Communication control device, communication control method, and program

Abstract

To improve the quality of communication relayed by satellites.SOLUTION: An analysis unit analyzes characteristics of data to be transmitted, the determination unit determines a data transmission method from the characteristics of data, and a selection unit selects a communication path including one or more of a plurality of satellites based on the determined data transmission method and the arrangement of the plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data, and a transmission unit transmits the data through the communication path of the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a program, and more particularly to a communication control device, a communication control method, and a program for controlling data communication using a plurality of communication paths. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A communication service is provided in which one or more communication satellites relay communications. In one example of the related art, a communication system including a constellation of communication satellites is known.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes that when a communications satellite relays communications between multiple user satellites and other devices, a communications control device controls the data rate (amount of communication per unit time) of optical communications between the communications satellite and each of the multiple user satellites to below a certain value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-093658 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the related technology described in Patent Document 1, the data rate of optical communication between a communication satellite and each user satellite is controlled to a certain value or less, so there is an upper limit to the amount of data per unit time that a communication satellite can transmit to multiple user satellites. Therefore, in the related technology described in Patent Document 1, delays in urgent communications and delays in the delivery of high-quality streaming video may occur.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to improve the quality of communications relayed by satellites. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an analysis means for analyzing characteristics of data to be transmitted, a determination means for determining a transmission method for the data from the characteristics of the data, a selection means for selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method for the data and a position of a plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data, and a transmission means for transmitting the data via the selected communication path.

[0008] In a communication control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer analyzes characteristics of data to be transmitted, determines a transmission method for the data from the characteristics of the data, selects a communication route including one or more of the multiple satellites based on the determined transmission method for the data and a constellation of multiple satellites capable of transmitting the data, and transmits the data via the selected communication route.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: analyzing characteristics of data to be transmitted; determining a transmission method for the data from the characteristics of the data; selecting a communication route that includes one or more of a plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method for the data and a constellation of a plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; and transmitting the data via the selected communication route. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the quality of communications relayed by a satellite. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system including any one of the communication control devices according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of a communication system including any one of the communication control devices according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of yet another example of a communication system including any one of the communication control devices according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a communication control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing details of one step of processing in the operation of the communication control device shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a communication control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a communication control device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (Communication System 1) 1 is a diagram that illustrates an example of a communication system 1 that includes a communication control device 10 or 20 according to an embodiment 1 or 2 described below. Note that the configuration of the communication system 1 that is described here is merely an example.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes a communication control device 10 (20), a ground station A, a ground station B, and one or more satellites (in Fig. 1, "satellite a", "satellite b", and "satellite x"). Here, "communication control device 10 (20)" means "any of the communication control devices 10 and 20 according to the first and second embodiments."

[0014] 1, satellites a, b, and x constitute a communication path R that relays communication between ground station A and ground station B. Note that communication path R may further include other satellites between satellites a and b and satellite x.

[0015] The communication control device 10 (20) analyzes the characteristics of the data X to be transmitted. Here, the characteristics of the data X are, for example, the urgency of the data X or the importance of the data X. Here, high urgency means that the data X needs to be transmitted as soon as possible with priority. Also, high importance means that it is possible to trust that the data X will be transmitted correctly.

[0016] The communication control device 10 (20) determines a method for transmitting the data X based on the characteristics of the data X.

[0017] For example, if the characteristics of data X indicate that data X has a high urgency, the communication control device 10 (20) divides the data X. That is, the communication control device 10 (20) separates data X into multiple pieces of data 1 / X to X / X. Then, the communication control device 10 (20) decides to transmit the divided pieces of data 1 / X to X / X through multiple communication routes R.

[0018] In another example, when the characteristics of the data X indicate that the data X is highly important, the communication control device 10 (20) duplicates the data X. That is, the communication control device 10 (20) generates multiple pieces of data X_i, X_ii, ... having the same content as the data X. Then, the communication control device 10 (20) decides to transmit each of the duplicated data X_i, X_ii, ... through multiple communication paths R.

[0019] The communication control device 10 (20) instructs the ground station A to transmit the data X through the communication path R based on the determined transmission method of the data X. Also, the communication control device 10 (20) instructs the ground station B to receive the data X transmitted from the ground station A through the communication path R.

[0020] Ground station A transmits data X to the first satellite a of communication path R. According to information indicating communication path R added to the data X, the data X is transmitted from satellite a to satellite b. The data X is transmitted in sequence from satellite b to the next satellite (not shown). The data X is then transmitted from the last satellite x of communication path R to ground station B. Ground station B receives the data X from the last satellite x of communication path R.

[0021] In this manner, in the communication system 1, data X is transmitted from ground station A to ground station B via communication path R that includes satellites a, b, and x.

[0022] In the example shown in Fig. 1, there is only one communication path R. However, the communication system 1 may have multiple communication paths. In this case, the communication control device 10 (20) can select one or more communication paths to be used for transmitting the data X from among the multiple communication paths according to the transmission method of the data X (Figs. 2 and 3).

[0023] The detailed configuration and operation of the communication control device 10 (20) will be described in the following first and second embodiments.

[0024] (Communication system 1a) FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates roughly another example of a communication system 1a including a communication control device 10 or 20 according to the first or second embodiment described below.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the communication system 1a includes a communication path Ri and a communication path Rii. The communication path Ri includes a satellite ia, a satellite ib, and a satellite ix. The communication path Rii includes a satellite ii-a, a satellite ii-b, and a satellite ii-x. The communication system 1a may further include other communication paths not shown.

[0026] Different communication paths may partially include the same satellite, for example, satellite i a forming communication path Ri may be the same as satellite ii-a forming communication path Rii.

[0027] As described above, when the characteristics of data X indicate that data X has a high urgency, the communication control device 10 (20) divides the data X. The communication control device 10 (20) decides to transmit the divided data 1 / X, data 2 / X, ... through multiple communication paths. Here, it is assumed that data X is divided into data 1 / X to X / X. Each of the divided data 1 / X to X / X is assigned an order from 1 to X.

[0028] In one example, the communication control device 10 (20) transmits data 1 / X via a communication path Ri. The communication control device 10 (20) transmits data 2 / X via a communication path Rii. Similarly, the communication control device 10 (20) transmits data 3 / X to X / X via different communication paths (not shown).

[0029] The communication control device 10 (20) notifies the ground station B that the divided data 1 / X to X / X have been transmitted from the ground station A via a plurality of communication paths including the communication paths Ri and Rii.

[0030] Ground station B receives the divided data 1 / X to X / X from multiple communication paths. Ground station B obtains the original data X by combining data 1 / X to X / X.

[0031] In this manner, in the communication system 1a, the data X is divided, and the divided data 1 / X to X / X are transmitted from the ground station A to the ground station B via a plurality of communication paths. In the ground station B, the data X is restored from the divided data 1 / X to X / X. This makes it possible to shorten the communication time compared to transmitting the data X via only one communication path.

[0032] (Communication System 1b) FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates another example of a communication system 1b including a communication control device 10 or 20 according to any one of the first and second embodiments described below.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, the communication system 1b includes a communication path Ri and a communication path Rii. The communication path Ri includes a satellite ia, a satellite ib, and a satellite ix. The communication path Rii includes a satellite ii-a, a satellite ii-b, and a satellite ii-x. The communication system 1b may further include other communication paths not shown.

[0034] As described above, if the characteristics of data X indicate that data X is highly important, the communication control device 10 (20) duplicates the data X. For example, the communication control device 10 (20) duplicates data X to generate data X_i and X_ii. That is, data X_i and data X_ii are both equal to data X. The communication control device 10 (20) determines to transmit each of the duplicated data X_i and data X_ii through multiple communication paths.

[0035] In one example, the communication control device 10 (20) causes data X_i to be transmitted via a communication path Ri, while the communication control device 10 (20) causes data X_ii to be transmitted via a communication path Rii.

[0036] The communication control device 10 (20) notifies the ground station B that the duplicated data X_i and X_ii have been transmitted from the ground station A via a plurality of communication paths.

[0037] The ground station B receives the duplicated data X_i and X_ii from multiple communication paths. The ground station B detects errors in the data X_i and X_ii by comparing the data X_i and X_ii. This enables the communication control device 10 (20) to correctly restore the data X from the data X_i and X_ii.

[0038] In this manner, in the communication system 1b, the data X is duplicated, and the duplicated data X_i and X_ii are transmitted from the ground station A to the ground station B through a plurality of communication paths. In the ground station B, the data X is restored from the duplicated data X_i and X_ii. This makes it possible to reduce the risk that the data X is damaged or lost during communication.

[0039] [Embodiment 1] The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] (Configuration of communication control device 10) 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication control device 10 according to embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the communication control device 10 includes an analysis unit 11, a decision unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a transmission unit 14.

[0041] The analysis unit 11 analyzes the characteristics of the transmitted data X (FIG. 1). The analysis unit 11 is an example of an analysis means.

[0042] For example, the analysis unit 11 refers to additional data (e.g., a header) attached to the data X. Then, the analysis unit 11 extracts information indicating the characteristics of the data X from the additional data of the data X. The analysis unit 11 outputs the information indicating the characteristics of the data X to the determination unit 12.

[0043] The determination unit 12 determines a transmission method for the data X based on the characteristics of the data X. The determination unit 12 is an example of a determination means.

[0044] For example, the determination unit 12 receives information indicating the characteristics of the data X from the analysis unit 11. The determination unit 12 refers to a reference table (not shown) that associates the characteristics of the data X with the transmission method of the data X. Then, the determination unit 12 determines the transmission method of the data X based on the characteristics of the data X.

[0045] In one example, when the characteristics of data X indicate that data X has high urgency, the decision unit 12 decides to divide data X. Then, the decision unit 12 decides to transmit the divided data 1 / X, 2 / X, ... through multiple communication paths Ri, Rii, ....

[0046] In another example, when the characteristics of data X indicate that data X has high importance, the determination unit 12 determines to duplicate data X. Then, the determination unit 12 determines to transmit each of the duplicated data X_i, X_ii, ... through multiple communication paths.

[0047] The determination unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined transmission method for the data X to the selection unit 13 and the transmission unit .

[0048] The selection unit 13 selects a communication path including one or more of the satellites (FIGS. 1 to 3) that can transmit the data X, based on the determined transmission method of the data X and the constellations of these satellites. The selection unit 13 is an example of a selection means.

[0049] The selection unit 13 receives information indicating the transmission method of the data X from the decision unit 12. It is assumed that information indicating the orbits of the satellites (FIGS. 1 to 3) constituting the communication paths, and information indicating the areas in which each of the base stations A and B can communicate with the satellites constituting the communication paths are given in advance.

[0050] In one example, when the determination unit 12 determines to divide the data X, the selection unit 13 selects X communication paths Ri to RX (FIG. 2) from among the multiple communication paths for transmitting the divided data 1 / X to X / X (FIG. 2).

[0051] In another example, when the determination unit 12 determines to duplicate data X, the selection unit 13 selects two communication paths Ri, Rii (Figure 3) from among multiple communication paths for transmitting each of the duplicated data X_i, X_ii (Figure 3).

[0052] The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the selected communication path to the transmission unit 14.

[0053] The transmission unit 14 causes the base station A (FIGS. 1 to 3) to transmit the data X through the selected communication path for the data X. The transmission unit 14 is an example of a transmission means.

[0054] For example, the transmitting unit 14 receives information indicating a transmission method of the data X from the determining unit 12. In addition, the transmitting unit 14 receives information indicating a communication path (FIGS. 1 to 3) used to transmit the data X from the selecting unit 13.

[0055] The transmitter 14 instructs the ground station A to transmit the data X through the communication path selected by the selector 13, using the transmission method for the data X determined by the determiner 12. The transmitter 14 also notifies the ground station B that the data X has been transmitted from the ground station A.

[0056] (Operation of communication control device 10) The operation of the communication control device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication control device 10.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the communication control device 10 receives data X (FIG. 1) transmitted from the base station A to the base station B (S101).

[0058] The analysis unit 11 analyzes the characteristics of the transmitted data X (S102). The analysis unit 11 outputs information indicating the characteristics of the data X to the determination unit 12.

[0059] The determination unit 12 determines the transmission method of the data X from the characteristics of the data X (S103). The determination unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined transmission method of the data X to the selection unit 13 and the transmission unit .

[0060] The selection unit 13 selects a communication route including one or more of the multiple satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data X and the constellation of the multiple satellites capable of transmitting the data X (S104). Details of step S103 will be described later (FIG. 6). The selection unit 13 outputs information indicating the selected communication route of the data X to the transmission unit 14.

[0061] The transmission unit 14 transmits the data X from the ground station A to the ground station B through the selected communication path for the data X (S105).

[0062] This is the end of the operation of the communication control device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] (An example of step S103) Fig. 6 shows an example of the process of step S103 in the above-mentioned operation (Fig. 5) of the communication control device 10. In the following description, "high" and "low" respectively mean relatively "high" and relatively "low" compared with a predetermined threshold value.

[0064] 6, first, the determination unit 12 determines whether the data X has high urgency based on the characteristics of the data X analyzed by the analysis unit 11 (S1031). Here, high urgency means that the data X needs to be transmitted as soon as possible with priority.

[0065] If the data X has a high urgency (Yes in S1031), the decision unit 12 subsequently determines whether the data X has a high importance (S1032). Here, the data X having a high importance means that the data X needs to be transmitted correctly without error.

[0066] If the data X has a high level of importance (Yes in S1032), the decision unit 12 decides to divide the data X and further to replicate the data X (S1035A).

[0067] On the other hand, if the data X has a high urgency but a low importance (Yes in S1032), the decision unit 12 decides to divide the data X (S1035B).

[0068] In step S1031, if the urgency of the data X is low (No in S1031), the deciding unit 12 subsequently determines whether the importance of the data X is high (S1033).

[0069] If the data X has a low urgency but a high importance (Yes in S1033), the decision unit 12 decides to replicate the data X (S1035C).

[0070] On the other hand, if the importance of the data X is low (No in S1033), the decision unit 12 judges whether the data X has high continuity (S1034). Here, high continuity means that the data X is a series of time-series data (e.g., distribution of streaming video), and temporary interruption of transmission of the data X is not permitted.

[0071] If the data X has high continuity (Yes in S1034), the determination unit 12 determines to duplicate the data X (S1035D). For example, in the communication system 1b (FIG. 3), assume that data X_i having high continuity is transmitted from ground station A to ground station B via communication path Ri. In this case, the determination unit 12 determines to duplicate the data X_i.

[0072] On the other hand, if the continuity of the data X is low (No in S1034), the determination unit 12 determines that the transmission method of the data X is to be normal (S1035E). Here, "normal" means a predetermined initial transmission method.

[0073] This is the end of step S103. After that, the process proceeds to step S104 (FIG. 5) in the operation of the communication control device 10. The above-mentioned example will be used for explanation. The selection unit 13 selects the communication path Rii to transmit the data X_ii copied from the data X_i. Then, the transmission unit 14 causes the base station A to transmit the data X_ii through the selected communication path Rii. After that, the transmission unit 14 causes the base station A to stop transmitting the original data X_i through the original communication path Ri.

[0074] In the above description, the data X has three types of features (urgency, importance, and continuity). However, the number of types of data features X is not particularly limited.

[0075] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the characteristics of the data X to be transmitted. The determination unit 12 determines a transmission method for the data X from the characteristics of the data X. The selection unit 13 selects a communication route including one or more of the multiple satellites based on the determined transmission method for the data X and the arrangement of the multiple satellites capable of transmitting the data X. The transmission unit 14 transmits the data X through the selected communication route for the data X.

[0076] In this way, the transmission method of the data X is determined and the communication path of the data X is selected according to the characteristics of the data X, so that the quality of the communication relayed by the satellite can be improved compared to the case where the transmission method and communication path of the data X are constant regardless of the characteristics of the data X.

[0077] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. In the second embodiment, a configuration for dynamically changing a communication path for data to be transmitted depending on the situation or state of the satellites that make up the communication path will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the communication control device 20 changes the communication path of data X (FIG. 1) to be transmitted from Ri (FIGS. 2 and 3) to Rii (FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0079] (Configuration of communication control device 20) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication control device 20 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the communication control device 20 includes an analysis unit 11, a decision unit 12, a selection unit 13, and a transmission unit 14. The communication control device 20 further includes a determination unit 25.

[0080] The determination unit 25 determines the situation or state of the satellites ia, ib, or ix (FIGS. 2 and 3) that constitute the communication path Ri (FIGS. 2 and 3). The determination unit 25 is an example of a determination means.

[0081] For example, the determination unit 25 determines whether the internal resources (eg, communication bandwidth or computer processing power) of the satellite ia, ib, or ix are becoming constrained.

[0082] In another example, the determination unit 25 determines whether the satellite ia, ib, or ix is ​​about to leave the area in which it can communicate with the base station A or base station B.

[0083] The determination unit 25 outputs to the selection unit 13 the result of the determination indicating the situation or state of the satellite ia, ib, or ix that constitutes the communication path Ri.

[0084] Based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 25, the selection unit 13 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the communication path of the data X.

[0085] In one example, when the internal resources (e.g., communication bandwidth, computer processing power) of satellite ia, ib, or ix are becoming constrained, the selection unit 13 changes the communication path Ri of the data X. For example, the selection unit 13 changes the communication path Ri including satellites ia, ib, and ix to the communication path Rii including satellites ii-a, ii-b, and ii-x.

[0086] (Operation of communication control device 20) The operation of the communication control device 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication control device 20.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 8, the communication control device 20 receives data X (FIG. 1) transmitted from the base station A to the base station B (S201).

[0088] The analysis unit 11 analyzes the characteristics of the transmitted data X (S202). The analysis unit 11 outputs information indicating the characteristics of the data X to the determination unit 12.

[0089] The determination unit 12 determines the transmission method of the data X from the characteristics of the data X (S203). The determination unit 12 outputs information indicating the determined transmission method of the data X to the selection unit 13 and the transmission unit .

[0090] The selection unit 13 selects a communication route Ri (FIGS. 2 and 3) including one or more of the multiple satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data X and the constellation of the multiple satellites through which the data X can be transmitted (S204).

[0091] The determination unit 25 acquires information indicating the communication path Ri of the data X selected by the selection unit 13 from the selection unit 13. The determination unit 25 determines the situation or state of the satellite a, b, or x (FIGS. 2 and 3) constituting the communication path Ri (S205). Then, the determination unit 25 outputs the result of determining the situation or state of the satellite a, b, or x (FIGS. 2 and 3) constituting the communication path Ri to the selection unit 13.

[0092] The selection unit 13 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the communication path Ri of the data X based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 25 (S206).

[0093] If it is determined that it is necessary to change the communication path Ri of the data X (Yes in S206), the flow returns to step S204.

[0094] In this case, the selection unit 13 reselects the communication path for the data X (S204). For example, the selection unit 13 changes the communication path Ri including the satellites ia, ib, and ix to the communication path Rii including the satellites ii-a, ii-b, and ii-x.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S205 that it is not necessary to change the communication path Ri of the data X (No in S206), the flow proceeds to step S207.

[0096] The transmission unit 14 transmits the data X through the selected communication path Ri for the data X or the reselected communication path Rii for the data X (S207).

[0097] This is the end of the operation of the communication control device 20 according to the second embodiment.

[0098] (Effects of this embodiment) According to the configuration of this embodiment, the analysis unit 11 analyzes the characteristics of the data X to be transmitted. The determination unit 12 determines a transmission method for the data X from the characteristics of the data X. The selection unit 13 selects a communication route including one or more of the multiple satellites based on the determined transmission method for the data X and the arrangement of the multiple satellites capable of transmitting the data X. The transmission unit 14 transmits the data X through the selected communication route for the data X.

[0099] In this way, the transmission method of the data X is determined and the communication path of the data X is selected according to the characteristics of the data X, so that the quality of the communication relayed by the satellite can be improved compared to the case where the transmission method and communication path of the data X are constant regardless of the characteristics of the data X.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the determination unit 25 determines the situation or state of the satellite a, b, or x that constitutes the communication path Ri. Then, the selection unit 13 reselects the communication path Rii for transmitting the data X based on the situation or state of the satellite a, b, or x that constitutes the communication path Ri. This makes it possible to prevent accidents or failures such as temporary interruption of the transmission of the data X from occurring.

[0101] (Hardware configuration of communication control devices 10 and 20) Each of the components of the communication control devices 10 and 20 described in the first and second embodiments is represented by a functional block. Some or all of these components are realized by, for example, an information processing device as shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device.

[0102] 9, the computer 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a main memory 112, a storage device 113, an input interface 114, a display controller 115, a data reader / writer 116, and a communication interface 117. These components are connected to each other via a bus 121 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. Note that the computer 110 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) in addition to the CPU 111 or instead of the CPU 111.

[0103] The CPU 111 loads the programs (codes) in this embodiment stored in the storage device 113 into the main memory 112 and executes them in a predetermined order to perform various calculations. The main memory 112 is typically a volatile storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The programs in this embodiment are provided in a state stored in a computer-readable recording medium 120. The programs in this embodiment may be distributed over the Internet connected via a communication interface 117.

[0104] Specific examples of the storage device 113 include a hard disk drive and a semiconductor storage device such as a flash memory. The input interface 114 mediates data transmission between the CPU 111 and input devices 118 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The display controller 115 is connected to a display device 119 and controls the display on the display device 119.

[0105] Data reader / writer 116 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and recording medium 120, reads programs from recording medium 120, and writes processing results in computer 110 to recording medium 120. Communication interface 117 mediates data transmission between CPU 111 and other computers.

[0106] Specific examples of recording medium 120 include general-purpose semiconductor storage devices such as CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) and SD (Secure Digital), magnetic recording media such as a flexible disk, or optical recording media such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory).

[0107] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0108] (Appendix 1) analysis means for analyzing characteristics of the transmitted data; a determining means for determining a method of transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; a selection means for selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of a plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; a transmitting means for transmitting the data through the selected communication path; Equipped with Communications control device.

[0109] (Appendix 2) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high urgency, which is an indication of how urgently the data needs to be transmitted; The determining means determines to divide the data, The selection means selects a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the divided data. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

[0110] (Appendix 3) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high importance, which is an indication of how reliably the data needs to be transmitted; The determining means determines to replicate the data, The selection means selects a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the duplicated data. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

[0111] (Appendix 4) A determination means for determining a status or state of a satellite constituting the communication path is further provided, if the determined situation or state of the satellite requires a change to the communications path; The selection means reselects another communication path for the data based on the transmission method of the data. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

[0112] (Appendix 5) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is about to leave communication range with a ground station; The selection means reselects the other communication path for the data. 5. The communication control device according to claim 4.

[0113] (Appendix 6) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is under resource pressure; The selection means reselects the other communication path for the data. 5. The communication control device according to claim 4.

[0114] (Appendix 7) The computer Analyze the characteristics of the data being transmitted, determining a method for transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of the plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; Transmitting the data through the selected communication path. Communications control method.

[0115] (Appendix 8) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high urgency, which is an indication of how urgently the data needs to be transmitted; The computer, determining to partition the data; Selecting a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the divided data. 8. The communication control method according to claim 7,

[0116] (Appendix 9) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high importance, which is an indication of how reliably the data needs to be transmitted; The computer, determining to replicate said data; Selecting a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the duplicated data. 8. The communication control method according to claim 7,

[0117] (Appendix 10) The computer, further determining the status or condition of the satellite; if the determined situation or state of the satellite requires a change to the communications path; The computer, Reselecting another communication path for the data based on the transmission method for the data. 8. The communication control method according to claim 7,

[0118] (Appendix 11) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is about to leave communication range with a ground station; The computer, Reselecting the other communication path for the data 11. The communication control method according to claim 10,

[0119] (Appendix 12) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is under resource pressure; The computer, Reselecting the other communication path for the data 11. The communication control method according to claim 10,

[0120] (Appendix 13) Analysing the characteristics of the data to be transmitted; determining a method of transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; A process of selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of the plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; A process of transmitting the data through the selected communication path; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

[0121] (Appendix 14) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high urgency, which is an indication of how urgently the data needs to be transmitted; The computer includes: determining to divide the data; Selecting a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the divided data. 14. The program according to claim 13,

[0122] (Appendix 15) if the characteristics of the data indicate a high importance, which is an indication of how reliably the data needs to be transmitted; The computer includes: determining to replicate said data; Selecting a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the duplicated data. 14. The program according to claim 13,

[0123] (Appendix 16) The computer includes: further determining the status or condition of the satellite; if the determined situation or state of the satellite requires a change to the communications path; The computer includes: Reselecting another communication path for the data based on the transmission method for the data. 14. The program according to claim 13,

[0124] (Appendix 17) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is about to leave communication range with a ground station; The computer includes: Reselecting the other communication path for the data 17. The program according to claim 16,

[0125] (Appendix 18) if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is under resource pressure; The computer includes: Reselecting the other communication path for the data 17. The program according to claim 16,

[0126] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to several embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments. In addition, various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configurations and details of the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The present disclosure may be utilized to communicate data using communication paths that include, for example, communication satellites. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Communication Systems 1a Communication Systems 1b Communication Systems 10 Communication control device 11 Analysis Department 12 Decision Section 13 Selection section 14 Transmitter 20 Communication control device 25 Judgment section

Claims

1. analysis means for analyzing characteristics of the transmitted data; a determining means for determining a method of transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; a selection means for selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of a plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; a transmitting means for transmitting the data through the selected communication path; Equipped with Communications control device.

2. if the characteristics of the data indicate a high urgency, which is an indication of how urgently the data needs to be transmitted; The determining means determines to divide the data, The selection means selects a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the divided data.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

3. if the characteristics of the data indicate a high importance, which is an indication of how reliably the data needs to be transmitted; The determining means determines to replicate the data, The selection means selects a plurality of communication paths for transmitting each of the duplicated data.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

4. A determination means for determining a status or state of a satellite constituting the communication path is further provided, if the determined situation or state of the satellite requires a change to the communications path; The selection means reselects another communication path for the data based on the transmission method of the data.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

5. if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is about to leave communication range with a ground station; The selection means reselects the other communication path for the data.

5. The communication control device according to claim 4.

6. if the status or condition of the satellite indicates that at least one of the satellites constituting the communication path is under resource pressure; The selection means reselects the other communication path for the data.

5. The communication control device according to claim 4.

7. The computer Analyze the characteristics of the data being transmitted, determining a method for transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of the plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; Transmitting the data through the selected communication path. Communications control method.

8. Analysing the characteristics of the data to be transmitted; determining a method of transmitting the data from the characteristics of the data; A process of selecting a communication path including one or more of the plurality of satellites based on the determined transmission method of the data and a constellation of the plurality of satellites capable of transmitting the data; A process of transmitting the data through the selected communication path; A program for causing a computer to execute the following.

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