Positioning device, positioning method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a positioning device, etc., that can identify a non-geostationary satellite that is the source of interfering radio waves that interfere with communications of other satellites. [Solution] A positioning device comprising: determination means for determining whether a radio signal from a radio source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication; location determination means for identifying location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times; trajectory generation means for generating trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio source using the multiple location information identified at different times; non-geostationary satellite identification means for each of a plurality of non-geostationary satellites, calculating the difference between trajectory information indicating the predicted trajectory of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information, and identifying the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio source based on the difference; and output means for outputting output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a positioning device, a positioning method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for identifying the position of a radio wave transmission source of interference radio waves transmitted from a ground station to a satellite are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, downlinks from two satellites at different positions are received, and using the time difference of arrival, Doppler shift frequency difference, satellite position at the measurement time, and satellite velocity, the radio wave transmission source of the interference radio waves transmitted from the ground station to the satellite is identified.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The method described in Patent Document 1 is a method for identifying the position of the transmission source of interference radio waves transmitted from a ground station to a satellite. In recent years, satellite constellations that provide services by deploying multiple non-geostationary satellites have begun to be constructed. Along with this, there is a concern that radio waves from non-geostationary satellites interfere with other satellite constellations. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to identify non-geostationary satellites that are the transmission sources of interference radio waves that disrupt the communication of other satellites.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a positioning device, a positioning method, and a computer program that can identify non-geostationary satellites that are the transmission sources of interference radio waves that disrupt the communication of other satellites.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A positioning device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a determination unit that determines whether a radio signal from a radio source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication; a location determination unit that identifies location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times; a trajectory generation unit that generates trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio source using the multiple location information determined at different times; a non-geostationary satellite determination unit that calculates the difference between trajectory information indicating the predicted trajectory of a non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information for each of a plurality of non-geostationary satellites and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio source based on the difference; and an output unit that outputs output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite.

[0007] A positioning method in one aspect of the present disclosure involves a computer determining whether a radio signal from a radio source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications, identifying location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times, generating trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio source using the multiple location information identified at different times, calculating the difference between the trajectory information and the predicted trajectory of each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, identifying the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio source based on the difference, and outputting output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite.

[0008] A computer program in one aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer to perform the following processes: determine whether or not a radio signal from a radio source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications; identify location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times; generate trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio source using the multiple location information identified at different times; calculate the difference between trajectory information indicating the predicted trajectory of each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites and the trajectory information, and identify the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio source based on the difference; and output output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides a positioning device, a positioning method, and a computer program that can identify a non-geostationary satellite that is the source of interfering radio waves that interfere with communications of other satellites. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the positioning system described in this disclosure. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the positioning system in this disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the output information in this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure. [Figure 5] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the positioning system in this disclosure. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of the positioning system in this disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a log in this disclosure. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the output information in this disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure. [Figure 10] This block diagram shows an example of the configuration of a positioning device in this disclosure. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a hardware configuration in which the positioning device described in this disclosure is implemented using a computer device including a processor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below have technically preferred limitations for carrying out this disclosure, but do not limit the scope of the invention. In all the drawings used in the description of the embodiments below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. In the embodiments below, similar configurations and operations may be omitted from repeated descriptions.

[0012] (First Embodiment) First, the positioning system in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the positioning system in this disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the positioning system in this disclosure. Positioning system 1 is a system for determining the position of a radio wave source X (non-geostationary satellite) that causes interference radio waves affecting the communication of satellite devices 60. Positioning system 1 has multiple satellite devices and positioning device 10. In Figure 1, the number of satellite devices included in positioning system 1 is shown as three (satellite devices 70-1, 70-2, 70-3), but this is just an example. The number of satellite devices 70 included in positioning system 1 can be any number, as long as there are two or more. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between multiple satellite devices, they will be referred to as satellite device 70.

[0013] Each satellite device 70 comprises a receiving unit 71 and a transmitting unit 72. The receiving unit 71 receives radio signals transmitted from a radio source X. The radio source X is a non-geostationary satellite. The transmitting unit 72 transmits the received radio signals to the positioning device.

[0014] (composition) The positioning device 10 is realized by an information processing device. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the positioning device 10 is an information processing device installed in satellite communication equipment that can communicate with the satellite device 70 on the ground, but this is an example for explanation. The positioning device 10 may be realized by a satellite device, and the configuration of the positioning system in this case will be described later. The positioning device 10 includes a receiving unit 11, a determination unit 12, a position specifying unit 13, a trajectory generation unit 14, a non-stationary satellite specifying unit 15, and an output unit 16.

[0015] The receiving unit 11 receives radio wave signals from the radio wave source X via the respective satellite devices 70. The receiving unit 11 has an antenna for receiving radio wave signals from the satellite device 70 and a receiving circuit for converting the received radio wave signals into a data format that can be processed. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 11 is described as a part of the configuration of the positioning device 10, but the receiving unit 11 may have a configuration independent of the positioning device 10.

[0016] The determination unit 12 determines whether the radio wave signal from the radio wave source X is a radio wave that deviates from the interference standard. The interference standard is a standard that defines the characteristics of radio waves that may cause interference with communication. Communication includes both communication performed on the ground and communication performed in outer space. The determination unit 12 determines a radio wave whose intensity exceeds a predetermined reference value or a radio wave having a frequency band other than the predetermined frequency band for space machines as a radio wave that deviates from the interference standard. The reference value of the radio wave intensity and the frequency that is not assumed to be used as a space machine are determined in advance, for example, by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0017] The positioning unit 13 identifies location information indicating the location of the radio wave source determined by the determination unit 12 to be deviating from the interference criteria. The positioning unit 13 identifies the location of the radio wave source multiple times at different times. For example, the positioning unit 13 repeats identifying the location of the radio wave source at regular time intervals. The regular time interval is a variable value set in advance by the administrator of the positioning device 10 or the like. The time interval is preferably set to within 1 second, but is not limited to this. The time interval may also be dynamically changed according to the overall system load status, etc.

[0018] The location identification unit 13 identifies the location of the radio wave source using known methods. For example, the location identification unit 13 uses methods such as TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival), FDOA (Frequency Difference of Arrival), and AOA (Angle of Arrival) to identify the location of the radio wave source that has been determined to deviate from the interference criteria.

[0019] The trajectory generation unit 14 generates trajectory information showing the trajectory of a non-geostationary satellite that is a radio wave source, using multiple location information points identified at different times by the location identification unit 13. For example, the trajectory generation unit 14 generates trajectory information by following the procedure below. First, the trajectory generation unit 14 plots the location information identified by the location identification unit 13 in a time series on a three-dimensional coordinate system. Next, the trajectory generation unit 14 generates an approximate curve that passes through the multiple plotted coordinates using a known method. For example, the trajectory generation unit 14 generates the approximate curve using spline interpolation or the least squares method. The generated approximate curve is the trajectory information of the non-geostationary satellite that is a radio wave source.

[0020] The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source based on the difference between the orbital information of the non-geostationary satellite stored in the database server 80 and the trajectory of the radio wave source generated by the trajectory generation unit 14.

[0021] The database server 80 is a server device that stores orbital information for multiple non-geostationary satellites. The orbital information stored in the database server 80 is information indicating the planned orbit of each satellite, calculated, for example, using a two-line element set (TLE). The orbital information stored in the database server 80 is updated periodically. In this embodiment, the orbital information is stored in the database server 80, but the orbital information may also be stored in the positioning device 10.

[0022] The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 compares the orbital information and the trajectory information and calculates the difference. Below is an example of how the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 calculates the difference. The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 converts the orbital information stored in the database server 80 into the same coordinate system and time frame as the trajectory information generated by the trajectory generation unit 14. Next, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 compares the trajectory information with the orbital information of each satellite in the database server 80 and calculates the spatial distance as the difference. The spatial distance can be, for example, the Euclidean distance, the Fréchet distance, or the Hausdorff distance. In another example, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 calculates the difference as the error in the coordinate values ​​between the orbital information and the trajectory information at each time point.

[0023] The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 identifies non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold as radio wave sources. The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 may identify multiple non-geostationary satellites as radio wave sources. Alternatively, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 may identify the non-geostationary satellite with the smallest difference value among the identified non-geostationary satellites, that is, the non-geostationary satellite whose orbit is most similar to the trajectory information of the radio wave source, as the radio wave source.

[0024] The output unit 16 generates and outputs output information that includes information on non-geostationary satellites identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15. The output unit 16 causes the output information to be displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the positioning device 10. The output information output by the output unit 16 may be transmitted to a terminal operated by the satellite constellation administrator or an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the output information in this disclosure. The output information generated by the output unit 16 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0025] The output information 160 includes icons (I1 to I3) for non-geostationary satellites. The display method of the icons in the output information 160 may be changed depending on whether the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 was able to uniquely identify the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves. For example, the display color of the icons may be changed depending on whether the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 was able to uniquely identify the non-geostationary satellite or not. In the example shown in the output information 160, icon I1, which is the icon when the non-geostationary satellite was uniquely identified, is displayed as a solid fill, and icon I2, which is the icon when the non-geostationary satellite was not uniquely identified, is displayed as a shaded area. In addition, the display method of the non-geostationary satellite icons may be changed depending on whether the determination unit 12 has determined that the interference criteria have been deviated. In the example shown in the output information 160, the display color of icon I3, which is the icon when the determination unit 12 has determined that the interference criteria have been deviated, is displayed in a different color from the display colors of the other icons I1 to I2. The icons for non-geostationary satellites are displayed at the current position of the non-geostationary satellites.

[0026] The output information 160 includes information (D1-D2) about the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source. The non-geostationary satellite information is information used to identify the non-geostationary satellite. For example, the non-geostationary satellite information D1-D2 includes the satellite catalog number (SATCAT), the name of the satellite, and information about the owner of the non-geostationary satellite. The non-geostationary satellite information may also include the characteristics of the interfering radio waves. The characteristics of the interfering radio waves are basic parameters used to identify or evaluate radio waves. For example, the characteristics of the interfering radio waves include information such as the intensity, frequency, polarization, and spectral characteristics of the radio waves. In addition, the non-geostationary satellite information may also include coordinate information indicating the current position of the non-geostationary satellite. The current position of the non-geostationary satellite is the latest position information identified by the position identification unit 13. In addition, the output information may also include trajectory information generated by the trajectory generation unit 14.

[0027] If multiple non-geostationary satellites are identified as radio wave sources, the output information may include a list showing information on the identified multiple non-geostationary satellites. The non-geostationary satellite information D2 included in the output information 160 is a list showing information on the identified multiple non-geostationary satellites. The list may be sorted according to the likelihood of it being a radio wave source. The likelihood of it being a radio wave source is higher the smaller the difference value calculated by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15.

[0028] (operation) Next, the operation of the positioning device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure.

[0029] First, the receiving unit 11 receives radio signals received from the non-geostationary satellites, which are the radio wave sources, via each satellite device 70 (step S11).

[0030] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether the radio signal received by each satellite device 70 from a non-geostationary satellite that is a radio wave source is a radio wave that deviates from the interference criteria (step S12). The determination unit 12 determines that a radio wave whose intensity deviates from the standard value, or a radio wave at a frequency not intended for use as a spacecraft, is a radio wave that deviates from the interference criteria. If the radio wave is not a radio wave that deviates from the interference criteria (No in step S13), the process returns to step S11.

[0031] If the radio waves deviate from the interference criteria (Yes in step S13), the positioning unit 13 determines the position of the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves multiple times at different times (step S14). The positioning unit 13 determines the position of the source of the radio waves using known methods. Known methods include, for example, TDOA, FDOA, and AOA.

[0032] Next, the trajectory generation unit 14 uses multiple positional information identified at different times in step S13 to generate trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source (step S15).

[0033] Next, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 calculates the difference between the orbital information of the non-geostationary satellites stored in the database server 80 and the trajectory of the radio wave source generated by the trajectory generation unit 14 (step S16). The non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 determines whether or not there are any non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold (step S17). If there are no non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold (No in step S17), the process returns to step S14. If there are non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S17), the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 identifies the non-geostationary satellite whose difference value is less than or equal to the threshold as a radio wave source (step S18). If there are multiple non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to the threshold, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 may identify multiple non-geostationary satellites as radio wave sources, or it may identify a single non-geostationary satellite with the smallest difference value as a radio wave source.

[0034] When a non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves is identified (Yes in step S17), the output unit 16 outputs output information that includes information about the identified non-geostationary satellite (step S18). After completing the process in step S18, the positioning device 10 terminates the series of processes described above.

[0035] As described above, the positioning device of this embodiment comprises a determination unit, a location identification unit, a trajectory generation unit, a non-geostationary satellite identification unit, and an output unit. The determination unit determines whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication. The location identification unit identifies location information indicating the location of the source of the radio wave signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times. The trajectory generation unit generates trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio wave source using the multiple location information identified at different times. The non-geostationary satellite identification unit calculates the difference between the trajectory information and the trajectory information for each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source based on the difference. The output unit outputs output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite. With the above configuration, the positioning device of this embodiment can identify a non-geostationary satellite that is the source of an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication of other satellites. This will allow users who check output information to request users who own non-geostationary satellites that are sources of interfering radio waves that disrupt communications on other satellites to cease transmission or to switch to a frequency band that does not cause interference, thereby improving the stability of communications within the satellite constellation.

[0036] In one aspect of this embodiment, the positioning device identifies all non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is below a predetermined threshold as radio wave sources. The position of the radio wave sources identified by the position identification unit may contain errors. By identifying multiple non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is below the threshold, it is possible to identify all non-geostationary satellites that are highly likely to be radio wave sources, while taking errors into account. This reduces the possibility of overlooking a true radio wave source due to false detection.

[0037] In one embodiment of this positioning device, the output information includes an icon indicating a non-geostationary satellite. The icon is displayed in a different way depending on whether or not the non-geostationary satellite has been uniquely identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit. This allows the user checking the output information to visually understand the identification status of the radio wave source.

[0038] In a positioning device according to one aspect of this embodiment, if there are multiple non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources, the output information includes a list showing information on the multiple identified non-geostationary satellites. By displaying multiple candidates in a list, a user checking the output information can visually grasp a list of non-geostationary satellites that may be radio wave sources.

[0039] (modified version) In this embodiment, the positioning device 10 was described as an information processing device installed in a satellite communication facility capable of communicating with the satellite device 70 on the ground. However, the positioning device 10 may also be implemented by the satellite device. Specifically, some or all of the functions of the positioning device 10 may be mounted on one of the satellite devices 70. An example of the configuration of the positioning system in this case is shown in Figure 5.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the positioning system 1' includes satellite devices 70-1' and 70-2'. One of the satellite devices 70' functions as the master unit, and the other satellite device 70' functions as a slave unit. The satellite device 70' that functions as the master unit has some or all of the functions of the positioning device 10. In the example shown in Figure 5, satellite device 70-1' functions as the slave unit, and satellite device 70-2' functions as the master unit.

[0041] The slave satellite device 70-1' includes a receiving unit 71 for receiving radio signals from a radio source and a communication unit 73 for communicating with other satellite devices. The master satellite device 70-2' includes a receiving unit 71, a communication unit 73, a determination unit 12, a position identification unit 13, a trajectory generation unit 14, a non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15, and an output unit 16. The receiving unit 71 receives radio signals from a radio source. The communication unit 73 receives radio signals transmitted from each of the slave satellite devices 70'. The processing of the determination unit 12 to the output unit 16 is the same as the processing described in Embodiment 1. The functions of the receiving unit 11 are realized by the receiving unit 71 and the communication unit 73. In the example shown in Figure 5, all the functions of the positioning device 10 are assumed to be possessed by the satellite device 70-2', but some of the functions of the positioning device 10 may be performed on the ground. For example, the output unit 16 of the satellite device 70-2' outputs information including information about the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source and the characteristics of the radio waves, and an information processing device installed on the ground may generate output information as shown in Figure 3.

[0042] (Second Embodiment) Next, the positioning system in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for parts that are the same as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The positioning device of this embodiment differs from the positioning system of the first embodiment in that it further comprises an orbital information generation unit that generates orbital information, a log generation unit that generates a log of the identification results of the non-geostationary satellite identification unit, and a regularity identification unit that identifies the regularity of interference radio wave transmission using the log.

[0043] (composition) Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a positioning system in this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the positioning system 2 includes a satellite device 70 and a positioning device 20. The positioning device 20 includes a receiving unit 11, a determination unit 12, a position identification unit 13, a trajectory generation unit 14, a non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15, an orbit information generation unit 27, a log generation unit 28, a regularity identification unit 29, and an output unit 26. The positioning device 20 is communicatively connected to a database server 82. In addition to orbit information, the database server 82 further stores two-line orbit elements (TLE) and log information.

[0044] The orbit information generation unit 27 generates orbit information, which is information indicating the orbit of each non-geostationary satellite, using two-row orbital elements (TLE). The orbit information generation unit 27 extracts orbital elements and epochs, which are the reference time for the orbital elements, from the two-row orbital elements. The orbit information generation unit 27 uses a mathematical model for predicting the orbits of non-geostationary satellites, taking the orbital elements and epochs as input. For example, the orbit information generation unit 27 inputs the orbital elements and epochs into the SGP4 (Simplified General Perturbations 4) model and obtains the coordinate position of the non-geostationary satellite at each time point as output. The orbit information generation unit 27 generates orbit information using the coordinate position of the non-geostationary satellite at each time point. The orbit information generation unit 27 stores the generated orbit information in the database server 82.

[0045] The log generation unit 28 generates a log of information about the non-geostationary satellite identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15. Figure 7 shows an example of a log in this disclosure. The log includes the detection date and time, which is the date and time when the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 identified the non-geostationary satellite, and information about the non-geostationary satellite. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the log includes the detection date and time, and the satellite catalog number and satellite name as information about the non-geostationary satellite. The log may also include the characteristics of the detected radio signal. The characteristics of the radio signal are basic parameters used to identify or evaluate radio waves. For example, the characteristics of the radio signal include information such as the intensity, frequency, polarization, and spectral characteristics of the radio wave. For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the characteristics of the radio signal include information about interference intensity. The log generation unit 28 generates a log each time a non-geostationary satellite is identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15. The log generation unit 28 stores the generated log in the database server 82.

[0046] The regularity identification unit 29 uses logs to identify regularities in the timing of interference radio waves emitted by non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources. For example, the regularity identification unit 29 identifies regularities in the timing of interference radio wave emission as follows: First, the regularity identification unit 29 extracts log data of non-geostationary satellites identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 from logs stored in the database server 82. Next, the regularity identification unit 29 performs statistical analysis to identify regularities in the timing of interference radio wave emission by non-geostationary satellites. For example, the regularity identification unit 29 calculates the time intervals in which interference radio waves are detected and determines whether there is a certain regularity in the calculated time intervals. The regularity identification unit 29 identifies regularities in the timing of interference radio wave emission by non-geostationary satellites using various methods, not limited to the method described above.

[0047] The output unit 26 generates output information that further includes the regularity of the timing when non-geostationary satellites transmit interference radio waves. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of output information in this disclosure. For example, as shown in D3 of Figure 8, the output information 162 further includes the regularity of the timing when non-geostationary satellites transmit interference radio waves. The output information may further include the results of statistical analysis processing when calculating the regularity. For example, the output information may include the number of detections, which is the total number of times that the positioning device 20 has detected that non-geostationary satellites have transmitted interference radio waves, or the average value of the time interval in which interference radio waves are detected, as a result of statistical analysis processing. For example, as shown in D4 of Figure 8, the output information 162 includes the number of detections.

[0048] (operation) Next, the operation of the positioning device 20 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure. It is assumed that, as a preprocessing step before the process shown in Figure 9, trajectory information is generated by the trajectory information generation unit 27, and that the trajectory information is stored in the database server 82.

[0049] First, the receiving unit 11 receives radio signals received from non-geostationary satellites, which are radio wave sources, via each satellite device 70 (step S21).

[0050] Next, the positioning device 20 performs trajectory information generation processing (step S22). Trajectory information generation processing refers to the processes of steps S12 to S15 shown in Figure 4. Since the processes of steps S12 to S15 are as described in the first embodiment, their explanation is omitted here.

[0051] Next, the positioning device 20 performs non-geostationary satellite identification processing (step S23). Non-geostationary satellite identification processing refers to the processes shown in steps S16 to S18 in Figure 4. Since the processes in steps S16 to S18 are as described in the first embodiment, their explanation is omitted here.

[0052] Next, the log generation unit 28 generates a log of information about the non-geostationary satellite identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 15 (step S24).

[0053] Next, the regularity identification unit 29 identifies the regularity of the non-geostationary satellites identified in step S23 that emit interfering radio waves (step S25).

[0054] Next, the output unit 26 outputs output information including information from non-geostationary satellites and the regularity identified in step S25 (step S26). After completing the processing in step S26, the positioning device 20 terminates the series of processes described above.

[0055] The positioning device of this embodiment is configured as described above. In addition to the effects obtained from the positioning device of the first embodiment, the positioning device of this embodiment obtains the following effects.

[0056] A positioning device according to one aspect of this embodiment further comprises a log generation unit and a regularity identification unit. The log generation unit generates a log of information about non-geostationary satellites identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification unit. The regularity identification unit uses the log to identify the regularity of interference radio waves emitted by non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources. The output unit generates output information that further includes the regularity of interference radio waves emitted by non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources. According to the positioning device according to one aspect of this embodiment, trends such as the frequency and periodicity of interference radio waves can be grasped. As a result, users who check the output information can optimize operations and formulate regulatory policies to stabilize communications of satellite constellations, thus improving communication quality.

[0057] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, a positioning device 30, which has a simplified configuration compared to the positioning devices in the first and second embodiments, will be described.

[0058] (composition) The configuration of the positioning device in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the positioning device in this disclosure. The positioning device 30 includes a determination unit 32, a position identification unit 33, a trajectory generation unit 34, a non-geostationary satellite identification unit 35, and an output unit 36.

[0059] The determination unit 32 determines whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication. The location identification unit identifies location information indicating the location of the source of the radio wave signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times. The trajectory generation unit generates trajectory information indicating the trajectory of the radio wave source using the multiple location information identified at different times. The non-geostationary satellite identification unit calculates the difference between the trajectory information and the predicted trajectory of each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source based on the difference. The output unit outputs output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite.

[0060] (operation) Next, an example of the operation of the positioning device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the positioning device in this disclosure.

[0061] First, the determination unit 32 determines whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication (step S31).

[0062] Next, the location identification unit 33 identifies location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be an interfering radio wave multiple times at different times (step S32).

[0063] Next, the trajectory generation unit 34 generates trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source using multiple location information identified at different times (step S33).

[0064] Next, the non-geostationary satellite identification unit 35 calculates the difference between the orbital information and trajectory information for each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source based on the difference (step S34).

[0065] Next, the output unit 36 ​​outputs output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite (step S35).

[0066] The positioning device of this embodiment calculates the difference between trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source and orbital information showing the orbit of the non-geostationary satellite for each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the radio wave source based on the difference, and outputs output information including the information of the identified non-geostationary satellite. In other words, the positioning device of this embodiment can identify a non-geostationary satellite that is the source of interfering radio waves that interfere with the communication of other satellites.

[0067] (Hardware configuration) Each component in the embodiments of this disclosure described above can be implemented not only as hardware, but also by a computer device or firmware based on program control.

[0068] Figure 12 shows an example of a hardware configuration in which the positioning device in this disclosure is implemented using a computer device 90 including a processor. The positioning device in each embodiment is implemented by the computer device 90. As shown in Figure 12, the computer device 90 includes a processor 91, memory 92, a storage device 93 such as a hard disk for storing programs, an input / output interface 94 for connecting input and output devices, and a communication interface 95 for network connection.

[0069] The processor 91 loads a program (instruction) stored in the storage device 93 or the like into memory 92. For example, the program is a software program for executing the control and processing described in this disclosure. The processor 91 executes the program loaded into memory 92. By executing the program, the processor 91 performs the control and processing described in this disclosure.

[0070] The storage device 93 is, for example, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, an external hard disk, or a semiconductor memory. Some of the storage media of the storage device are non-volatile storage devices, and programs are recorded therein. Alternatively, programs may be downloaded from an external computer (not shown) connected to a communication network.

[0071] The configuration of the input / output interface 94 differs depending on the implementation form of the positioning device. First, the input / output interface 94 when the positioning device is implemented by a ground-based information processing device will be described. Input devices connected to the input / output interface 94 are implemented by, for example, a mouse or keyboard and are used for input operations. Similarly, output devices connected to the input / output interface 94 are implemented by, for example, a display and are used for displaying and confirming output results. Next, the input / output interface 94 when the positioning device is implemented on a satellite device will be described. The input / output interface 94 is connected to the communication device of the satellite device. When the output unit of the positioning device receives a data request command from the ground station, it transmits the generated output information to the ground station via the communication device of the satellite device. The ground station extracts the output result data from the received radio signal and displays the output result on an output device installed at the ground station.

[0072] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0073] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows: (Note 1) A determination means for determining whether a radio signal from a radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication, A location identification means for identifying location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave multiple times at different times, A trajectory generation means that generates trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source using multiple location information identified at different times, For each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, a non-geostationary satellite identification means calculates the difference between orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information, and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves based on the difference, An output means that outputs output information including information on identified non-geostationary satellites, A positioning device equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The non-geostationary satellite identification means identifies all non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold as the radio wave source. The positioning device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The output information includes an icon indicating a non-geostationary satellite. The positioning device described in Appendix 2, wherein the icon is displayed in a different way depending on whether or not the non-geostationary satellite was uniquely identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification means. (Note 4) If there are multiple non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources, the positioning device according to Appendix 2 includes a list indicating information on the multiple identified non-geostationary satellites as output information. (Note 5) A log generation means that generates a log of information relating to the non-geostationary satellite identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification means, The system further comprises a regularity identification means that uses the log to identify the regularity of the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source transmitting the interfering radio waves, The positioning device according to Appendix 1, wherein the output means generates output information that further includes the regularity of the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source transmitting the interfering radio waves. (Note 6) The positioning device is connected to multiple satellite devices in a communicative manner, The aforementioned radio signals are received via each of the aforementioned satellite devices. The positioning device described in Appendix 1, wherein the positioning means determines the position of the radio wave source using one of the following methods: TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival), FDOA (Frequency Difference of Arrival), or AOA (Angle of Arrival). (Note 7) The positioning device according to Appendix 1, wherein the determination means determines whether the radio wave signal is an interfering radio wave depending on whether or not the radio wave signal deviates from an interference criterion that defines the characteristics of radio waves that may interfere with communication. (Note 8) The positioning device described in Appendix 2 determines that a radio wave whose intensity exceeds a predetermined standard value, or a radio wave having a frequency band other than a predetermined frequency band for a spacecraft, is an interfering radio wave. (Note 9) Computers Determine whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications. The location information indicating the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave is identified multiple times at different times. Using multiple location information identified at different times, trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source is generated. For each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, the difference between the orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information is calculated, and based on the difference, the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves is identified. A positioning method that outputs output information including information about identified non-geostationary satellites. (Note 10) On the computer, A process to determine whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications, A process to identify location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave multiple times at different times, A process for generating trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source using multiple location information identified at different times, For each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, the difference between the orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information is calculated, and the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves is identified based on the difference. A computer program that performs a process to output output information including information about the identified non-geostationary satellite.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above appendices, some or all of the configurations described in Appendices 2 to 8, which are subordinate to Appendice 1, may also be subordinate to Appendices 9 and 10 in the same way as those described in Appendices 2 to 8. Moreover, not limited to Appendices 1, 9, and 10, some or all of the configurations described as appendices may also be subordinate to various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, without departing from the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1, 2 Positioning Systems 10, 20, 30 Positioning devices 11 Receiving unit 12, 32 Judgment section 13, 33 Position identification part 14, 34 Trajectory generator 15, 35 Non-geostationary satellite identification section Output sections 16, 26, 36 27 Orbit information generation section 28 Log generation section 29 Regularity identification part 70 Satellite equipment 71 Receiving Unit 72 Transmitter 73 Communications Department 80 Database Servers 90 Computer equipment 91 processors 92 memory 93 Storage device 94 Input / Output Interfaces 95 Communication Interface

Claims

1. A determination means for determining whether a radio signal from a radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communication, A location identification means for identifying location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave multiple times at different times, A trajectory generation means that generates trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source using multiple location information identified at different times, A means for identifying a non-geostationary satellite that, for each of multiple non-geostationary satellites, calculates the difference between orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information, and identifies the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves based on the difference, An output means that outputs output information including information on identified non-geostationary satellites, A positioning device equipped with the following features.

2. The non-geostationary satellite identification means identifies all non-geostationary satellites whose difference value is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold as the radio wave source. The positioning device according to claim 1.

3. The output information includes an icon indicating a non-geostationary satellite. The positioning device according to claim 2, wherein the icon is displayed in a different display method depending on whether or not the non-geostationary satellite was uniquely identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification means.

4. The positioning device according to claim 2, wherein, if there are multiple non-geostationary satellites identified as radio wave sources, the output information includes a list indicating information on the multiple identified non-geostationary satellites.

5. A log generation means that generates a log of information relating to the non-geostationary satellite identified by the non-geostationary satellite identification means, The system further comprises a regularity identification means that uses the log to identify the regularity of the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source transmitting the interfering radio waves, The positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the output means generates output information that further includes the regularity of the non-geostationary satellite identified as the radio wave source transmitting the interfering radio waves.

6. The positioning device is connected to multiple satellite devices in a communicative manner, The aforementioned radio signals are received via each of the aforementioned satellite devices. The positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means determines the position of the radio wave source using one of the following methods: TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival), FDOA (Frequency Difference of Arrival), or AOA (Angle of Arrival).

7. The positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines whether the radio wave signal is an interfering radio wave depending on whether or not the radio wave signal deviates from an interference criterion that defines the characteristics of radio waves that may interfere with communication.

8. The positioning device according to claim 2, wherein the determination means determines that a radio wave whose intensity exceeds a predetermined reference value, or a radio wave having a frequency band other than a predetermined frequency band for a spacecraft, is an interfering radio wave.

9. Computers Determine whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications. The location information indicating the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave is identified multiple times at different times. Using multiple location information identified at different times, trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source is generated. For each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, the difference between the orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information is calculated, and based on the difference, the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves is identified. A positioning method that outputs output information including information about identified non-geostationary satellites.

10. On the computer, A process to determine whether the radio signal from the radio wave source is an interfering radio wave that interferes with communications, A process to identify location information indicating the location of the source of the radio signal determined to be the aforementioned interfering radio wave multiple times at different times, A process for generating trajectory information showing the trajectory of the radio wave source using multiple location information identified at different times, For each of the multiple non-geostationary satellites, the difference between the orbital information showing the predicted orbit of the non-geostationary satellite and the trajectory information is calculated, and based on the difference, the non-geostationary satellite that is the source of the radio waves is identified. A computer program that performs a process to output output information including information about the identified non-geostationary satellite.

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