Patent Application
20220058532
The present disclosure claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-138827, filed Aug. 19, 2020, the contents of which application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The present disclosure relates to a technique of delivering a mobility service utilizing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. JP-2019-214370 discloses an electric multi-rotor aircraft. For example, the electric multi-rotor aircraft is an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
In recent years, a concept of MaaS (Mobility as a Service) has been proposed, and a mobility service utilizing a variety of mobility modes (transportation) in an integrated manner has been proposed. It is conceivable to utilize, as the mobility mode, not only a ground mobility mode such as an automobile and a train but also an air mobility mode. In particular, it is conceivable to utilize an eVTOL as the air mobility mode.
Here, a situation of making a reservation of the mobility service including a flight utilizing the eVTOL is considered. As an example, let us consider a first flight departing from a first takeoff and landing site at a first date and time. An eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time is not always found at a timing when a user desires the reservation. Rejecting the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight just because there is no eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time leads to decrease in service delivery opportunity. In that sense, there is room for improvement in the mobility service utilizing the eVTOL.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of increasing opportunities for the mobility service utilizing the eVTOL.
A first aspect is directed to a mobility service system that delivers a mobility service utilizing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
The mobility service system includes one or more processors.
The one or more processors execute a reservation acceptance process that accepts a reservation of the mobility service including a first flight departing from a first takeoff and landing site at a first date and time and moving to a second takeoff and landing site, even if there is no eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time.
If the reservation acceptance process is performed, the one or more processors execute a repositioning flight setting process that, temporarily sets a repositioning flight that repositions a backup eVTOL to the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time.
If the reservation acceptance process is performed, the one or more processors execute a discount offering process that, offers the mobility service including a second flight arriving at the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time at a discounted fee.
A second aspect is directed to a mobility service delivery method that delivers a mobility service utilizing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
The mobility service delivery method is performed by a computer executing a computer program.
The mobility service delivery method includes: a reservation acceptance process that accepts a reservation of the mobility service including a first flight departing from a first takeoff and landing site at a first date and time and moving to a second takeoff and landing site, even if there is no eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time;
a repositioning flight setting process that, if the reservation acceptance process is performed, temporarily sets a repositioning flight that repositions a backup eVTOL to the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time; and a discount offering process that, if the reservation acceptance process is performed, offers the mobility service including a second flight arriving at the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time at a discounted fee.
A third aspect is directed to a management server that manages a mobility service utilizing an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
The management server includes one or more processors. The one or more processors execute a reservation acceptance process that accepts a reservation of the mobility service including a first flight departing from a first takeoff and landing site at a first date and time and moving to a second takeoff and landing site, even if there is no eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time.
If the reservation acceptance process is performed, the one or more processors execute a repositioning flight setting process that, temporarily sets a repositioning flight that repositions a backup eVTOL to the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time.
If the reservation acceptance process is performed, the one or more processors execute a discount offering process that, offers the mobility service including a second flight arriving at the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time at a discounted fee.
According to the present disclosure, even if there is no eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time, a reservation of the mobility service including the first flight departing from the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time is accepted. In that case, the repositioning flight that repositions the backup eVTOL to the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time is temporarily set. Furthermore, the mobility service including the second flight arriving at the first takeoff and landing site by the first date and time is offered at the discounted fee.
Since the mobility service including the second flight is offered at the discounted fee, a reservation of the mobility service including the second flight is promoted. When the second flight is fixed, an eVTOL becomes available at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time. It is therefore possible to implement the first flight whose reservation has been accepted. Even if no reservation of the mobility service including the second flight is made, the first flight can be implemented by the backup eVTOL.
Since the first flight can be implemented, it is possible to accept the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight, even if an eVTOL scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site at the first date and time cannot be found at the timing of the reservation. Therefore, opportunities for the mobility service utilizing the eVTOL increase.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
According to the present embodiment, not only the ground mobility mode 5 but also an air mobility mode is used for the mobility service. In particular, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) 10 is used as the air mobility mode. The eVTOL 10 is a compact and lightweight VTOL driven by an electric motor. Such the eVTOL 10 is characterized by space-saving, lower costs, and lower noise as compared with a usual aircraft. For example, the eVTOL 10 is useful for an air taxi business where movement for a relatively short distance is repeated at a high frequency.
A takeoff and landing site 30 is a place for the eVTOL 10 to take off or land. Examples of the takeoff and landing site 30 include an airport, an airdrome, a heliport, a roof of a building, an eVTOL hangar, and the like.
As a still another example, the takeoff and landing site 30 may be an auto dealer. In that case, a space for the eVTOL 10 to take off and land is provided in the grounds of the dealer. Utilizing the dealer as the takeoff and landing site 30 makes it possible to seamlessly connect the ground mobility service utilizing the automobile and the air mobility service utilizing the eVTOL 10. In addition, it enables a one-stop service providing the both mobility services. Furthermore, utilizing a dealer network makes it possible to construct a mobility service network. Similarly, the takeoff and landing site 30 may be a car rental office.
A case where a user U uses the mobility service for moving from a point of departure DEP to a destination DST as shown in
An example of the itinerary IT_A is as follows. A first takeoff and landing site 30-1 is a takeoff and landing site 30 on a side of the point of departure DEP, and a second takeoff and landing site 30-2 is a takeoff and landing site 30 on a side of the destination DST. For example, the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 is a takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the point of departure DEP, and the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 is a takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the destination DST. The user U moves from the point of departure DEP to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by using the ground mobility mode 5 (itinerary IT_G1). Subsequently, the user U moves from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 by using the eVTOL 10 (itinerary IT_F). Then, the user U moves from the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 to the destination DST by using the ground mobility mode 5 (itinerary IT_G2). The itinerary IT_A is a combination of the three itineraries IT_G1, IT_F, and IT_G2.
The user U can select from the itinerary IT_G and the itinerary IT_A. For example, the user U selects an itinerary in consideration of a required time and a usage fee. As described above, the mobility service utilizing not only the ground mobility mode 5 but also the eVTOL 10 is able to offer the user U a variety of options.
Hereinafter, a “mobility service system” that delivers the mobility service according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
Each mobility mode and each device can be connected to the communication network NET and can communicate via the communication network NET. For example, the ground mobility mode 5 can be connected to the communication network NET via a wireless base station BS. The eVTOL 10 and the pilot terminal 20 each can be connected to the communication network NET via a wireless base station BS. The eVTOL 10 and the pilot terminal 20 each can be connected to the communication network NET via an access point AP of a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) installed in the takeoff and landing site 30. The eVTOL 10 may perform communication using satellite communication or a dedicated line. The local terminal 40 can be connected to the communication network NET by wire or via an access point AP of a wireless LAN. The user terminal 50 can be connected to the communication network NET via a wireless base station BS or an access point AP of a wireless LAN. The management server 100 can be connected to the communication network NET by wire or via an access point AP of a wireless LAN.
Hereinafter, each component of the mobility service system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.
2-1. eVTOL 10
The input/output device 11 is an interface for receiving information from a pilot of the eVTOL 10 and for providing information to the pilot. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a switch, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the output device include a display device, a speaker, and the like.
The communication device 12 performs communication with the outside. For example, the communication device 12 performs wireless communication with the wireless base station BS and the access point AP. As another example, the communication device 12 may perform near field communication with the user terminal 50. As yet another example, during a flight of the eVTOL 10, the communication device 12 may perform communication using satellite communication or a dedicated line.
The information processing device 13 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the information processing device 13 includes one or more processors 14 and one or more memory devices 15. The processor 14 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the processor 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory device 15 stores a variety of information necessary for the processing by the processor 14. Examples of the memory device 15 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. Functions of the information processing device 13 are achieved by the processor 14 executing a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory device 15. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided via a network.
The flight control device 16 controls the flight of the eVTOL 10 by controlling the power unit 17.
The power unit 17 includes an electric motor for rotating a rotor of the eVTOL 10, a battery 18 for supplying electric power to the electric motor, and the like. For example, the battery 18 is a storage battery such as an all-solid-state battery and the like. Alternatively, the battery 18 may be a fuel cell. In the following description, “charging the battery 18” mode “charging the storage battery”. When the eVTOL 10 is equipped with the fuel cell, “charging the battery 18” is realized by “supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell.”
The input/output device 21 is an interface for receiving information from the pilot of the eVTOL 10 and for providing information to the pilot. Examples of the input device include a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the output device include a display device, a speaker, and the like.
The communication device 22 performs communication with the outside. For example, the communication device 22 performs wireless communication with the wireless base station BS and the access point AP. As another example, the communication device 22 may perform near field communication with the user terminal 50.
The information processing device 23 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the information processing device 23 includes one or more processors 24 and one or more memory devices 25. The processor 24 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the processor 24 includes a CPU. The memory device 25 stores a variety of information necessary for the processing by the processor 24. Examples of the memory device 25 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. Functions of the information processing device 23 are achieved by the processor 24 executing a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory device 25. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided via a network.
The computer program includes a pilot application 26. The pilot application 26 provides the pilot with functions necessary for delivering the mobility service. The functions necessary for delivering the mobility service are achieved by the processor 24 executing the pilot application 26.
The takeoff and landing site 30 may include at least one of a battery charging facility 32, a battery replacement facility 33, and a maintenance/repair facility 34. The battery charging facility 32 is a facility for charging the battery 18 of the eVTOL 10. The battery replacement facility 33 is a facility for replacing the battery 18 of the eVTOL 10. The maintenance/repair facility 34 is a facility for performing maintenance and repair of the eVTOL 10.
The takeoff and landing site 30 may include a parking lot 35 for parking automobiles. The user U can access the takeoff and landing site 30 by using an automobile. The takeoff and landing site 30 may also offer a mobility service utilizing an automobile. The takeoff and landing site 30 may be an auto dealer, a car rental office, or the like.
The takeoff and landing site 30 may include a management facility 36. The management facility 36 is a facility for managing the mobility service delivered to the user U at the takeoff and landing site 30. For example, the user U checks in the eVTOL 10 at the management facility 36. As another example, at the management facility 36, the user U performs a procedure for using the ground mobility mode 5 such as the automobile. The management facility 36 may be provided with the local terminal 40, the access point AP of the wireless LAN, and the like. The local terminal 40 is a management terminal for managing the mobility service delivered to the user U at the management facility 36.
The input/output device 41 is an interface for receiving information from an operator of the local terminal 40 and providing information to the operator. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a switch, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the output device include a display device, a speaker, and the like.
The communication device 42 performs communication with the outside. For example, the communication device 42 performs wire communication. As another example, the communication device 42 may perform near field communication with the user terminal 50.
The information processing device 43 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the information processing device 43 includes one or more processors 44 and one or more memory devices 45. The processor 44 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the processor 44 includes a CPU. The memory device 45 stores a variety of information necessary for the processing by the processor 44. Examples of the memory device 45 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD, an SSD, and the like. Functions of the information processing device 43 are achieved by the processor 44 executing a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory device 45. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided via a network.
The input/output device 51 is an interface for receiving information from the user U and for providing information to the user U. Examples of the input device include a touch panel, a camera, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the output device include a display device, a speaker, and the like.
The communication device 52 performs communication with the outside. For example, the communication device 52 performs wireless communication with the wireless base station BS and the access point AP. As another example, the communication device 52 may perform near field communication with the pilot terminal 20 and the local terminal 40.
The information processing device 53 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the information processing device 53 includes one or more processors 54 and one or more memory devices 55. The processor 54 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the processor 54 includes a CPU. The memory device 55 stores a variety of information necessary for the processing by the processor 54. Examples of the memory device 55 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, and the like. Functions of the information processing device 53 are achieved by the processor 54 executing a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory device 55. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided via a network.
The computer program includes a mobility service application 56. The mobility service application 56 provides the user U with functions necessary for utilizing the mobility service. The functions necessary for utilizing the mobility service are achieved by the processor 54 executing the mobility service application 56.
The input/output device 110 is an interface for receiving information from an operator of the management server 100 and providing information to the operator. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a switch, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the output device include a display device, a speaker, and the like.
The communication device 120 performs communication with the outside. For example, the communication device 120 performs wire communication.
The information processing device 130 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the information processing device 130 includes one or more processors 140 and one or more memory devices 150. The processor 140 executes a variety of information processing. For example, the processor 140 includes a CPU. The memory device 150 stores a variety of information necessary for the processing by the processor 140. Examples of the memory device 150 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, an HDD, an SSD, and the like. Functions of the information processing device 130 are achieved by the processor 140 executing a computer program. The computer program is stored in the memory device 150. The computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer program may be provided via a network.
Moreover, the information processing device 130 is accessible to a database 160. The database 160 is realized by a predetermined memory device. The database 160 may be included in the memory device 150 of the management server 100. Alternatively, the database 160 may exist outside the management server 100. The database 160 stores a variety of information necessary for delivering the mobility service. The information processing device 130 reads necessary information from the database 160 and stores it in the memory device 150.
The information necessary for delivering the mobility service includes user information 200, eVTOL service management information 300, and ground mobility service management information 400. The information processing device 130 executes an “information acquisition process” that acquires the user information 200, the eVTOL service management information 300, and the ground mobility service management information 400.
The registration information 210 includes an ID and a name of the user U. The registration information 210 is registered in advance by the user U. For example, the user U operates the user terminal 50 to input the registration information 210. The user terminal 50 transmits the registration information 210 to the management server 100. The information processing device 130 receives the registration information 210 via the communication device 120, and records the registration information 210 in the database 160.
The reservation information 220 is information about the mobility service reserved by the user U. The information processing device 130 generates the reservation information 220 in response to a reservation request from the user U. Details of the reservation process will be described later.
The reservation information 220 includes at least itinerary information 230. The itinerary information 230 indicates the itinerary of the mobility service used by user U. For example, the itinerary information 230 includes a point of departure DEP, a destination DST, a route, mobility mode to be used, takeoff and landing sites 30 to be used, a time of departure, a time of arrival, a required time from the point of departure DEP to the destination DST, and the like.
The reservation information 220 may include fee information 240. The fee information 240 indicates a usage fee of the mobility service used by the user U.
The reservation information 220 may include authentication information 250. The authentication information 250 is information used for authenticating the user U when the user U boards the reserved mobility mode. The authentication information 250 includes an authentication code. The authentication information 250 may be a QR code (registered trademark).
The usage history information 260 indicates a history of the mobility service used by the user U.
The aircraft information 310 is information on each of one or more eVTOLs 10 used for the mobility service. More specifically, the aircraft information 310 includes an aircraft ID, performance information, and the like of each eVTOL 10. The performance information includes a flight range, a maximum flight speed, and the like. The flight range is the maximum distance for which the eVTOL 10 is able to fly without being charged halfway. In addition, the performance information includes “battery performance information” regarding performance of the battery 18 of the eVTOL 10. The battery performance information includes a maximum battery capacity, a remaining battery level, a charging time required to charge the battery 18 to full capacity, and the like. Furthermore, the battery performance information indicates whether the eVTOL 10 is an aircraft whose battery 18 is replaceable.
The takeoff and landing site information 320 is information on each of one or more takeoff and landing sites 30 used for the mobility service. More specifically, the takeoff and landing site information 320 includes a location (latitude and longitude) of each takeoff and landing site 30. In addition, the takeoff and landing site information 320 includes a facility ability of each takeoff and landing site 30. For example, the takeoff and landing site information 320 indicates presence or absence of the battery charging facility 32, presence or absence of the battery replacement facility 33, presence or absence of the maintenance/repair facility 34, presence or absence of the parking lot 35, and the like (see
The schedule information 330 includes at least one of a schedule of each eVTOL 10 and a schedule of each takeoff and landing site 30. The schedule of each eVTOL 10 indicates when and where each eVTOL 10 exists. For example, the schedule of each eVTOL 10 indicates a period of time when each eVTOL 10 exists at a takeoff and landing site 30, the takeoff and landing site 30, a period of time when each eVTOL 10 is in flight, a period of time when each eVTOL 10 is under maintenance, and the like. The schedule of each takeoff and landing site 30 indicates when and which eVTOL 10 is present (available) at each takeoff and landing site 30. In addition, the schedule of each takeoff and landing site 30 indicates a usage schedule and availability of the battery charging facility 32, the battery replacement facility 33, the maintenance/repair facility 34, and the like.
The flight information 340 is information on a flight of the eVTOL 10. For example, the flight information 340 includes a flight route, a position, an altitude, a flight speed, and the like of the eVTOL 10. Such the flight information 340 may be acquired in real time during the flight or may be acquired after the flight. In either case, the past flight information 340 is recorded in the database 160.
The ground mobility service management information 400 is information for managing the mobility service that utilizes the ground mobility mode 5. More specifically, the ground mobility service management information 400 indicates a type and a schedule of the ground mobility mode 5. For example, when the ground mobility mode 5 is an automobile, the ground mobility service management information 400 indicates an ID, a vehicle type, a schedule (e.g., a location, a usage status, a reservation status), and the like of the automobile.
The management server 100 (i.e., the information processing device 130) according to the present embodiment executes a “reservation process” that accepts a reservation of the mobility service requested from the user U.
First, the information processing device 130 executes a “reservation request reception process” that receives a reservation request REQ from the user U. For example, the reservation request REQ includes a desired date of usage, a desired time of departure, a desired time of arrival, a point of departure DEP, a destination DST, and the like. The reservation request REQ may specify a desired mobility mode (e.g., eVTOL 10). The reservation request REQ corresponds to “search information” used by the user U for searching for the mobility service.
The user U inputs the reservation request REQ (i.e., the search information) by the use of the input/output device 51 of the user terminal 50. The information processing device 53 of the user terminal 50 transmits the input reservation request REQ to the management server 100 via the communication device 52. The information processing device 130 of the management server 100 receives the reservation request REQ via the communication device 120. The information processing device 130 stores the received reservation request REQ in the memory device 150.
In response to the reservation request REQ, the information processing device 130 executes an “itinerary planning process” that plans an itinerary from the point of departure DEP to the destination DST. The itinerary planning process is executed based on the eVTOL service management information 300 and the ground mobility service management information 400 described above.
In Step S210, the information processing device 130 determines whether or not the reservation request REQ specifies the use of the eVTOL 10. In other words, the information processing device 130 determines whether or not the user U desires to use the eVTOL 10. When the use of the eVTOL 10 is specified (Step S210; Yes), the processing proceeds to Step S220. On the other hand, when the use of the eVTOL 10 is not specified (Step S210; No), the processing proceeds to Step S240.
In Step S220, the information processing device 130 selects the takeoff and landing sites 30 to be used. As described in
In Step S221, the information processing device 130 determines whether or not the point of departure DEP is any takeoff and landing site 30. When the point of departure DEP is any takeoff and landing site 30 (Step S221; Yes), the information processing device 130 sets the point of departure DEP as the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 (Step S222). On the other hand, when the point of departure DEP is not a takeoff and landing site 30 (Step S221; No), the information processing device 130 sets a takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the point of departure DEP as the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 (Step S223). In other words, the information processing device 130 adds the takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the point of departure DEP as a transfer point. Then, the information processing device 130 sets the mobility mode from the point of departure DEP to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 to the ground mobility mode 5 such as an automobile (Step S224).
In Step S225, the information processing device 130 determines whether or not the destination DST is any takeoff and landing site 30. When the destination DST is any takeoff and landing site 30 (Step S225; Yes), the information processing device 130 sets the destination DST as the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 (Step S226). On the other hand, when the destination DST is not a takeoff and landing site 30 (Step S225; No), the information processing device 130 sets a takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the destination DST as the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 (Step S227). In other words, the information processing device 130 adds the takeoff and landing site 30 nearest to the destination DST as a transfer point. Then, the information processing device 130 sets the mobility mode from the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 to the destination DST to the ground mobility mode 5 such as an automobile (Step S228).
In Step S229, the information processing device 130 sets the mobility mode from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 to the eVTOL 10. After that, the processing proceeds to Step S230.
In Step S230, the information processing device 130 plans (creates) the “itinerary IT_A” that uses the eVTOL 10. The itinerary IT_A includes a flight from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2. For example, the itinerary IT_A is a combination of the itinerary IT_G1 to move from the point of departure DEP to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the ground mobility mode 5, the itinerary IT_F to move from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 by the eVTOL 10, and the itinerary IT_G2 to move from the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 to the destination DST by the ground mobility mode 5 (see
In addition, in Step S230, the information processing device 130 calculates a required time TR-A from the point of departure DEP to the destination DST in the case of the itinerary IT-A (Step S230a).
On the other hand, in Step S240, the information processing device 130 plans (creates) the “itinerary IT_G” that uses only the ground mobility mode 5 (see FIG.1). The information processing device 130 can plan the itinerary IT_G based on the ground mobility service management information 400.
In addition, in Step S240, the information processing device 130 calculates a required time TR-G from the point of departure DEP to the destination DST in the case of the itinerary IT-G (Step S240a).
The itinerary information 230 indicates the itinerary planned by the itinerary planning process. For example, the itinerary information 230 includes the point of departure DEP, the destination DST, the route, the mobility mode to be used, the takeoff and landing sites 30 to be used, the time of departure, the time of arrival, the required time from the point of departure DEP to the destination DST, and the like. The information processing device 130 stores the generated itinerary information 230 in the memory device 150.
The information processing device 130 may further generate the fee information 240 together with the itinerary information 230. The fee information 240 indicates the usage fee when the mobility service of the generated itinerary is used. The information processing device 130 stores the generated fee information 240 in the memory device 150.
After the itinerary information 230 is generated by the itinerary planning process (Step S200), the information processing device 130 executes an “itinerary presentation process” that presents the itinerary information 230 to the user U.
More specifically, the information processing device 130 transmits the itinerary information 230 to the user terminal 50 via the communication device 120. The information processing device 53 of the user terminal 50 receives the itinerary information 230 via the communication device 52. The information processing device 53 stores the itinerary information 230 in the memory device 55. Moreover, the information processing device 53 presents the itinerary information 230 to the user U through the input/output device 51. Typically, the itinerary information 230 is displayed on the display device.
As yet another example, only the itinerary with the shorter required time may be selectively displayed. In the same situation as shown in
The information processing device 130 may present the fee information 240 together with the itinerary information 230 to the user U. A method of presenting the fee information 240 is the same as in the case of the itinerary information 230.
The user U considers the presented itinerary information 230 to determine whether or not to fix the reservation. When multiple itineraries are presented, the user U selects one from the multiple itineraries. For example, the user U makes a decision and choice by referring to the required time and the usage fee. When not approving the presented itinerary information 230, the user U may change the reservation request REQ. In that case, the processing returns to Step S100.
When fixing the reservation, the user U uses the input/output device 51 of the user terminal 50 to instruct to fix the reservation. When multiple itineraries are presented, the user U specifies one of the multiple itineraries. The information processing device 53 of the user terminal 50 transmits a reservation fix request to the management server 100 via the communication device 52. The information processing device 130 of the management server 100 receives the reservation fix request via the communication device 120.
In response to the reservation fix request, the information processing device 130 fixes the itinerary information 230 and the fee information 240. In addition, the information processing device 130 generates the authentication information 250. Then, the information processing device 130 generates the reservation information 220 including the itinerary information 230, the fee information 240, and the authentication information 250 (see
Further, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 by reflecting the fixed itinerary information 230 in the schedule information 330. That is, the information processing device 130 reflects the schedules of the eVTOL 10 and the takeoff and landing sites 30 used in the fixed itinerary in the schedule information 330.
The information processing device 130 of the management server 100 transmits the reservation information 220 to the user terminal 50 via the communication device 120. The information processing device 53 of the user terminal 50 receives the reservation information 220 via the communication device 52. The information processing device 53 stores the reservation information 220 in the memory device 55.
The information processing device 130 of the management server 100 may transmit the user information 200 including the name of the user U, the user ID, and the itinerary information 230 to the reserved eVTOL 10. The information processing device 13 of the reserved eVTOL 10 receives the user information 200 via the communication device 12. The information processing device 13 stores the user information 200 in the memory device 15.
Similarly, the information processing device 130 of the management server 100 may transmit the user information 200 to the pilot terminal 20 used by the pilot of the reserved eVTOL 10. The information processing device 23 of the pilot terminal 20 receives the user information 200 via the communication device 22. The information processing device 23 stores the user information 200 in the memory device 25.
Similarly, the information processing device 130 of the management server 100 may transmit the user information 200 to the local terminal 40 installed in the reserved takeoff and landing site 30. The information processing device 43 of the local terminal 40 receives the user information 200 via the communication device 42. The information processing device 43 stores the user information 200 in the memory device 45
At the first takeoff and landing site 30-1, the eVTOL 10 picks up the user U. That is, at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1, the user U boards the reserved eVTOL 10. After the user U boards the eVTOL 10, the eVTOL 10 takes off.
Before the boarding, a “user authentication process” that authenticates the user U may be performed. As an example, the user authentication process performed by the pilot terminal 20 and the management server 100 will be described. The same applies to a case where the eVTOL 10 or the local terminal 40 is used instead of the pilot terminal 20.
First, the user U provides the pilot terminal 20 with the authentication information 250 stored in the user terminal 50. For example, the communication device 52 of the user terminal 50 and the communication device 22 of the pilot terminal 20 perform the near field communication, and thereby the authentication information 250 is transmitted from the user terminal 50 to the pilot terminal 20. As another example, in a case where the authentication information 250 is a QR code, the user U may display the QR code on the display device. In this case, the camera or the like of the pilot terminal 20 reads the QR code displayed on the display device of the user terminal 50.
The information processing device 23 of the pilot terminal 20 transmits the acquired authentication information 250 to the management server 100. The information processing device 130 of the management server 100 authenticates the user U by checking the received authentication information 250 against the reservation information 220 stored in the memory device 150. Then, the information processing device 130 transmits the authentication result to the pilot terminal 20. The information processing device 23 of the pilot terminal 20 receives the authentication result. Alternatively, when the pilot terminal 20 holds the reservation information 220, the information processing device 23 may authenticate the user U by checking the authentication information 250 against the reservation information 220.
However, an eVTOL 10 scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time is not always found at a timing when the first user U1 desires the reservation. Rejecting the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1 just because there is no eVTOL 10 scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time leads to decrease in service delivery opportunity.
In view of the above, according to the present embodiment, even if there is no eVTOL 10 scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time, the management server 100 (the information processing device 130) accepts the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1. At this point of time, an eVTOL 10 to be used by the first flight F1 is not yet determined. That is, the management server 100 accepts the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1 while not determining the eVTOL 10 to be used. In that case, however, the management server 100 takes the following measures.
Firstly, the management server 100 executes a “repositioning flight setting process.” More specifically, the management server 100 temporarily sets a “repositioning flight FX” that repositions a backup eVTOL 10-X with no passengers to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time. For example, the management server 100 selects an eVTOL 10 that is available a sufficient time before the first date and time at a takeoff and landing site 30-X near the first takeoff and landing site 30-1, as the backup eVTOL 10-X. Then, the management server 100 temporarily sets the repositioning flight FX that repositions the backup eVTOL 10-X from the takeoff and landing site 30-X to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time. No passengers are transported on the repositioning flight FX.
Secondly, the management server 100 executes a “discount offering process.” More specifically, the management server 100 offers the mobility service including a second flight F2 arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time at a discounted fee. Here, the discounted fee means a fee lower than a regular fee.
For example, the management server 100 presents “discount information” to the second user U2. The discount information indicates that the mobility service including the second flight F2 departing from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 and arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time is available at the discounted fee. The discount information may indicate both the regular fee and the discounted fee. The discount information may indicate a discount rate or a discount amount relative to the regular fee.
The second user U2 receiving the discount information is more likely to fix the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2. That is, the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is promoted. When the second flight F2 is fixed, the eVTOL 10-3 becomes available at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time. It is therefore possible to implement the first flight F1 for the first user U1 whose reservation has been accepted. Even if no reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is made, the first flight F1 can be implemented by the backup eVTOL 10-X.
While on the other hand, the second flight F2 is a flight where the eVTOL 10-3 moves from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 via the first takeoff and landing site 30-1. More specifically, the second flight F2 is a combination of a first half flight departing from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 and arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time and a second half flight equal to the first flight F1 for the first user U1. The same eVTOL 10-3 is used by the first half flight and the second half flight. The first user U1 and the second user U2 shares the same eVTOL 10-3 on the second half flight.
The management server 100 presents “discount information” to the second user U2. The discount information indicates that the mobility service including the second flight F2 is available at a lower fee than the mobility service including the third flight F3. The second user U2 receiving the discount information is able to consider changing a plan from the third flight F3 to the second flight F2. Since the mobility service including the second flight F2 is available at a lower fee than the mobility service including the third flight F3, the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is promoted.
As a third example of the discount offering process, the management server 100 may deliver “sale information” to many and unspecified users U of the mobility service. The sale information indicates that the second flight F2 arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time regardless of a point of departure is available at the discounted fee. For example, the management server 100 delivers the sale information to the user terminal 50 of each user U. As another example, the management server 100 may post the sale information as advertisement on a Web site accepting reservations of the mobility service. Such the sale information also can promote the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2.
According to the present embodiment, as described above, the mobility service including the second flight F2 is offered at the discounted fee, and thus the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is promoted. When the second flight F2 is fixed, an eVTOL 10 becomes available at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time. It is therefore possible to implement the first flight F1 whose reservation has been accepted. Even if no reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is made, the first flight F1 can be implemented by the backup eVTOL 10-X.
Since the first flight F1 can be implemented, it is possible to accept the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1, even if an eVTOL 10 scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time cannot be found at the timing of the reservation. Therefore, opportunities for the mobility service utilizing the eVTOL 10 increase.
5-2-1. Step S610 (Reservation acceptance process)
The information processing device 130 receives the reservation request REQ (search information) from the first user U1. In response to the reservation request REQ, the information processing device 130 executes the reservation process (see
The mobility service that the first user U1 desires includes the first flight F1 departing from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time and moving to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2. The information processing device 130 determines, based on the schedule information 330, whether or not there is an eVTOL 10 that is available at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time.
At the stage of the reservation acceptance process, there may be a case where no eVTOL 10 is scheduled to be present at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time. Even in that case, the information processing device 130 accepts the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1. At this point of time, an eVTOL 10 to be used by the first flight F1 is not yet determined. That is, the information processing device 130 accepts the reservation of the mobility service including the first flight F1 while not determining the eVTOL 10 to be used. Then, the information processing device 130 executes subsequent processes of Step S620 and thereafter.
It should be noted that when there is an eVTOL 10 that is available at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time, the information processing device 130 keeps the eVTOL 10 as the eVTOL 10 to be used by the first flight F1. In this case, there is no need to execute processes to be described below.
5-2-2. Step S620 (Repositioning flight setting process)
The information processing device 130 executes the repositioning flight setting process. More specifically, the information processing device 130 temporarily sets the repositioning flight FX that repositions a backup eVTOL 10-X with no passengers to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time (see
For example, the information processing device 130 searches for an eVTOL 10 that is available a sufficient time before the first date and time at a takeoff and landing site 30-X near the first takeoff and landing site 30-1, based on the takeoff and landing site information 320 and the schedule information 330. The information processing device 130 selects the eVTOL 10 that is available a sufficient time before the first date and time at the takeoff and landing site 30-X, as the backup eVTOL 10-X. Then, the information processing device 130 temporarily sets the repositioning flight FX that repositions the backup eVTOL 10-X from the takeoff and landing site 30-X to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time. Furthermore, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 by reflecting the repositioning flight FX in the schedule information 330.
5-2-3. Step S630 (Discount offering process)
The information processing device 130 executes the discount offering process. More specifically, the information processing device 130 offers the mobility service including the second flight F2 arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time at a discounted fee (see
The first example shown in
In the itinerary presentation process (
The fee information 240 includes the discount information. The discount information indicates that the mobility service including the second flight F2 departing from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 and arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time is available at the discounted fee. The discount information may indicate both the regular fee and the discounted fee. The discount information may indicate a discount rate or a discount amount relative to the regular fee. The second user U2 provided with the discount information is able to consider selecting the mobility service including the second flight F2.
The second example shown in
While on the other hand, the second flight F2 is a flight where the eVTOL 10-3 moves from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2 via the first takeoff and landing site 30-1. More specifically, the second flight F2 is a combination of a first half flight departing from the third takeoff and landing site 30-3 and arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time and a second half flight equal to the first flight F1 for the first user U1. The same eVTOL 10-3 is used by the first half flight and the second half flight. The first user U1 and the second user U2 shares the same eVTOL 10-3 on the second half flight.
The discount information indicates that the mobility service including the second flight F2 is available at a lower fee than the mobility service including the third flight F3. The second user U2 receiving the discount information is able to consider changing a plan from the third flight F3 to the second flight F2.
In the third example, the information processing device 130 executes the discount offering process independently of the reservation request REQ from a specific user U. More specifically, the information processing device 130 delivers “sale information” to many and unspecified users U of the mobility service. The sale information indicates that the second flight F2 arriving at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time regardless of a point of departure is available at the discounted fee. For example, the information processing device 130 delivers the sale information to the user terminal 50 of each user U. As another example, the information processing device 130 may post the sale information as advertisement on a Web site accepting reservations of the mobility service.
When receiving the reservation fix request from the user terminal 50 of the user U, the information processing device 130 fixes the reservation (see
The information processing device 130 keeps the eVTOL 10 (e.g., the eVTOL 10-3) used by the second flight F2 as the eVTOL 10 to be used by the first flight F1. Then, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 related to the first flight F1. That is, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 such that the eVTOL 10 used by the second flight F2 is also used by the first flight F1.
5-2-6. Step 5660 (Repositioning flight cancellation process)
The information processing device 130 may cancel the repositioning flight FX. In this case, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 by reflecting the cancellation of the repositioning flight FX in the schedule information 330. Cancelling the repositioning flight FX makes it possible to suppress unnecessary movement of the eVTOL 10.
The second flight F2 is performed, and the eVTOL 10 arrives at the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time. After that, the first flight F1 for the first user U1 is performed by the use of the same eVTOL 10.
In the examples shown in
The repositioning flight FX is performed, and the backup eVTOL 10-X moves from the takeoff and landing site 30-X to the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 by the first date and time. After that, the first flight F1 for the first user U1 is performed by the use of the backup eVTOL 10-X. The backup eVTOL 10-X carrying the first user U1 departs from the first takeoff and landing site 30-1 at the first date and time and moves to the second takeoff and landing site 30-2.
It should be noted that if the reservation of the mobility service including the second flight F2 is cancelled, the information processing device 130 updates the schedule information 330 by reflecting the cancellation in the schedule information 330. After that, the processing returns back to Step 5620.
In view of the above, the information processing device 130 may notify the first user U1 of “possible occurrence of a delay of the time of departure of the first flight F1.” If the delay of the first flight F1 actually occurs, the information processing device 130 may offer benefits such as coupon to the first user U1. For example, when using the mobility service next time, the first user U1 can get a discount of an amount corresponding to the delay time in the past.
In the above description, the processing by the information processing device 130 of the management server 100 is mainly described. The same functions as the information processing device 130 of the management server 100 may be achieved by another component. For example, the information processing device 43 of the local terminal 40 may perform the same processing as the information processing device 130 of the management server 100. In summary, it is sufficient that the mobility service system 1 includes an information processing device that performs the same processing as the information processing device 130 of the management server 100. The information processing device may be distributed to a plurality of devices.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-138827 | Aug 2020 | JP | national |
