CONTROL STATION, PROCESSING SYSTEM, PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

A control station includes: an acquisition means for acquiring, from a first satellite which is being tracked, information concerning the position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and a control means for controlling the orientation of an antenna based on the information concerning the position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition means.

Description

Title of the invention: Control station, processing system, processing method, and program

[0001] The present application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-125346, filed on August 1, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a control station, a processing system, a processing method and a program. Contextual Art

[0003] Antenna apparatuses that communicate by tracking satellites include antennas having axes (hereinafter referred to as "AZ axis" and "EL axis") on which an azimuth angle (AZ angle) and an elevation angle (EL angle) are respectively adjusted, and track satellites while adjusting the angles with respect to the AZ axis and the EL axis. European Publication No. 3493428 discloses technology related to a control system including ground stations that communicate with each other via a communication network (IP network), as related art. Japanese Publication No. 2011-005985 discloses technology related to an apparatus that determines the orbit of an artificial satellite, as related art. Japanese Publication No. H10-072000 discloses technology related to a device that determines the posture of an artificial satellite, as related art. Summary

[0004] Tracking of a satellite by an antenna apparatus is generally performed by a control station included in the antenna apparatus and another control station transmitting and receiving information necessary for tracking with each other via a communication network. For this reason, generally, in a case where the communication network between the control station provided with this antenna apparatus and the other control station is blocked, the antenna apparatus cannot track the satellite. Therefore, a technology enabling an antenna to track a satellite that is being tracked, even in a state in which a control station cannot communicate with the other control stations via a communication network, is sought.

[0005] An exemplary objective of aspects of the present disclosure is to provide a control station, a processing system, a processing method, and a program that can solve the aforementioned problems.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a control station comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space, in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and a control means for controlling an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information regarding the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition means.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a processing system comprises: the aforementioned control station; and the first satellite configured to communicate with the control station.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a processing method executed by a control station comprises: acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and controlling an orientation of an antenna based on the information regarding the acquired position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a program causes a computer system, included in a control station that is in a state in which it cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network, to execute: acquiring, from a first satellite that is being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and controlling an orientation of an antenna based on the information regarding the acquired position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space.

[0010] According to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, an antenna can track a satellite being tracked, even in a state in which a control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network. Brief description of the drawings Fig.l

[0011] [Fig.l] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.2

[0012] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a first satellite according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.3

[0013] [Fig. 3] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a first control station according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.4

[0014] [Fig.4] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a prediction value output apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.5

[0015] [Fig.5] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an antenna apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.6

[0016] [Fig. 6] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the processing system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.7

[0017] [Fig. 7] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.8

[0018] [Fig.8] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a first satellite according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.9

[0019] [Fig.9] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a prediction value output apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10

[0020] [Fig. 10] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a second control station according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. ll

[0021] [Fig. 11] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the processing system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12

[0022] [Fig. 12] is a diagram illustrating the minimum configuration of a control station according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13

[0023] [Fig. 13] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the control station with the minimum configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14

[0024] [Fig. 14] is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one exemplary embodiment. Exemplary embodiment

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] (First exemplary embodiment)

[0027] (Processing System Configuration)

[0028] A processing system 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will hereinafter be explained with reference to the drawings. The processing system 1 is a system which enables an antenna to track a satellite even in the case where a communication network between a tracking control station and the other control stations is blocked.

[0029] [Fig. 1] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the processing system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing system 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], comprises a first satellite 10, a plurality of second satellites 20, and a first control station 30.

[0030] [Fig. 2] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first satellite 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first satellite 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], comprises a receiving antenna 101, a computing unit 102, and a communication unit 103. The first satellite 10 is a satellite that is tracked by an antenna apparatus 305, which will be described below.

[0031] The receiving antenna 101 is an antenna for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The receiving antenna 101 receives radio waves from each of the plurality of second satellites 20.

[0032] The calculation unit 102 calculates the position of the first satellite 10 at each of predetermined times based on the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 101. For example, the calculation unit 102 may calculate the position of the first satellite 10 at each of the predetermined times using existing technology. Specifically, the GNSS may be a global positioning system (GPS) and the calculation unit 102 may calculate the position of the first satellite 10 as coordinates (x, y, z) in an xyz orthogonal coordinate system having a predetermined position in three-dimensional space as the reference point (origin) by performing calculations similar to GPS positioning at each of the predetermined times. An example of the predetermined position in three-dimensional space is the center of the Earth in an Earth-centered, Earth-fixed (ECEF) orthogonal coordinate system.The position of the first satellite 10, the positions of the second satellites 20, described below, and the position of the antenna apparatus 305, described below, can each be determined as coordinates (x, y, z) in TECEF.

[0033] The communication unit 103 transmits the calculation results (i.e., a plurality of information sets in which times are associated with positions corresponding to those times) by the calculation unit 102 to the first control station 30 as satellite position information.

[0034] The plurality of second satellites 20 are GNSS satellites. The first control station 30 is a ground-based control station. The first control station 30 is, for example, a tracking control station. The first control station 30 orients the antenna 3051, described below, of the antenna apparatus 305 in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located. [Fig. 3] is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the first control station 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first control station 30, illustrated in [Fig. 3], comprises a receiving antenna 301, a prediction value output apparatus 302, a control apparatus 303, a power amplification apparatus 304, and an antenna apparatus 305.

[0035] The receiving antenna 301 receives the satellite position information transmitted by the first satellite 10. For example, the receiving antenna 301 is a Choke Ring antenna. A Choke Ring antenna can receive radio waves from all directions.

[0036] The prediction value output apparatus 302 is an apparatus that outputs an antenna prediction value indicating the direction of the first satellite 10, in view from the position of the antenna apparatus 305. [Fig. 4] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the prediction value output apparatus 302 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The prediction value output apparatus 302, illustrated in [Fig. 4], comprises a communication unit 3021 and a satellite direction calculation unit 3022.

[0037] The communication unit 3021 communicates with the first satellite 10 via the receiving antenna 301. For example, the communication unit 3021 receives satellite position information via the receiving antenna 301.

[0038] The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 generates a prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) on the basis of the satellite position information received by the communication unit 3021. For example, in a case where the communication unit 3021 receives satellite position information, the satellite direction calculation unit 3022 calculates a future position (e.g., at the time when the next satellite position information is to be received) of the first satellite 10 from past satellite position information and the most recent satellite position information received by the communication unit 3021.Furthermore, for example, the satellite direction calculation unit 3022 generates, as a prediction value for the future position (i.e., the time at which the next satellite position information is to be received) of the first satellite 10, a vector (i.e., a direction and a length) directed toward the position of the first satellite 10 at the time at which the next satellite position information is to be received from the position of the first satellite 10 at the time at which the most recent satellite position information is to be received. The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 can generate prediction values ​​for the positions of the first satellite 10 in shorter time intervals by interpolating the positions and times between receptions of the satellite position information by the communication unit 3021.

[0039] In addition, the satellite direction calculation unit 3022 predicts the direction from the antenna apparatus 305 in the first control station 30 to the first satellite 10 as an antenna prediction value on the basis of the prediction value of the direction of movement (i.e., the satellite orbit) of the first satellite 10. The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 outputs the generated antenna prediction value to the control apparatus 303.

[0040] The control apparatus 303 generates a speed command based on the antenna prediction value outputted by the prediction value output apparatus 302. Specifically, the control apparatus 303 calculates an error from the antenna prediction value and the current antenna orientation direction, and generates a speed command so that the error becomes zero. The speed command generated by the control apparatus 303 is a speed command to control the rotation of motors 3055, described below, to orient the antenna 3051, described below, to the position at which the first satellite 10 is located, assuming that the first satellite 10 moves according to the antenna prediction value. The control apparatus 303 controls the rotation of the antenna apparatus 305 about axes (hereinafter referred to as "AZ axis" and "EL axis") to adjust the azimuth angle (AZ angle) and the elevation angle (EL angle) respectively by outputting the speed command to the power amplifier apparatus 304. Accordingly, the control apparatus 303 can orient the antenna 3051, described below, in a desired direction (e.g., in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located that is being tracked, and the like).The control apparatus 303 controls the azimuth angle and the elevation angle of the antenna 3051, described below, by controlling the rotation about the AZ axis and the rotation about the EL axis.

[0041] In response to the speed command issued by the control apparatus 303, the power amplifying apparatus 304 controls the torque of a motor 3055a, described below, to drive the AZ axis, and the torque of a motor 3055b, described below, to drive the EL axis, thereby transmitting torque, via speed reducers 3056, described below, to gears 3057, described below, to rotate the antenna 3051, described below. Accordingly, the power applying apparatus 304 can drive the antenna 3051, described below, in a desired direction.

[0042] The antenna apparatus 305 is an apparatus that orients the antenna 3051, described below, in the direction (i.e., tracking) in which the first satellite 10 is located, according to the control signal generated by the control apparatus 303. [Fig. 5] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the antenna apparatus 305 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The antenna apparatus 305, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], comprises an antenna 3051, antenna-side equipment 3052, a base 3053, base-side equipment 3054, motors 3055a, 3055b, speed reducers 3056a, 3056b, and gears 3057a, 3057b. The motors 3055a, 3055b are collectively referred to as the motors 3055. The speed reducers 3056a, 3056b are collectively referred to as the speed reducers 3056. The gears 3057a, 3057b are collectively referred to as the gears 3057.

[0043] The antenna 3051 transmits and receives signals to and from the first satellite 10. The antenna 3051, such as a parabolic antenna, a Cassegrain antenna, a Gregorian antenna, a ring-focusing antenna, and similar antennas, functions to use one or more reflectors having curved surfaces to to collect reception signals at a focal position or to transmit transmission signals from the focal position to reflectors.

[0044] The antenna-side equipment 3052, illustrated in [Fig. 5], is provided in a small compartment which is located behind a main reflecting mirror and which rotates with the EL axis. The antenna-side equipment 3052 transmits and receives signals with the antenna 3051. In addition, the antenna-side equipment 3052 transmits and receives signals with the base-side equipment 3054. The base 3053 rotatably supports the antenna 3051 and the antenna-side equipment 3052.

[0045] The base-side equipment 3054 is provided inside the base 3053 or on the periphery of the base 3053. The base-side equipment 3054 transmits and receives signals with the antenna-side equipment 3052.

[0046] The motor 3055a, whose torque is controlled by the power amplifier apparatus 304, drives the AZ axis via the speed reducer 3056a and the gear 3057a. The motor 3055b, whose torque is controlled by the power amplifier apparatus 304, drives the EL axis via the speed reducer 3056 and the gear 3057b. The speed reducer 3056a reduces the rotational speed of the motor 3055a and obtains the torque necessary to drive the antenna 3051 to rotate the gear 3057a. The speed reducer 3056b reduces the rotational speed of the motor 3055b via the gear 3057b and obtains the torque necessary to drive the antenna 3051. The gear 3057a is a gear for rotating the antenna 3051 around the axis AZ. The gear 3057b is a gear for rotating the antenna 3051 around the axis EL.

[0047] (Processes performed by the processing system)

[0048] The above-mentioned processes performed by the processing system 1 are purely exemplary, and the processes performed by the processing system 1 according to the respective exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned processes. For example, the processing system 1 can perform the processes explained below.

[0049] [Fig. 6] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the processing system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, the process by which the processing system 1 orients the antenna 3051 in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located will be explained below with reference to [Fig. 6].

[0050] The receiving antenna 101 receives radio waves from each of a plurality of second satellites 20 (step S1). The calculation unit 102 calculates the position of the first satellite 10 at each of predetermined times on the basis of the radio waves received by the first receiving antenna 101 (step S2). The communication unit 103 transmits calculation results (i.e., a plurality of sets of information in which moments are associated with positions corresponding to these moments) by the computing unit 102, as satellite position information, to the first control station 30 (step S3).

[0051] The communication unit 3021 receives, via the receiving antenna 301, the satellite position information transmitted by the first satellite 10 (step S4). The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 generates a prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) on the basis of the satellite position information received by the communication unit 3021. The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 predicts the direction from the antenna apparatus 305 of the first control station 30 to the first satellite 10, as an antenna prediction value, on the basis of the prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) (step S5). The satellite direction calculation unit 3022 outputs the generated antenna prediction value to the control apparatus 303.

[0052] The control apparatus 303 generates a speed command based on the antenna prediction value outputted by the prediction value outputting apparatus 302 (step S6). Specifically, the control apparatus 303 calculates the error between the antenna prediction value and the current antenna orientation direction, and generates a speed command so that the error becomes zero. The speed command generated by the control apparatus 303 is a speed command for controlling the rotation of the motors 3055, described below, so as to steer the antenna 3051, described below, in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located, assuming that the first satellite 10 moves according to the antenna prediction value. The control apparatus 303 outputs the speed command to the power amplification apparatus 304.As a result, the control apparatus 303 controls the rotation of the antenna apparatus 305 about the AZ axis to adjust the azimuth angle (AZ angle) and about the EL axis to adjust the elevation angle (EL angle).

[0053] The power amplification apparatus 304 controls the torque of the motor 3055a for driving the AZ axis and the torque of the motor 3055b for driving the EL axis according to the speed command issued by the control apparatus 303 (step S7), thereby transmitting the torque, via the speed reducers 3056, to the gears 3057 for rotating the antenna 3051. Accordingly, the power amplification apparatus 304 can orient the antenna 3051 in a desired direction (i.e., in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located) according to the speed command of the control apparatus 303.

[0054] (Advantages)

[0055] The processing system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained above. The first control station 30 (an example of a control station) in the processing system 1 is a control station that is in a state in which it cannot communicate with the other control stations via a communication network. In the first control station 30, the communication unit 3021 (an example of an acquisition unit) acquires, from the first satellite 10 that is being tracked, information about the position of the first satellite 10 in a three-dimensional space. The control apparatus 303 (an example of a control unit) controls the orientation of the antenna 3051 (an example of an antenna) on the basis of the information about the position of the first satellite 10 in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the communication unit 3021.By means of this first control station 30 (an example of a control station), the antenna can track the satellite being tracked, even in a state in which it cannot communicate with the other control stations via a communication network.

[0056] (Second exemplary embodiment)

[0057] (Processing System Configuration)

[0058] A processing system 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained hereinafter with reference to the drawings. The processing system 1 is a system which enables an antenna to track a satellite even in the case in which a communication network between a tracking control station and the other control stations is blocked. The following explanation focuses on the differences from the processing system 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Fig. 7] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the processing system 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing system 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], comprises a first satellite 10 and a first control station 30. In addition, the processing system 1, as illustrated in [Fig. 7], comprises a second control station 40.

[0060] [Fig. 8] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first satellite 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The first satellite 10, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], comprises a communication unit 103. The first satellite 10 is a satellite that is tracked by an antenna apparatus 305.

[0061] The communication unit 103 communicates with the first control station 30 and the second control station 40. For example, the communication unit 103 receives an antenna prediction value, described below, generated by the second control station 40. Further, the communication unit 103 transmits the received antenna prediction value to the first control station 30.

[0062] The first control station 30, like the first control station 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a receiving antenna 301, a prediction value output apparatus 302, a control apparatus 303, a power amplification apparatus 304, and an antenna apparatus 305.

[0063] [Fig. 9] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the prediction value output apparatus 302 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The prediction value output apparatus 302, illustrated in [Fig. 9], comprises a communication unit 3021 and an information processing unit 3023. The communication unit 3021 communicates with the first satellite 10 via the receiving antenna 301. For example, the communication unit 3021 receives an antenna prediction value, described below, generated by the second control station 40, via the receiving antenna 301.

[0064] The control apparatus 303 calculates the antenna prediction value from satellite orbit information output by the communication unit 3021. The control apparatus 303 generates a speed command based on the antenna prediction value.

[0065] The second control station 40 is a control station that can predict the orbit in which the first satellite 10 will move. The technology used in a case where the second control station 40 predicts the orbit can be any technology. [Fig. 10] is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the second control station 40 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The second control station 40, illustrated in [Fig. 10], comprises an antenna apparatus 401 and an orbit calculation unit 402.

[0066] The antenna apparatus 401 includes an antenna, and orients the antenna in the direction in which the first satellite 10 being tracked is located, based on the orbit calculation results by the orbit calculation unit 402. The orbit calculation unit 402 acquires ranging data using GNSS and the like, or ranging data determined from the round-trip travel time of radio waves between the first satellite 10 and the antenna apparatus 401. The orbit calculation unit 402 identifies the variation in the distance between the first satellite 10 and the antenna apparatus 401 per unit time from the acquired ranging data, the direction of the antenna apparatus 401, and the installation position (latitude and longitude) of the antenna apparatus 401.Further, the orbit calculation unit 402 generates a prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 in a three-dimensional space (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) from . the latitude and longitude of the antenna apparatus 401, the current AZ angle of the antenna apparatus 401, the current EL angle of the antenna apparatus 401, the current distance (ranging data) from the antenna apparatus 401 to the first satellite 10, a future AZ angle (i.e., when the next satellite position information is to be received) of the antenna apparatus 401, a future EL angle (i.e., when the next satellite position information is to be received) of the antenna apparatus 401, and a future distance (i.e., when the next satellite position information is to be received) (ranging data) from the antenna apparatus 401 to the first satellite 10.The orbit calculation unit 402 predicts, as the antenna prediction value, the direction from the antenna apparatus 305 of the first control station 30 to the first satellite 10 on the basis of the prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10). The orbit calculation unit 402 transmits the antenna prediction value of the antenna apparatus 401 to the first control station 30 via the first satellite 10.

[0067] The orbit calculation unit 402 does not simply predict the prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) and the antenna prediction value. For example, the orbit calculation unit 402 estimates the orbit of the first satellite 10 with high accuracy by collecting information from a plurality of control stations other than the first control station 30.Specifically, for example, the orbit calculation unit 402 collects satellite directions (AZ directions and EL directions) and ranging data from a plurality of control stations other than the first control station 30, and corrects error and the like on the signal propagation paths to calculate satellite orbit information such as the six orbital elements (i.e., semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, argument of periapsis, longitude of ascending node, true anomaly at the time) of the first satellite 10. Furthermore, the orbit calculation unit 402 can calculate the position of the first satellite 10 at an arbitrary time from the satellite orbit information that has been calculated.

[0068] (Processes performed by the processing system)

[0069] The above-mentioned methods performed by the processing system 1 are purely exemplary, and the processes performed by the processing system 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned processes. For example, the processing system 1 can perform the processes explained below. [Fig. 11] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the processing system 1 according to the second embodiment example of the present disclosure. Next, the process performed by the processing system 1 for orienting the antenna 3051 in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located will be explained below with reference to [Fig. 11].

[0070] The orbit calculation unit 402 collects satellite directions (AZ directions and EL directions) and ranging data from a plurality of control stations other than the first control station 30, and corrects error and the like on the signal propagation paths to calculate satellite orbit information such as the six orbital elements (i.e., semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, argument of periapsis, longitude of ascending node, true anomaly at the time) of the first satellite 10 (step S11). The orbit calculation unit 402 transmits the calculated satellite orbit information from the antenna apparatus 401 to the first satellite 10. The communication unit 103 receives the satellite orbit information from the second control station 40 (step S12).The communication unit 103 transmits the received satellite orbit information to the first control station 30 (step S13).

[0071] The communication unit 3021 receives, via the receiving antenna 301, the satellite orbit information calculated by the second control station 40 (step S14). The communication unit 3021 outputs the received satellite orbit information to the control apparatus 303.

[0072] The control apparatus 303 calculates the antenna prediction value from its own position and the satellite orbit information outputted by the communication unit 3021 (step S15). The control apparatus 303 generates a speed command based on the antenna prediction value (step S6). The speed command generated by the control apparatus 303 is a speed command for controlling the rotation of the motors 3055 so as to orient the antenna 3051 toward the position at which the first satellite 10 is located, assuming that the first satellite 10 moves according to the antenna prediction value. The control apparatus 303 outputs the speed command to the power amplifier apparatus 304. Thereby, the control apparatus 303 controls the rotation of the antenna apparatus 305 about the AZ axis to adjust the azimuth angle (AZ angle) and about the EL axis to adjust the elevation angle (EL angle).

[0073] The power amplification apparatus 304 controls the torque of the motor 3055a for driving the AZ axis and the torque of the motor 3055b for driving the EL axis according to the speed command issued by the control apparatus 303 (step S7), thereby transmitting torque, via the speed reducers 3056, to the gears 3057 to rotate the antenna 3051. Accordingly, the power amplification apparatus 304 can orient the antenna 3051 in a desired direction (i.e., (i.e. in the direction in which the first satellite 10 is located) depending on the speed command from the control device 303.

[0074] (Advantages)

[0075] The processing system 1 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained above. The first control station 30 (an example of a control station) in the processing system 1 is a control station that is in a state in which it cannot communicate with the second control station 40, which is another control station, via a communication network. In the first control station 30, the communication unit 3021 (an example of an acquisition unit) acquires, from the first satellite 10 that is being tracked, information regarding the position of the first satellite 10 in a three-dimensional space (i.e., a prediction value of the direction of movement of the first satellite 10 (i.e., the orbit of the first satellite 10) generated by the second control station 40).The control apparatus 303 (an example of a control unit) controls the orientation of the antenna 3051 (an example of an antenna) on the basis of the information concerning the position of the first satellite 10 in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the communication unit 3021. By means of this first control station 30 (an example of a control station), the antenna can track the satellite being tracked, even in a state in which it cannot communicate with the other control stations via a communication network.

[0076] [Fig. 12] is a diagram illustrating the minimum configuration of the control station 30 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The control station 30, as illustrated in [Fig. 12], comprises an acquisition unit 501 and a control unit 502. The control station 30 is a control station that is in a state in which it cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network.

[0077] The acquisition unit 501 acquires, from a first satellite being tracked, information about a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space. The control unit 502 controls an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information about the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition unit 501.

[0078] The acquisition unit 501 can be implemented, for example, using the functions of the communication unit 3021 illustrated in [Fig. 4] and in [Fig. 9]. The control unit 502 can be implemented, for example, using the functions of the control apparatus 303 illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0079] [Fig. 13] is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow in the control station 30 with the minimum configuration according to the embodiment exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, the processes in the control station 30 with the minimum configuration according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained below with reference to [Fig. 13].

[0080] The acquisition unit 501 acquires, from a first satellite being tracked, information about a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space (step S101). The control unit 502 controls an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information about the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition unit 501 (step S102).

[0081] The control station 30 with the minimum configuration according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained above. This control station 30 can enable an antenna to track a satellite being tracked, even in a state in which it cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network.

[0082] In the processes of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the order of the processes may be permuted within a range in which appropriate processes are performed.

[0083] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained, the processing system 1, the first satellite 10, each of the plurality of second satellites 20, the first control station 30, the second control station 40, and other control apparatuses described above may include internal computer systems. Furthermore, the steps of the processes described above are stored in a computer-readable recording medium in the form of a program, and the aforementioned processes are performed by a computer reading and executing this program. Specific examples of the computer are shown below.

[0084] [Fig. 14] is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one exemplary embodiment. The computer 5, as illustrated in [Fig. 14], comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 6, a main memory 7, a storage device 8, and an interface 9.

[0085] For example, the processing system 1, the first satellite 10, each of the plurality of second satellites 20, the first control station 30, the second control station 40, and other control apparatuses described above may each be implemented by the computer 5. Furthermore, the operations of the respective processing units described above are stored in the storage device 8 in the form of a program. The central processing unit 6 reads the program from the storage device 8 and loads the program into the main memory 7, and then executes the aforementioned processes according to said program. In addition, the central processing unit 6 secures, in the main memory 7, storage areas corresponding to the respective storage units described above according to the program.

[0086] Examples of the storage device 8 include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state drives (SSDs), magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, solid state memory, and the like. The storage device 8 may be an internal medium connected directly to a bus in the computer 5, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 5 by an interface 9 or by a communication line. In addition, in the event that the program is distributed to the computer 5 by a communication line, the computer 5 that received the distribution may load the program into the main memory 7 and execute the aforementioned processes. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the storage device 8 is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium.

[0087] In addition, the aforementioned program may perform only some of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the aforementioned program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) which may perform the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.

[0088] Although a number of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been explained, these embodiments are purely exemplary and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Various additions, omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to these exemplary embodiments within the scope of the disclosure.

[0089] Some or all of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be described as in the additional notes below, without being limited thereto.

[0090] (Additional Note 1)

[0091] A control station comprises:

[0092] an acquisition means for acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and

[0093] a control means for controlling an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information concerning the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition means.

[0094] (Additional Note 2)

[0095] The control station according to supplementary note 1, in which:

[0096] the information regarding the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space is information indicating a position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of predetermined times;

[0097] the control station comprises prediction means for predicting a future position of the first satellite based on the information indicating the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of the predetermined times acquired by the acquisition means;

[0098] the acquisition means acquires the information concerning the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of the predetermined times from the first satellite; and

[0099] the control means controls the orientation of the antenna on the basis of the future position of the first satellite predicted by the prediction means.

[0100] (Additional Note 3)

[0101] The control station according to supplementary note 1, in which:

[0102] the information concerning the position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space is information indicating a future position of the first satellite predicted by another control station;

[0103] the acquisition means acquires, from the first satellite, whether the future position of the first satellite acquired by the first satellite communicating with the other control station; and

[0104] the control means controls the orientation of the antenna on the basis of the future position of the first satellite acquired by the acquisition means.

[0105] (Additional Note 4)

[0106] The control station according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 3, wherein

[0107] the control means controls the orientation of the antenna by controlling a rotation about an axis to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna and a rotation about an axis to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna.

[0108] (Additional Note 5)

[0109] A processing system comprising:

[0110] the control station according to any one of additional notes 1 to 4; and

[0111] the first satellite configured to communicate with the control station.

[0112] (Additional Note 6)

[0113] A processing method executed by a control station, comprising:

[0114] acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and

[0115] controlling an orientation of an antenna based on information concerning the acquired position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space.

[0116] (Additional Note 7)

[0117] A program causing a computer system included in a control station which is in a state in which it cannot communicate with other control stations via a communications network, to execute:

[0118] acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information regarding a position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and

[0119] controlling an orientation of an antenna based on information concerning the acquired position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space.

Claims

Claims

1. A control station comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information about a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and a control means for controlling an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information about the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space, acquired by the acquisition means.

2. The control station of claim 1, wherein: the information regarding the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space is information indicating a position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of predetermined times; the control station further comprises prediction means for predicting a future position of the first satellite based on the information indicating the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of the predetermined times acquired by the acquisition means; the acquisition means acquires the information regarding the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space at each of the predetermined times from the first satellite; and the control means controls the orientation of the antenna based on the future position of the first satellite predicted by the prediction means.

3. A control station according to claim 1, wherein: the information regarding the position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space is information indicating a future position of the first satellite predicted by another control station; the acquisition means acquires, from the first satellite, the future position of the first satellite acquired by the first satellite communicating with the other control station; and the control means controls the orientation of the antenna on the basis of the future position of the first satellite acquired by the acquisition means.

4. A control station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means controls the orientation of the antenna by controlling a rotation about an axis to adjust an azimuth angle of the antenna and a rotation about an axis to adjust an elevation angle of the antenna.

5. A processing system comprising: the control station according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and the first satellite configured to communicate with the control station.

6. A processing method executed by a control station, comprising: acquiring, from a first satellite being tracked, information about a position of the first satellite in a three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and controlling an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information about the acquired position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space.

7. A program causing a computer system included in a control station that is in a state in which it cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network to execute: acquiring, from a first satellite that is being tracked, information about a position of the first satellite in three-dimensional space in a case where the control station cannot communicate with other control stations via a communication network; and controlling an orientation of an antenna on the basis of the information about the acquired position of the first satellite in the three-dimensional space.

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