Communication maintenance system, base station, base station program, communication maintenance method, and method for providing balloon launch service

Abstract

To provide a communication maintenance system, ground station, communication maintenance method, and method for providing a balloon launch service capable of continuously and stably maintaining communication without interrupting communication between a control device provided on a flying body that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, and a server.SOLUTION: A control device 2 and a server 3 are configured to transmit and receive the same data via both a main line which performs communication only through a satellite, and a sub-line which performs communication through a base station 5. The sub-line is configured such that there is one sub-line for each base station 5, and communication is maintained by at least one of a fixed base station 5A which is installed in a fixed manner, and mobile base stations 5B, 5C which are movable. The mobile base stations include a leading mobile base station 5B that advances to a predicted arrival point in advance, and a following mobile base station 5C that tracks along a predicted flight path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication maintenance system for maintaining communication between a control device provided on a flying object and a server, a base station, a program for the base station, a communication maintenance method, and a method for providing a balloon launch service. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for communicating with flying objects flying in the sky have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-091335 discloses a wireless communication system in which a first wireless router mounted on a mobile flying object communicates with a center management device that monitors and controls the flying object via Super WiFi, which enables two-way communication (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In addition, Patent Publication No. 2019-121909 discloses a communication system for forming a three-dimensional cell by floating a communication relay device (High Altitude Platform Station: HAPS) mounted on a floating body in a specified airspace, and relaying communications between a ground gateway station and a terminal device (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-091335 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-121909 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the wireless communication system described in Patent Document 1 collects information about disaster areas and the like from the sky, so it is necessary to move and park an airship at a desired altitude and location. Furthermore, the communication system described in Patent Document 2 requires a floating object (HAPS) to move near a predetermined target position and form a beam while it is parked at that position, in order to prevent the creation of areas where a three-dimensional cell is not formed.

[0006] In other words, the airships and floating bodies described in the patent documents are configured to be able to control their horizontal movement or position, such as moving to a desired position and remaining at that position, and are only allowed to move within an area where communication is possible. For this reason, they do not anticipate the unexpected situation of moving to an area where communication is impossible and losing communication with the ground.

[0007] In contrast, flying objects such as general balloons, which have a vertical propulsion mechanism for controlling vertical (altitude) movement or position but do not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, fly while moving horizontally only by wind power. Therefore, even if you try to maintain communication with a control device mounted on a flying object such as a balloon, the longer the flight distance, the greater the risk that the balloon will unexpectedly move into an area where communication is unavailable, and communication with the ground will be cut off.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a communication maintenance system, base station, base station program, communication maintenance method, and method for providing balloon launch services that can continuously and stably maintain communication between a server and a control device installed on a flying object that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position without interruption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The communication maintenance system according to the present invention is a communication maintenance system that maintains communication between a server and a control device provided on an air vehicle that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, in order to solve the problem of maintaining continuous and stable communication between the server and the control device provided on an air vehicle that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position without interruption, and while the air vehicle flies while moving horizontally only by wind power, the control device and the server can send and receive the same data via both a main line that communicates only via a satellite and a sub-line that is used as an auxiliary communication line for the main line and communicates via a base station. The sub-lines are configured such that one sub-line is configured for each of the base stations, and communication is maintained by at least one of one or more fixed base stations which are base stations fixedly installed on land or water, and one or more mobile base stations which are mobile base stations mounted on a mobile means capable of automatic or manual operation, and the mobile base stations include a leading mobile base station which moves in advance of the flying object to a predicted arrival point of the flying object predicted at least based on meteorological conditions before the flying object arrives, and / or a trailing mobile base station which moves to track the flying object along a predicted flight path of the flying object predicted at least based on meteorological conditions.

[0010] Furthermore, the communication maintenance method according to the present invention is a method for maintaining communication between a server and a control device provided in an air vehicle that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, in order to solve the problem of maintaining continuous and stable communication between the server and the control device provided in the air vehicle that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position without interruption, and while the air vehicle is flying while moving horizontally only by wind power, the control device and the server can send and receive the same data via both a main line that communicates only via a satellite and a sub-line that is used as an auxiliary communication line for the main line and communicates via a base station. The sub-lines are configured such that one sub-line is configured for each of the base stations, and communication is maintained by at least one of one or more fixed base stations which are base stations fixedly installed on land or water, and one or more mobile base stations which are mobile base stations mounted on a mobile means capable of automatic or manual operation, and the mobile base stations include a leading mobile base station which moves in advance of the flying object to a predicted arrival point of the flying object predicted at least based on meteorological conditions before the flying object arrives, and / or a trailing mobile base station which moves to track the flying object along a predicted flight path of the flying object predicted at least based on meteorological conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, communication between a control device provided on a flying object that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position and a server can be maintained continuously and stably without interruption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a communication maintenance system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a command flow in the communication system of the present embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a base station according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a telemetry process executed by the communication maintenance system of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a data reference process executed by the communication maintenance system of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a telecontrol process executed by the communication maintenance system of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for providing a balloon launch service using the communication maintenance system of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a communication maintenance system, a base station, a base station program, a communication maintenance method, and a method for providing a balloon launch service according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1, the communication maintenance system 1 of this embodiment includes a control device 2 provided on an air vehicle 21 that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, and a server 3 that transmits and receives various data to and from the control device 2. While the air vehicle 21 flies, moving horizontally only by wind power, the control device 2 and the server 3 are configured to be able to transmit and receive the same data via both a main line that communicates only via a satellite 4 and a sub-line that is used as an auxiliary communication line for the main line and communicates via a base station 5.

[0015] With the above configuration, the communication maintenance system 1 realizes a telemetry function that transmits and receives various information related to the control device 2 and base station 5 via both the main line and the sub-line, a data reference function that enables reference to data stored in the server 3 in response to a request from the base station 5, and a telecontrol function that enables remote control of the flying object 21 from the base station 5. Each configuration will be explained below.

[0016] In this embodiment, the flying object 21 is a gas balloon that flies at high altitudes and has a envelope that can be filled with a gas lighter than air to control its vertical movement or position (altitude adjustment), and a vertical propulsion mechanism such as an exhaust valve and a valve control device that exhausts the gas from the envelope, but does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling its horizontal movement or position. Note that the flying object 21 according to the present invention is not limited to a high-altitude balloon, and includes any type of flying object as long as it does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism such as a power source, propeller, or rudder for horizontal movement, and relies solely on wind power for horizontal movement.

[0017] Furthermore, the flying vehicle 21 can be used for either manned or unmanned flight. However, in the case of manned flight, the flying vehicle cabin 22 flown by the flying vehicle 21 is configured to be able to control the internal pressure, gas concentration, etc. so that the pilot and passengers can stay safe and comfortable even at high altitudes. Note that "high altitude" in this invention refers to an altitude higher than the altitude at which aircraft normally operate, specifically an altitude of 20,000 meters or more up to a maximum of approximately 500,000 meters.

[0018] [1] About control device 2 The control device 2 controls various processes and operations (excluding horizontal movement) required from the time the flying object 21 takes off until it lands. Specifically, the control device 2 controls the ascent speed, ascent altitude, flight time, descent speed, etc. of the flying object 21. In this embodiment, the control device 2 is composed of a computer such as a microcomputer, a wireless communication unit, etc., and is provided in the flying object cabin 22.

[0019] The control device 2 also acquires flying object information about the flying object 21 from various sensors, memories, etc. provided in the flying object cabin 22 at predetermined time intervals, and simultaneously transmits this flying object information to the server 3 via both the main line and the sub-line. Furthermore, when the control device 2 receives a command issued from each base station 5 or the control station 8, it executes processing and operations according to the command.

[0020] 1 and 2, in this embodiment, one of the base stations 5 (later-arriving mobile base station 5C described later) is used as the control station 8, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In other words, the control station 8 does not need to have the functions of the base station 5, and it is sufficient if it is provided in an environment where it can communicate with the server 3 via the Internet or the like, and can refer to data in the server 3 and send commands to the control device 2 to the server 3.

[0021] [2] About Server 3 The server 3 stores various data related to the flying object 21 and each base station 5, and transmits commands to the control device 2. In this embodiment, the server 3 is configured with a computer such as a data server and a communication module capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving the same data using both the main line and the sub-line. In addition, the server 3 has installed therein a server program that realizes the above-mentioned telemetry function, data reference function, and telecontrol function.

[0022] The server 3 stores, in a referable manner, air vehicle information related to the air vehicle 21 and base station information related to each base station 5. In this embodiment, the air vehicle information is received directly or indirectly from the control device 2 of the air vehicle 21, and stores an air vehicle ID that identifies the air vehicle 21, time (timestamp), the pressure, temperature, oxygen concentration, and carbon dioxide concentration inside the air vehicle cabin 22, the outside air pressure, the outside air temperature, position data (altitude, latitude, and longitude) that indicates the current position of the air vehicle 21, the number of satellites captured when the position data was measured, and a timer value that indicates the elapsed time since the air vehicle 21 started flying.

[0023] In addition, the base station information is received directly from all base stations 5 functioning as sub-lines, and stores the base station ID that identifies the base station 5, the reception strength when the base station 5 receives the flying object information from the control device 2, type data indicating the type of base station 5, position data (altitude, latitude, longitude) indicating the current position of the base station 5, the number of satellites captured when the position data is measured, and the remaining battery power of the base station 5.

[0024] In this embodiment, when the server 3 executes the telecontrol function, as shown in Fig. 2, upon receiving a command from any of the base stations 5 or the control station 8, the server 3 simultaneously transmits the command to the control device 2 via both the main line and the sub-line. At this time, for the sub-line, the server 3 determines, based on the reception strength included in the base station information received from each base station 5, the base station 5 with the best communication status with the control device 2 from among the multiple base stations 5 constituting each sub-line, and transmits the command to the control device 2 via that base station 5.

[0025] [3] Satellite 4 (main line) The satellite 4 constitutes a main line for communication between the control device 2 and the server 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, when the satellite 4 receives flying object information from the control device 2, it transmits the information directly to the server 3. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, when the satellite 4 receives a command from the server 3, it transmits the command directly to the control device 2. Note that the type of satellite 4 is not particularly limited, and satellite communication services such as Iridium, Inmarsat, and Starlink are used as the main line.

[0026] [4] Base Station 5 (Sub-Line) The base station 5 constitutes a sub-line used as a supplementary communication line for the main line. In this embodiment, the base station 5 includes one or more fixed base stations 5A that are fixedly installed on land or water, and one or more mobile base stations 5B, 5C that are mobile base stations 5 mounted on a predetermined mobile means 51, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. One sub-line is formed for each base station 5. In the example of Figure 1, sub-line A is formed by the fixed base station 5A, sub-line B is formed by the mobile base station 5B, and sub-line C is formed by the mobile base station 5C.

[0027] The mobile base stations 5B, 5C include an earlier mobile base station 5B that moves ahead of the flying object 21 to a predicted arrival point of the flying object 21 predicted based at least on weather conditions, before the flying object 21 arrives, and a later mobile base station 5C that moves to track the flying object 21 along a predicted flight path of the flying object 21 predicted based at least on weather conditions. The fixed base station 5A and the mobile base stations 5B, 5C are arranged in different positions to cover the flight route of the flying object 21. This allows at least one of the base stations 5 to maintain communication on the sub-line even with the flying object 21 that is moving horizontally while flying due only to wind force.

[0028] The fixed base station 5A is fixedly installed at a position along the flight route of the flying object 21 or at a nearby position where communication is possible from that position. When multiple fixed base stations 5A are installed, they are installed at appropriate intervals or in a location with good communication conditions. Each fixed base station 5A may be installed either on land or on water, and functions unmanned without the need for operator operation.

[0029] The mobile base stations 5B, 5C, that is, the first mobile base station 5B and the second mobile base station 5C, are mounted on a vehicle 51 that can be driven automatically or manually, and are configured to be able to move to a desired position in accordance with the flight route of the flying object 21. In this embodiment, a car is illustrated as a preferred example of the vehicle 51, but the vehicle is not limited to one that moves in contact with the ground, and may be a ship that moves on the sea surface or river, or an aircraft such as a helicopter or drone that moves without touching the ground. Furthermore, the vehicle 51 may be unmanned and automatically driven using artificial intelligence or the like, or may be manually driven by an operator.

[0030] With the above configuration, fixed base station 5A does not require an operator, making it possible to maintain communications on the sub-line even with a small number of people. Furthermore, earlier mobile base station 5B moves to the predicted arrival point in advance, and after flying object 21 begins flight, moves appropriately in line with the actual flight route, thereby reliably ensuring communications near the actual arrival point. Furthermore, later mobile base station 5C moves to track flying object 21 along the predicted flight path by visual observation or using an automatic tracking system, etc., thereby reliably ensuring communications in areas that cannot be covered by fixed base station 5A and earlier mobile base station 5B alone.

[0031] The configuration and number of each base station 5 constituting the sub-line are not particularly limited, and they may be arranged so as to maintain communication with the control device 2 via at least one of the fixed base station 5A, the earlier mobile base station 5B, and the later mobile base station 5C. The predicted arrival point and predicted flight path of the flying object 21 are predicted based on at least meteorological conditions (wind speed, wind direction, weather, etc.), but may also be predicted taking into account other factors such as the specifications, performance, and flight plan of the flying object 21.

[0032] In this embodiment, a wireless standard capable of long-distance communication, such as LPWA (Low Power, Wide Area), is adopted as a sub-line between the control device 2 and the base station 5, and a communication standard, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), is adopted between the base station 5 and the server 3. However, the communication standard of the sub-line is not limited to the above and can be adopted as appropriate.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the base station 5 will be specifically described. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, each base station 5 is composed of a base station board 6 consisting of a microcomputer or the like integrated with communication means 61, and a data reference device 7 consisting of a personal computer or the like equipped with display means 74. Each component will be described below.

[0034] [4-1] About base station board 6 As shown in Figure 3, the base station board 6 mainly has a communication means 61 for communicating with the control device 2 and the server 3, a storage means 62 for storing various data, and an arithmetic processing means 63 for executing various arithmetic processing.

[0035] The communication means 61 is for communicating with the control device 2 and the server 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, when the telemetry function is executed, the communication means 61 receives flying object information transmitted from the control device 2 and transmits the flying object information and its own base station information to the server 3. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, when the telecontrol function is executed, the communication means 61 transmits a command to the server 3, and at the base station 5 having the best communication state with the control device 2, receives a command from the server 3 and transmits the command to the control device 2.

[0036] The storage means 62 stores various data and functions as a working area when the arithmetic processing means 63 performs arithmetic processing. In this embodiment, the storage means 62 is composed of an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc., and has a program storage unit 621, an airborne object information storage unit 622, and a base station information storage unit 623, as shown in FIG.

[0037] A base station program 6a of this embodiment is installed in the program storage unit 621. Then, the arithmetic processing means 63 executes the base station program 6a, causing the computer serving as the base station board 6 to function as each component described below.

[0038] The flying object information storage unit 622 stores flying object information related to the flying object 21. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned various flying object information is transmitted from the control device 2 at predetermined time intervals and stored in the flying object information storage unit 622. Of the above-mentioned flying object information, the number of captured satellites can be used to confirm the accuracy of the position data. Furthermore, the timer value can be used to analyze changes in the behavior of the flying object 21 according to the pilot's operation history.

[0039] The base station information storage unit 623 stores base station information related to the base station itself. In this embodiment, the base station information storage unit 623 stores the various types of base station information described above. Of the above-mentioned base station information, the reception strength is detected and stored each time the base station 5 receives flying object information from the control device 2. In addition, as type data, the type of base station 5 the base station itself is registered in advance according to the type, such as fixed base station 5A, earlier mobile base station 5B, later mobile base station 5C, etc.

[0040] The arithmetic processing means 63 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and by executing the base station program 6a installed in the program storage unit 621, functions as a flying object information receiving unit 631, a base station information acquiring unit 632, a registration information transmitting unit 633, and a command transmitting / receiving unit 634, as shown in Fig. 3. Each component will be described in more detail below.

[0041] The flying object information receiving unit 631 receives flying object information related to the flying object 21 from the control device 2. In this embodiment, the flying object information receiving unit 631 receives the flying object information transmitted from the control device 2 via the sub-line at predetermined time intervals in chronological order via the communication means 61, and stores the information in the flying object information storage unit 622.

[0042] The base station information acquisition unit 632 acquires base station information related to the own station. In this embodiment, the base station information acquisition unit 632 acquires the base station information related to the own station from the base station information storage unit 623 every time the flying object information receiving unit 631 receives flying object information transmitted from the control device 2.

[0043] The registration information transmitting unit 633 transmits registration information consisting of flying object information and base station information. In this embodiment, every time the flying object information receiving unit 631 receives flying object information from the control device 2, the registration information transmitting unit 633 transmits the flying object information to the server 3 together with the base station information of its own station acquired by the base station information acquiring unit 632. Note that in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , all base stations 5 constituting each sub-line receive flying object information from the control device 2, and the flying object information and base station information are transmitted from all base stations 5 to the server 3.

[0044] The command transmitting / receiving unit 634 transmits and receives commands to be transmitted to the control device 2. In this embodiment, when an operator inputs a command to the control device 2, the command transmitting / receiving unit 634 first transmits the command to the server 3 via the communication means 61, as shown in FIG. 2. The server 3 that receives the command simultaneously transmits the same command to the control device 2 from both the main line and the sub-line. At this time, for the sub-line, the base station 5 with the best communication status with the control device 2 is determined based on the reception strength when each base station 5 receives flying object information from the control device 2, and the command is transmitted to that base station 5.

[0045] Then, of the multiple base stations 5 constituting each of the sub-lines, the command transmitter / receiver 634 of the base station 5 that the server 3 determines has the best communication status with the control device 2 receives a command from the server 3 and transmits the received command to the control device 2. Therefore, even if the main line is down, the command is reliably transmitted to the control device 2 via the sub-line. In the present invention, a command includes all commands for telecontrolling the flying object 21 from the base station 5 or the control station 8, such as an instruction to adjust the altitude of the flying object 21.

[0046] 2, after the earlier mobile base station 5B transmits a command to the server 3, the fixed base station 5A, which is determined by the server 3 to be the base station 5 having the best communication status with the control device 2, receives the command from the server 3 via sub-line A and transmits it to the control device 2. However, if the earlier mobile base station 5B has the best communication status with the control device 2, the command is returned to the earlier mobile base station 5B from the server 3 via sub-line B, and the fixed base station transmits the command to the control device 2.

[0047] [4-2] About Data Reference Device 7 The data reference device 7 is provided in a base station 5, such as an earlier mobile base station 5B or a later mobile base station 5C, where an operator is located to operate the mobile means 51, and refers to data stored in the server 3. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the data reference device 7 mainly includes a communication means 71 for communicating with the server 3, a display means 74 for displaying various data, a storage means 72 for storing various data, and an arithmetic processing means 73 for executing various arithmetic processing.

[0048] The communication means 71 is for communicating with the server 3. In this embodiment, the communication means 71 is composed of a communication unit capable of communicating over the Internet, and when the data reference function is executed, the communication means 71 transmits a reference request for the flying object information and base station information stored in the server 3 to the server 3, and receives reference information consisting of the flying object information and base station information from the server 3.

[0049] The display means 74 is used to display various types of data. In this embodiment, the display means 74 is configured with a touch panel display or the like, and displays various types of information acquired from the server 3 and the current location of each base station 5 on a map. On the map, the base stations 5 are displayed with different icons depending on the type indicated by the type data, making it possible to clearly understand the type and current location of each base station 5 at a glance.

[0050] The storage means 72 stores various data and functions as a working area when the arithmetic processing means 73 performs arithmetic processing. In this embodiment, the storage means 72 is configured with an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, etc., and has a program storage unit 721 as shown in FIG.

[0051] A data reference program 7a according to this embodiment is installed in the program storage unit 721. The calculation processing means 73 executes the data reference program 7a, causing the computer serving as the data reference device 7 to function as each of the components described below.

[0052] The use of the base station program 6a and the data reference program 7a is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the base station program 6a and the data reference program 7a may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as an SD card, a CF card, a USB memory, an external SSD, an external HDD, a CD-ROM, or a DVD-ROM, and may be read and executed directly from the recording medium.

[0053] The calculation processing means 73 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and by executing the data reference program 7a installed in the program storage unit 721, functions as a reference request sending unit 731, a reference information receiving unit 732, and a reference information display unit 733, as shown in Fig. 3. Each component will be described in more detail below.

[0054] The reference request sending unit 731 sends a reference request for the flying object information and base station information to the server 3. In this embodiment, when the reference request sending unit 731 receives a reference request for data stored in the server 3 from an operator, it sends the reference request to the server 3 via the communication means 71. Upon receiving the reference request, the server 3 extracts the latest flying object information identified based on the time data included in the flying object information and the base station information for all base stations 5 as reference information.

[0055] The reference information receiving unit 732 receives flying object information and base station information as reference information from the server 3. In this embodiment, in response to the reference request sent by the reference request sending unit 731, the reference information receiving unit 732 receives the latest flying object information and base station information related to all base stations 5 from the server 3 via the communication means 71.

[0056] The reference information display unit 733 displays the flying object information and base station information on the display means 74. In this embodiment, the reference information display unit 733 displays the flying object information and base station information received by the reference information receiving unit 732 from the server 3 on the display means 74. In this embodiment, the reference information display unit 733 can also directly display the flying object information received by the base station 5 from the control device 2 on the display means 74.

[0057] Therefore, even if either the earlier mobile base station 5B or the later mobile base station 5C moves deep into the mountains or a depopulated area while tracking the flying object 21 and is unable to communicate with the server 3, the flying object information received from the control device 2 can be output from the base station board 6 to the data reference device 7 via USB (Universal Serial Bus) serial communication, and can be displayed directly on the display means 74 for confirmation.

[0058] In this embodiment, the data reference device 7 is provided in the base station 5 and the control station 8, so that it is possible to share and check the same data stored in the server 3. However, the data reference device 7 does not need to be installed in all base stations 5, and does not need to be installed in the fixed base station 5A that functions unmanned, or the mobile base stations 5B and 5C that move by unmanned automatic driving, etc.

[0059] Next, the actions of the communication maintenance system 1, base station 5, base station program 6a, and communication maintenance method of this embodiment will be explained separately for the cases where the telemetry function, data reference function, and telecontrol function are executed.

[0060] (1) Telemetry function When the telemetry function is executed using the communication maintenance system 1 and communication maintenance method of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, every time a predetermined time elapses (step S1: YES), the control device 2 in the air vehicle cabin 22 acquires air vehicle information (step S2) and simultaneously transmits the air vehicle information through both the main line and the sub-line (step S3). As a result, the latest air vehicle information is always transmitted from the control device 2 at regular time intervals.

[0061] The flying object information transmitted from the control device 2 through the main line is directly received by the server 3 (step S7) and sequentially stored (step S9). On the other hand, the flying object information transmitted from the control device 2 through the sub-line is received by the flying object information receiving unit 631 of each base station 5 (step S4).

[0062] In this case, even if the main line is down, the sub-lines that serve as backup lines for the main line are configured to maintain communication through at least one of sub-line A configured by fixed base station 5A, sub-line B configured by earlier mobile base station 5B, and sub-line C configured by later mobile base station 5C, as shown in Figure 1.

[0063] Specifically, by installing the fixed base stations 5A in advance at appropriate intervals along the flight route of the flying object 21, it is possible to maintain communications on the sub-line with a small number of people without the need for an operator. The first mobile base station 5B moves to the predicted arrival point in advance, and after the flying object 21 begins flight, moves appropriately to match the actual flight route, ensuring communications near the actual arrival point. Furthermore, the second mobile base station 5C moves along the predicted flight path while the operator visually tracks the flying object 21 or uses an automatic tracking system, ensuring communications in areas that cannot be covered by the fixed base stations 5A and the first mobile base station 5B alone. Therefore, the risk of all base stations 5 being out of service due to obstacles such as mountains is reduced, enabling stable telemetry.

[0064] Next, in each base station 5 that has received the flying object information, the base station information acquisition unit 632 acquires its own base station information (step S5), and the registration information transmission unit 633 attaches the base station information acquired in step S5 to the flying object information received in step S4 and transmits the combined information to the server 3 (step S6). Then, the server 3 receives the flying object information and base station information transmitted from each base station 5 via the sub-line in chronological order (step S8) and accumulates them (step S9). The processes from step S1 to step S9 described above are repeatedly executed while the flying object 21 is flying (step S10: NO).

[0065] According to the above telemetry function, the flying object information transmitted from the control device 2 is transmitted to the server 3 via at least either the main line or the sub-line, so that the latest flying object information is always stored in the server 3. Furthermore, the sub-line maintains communication between the fixed base station 5A, the first mobile base station 5B, and the second mobile base station 5C, so that even if the main line becomes unavailable, communication between the control device 2 and the server 3 is not interrupted and communication is maintained continuously and stably. Furthermore, base station information regarding all base stations 5, along with flying object information, is aggregated in the server 3, so that each piece of information can be managed centrally.

[0066] (2) Data reference function When executing the data reference function using the communication maintenance system 1 and communication maintenance method of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the reference request sending unit 731 from the base station 5 or control station 8 equipped with the data reference device 7 sends a reference request for reference information consisting of flying object information and base station information to the server 3 (step S11).

[0067] Meanwhile, when the server 3 receives the reference request (step S12), it extracts the latest flying object information and base station information related to all base stations 5 from the data stored by the above-mentioned telemetry function (step S13). As a result, although all flying object information simultaneously transmitted from the control device 2 via the main line and sub-line is stored in duplicate in the server 3, only the necessary information can be extracted and referenced.

[0068] Next, the server 3 transmits the flying object information and base station information extracted in step S13 to the base station 5 or control station 8 that transmitted the reference request (step S14). As a result, in the base station 5 or control station 8 that transmitted the reference request, the reference information receiving unit 732 receives the flying object information and base station information from the server 3 (step S15), and the reference information display unit 733 displays them on the display means 74 (step S16).

[0069] As a result, the base stations 5 and control stations 8 equipped with the data reference device 7 can share and reference the same information consisting of the latest flying object information and base station information for all base stations 5. Note that if either the earlier mobile base station 5B or the later mobile base station 5C moves deep into the mountains or a depopulated area while tracking the flying object 21 and is unable to communicate with the server 3, the reference request cannot be sent in step S11 and the data in the server 3 cannot be referenced. However, in this embodiment, the flying object information received from the control device 2 and stored in the flying object information storage unit 622 can be output directly to the data reference device 7 and checked. Therefore, each base station 5 can check the latest flying object information even when communication with the server 3 is poor.

[0070] In this embodiment, the reference information display unit 733 displays different icons on the map at the positions indicated by the position data of the base station information according to the types indicated by the type data, which makes it easy for the base stations 5 and the control station 8 to grasp the current positions and types of each base station 5.

[0071] (3) Telecontrol function When the telecontrol function is executed using the communication maintenance system 1 and communication maintenance method of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the command transmitter / receiver 634 of the base station 5 or the control station 8 transmits a command to the server 3 (step S21). Meanwhile, upon receiving the command (step S22), the server 3 determines the communication status of each base station 5 with respect to the control device 2 (step S23). At this time, in this embodiment, the server 3 determines the base station 5 that has the best communication status with the control device 2, out of all the base stations 5 constituting each sub-line, based on the reception strength included in the base station information received from each base station 5 by the above-mentioned telemetry function. Therefore, the communication status between the control device 2 and each base station 5 can be determined simply and with high accuracy.

[0072] 2, the server 3 simultaneously transmits the same command to the control device 2 from both the main line and the sub-line (step S24). At this time, on the sub-line, the server 3 transmits the command to the base station 5 determined to have the best communication state in step S23. As a result, even if the communication state of the main line is poor, the sub-line with the best communication state at that time is selected, making it possible to reliably transmit the command to the control device 2.

[0073] In the base station 5 that is determined to have the best communication state with the control device 2 in step S23, when the command transmitter / receiver 634 receives a command from the server 3 (step S25), it transmits the command to the control device 2 (step S26). Meanwhile, when the control device 2 receives the command transmitted via both the main line and the sub-line (step S27), it executes processing and operation according to the command (step S28). This enables reliable telecontrol of the control device 2 from the base station 5 or the control station 8.

[0074] As described above, in one aspect of the communication system 1 of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of reliably telecontrolling the flying object 21 by using the base station 5 with the best communication status with the control device 2 as a sub-line, the base station 5 may transmit a command to the server 3 to be transmitted to the control device 2, and may have a command transmission / reception unit 634 that receives the command from the server 3 and transmits the received command to the control device 2 when the server 3 determines that the base station 5 with the best communication status with the control device 2 is the one of the multiple base stations 5 that make up each of the sub-lines.

[0075] In addition, in order to solve the problem of aggregating base station information regarding all base stations 5 along with flying object information regarding flying object 21 in server 3, the base station 5 of the present invention may be a base station 5 used in the communication maintenance system 1, and may have a flying object information receiving unit 631 that receives flying object information regarding the flying object 21 from the control device 2, a base station information acquisition unit 632 that acquires base station information regarding its own station each time the flying object information receiving unit 631 receives the flying object information, and a registration information sending unit 633 that sends the flying object information to the server 3 together with the base station information regarding its own station.

[0076] Furthermore, as one aspect of the base station 5 according to the present invention, in order to solve the problem of having the base station 5 or the control station 8 refer to the latest flying object information stored in the server 3 and the base station information relating to all base stations 5, the base station 5 may be provided with a data reference device 7 having a reference request sending unit 731 that sends a reference request for the flying object information and the base station information to the server 3, a reference information receiving unit 732 that receives the latest flying object information and the base station information relating to all base stations 5 from the server 3 in response to the reference request, and a reference information display unit 733 that displays the flying object information and the base station information received by the reference information receiving unit 732 on a display means 74.

[0077] Furthermore, as one aspect of the base station 5 of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of checking the latest flying object information even in a base station 5 having poor communication conditions with the server 3, the reference information display unit 733 may display the flying object information received from the control device 3 on the display means 74.

[0078] In addition, the base station program 6a of the present invention is a base station program 6a that causes the base station 5 used in the communication maintenance system 1 to function in order to solve the problem of aggregating base station information regarding all base stations 5 along with airborne object information regarding airborne object 21 in the server 3, and causes the computer to function as an airborne object information receiving unit 631 that receives airborne object information regarding the airborne object 21 from the control device 2, a base station information acquisition unit 632 that acquires base station information regarding its own station each time the airborne object information receiving unit 631 receives the airborne object information, and a registration information sending unit 633 that sends the airborne object information to the server 3 together with the base station information regarding its own station.

[0079] Furthermore, as one aspect of the communication maintenance system 1, base station 5, base station program 6a, and communication maintenance method of the present invention, the flying object 21 may be a high-altitude balloon in order to solve the problem of maintaining continuous and stable communication with the flying object 21 flying at a high altitude.

[0080] The communication maintenance system 1, base station 5, base station program 6a, and communication maintenance method according to the present invention as described above provide the following advantages. 1. Continuous and stable communication can be maintained between the server 3 and the control device 2 provided on the flying object 21 that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, without interruption of communication. 2. The base station 5 with the best communication status with the control device 2 is used as a sub-line, and the flying object 21 can be reliably telecontrolled. 3. The server 3 can collect the air vehicle information about the air vehicle 21 as well as the base station information about all the base stations 5 . 4. The latest flying object information stored in the server 3 and base station information regarding all base stations 5 can be referenced from the base station 5 and the control station 8. 5. Even in a base station 5 where communication with the server 3 is poor, the latest flying object information can be confirmed.

[0081] Next, a method for providing a balloon launch service using the communication maintenance system 1 of this embodiment as described above will be described.

[0082] The use of the communication maintenance system 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to operate high-altitude balloons with high precision, and therefore it is conceivable that high-altitude balloons can be used for various purposes. For example, in recent years, with the revitalization of space technology development, the increase in launch costs associated with the number of rocket launches has become a problem. Therefore, if a service is provided to launch high-altitude balloons to high altitudes instead of rockets, various demonstration experiments, surveys, observations, confirmations, etc. can be carried out by treating the stratosphere, which is one step away from outer space, as a simulated environment.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, when providing a balloon launch service using the communication maintenance system 1 of this embodiment, first, a request for what a user who wants to use this service wants to do using a high-altitude balloon is acquired from the user (step S101: request acquisition step). Examples of user requests include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0084] - Research into the durability of items and equipment in harsh environments (the stratosphere is an environment with temperatures as low as -90°C, atmospheric pressure of 0.3 hPa, and UV rays approximately 100 times stronger than on the ground). -Investigation of communication performance of communication components such as sensors and antennas mounted on space rockets, satellites, HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station), etc. Remote sensing of the earth's surface using various sensors and imaging devices, or observation and monitoring of flying objects and the ground Target testing to demonstrate whether a high-altitude balloon can be launched as a pseudo target flying in the stratosphere and captured from the ground or an aircraft. - By releasing a load (cargo or equipment carried on a high-altitude balloon) from high altitude and letting it fall freely, a microgravity environment can be created, allowing the confirmation of changes and creation of materials or the behavior of various devices.

[0085] Next, based on the user's requests, the specifications of the load to be suspended from the high-altitude balloon and the envelope (a bag-like structure that encases a gas lighter than air to generate buoyancy) are determined (step S102: specification determination step). The load specifications include the load's structure, shape, capacity, weight, and material. The envelope specifications include the type of envelope (rubber balloon, plastic balloon, etc.), the envelope size, and the number of string-like load tapes attached to the envelope to suspend the load. Other factors that are also determined include the flight time, flight altitude, and whether or not items or equipment need to be recovered. Note that multiple specifications for the load and envelope may be prepared in advance in stages, allowing the user to select the one that best suits their requests.

[0086] Next, the flight path of the high-altitude balloon is predicted based on the user's wishes and weather conditions (step S103: flight path prediction step). As weather conditions, various weather information at the launch date and time of the high-altitude balloon is taken into consideration. As a result, a predicted flight path consisting of the launch point, passing points, landing point, etc. is calculated.

[0087] Next, a high-altitude balloon that meets the specifications determined in the specification determination step (S102) is prepared (step S104: high-altitude balloon preparation step). This allows a high-altitude balloon to be prepared that is equipped with a load and envelope suitable for carrying out the user's requests. Furthermore, since the preparation costs and preparation time for a high-altitude balloon are less than those for a rocket, it is easy to use this service multiple times to meet various requests.

[0088] Next, the high-altitude balloon prepared in the high-altitude balloon preparation step (step S104) is launched into the sky (step S105: balloon launch step). Then, while the high-altitude balloon is flying, the desired items are implemented while maintaining communication between the control device 2 provided on the high-altitude balloon and the server 3 using the communication maintenance system 1 (step S106: desired item implementation step).

[0089] As a result, the high-altitude balloon is operated with high precision because the communication between the control device 2 and the server 3 is maintained continuously and stably by the communication maintenance system 1. Therefore, the high-altitude balloon can reliably carry out the user's wishes in the simulated space environment.

[0090] After that, when the flight of the high-altitude balloon ends, the high-altitude balloon is recovered by a mobile means 51 carrying a mobile base station at the actual arrival point of the high-altitude balloon (step S107: high-altitude balloon recovery step). At the actual arrival point, the first mobile base station 5B and the second mobile base station 5C will also arrive around the time of the arrival of the high-altitude balloon. Therefore, if the high-altitude balloon is recovered by at least one of the mobile means 51 carrying these mobile base stations, the high-altitude balloon will be recovered promptly after the provision of this service has ended.

[0091] According to the method for providing a balloon launch service using the communication maintenance system 1 of this embodiment as described above, various demonstration experiments, investigations, observations, confirmations, etc. can be performed in a simulated space environment. Furthermore, compared to rocket launch services, balloon launch services can be provided more cheaply and simply.

[0092] As described above, the method of providing a balloon launch service according to the present invention is a method of providing a balloon launch service using a communication maintenance system 1 in order to solve the problem of inexpensively and easily conducting various demonstration experiments, surveys, observations, confirmations, etc. in a simulated space environment, and includes the following steps: a specification determination step of determining the specifications of the load and envelope to be suspended from the high-altitude balloon based on the wishes to be carried out using the high-altitude balloon obtained from the user; a flight path prediction step of predicting the flight path of the high-altitude balloon based on the wishes and the weather conditions; a high-altitude balloon preparation step of preparing the high-altitude balloon that meets the specifications determined in the specification determination step; a balloon launch step of launching the high-altitude balloon prepared in the high-altitude balloon preparation step into the sky; and a wish implementation step of carrying out the wishes while maintaining communication between the control device provided on the high-altitude balloon and the server using the communication maintenance system.

[0093] Furthermore, as one aspect of the method for providing a balloon launch service according to the present invention, in order to solve the problem of quickly recovering a high-altitude balloon after the service has ended, the method may include a high-altitude balloon recovery step in which the high-altitude balloon is recovered by a mobile means equipped with the mobile base station at the actual arrival point of the high-altitude balloon.

[0094] The communication maintenance system 1, base station 5, base station program 6a, communication maintenance method, and method of providing balloon launch services according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0095] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a flying object ID is included in the flying object information assuming a case where multiple flying objects 21 are flown simultaneously at high altitude, but this configuration is not limited to this, and a flying object ID is not required when controlling one flying object 21 independently. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the fixed base station 5A is powered by a battery, so the remaining battery charge is included in the base station information to determine when it is time to replace the battery, but if the base station is powered by a solar panel or the like, the remaining battery charge is not required.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in order to confirm the positioning accuracy of the position data, the airborne object information includes the number of captured satellites when the position data of the airborne object 21 is measured, and the base station information includes the number of captured satellites when the position data of the base station 5 is measured. In other words, the greater the number of captured satellites, the higher the accuracy and the more accurate the position, and the smaller the number of captured satellites, the lower the accuracy and the more inaccurate the position. However, if there is no need to confirm the positioning accuracy, there is no need to include the number of captured satellites.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, in order to analyze changes in the behavior of the flying object 21 according to the pilot's operation history, the flying object information includes a timer value that indicates the elapsed time since the flying object 21 started flying. The above analysis is made possible by comparing the pilot's operation history with the flight data of the flying object 21 based on this timer value. However, if this analysis is not required, it is not necessary to include the timer value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Communication Maintenance System 2. Control device 21 Flying object 22 Aircraft cabin 3 Server 4 satellites 5 base station 5A fixed base station 5B First Mobile Base Station 5C Late-developing mobile base station 51 Transportation 6 Base Station Board 6a Base Station Program 61 Means of communication 62 Memory means 621 Program Memory Unit 622 Flying object information storage unit 623 Base station information storage unit 63 Processing means 631 Missile Information Receiving Unit 632 Base station information acquisition unit 633 Registration Information Transmission Department 634 Command transmission / reception unit 7 Data Reference Device 7a Data Reference Program 71 Means of communication 72 Memory means 721 Program Memory Unit 73 Processing means 731 Reference request sending unit 732 Reference Information Receiving Unit 733 Reference information display section 74 Display means 8 Control station

Claims

1. A communication maintenance system for maintaining communication between a server and a control device provided in a flying object that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, While the flying object flies while moving horizontally only by wind power, the control device and the server are configured to be able to transmit and receive the same data via both a main line that communicates only via a satellite and a sub-line that is used as an auxiliary communication line for the main line and communicates via a base station, The sub-line is configured such that one sub-line is configured for each of the base stations, and communication is maintained by at least one of one or more fixed base stations which are base stations fixedly installed on land or water, and one or more mobile base stations which are mobile base stations mounted on a mobile means capable of automatic or manual operation, The mobile base station an advance mobile base station that moves in advance of the flying object to a predicted arrival point of the flying object, which is predicted based at least on meteorological conditions, before the flying object arrives; and / or a subsequent mobile base station that moves so as to track the flying object along a predicted flight path of the flying object predicted based on at least meteorological conditions; Communication maintenance system.

2. The base station 2. The communication maintenance system according to claim 1, further comprising a command transmission / reception unit that transmits a command to the server to be transmitted to the control device, and, when the server determines that a base station among a plurality of base stations constituting each of the sub-lines has the best communication status with the control device, receives the command from the server and transmits the received command to the control device.

3. A base station used in the communication maintenance system according to claim 1 or 2, a flying object information receiving unit that receives flying object information related to the flying object from the control device; a base station information acquisition unit that acquires base station information related to the base station each time the flying object information receiving unit receives the flying object information; a registration information transmitting unit that transmits the flying object information to the server together with the base station information relating to the base station; A base station having:

4. a reference request sending unit that sends a reference request for the flying object information and the base station information to the server; a reference information receiving unit that receives the latest flying object information and the base station information related to all base stations from the server in response to the reference request; a reference information display unit that displays the flying object information and the base station information received by the reference information receiving unit on a display means; The base station according to claim 3 , comprising a data reference device having:

5. The base station according to claim 4 , wherein the reference information display unit displays the flying object information received from the control device on a display means.

6. A base station program for causing a base station used in the communication maintenance system according to claim 1 or 2 to function, a flying object information receiving unit that receives flying object information related to the flying object from the control device; a base station information acquisition unit that acquires base station information related to the base station each time the flying object information receiving unit receives the flying object information; a registration information transmitting unit that transmits the flying object information to the server together with the base station information relating to the own station; A base station program that enables a computer to function.

7. A communication maintenance method for maintaining communication between a server and a control device provided in a flying object that does not have a horizontal propulsion mechanism for controlling horizontal movement or position, comprising: while the flying object is moving horizontally due to wind force, the control device and the server are configured to be able to transmit and receive the same data via both a main line that communicates only via a satellite and a sub-line that is used as an auxiliary communication line for the main line and communicates via a base station, The sub-line is configured such that one sub-line is configured for each of the base stations, and communication is maintained by at least one of one or more fixed base stations which are base stations fixedly installed on land or water, and one or more mobile base stations which are mobile base stations mounted on a mobile means capable of automatic or manual operation, The mobile base station an advance mobile base station that moves in advance of the flying object to a predicted arrival point of the flying object, which is predicted based at least on meteorological conditions, before the flying object arrives; and / or a subsequent mobile base station that moves so as to track the flying object along a predicted flight path of the flying object predicted based on at least meteorological conditions; How to maintain communication.

8. 3. The communication maintenance system according to claim 1, wherein the flying object is a high-altitude balloon.

9. The base station of claim 3 , wherein the air vehicle is a high-altitude balloon.

10. 7. The base station program according to claim 6, wherein the flying object is a high-altitude balloon.

11. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the flying object is a high-altitude balloon.

12. A method for providing a balloon launch service using the communication maintenance system according to claim 8, comprising: a specification determination step of determining specifications for a load and a balloon envelope to be suspended from the high-altitude balloon based on the user's desired activities using the high-altitude balloon; a flight path prediction step of predicting a flight path of the high-altitude balloon based on the desired items and the weather conditions; a high-altitude balloon preparation step of preparing the high-altitude balloon that satisfies the specifications determined in the specification determination step; a balloon launching step of launching the high-altitude balloon prepared in the high-altitude balloon preparation step into the sky; a request implementation step of implementing the request while maintaining communication between the control device provided on the high-altitude balloon and the server using the communication maintenance system; A method for providing a balloon launch service comprising:

13. 13. The method for providing a balloon launch service according to claim 12, further comprising a high-altitude balloon recovery step of recovering the high-altitude balloon on a mobile means carrying the mobile base station at the actual arrival point of the high-altitude balloon.

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