and animals, and FOD information, which is information about FOD. The operational information also includes know-how information that summarizes information when irregular incidents occur, near-miss information, which is information about accident cases and cases just before an accident, and hazard information, which is information about the location of the occurrence of an accident or trouble.

The user management unit 42 manages the account information of employees who use this system. Here, in the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, when an employee uses this system, login authentication is performed via a terminal device. In the login authentication, authentication is performed using user information and password information, which are pre-set account information. If the employee is successful in the login authentication, he or she will be logged in to this system and will be able to use the operation information stored in the memory unit 41, for example.

The display control unit 43 displays predetermined information on each terminal device based on the operation information stored in the storage unit 41. The display control unit 43 causes the operation information to be displayed on a plurality of terminal devices, thereby allowing the operation information to be shared among workers.
Furthermore, when acquiring information from an employee via a terminal device, the display control unit 43 causes the terminal device to display a predetermined image.
Furthermore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display control unit 43 causes the terminal device to display an image and notifies or instructs the worker. For example, the display control unit 43 acquires location information from the terminal device and causes the terminal device to display a predetermined image based on the acquired information.
The display control unit 43 transmits operation information to the terminal device based on the account information managed by the user management unit 42 .

The update unit 44 acquires information from each terminal device. Then, the update unit 44 uses the information acquired from the terminal device to newly store information in the storage unit 41 or to change the information stored in the storage unit 41, thereby updating the operation information in the storage unit 41.
The update unit 44 stores the information acquired from the terminal device in the storage unit 41 based on the account information, including information as to which worker the information was acquired from and when the information was acquired.

The processing unit 45 performs predetermined processing based on information and instructions acquired from the terminal device. The processing unit 45 then displays the processed information on the terminal device via the display control unit 43, or stores it in the memory unit 41. For example, the processing unit 45 analyzes an image captured by the terminal device. The processing unit 45 then displays the analysis results on the terminal device via the display control unit 43, or stores them in the memory unit 41.

The call management unit 46 uses the communication interface of the terminal device to realize calls between multiple terminal devices. For example, the call management unit 46 establishes mutual communication between the operation terminal device 10 and the field terminal device 30 to realize calls between the operation staff and the field staff. The call management unit 46 also establishes mutual communication between multiple field terminal devices 30 to realize calls between the field staff. In this embodiment, the call management unit 46 can realize not only voice calls but also video calls including moving images when making calls.

The management server device 40 configured as described above stores operational information related to the operation of the airport, and updates the operational information using information acquired from each terminal device used by the personnel engaged in the operation of the airport. The management server device 40 then shares the operational information between, for example, the on-site terminal device 30 used by the on-site personnel and, for example, the operation terminal device 10 used by the operator.

Next, examples of functions realized by the operation support system 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of functions realized by the operation support system 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation support system 1 realizes multiple functions related to operation support using an operation terminal device 10, an office terminal device 20, a field terminal device 30, and a management server device 40.

(SOP function)
The SOP function is a function that displays on the terminal device the normal operation manual that is referred to during normal times when no accidents or irregular events are occurring at the airport.
Normally, an operations manual is prepared based on various laws and regulations such as the Aviation Act, Airport Act, Aviation Security Management Regulations, Airport Operation Guidelines, Airport Company Management Policies, and Airport Operation Guidelines.
A normal operation manual is prepared for each of the office staff, the operation staff, and the field staff. Furthermore, a normal operation manual is prepared for each task according to the task performed by each worker. However, some normal operation manuals are used commonly by the office staff, the operation staff, and the field staff.

(COP function)
The COP function is a function that displays on the terminal device an emergency operations manual that can be referred to in the event of an emergency such as an aircraft accident, a major earthquake, or a tsunami at an airport.
An emergency operations manual is prepared for each of the office staff, the operation staff, and the field staff. Furthermore, an emergency operations manual is prepared for each task according to the task performed by each worker. However, some emergency operations manuals are used in common by the office staff, the operation staff, and the field staff.

The emergency operations manual includes, for example, the following checklist items for matters that should be addressed in the event of an aircraft accident:
For example, examples of items that the operations leader would check include (1) reporting the initial information to airport company executives, (2) deciding on the allocation of operations staff, (3) deciding whether to make an emergency call to staff, and (4) preparing to set up a crisis management room.
In addition, for example, examples of items that operators will check include (1) sending an initial report to relevant agencies, (2) identifying the aircraft involved, (3) having an accident scene response team rush to the scene, (4) recording the aircraft involved with surveillance cameras, (5) requesting assistance from office staff etc., (6) deciding whether to close runways etc., (7) confirming that firefighters will be deployed, (8) coordinating a response with air traffic controllers and notifying airlines etc., and (9) preparing a map of the area near the accident scene and identifying the location of the aircraft.

(Know-how function)
When an irregular case occurs, the know-how function accumulates the know-how information in the management server device 40. The know-how function also makes it possible to search for and refer to the know-how information by a terminal device.
For example, when on-site staff are divided into multiple teams and work in shifts, the incidents handled by one team are the experience of that team alone. In such cases, the know-how gained from that experience is not shared with other teams. In such cases, it is also difficult to verify the data at a later date or analyze the causes of the incidents.

The know-how function accumulates the details of irregular cases as know-how information in the management server device 40 via a terminal device. Examples of know-how information include aircraft spot assignment charts, photographic images, surveillance camera capture data, drive recorders installed in work vehicles, and information summary tables.

(Case Study Feature)
The case study function accumulates records of responses and improvement measures taken when irregular cases occur in the management server device 40. The case study function also makes it possible to search for and refer to the records of responses and improvement measures taken by a terminal device.
An example of a record of how irregular cases were handled and information on improvement measures is a report on irregular cases prepared by personnel involved.

(Near miss function)
The near-miss function accumulates near-miss information that occurred just before an accident occurred in the management server device 40. The near-miss function also makes it possible to search for and refer to the near-miss information using a terminal device.
The near miss function clearly indicates the location where the near miss occurred on a map of the airport on the terminal device. The near miss function also displays detailed information about the near miss by clicking on the location on the map where the near miss occurred. This allows personnel to easily understand when and where the near miss occurred.
Examples of the information on the near-miss incidents include photographed images, reports, etc. In addition, on the airport map, a plurality of pieces of near-miss information may be displayed together for a month or a year by superimposing the pieces of information on the airport map using a layer display or the like.

(Hazard management function)
The hazard management function accumulates information on accidents that have actually occurred in the management server device 40. The hazard management function also makes it possible to search for and refer to accidents using a terminal device.
The hazard management function, like the near-miss function, displays the location of the accident on a map of the airport on the terminal device. The hazard management function also displays detailed information about the accident by clicking on the location of the accident on the map. This allows personnel to easily understand when and where the accident occurred.

The near-miss function and hazard management function can also provide an alert (an example of warning information) based on the location information of the on-site terminal device 30, for example, when a field worker is moving around an airport while carrying the on-site terminal device 30.

(Bird strike function)
The bird strike function accumulates bird strike information in the management server device 40. The bird strike function also makes it possible to search for and refer to the bird strike information by a terminal device.

The bird strike function stores in the management server device 40 information on where the bird fell, location information of the location where the bird strike occurred, information on the type of bird that caused the bird strike, and collision information such as where on the aircraft body the bird struck.
In the bird strike function, a map including the airport and its surroundings is displayed on the terminal device. The bird strike function also accepts records of where and what kind of bird strike occurred on the map displayed on the terminal device. Examples of bird strike information include photographed images and reports.

The bird strike function allows the occurrence of multiple bird strikes to be displayed together over a month or year by overlaying image layers on the map displayed on the terminal device. The accumulated bird strike information can be analyzed and used to formulate bird strike countermeasures at airports.

(Bird and animal discovery recording function)
The bird and animal sighting recording function accumulates information on birds and animals sighted at or around the airport in the management server device 40. The bird and animal sighting recording function also makes it possible to search for and refer to information on bird and animal sightings using a terminal device.

Unless it is possible to grasp where and when harmful birds and animals appear at or around the airport when aircraft are taking off and landing, it is difficult to take fundamental measures to prevent bird strikes.
Therefore, the bird and animal discovery recording function records ecological information about birds and animals in the management server device 40, such as the route the birds and animals are flying, where they are staying, which direction flocks of birds and animals are passing near the runway to head, where they are feeding near the runway, and where they are sleeping.

The bird and animal discovery record function can display the ecological information of birds and animals on a map displayed on the terminal device, for example. By analyzing the content of the information using the bird and animal discovery record function, it becomes possible to take measures such as removing food for birds and animals, or removing trees and grass that birds and animals hide in.

(Food and drink management function)
The FOD management function accumulates information on FOD (Foreign Object Debris) in the management server device 40. The FOD management function also makes it possible to search for and refer to the FOD information by a terminal device.

For example, if a worker working at an aircraft finds FOD, a field worker who receives the report will go to the scene and collect it, etc. The field worker will then determine whether the FOD is an aircraft part or something else, inquire with relevant parties, identify the owner, and investigate the circumstances that caused the FOD.
When FOD is discovered, the FOD management function accumulates a record and report of the FOD in management server device 40. Specifically, management server device 40 accepts input via a terminal device into a form for entering FOD attributes and input regarding the location on the map where the FOD was discovered.

The FOD management function accumulates multiple pieces of FOD-related information on a monthly or yearly basis. The FOD management function analyzes the accumulated FOD information and can be used to develop measures to prevent recurrence.

(Area measurement function)
The area measurement function is a function for measuring the area of a target area based on an image of the target area captured by the on-site terminal device 30 .
For example, there are cases where oil leaks from an aircraft and accumulates on an apron, etc. When such an incident occurs, it is necessary to measure the area of the oil that has accumulated on the apron, etc. in order to determine whether or not fire prevention work should be carried out.

The area measurement function uses the on-site terminal device 30 to measure the area of the oil puddle by photographing the accumulated oil. Then, in the area measurement function, the on-site terminal device 30 associates the oil area information with information on the date and time when the oil puddle was confirmed and information on the location where the oil puddle was confirmed, and transmits the information to the management server device 40.

In the area measurement function, the information about oil obtained from the management server device 40 is used when dealing with oil puddles and taking firefighting measures.

(Limiting surface function)
The limiting surface function is a function that specifies the height (an example of distance) of an object, such as a building, based on an image of the object captured by the on-site terminal device 30. The limiting surface function is a function that determines whether the height of the specified object is lower than a height defined as the limiting surface, and displays the determination result.
Here, the Aviation Act stipulates that no structure, plant or other object may be installed, planted or left at a height that exceeds a limiting surface such as an approach surface or a horizontal surface. Furthermore, a limiting surface is determined for each airport. The management server device 40 of this embodiment stores information regarding the limiting surface of the target airport.

For example, when an aircraft is unable to move and is on a taxiway, it is necessary to determine whether the aircraft will collide with a restricting surface. In such a case, the restricting surface function can take a picture of the aircraft using the on-site terminal device 30 near the aircraft, which is the target object, and obtain a result of whether the aircraft will collide with a restricting surface.
Specifically, the limiting surface function specifies the position of the object based on the position information of the on-site terminal device 30. Then, the limiting surface function specifies information on the limiting surface at the position of the object from a map that is prepared in advance and describes the relationship between the limiting surface and the position.
Furthermore, the limiting surface function determines the height of an object based on the distance from the field terminal device 30 to the object measured by the field terminal device 30 and the elevation angle relative to the highest point of the object measured by the field terminal device 30.

In the limiting surface function, for example, the management server device 40 compares the height of the object with the limiting surface. The management server device 40 transmits the comparison result to the on-site terminal device 30. In this way, the limiting surface function makes it possible to determine at the on-site, which is an airport, whether the height of the object conflicts with the limiting surface.

(Videophone function)
The videophone function is a function for communicating with a plurality of terminal devices while sharing video images.
For example, when a problem or abnormality is discovered in a restricted area, it may be difficult for the on-site staff to make a judgment on their own. In such cases, sharing the on-site video with the operations staff and office staff can make the judgment easier.

Therefore, the videophone function realizes video calls between a plurality of workers by using the camera function and the call function of the terminal device.
Furthermore, in the videophone function of this embodiment, the voices and images exchanged between the workers are stored in the management server device 40. The voices and images stored in the management server device 40 can then be referenced on the terminal device. The voices and images stored in the management server device 40 can also be used in the other functions described above.

(Emergency call function)
The emergency reporting function is a function for quickly reporting emergency situations such as accidents.
In the emergency reporting function, email and telephone contacts are preset in response to anticipated incidents. Then, when an incident actually occurs, the contacts to be contacted are displayed on the terminal device according to the incident. The worker can immediately make contact by simply selecting the contact displayed on the terminal device. Note that on the screen showing the contacts on the terminal device, contacts who have been contacted and contacts who have not yet been contacted are displayed in different ways.

In addition, in the emergency reporting function, when a photograph or video taken at the site is transmitted, a report text explaining the situation is prepared in advance. For example, a field worker selects an appropriate description from a plurality of descriptions displayed as a list on the field terminal device 30, or creates a description according to a format prepared in advance. Then, in the emergency reporting function, the photograph or video is transmitted to the transmission destination together with the description text.
In this way, the emergency reporting function makes it possible to report quickly by, for example, reducing the effort required to report from the scene as much as possible.

Furthermore, when the emergency reporting function transmits information such as a photograph or video, the location information of the on-site terminal device 30 is associated with the information. As a result, for example, the location where the photograph or video was taken is displayed on a map on the operation terminal device 10 of the operator who received the information.

Next, we will provide a more detailed explanation of the functions realized by the operation support system 1, including the "SOP function," "bird and animal discovery recording function," and "bird strike function."

Figure 4 shows an example of a checklist 50 used in the SOP function.

The SOP function uses a checklist 50 that normally constitutes an operations manual. The checklist 50 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the on-site terminal device 30 when on-site personnel normally inspect flight scenes such as runways. The checklist 50 displays multiple items regarding the tasks that the on-site personnel should perform. The checklist 50 is then referenced by the on-site personnel. The checklist 50 is also simultaneously shared with the operator via the operation terminal device 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the checklist 50 has date and time information 51, worker information 52, event information 53, advance preparation column 54, last minute inspection column 55, inspection in progress column 56, abnormality found column 57, and end column 58.

The date and time information 51 indicates information on the date and time when the inspection was performed. The date and time information 51 may be automatically input by the on-site terminal device 30 based on the date and time when the checklist 50 was used, instead of being manually input by an employee.
The worker information 52 indicates information about the on-site worker who performs the inspection. The worker information 52 may be input based on the client information when the worker logs in to the system.

Event information 53 displays the schedule of work to be performed at the airport. By displaying event information 53, on-site personnel can understand, for example, the time and content of work being performed by other on-site personnel.

The advance preparation column 54 displays the work that the on-site worker should prepare before starting the inspection work. Examples of items displayed in the advance preparation column 54 include confirmation of items that the on-site worker should carry with them, confirmation of the work content, etc.

The Last-Minute Inspection column 55 displays the work that the on-site worker should inspect when starting the inspection work. Examples of items displayed in the Last-Minute Inspection column 55 include inspection of the work vehicle and confirmation of the work location using a map.

The Inspection column 56 displays the work that the on-site staff should inspect while performing the inspection work. Examples of items displayed in the Inspection column 56 include the actions of the on-site staff while performing the work and the matters that the on-site staff should check.

The abnormality detection column 57 displays the tasks that should be performed by on-site personnel when an abnormality is discovered at the site, such as during a flight. Examples of items displayed in the abnormality detection column 57 include reporting instructions and tasks regarding the discovery of FOD or fallen birds.

The end column 58 displays the work that the on-site staff should inspect when the inspection work is completed. Examples of items displayed in the end column 58 include checking the work vehicle and handling of items collected during the flight.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the checklist 50 displays a required confirmation button 61, a confirmation button 62, a required confirmation request button 63, and a confirmation request button 64 corresponding to each item. The operations and contents of the required confirmation button 61, the confirmation button 62, the required confirmation request button 63, and the confirmation request button 64 are transmitted to the management server device 40 and updated as needed.

The required confirmation button 61 is a button for the field worker to input whether or not the item indicating the work content is to be confirmed. The required confirmation button 61 indicates that the field worker must confirm the item when performing the inspection work. In this embodiment, the required confirmation button 61 is displayed as a "square" check box, and is displayed in a different manner from the confirmation button 62 described later.
The required confirmation button 61 is initially displayed as a "white square" check box indicating that the field staff has not confirmed it. Then, when the field staff performs a predetermined operation such as a tap operation, the required confirmation button 61 is displayed as a "black square" check box indicating that the field staff has confirmed it.

The confirmation button 62, like the required confirmation button 61, is a button that allows the field worker to input whether or not to confirm an item indicating the work content. The confirmation button 62 indicates that the item is not required when the field worker performs inspection work, but should be confirmed depending on the situation. In this embodiment, the confirmation button 62 is displayed as a "triangle" check box.

The mandatory confirmation request button 63 is a button for inputting whether or not confirmation of an item by a field worker is to be made by, for example, an operator who shares the checklist 50 in the operation terminal device 10 or a superior who supervises the field workers. Therefore, the mandatory confirmation request button 63 cannot be operated from the checklist 50 that the field worker is referring to in the field terminal device 30. The mandatory confirmation request button 63 is displayed as a "diamond-shaped" check box, and is displayed in a different manner from the confirmation request button 64 described below.
The required confirmation request button 63 is initially displayed as a "white diamond" check box, indicating that the operator or superior has not yet confirmed. Then, when the operator or superior performs a predetermined operation such as clicking, the required confirmation request button 63 is displayed as a "black diamond" check box, indicating that the operator or superior has completed confirmation.

Furthermore, the mandatory confirmation request button 63 flashes in the checklist 50 in response to a specified operation by the operator or a superior. The flashing of this mandatory confirmation request button 63 is a request by the operator or supervisor to the on-site staff to confirm the item. For example, when the operator or supervisor refers to the checklist 50 and finds that an item that should have been confirmed by the on-site staff has not been confirmed, the operator or supervisor causes the mandatory confirmation request button 63 to flash. This prompts the on-site staff to confirm the item for which the mandatory confirmation request button 63 is flashing in the checklist 50.

The confirmation request button 64, like the required confirmation request button 63, is a button that allows an operator or a superior to input whether or not to confirm an item after it has been confirmed by a field worker. The confirmation request button 64 corresponds to the confirmation button 62, which is an item that is not required for confirmation by a field worker. In this embodiment, the confirmation request button 64 is displayed as a "triangle" check box. This confirmation request button 64 is displayed as a "white triangle" if the operator or superior has not yet completed confirmation, and is displayed as a "black triangle" when confirmation is complete.

As described above, in the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, the information in the checklist 50 is updated using information acquired from the field terminal device 30, for example. In addition, the checklist 50 is shared between the field terminal device 30 and the operation terminal device 10, so that information is shared between the field staff and the operation staff.

Next, an example of a hazard management function in the operation support system 1 of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an alert screen 70 used in the hazard management function.

As explained with reference to FIG. 4, for example, a field worker may enter a predetermined location while inspecting a flight scene such as a runway using the field terminal device 30 and referring to a checklist 50. In such a case, the management server device 40 warns the field terminal device 30 of matters that require attention at that location based on the fact that the field terminal device 30 is located at the predetermined location.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the on-site terminal device 30 is located at a specified location within the airport, an alert screen 70 is displayed by a pop-up. In this example, the alert screen 70 is displayed superimposed on the checklist 50 that was displayed on the on-site terminal device 30 before the alert screen 70 was displayed. In other words, the alert screen 70 is displayed in an image layer above the checklist 50. This makes it easier for on-site personnel to notice the alert screen 70.

The alert screen 70 displays an alert message 71, a confirmation button 72, and a detail display button 73. In this embodiment, when the alert screen 70 is displayed, the on-site terminal device 30 vibrates and a predetermined sound effect is output from the on-site terminal device 30.

The alert message 71 displays the contents of the warning in the form of a text message. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the alert message 71 displays information about the location to be careful of, the details of the accident or trouble at the target location, and a statement urging caution, such as "You are currently near XX. There is a high possibility that an XX accident will occur. Please be aware of your surroundings as you proceed with your work."

The confirmation button 72 is a button for acknowledging that the on-site worker has confirmed the alert message 71. In this embodiment, the alert screen 70 will not be hidden unless the confirmation button 72 is pressed.

The detail display button 73 is a button that accepts the display of more detailed information about the warning than the alert message 71. When the detail display button 73 is pressed, for example, the location where the accident occurred is clearly shown on a map, or a screen showing details about the accident is displayed.

In the above example, the display of an alert regarding an accident based on the hazard management function was described, but the same can be done for the near-miss function.
As described above, the operation support system 1 of this embodiment can prevent new accidents and problems from occurring.

Figure 6 shows an example of a report screen 80 used in the bird and animal discovery recording function.

When a field worker discovers a bird or animal, the bird/animal discovery recording function displays a report screen 80 on the field terminal device 30 to report the ecology of the bird or animal. The created report screen 80 is then sent to the management server device 40.

As shown in FIG. 6, the report screen 80 has date and time information 81, location information 82, worker information 83, shooting frame 84, shooting guide 85, shooting button 86, type specification button 87, and number specification button 88.

The date and time information 81 displays information about the date and time when the bird or animal was discovered. Note that the date and time information 81 does not have to be manually entered by an employee, but may be automatically entered by the on-site terminal device 30 based on the date and time when the report screen 80 was created.

The location information 82 displays the location information of the location where the photograph was taken, which will be described later. Note that the location information 82 does not have to be manually entered by an employee, but may be automatically entered by the on-site terminal device 30 based on GPS information at the time the photograph was taken.

Employee information 83 displays information about the on-site staff who will be performing the inspection. Note that employee information 83 may be input based on the client information entered when the employee logs into the system.

The photographing frame 84 is an area in which the photographed image of the bird or animal is displayed. When a photograph of the bird or animal is taken, the photographic image is displayed in the photographing frame 84. This allows the field staff to check the content of the image that is sent to the management server device 40.

The photography guide 85 displays instructions and guidance to on-site personnel when photographing birds and animals. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the photography guide 85 gives specific instructions on the content of the image to be captured, such as "Please capture the entire flock of birds."

The shooting button 86 is a button that corresponds to a shutter when taking a photo. When the shooting button 86 is pressed, a photo is actually taken.

The species identification button 87 is a button for identifying the species of the bird or animal depicted in the image based on the image of the bird or animal displayed in the photographing frame 84. In the operational support system 1 of this embodiment, the photographed image of the bird or animal is analyzed by the management server device 40, and the species of the bird or animal is identified. Then, when the species identification button 87 is pressed, the identified species of the bird or animal is displayed on the on-site terminal device 30.

In this way, in this embodiment, the type of bird or animal is identified based on the image of the bird or animal photographed by the on-site terminal device 30 and is displayed on the on-site terminal device 30. This allows the on-site worker to check the type of bird or animal photographed on-site using the on-site terminal device 30.

The number determination button 88 is a button for determining the number of birds and animals that appear in the image based on the image of the bird or animal displayed in the photographing frame 84. In the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, the photographed image of the bird or animal is analyzed by the management server device 40, and the number of birds and animals that appear in the image is determined. Then, when the number determination button 88 is pressed, the number of birds and animals that has been determined is displayed on the on-site terminal device 30.

In this embodiment, the information on the types of birds and animals and the number of birds and animals obtained by analyzing the images of the birds and animals is stored in the management server device 40 in association with other information entered into the report screen 80.

In this way, in this embodiment, the number of birds and animals is determined based on the images of the birds and animals photographed by the on-site terminal device 30, and is displayed on the on-site terminal device 30. This allows the on-site worker to check the number of birds and animals photographed at the site on the on-site terminal device 30.

Here, for example, there are bird species with relatively hard skeletons and bird species with relatively soft skeletons. From the perspective of bird strikes, the number of birds is important, but the hardness of the bird's skeleton is also an important factor. For example, birds with relatively hard skeletons cause more damage to aircraft than birds with relatively soft skeletons. In this embodiment, not only the number of birds found but also the bird species can be identified, and based on both the information on the number and species of birds, for example, on-site personnel can determine the risk of a bird strike and contact the airport security department, etc.

In addition, in the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, an alert may be sent to a predetermined contact depending on the type and number of birds identified from the bird images captured by the on-site terminal device 30. In this case, the number of birds that serves as the criterion for issuing an alert may be different depending on the type of bird.

The information collected by the bird and animal discovery recording function is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. For example, the bird and animal discovery recording function may also record various other information that is meaningful when combined with the ecology of the bird or animal, such as weather information for the day the recording was made or construction or events taking place in the vicinity.

Figure 7 shows an example of a corresponding screen 90 used in the bird strike function.

In the bird strike function, when a field worker responds to a bird strike, a response screen 90 is displayed on the field terminal device 30. The created response screen 90 is then transmitted to the management server device 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, the response screen 90 has date and time information 91, location information 92, staff information 93, and a response guide 94.

The date and time information 91 displays information about the date and time when the bird or animal was discovered. Note that the date and time information 91 does not have to be manually entered by an employee, but may be automatically entered by the on-site terminal device 30 based on the date and time when the response screen 90 was created.

The location information 92 displays the location information of the location where the photograph was taken, which will be described later. Note that the location information 92 does not have to be manually entered by an employee, but may be automatically entered by the on-site terminal device 30 based on GPS information at the time the photograph was taken.

Employee information 93 displays information about the on-site staff who will be performing the inspection. Note that employee information 93 may be input based on the client information entered when the employee logs into the system.

The response guide 94 is a display that guides the field personnel on the tasks that should be performed when responding to a bird strike.
The response guide 94 includes a photography item 941 , a contact item 942 , a recovery item 943 , and an end item 944 .

The shooting item 941 is a display that prompts the user to take a picture of a bird that has fallen in an airborne scene, such as a runway. When the field worker performs a predetermined operation, such as a tap operation, on the shooting item 941, the screen switches to a shooting screen for photographing the bird.

In addition, in this embodiment, the bird photography screen displays guidance to photograph the bird from directions at different angles, for example. For example, the guidance instructs to photograph the bird from three different directions at 90 degrees or more. By photographing in this manner, it becomes possible to identify the location of the bird from the photograph taken and to determine whether the bird fell due to a bird strike or a fight between birds. Furthermore, the photography screen also displays guidance to photograph the bird, for example, including taxiway number signs installed on taxiways. In this way, the photography screen displays guidance information that is useful when field personnel photograph birds.

The contact item 942 is a display that prompts the user to contact a contact person, such as a security officer or an operation staff member, to inform them that a bird has fallen in the flight scene. When the field staff member performs a specified operation, such as tapping, on the contact item 942, the screen switches to a call screen for making a video call. The content of the video call is as explained above for the video call function.

The collection item 943 is a display that prompts the user to collect a bird that has fallen into the flight scene. When the field worker performs a predetermined operation such as a tap operation on the collection item 943, the screen is switched to a reference screen that the field worker refers to when collecting the bird.
The reference screen displays procedures for retrieving the bird, as well as instructions for cleaning the taxiways and other flight areas after the bird has been retrieved.

The end item 944 is a display indicating that a series of processes has been completed and the work is to be ended. When the field worker performs a predetermined operation such as a tap operation on the end item 944, the screen switches to a procedure screen indicating the final procedure.
The procedure screen displays instructions to take pictures of the area where the work has been completed and instructions for cleaning up after the work. In particular, the images taken of the area where the work has been completed are analyzed by the management server device 40 to determine whether there are any remains of birds or bird blood in the flight scene. If any remains are found as a result of the determination, an alert is sent to the on-site terminal device 30.

As shown in FIG. 7, a check box 95 is displayed for each item in the response guide 94. The check box 95 is displayed to indicate that the work is complete when each item in the response guide 94 is operated by the on-site staff and the respective work is completed. On the other hand, when there is an item in the response guide 94 that has not been checked by the on-site staff or when there is an item for which the work is incomplete, the check box 95 is displayed to indicate that the work is incomplete.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a field worker notices a fallen bird during flight, the work content is displayed on the field terminal device 30, and the field worker can carry out the work according to the content.

In the above example, guidance to the field staff regarding the bird strike function has been described, but the same can be done for the FOD management function.
In addition, by accumulating a large number of different cases collected from the airport, such as bird and animal detection recording functions, bird strike functions, and FOD management functions, it will be possible to perform big data analysis at a later date.

<Hardware configuration of each device>
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server device 40 according to the present embodiment.

8, the management server device 40 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, which is a computing means, a read only memory (ROM) 102, which is a storage area for storing programs such as a basic input output system (BIOS), and a random access memory (RAM) 103, which is an execution area for the programs. The management server device 40 also includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, which is a storage area for storing various programs such as an operating system (OS) and applications, input data for the various programs, output data from the various programs, and the like. The management server device 40 also includes a communication interface (communication I/F) 105 for communicating with the outside.
In addition, management server device 40 may have multiple CPUs, and the multiple CPUs may work together to perform calculation processing.
Programs stored in the ROM 102, the HDD 104, etc. are loaded into the RAM 103 and executed by the CPU 101, thereby implementing the functions of the management server device 40.

The above hardware configuration is the same for the operation terminal device 10, the office terminal device 20, and the field terminal device 30.
The program for realizing the operation support system 1 of the present embodiment can be stored in various recording media and provided. The program for realizing the operation support system 1 can also be provided via a communication line.

And among the functions realized by the operation support system 1 of this embodiment, the functions realized by the management server device 40 may be realized by terminal devices (operation terminal device 10, office terminal device 20, field terminal device 30). Similarly, the functions realized by the terminal devices may be realized by the management server device 40. Also, the functions realized by the operation support system 1 of this embodiment may be realized by multiple management server devices 40 or multiple terminal devices.

Furthermore, each function realized by the operation support system 1 shown in FIG. 3 is not limited to functioning independently. Each function shown in FIG. 3 may be combined with multiple functions.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. It is clear from the claims that the technical scope of the present invention also includes various modifications or improvements to the above embodiment.

1...operation support system, 10...operation terminal device, 20...office terminal device, 30...on-site terminal device, 40...management server device, 41...storage unit, 42...user management unit, 43...display control unit, 44...update unit, 45...processing unit, 46...call management unit, 50...checklist, 70...alert screen, 80...report screen, 90...response screen

Claims (9)

A storage means for storing operational information including a manual for operations performed by field personnel engaged in field operations among the operations of the airport;
an update means for updating the operational information by using information acquired from a terminal device used by a field worker ;
A sharing means for enabling the operational information to be shared between one terminal device used by a field staff member and another terminal device used by an operator engaged in the management of the airport ;
a display control means for generating a screen to be displayed on a terminal device used by the field worker based on the operation information;
Equipped with
The screen includes a plurality of items constituting a checklist based on a manual for the work, an input button for the on-site worker to input whether or not the work content for each of the plurality of items has been confirmed, and a confirmation request button for requesting the on-site worker to confirm the work content for each of the plurality of items,
The request for confirmation from the on-site staff is made based on a predetermined operation by the operator via a terminal device used by the operator.
An airport operations support system comprising: The input buttons include a first button indicating that the item is one that the on-site staff must check, and a second button indicating that the item is one that the on-site staff must check depending on the situation,
the first button and the second button are displayed in different manners on the screen,
The update means updates the operational information using information input via the screen .
2. An airport operations support system according to claim 1. 2. The airport operations support system according to claim 1 , wherein the screen is shared between a terminal device used by the field staff and a terminal device used by the operations staff . An acquisition means for acquiring location information of the terminal device,
the location information is information acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) function of the terminal device,
4. The airport operations support system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device displays information that should be taken into consideration by on-site personnel based on the position information. The airport operations support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the operational information includes bird and animal information relating to birds and animals at the airport. An analysis means for performing analysis using images of birds and animals photographed by the terminal device,
6. The airport operations support system according to claim 5 , wherein the update means updates the operations information using analysis information on the birds and animals analyzed by the analysis means. 6. The airport operations support system according to claim 5 , wherein the terminal device displays the details of operations required to respond to bird strikes. a measuring means for measuring a distance and/or an area of an object photographed by the terminal device,
8. An airport operations support system according to claim 1, wherein the updating means updates the operations information using measurement information measured by the measuring means. Computers used to support airport operations include:
A storage function for storing operational information including manuals for operations performed by field personnel engaged in field operations among the operations of the airport;
an update function for updating the operational information using information acquired from a terminal device used by a field worker ;
A sharing function that enables the operational information to be shared between one terminal device used by a field staff member and another terminal device used by an operator engaged in the management of the airport ;
a display control function for generating a screen to be displayed on a terminal device used by the field worker based on the operation information;
Realize this ,
The screen includes a plurality of items constituting a checklist based on a manual for the work, an input button for the on-site worker to input whether or not the work content for each of the plurality of items has been confirmed, and a confirmation request button for requesting the on-site worker to confirm the work content for each of the plurality of items,
The request for confirmation from the on-site staff is made based on a predetermined operation by the operator via a terminal device used by the operator.
program.

Images