Utilization device, utilization method, and utilization program

Abstract

To make it possible to present information suitable for receiving an analysis service for an image obtained by an artificial satellite to a user.SOLUTION: A request acceptance part 110 accepts user requests indicating requirements. A candidate retrieval part 120 retrieves one or more observation satellite candidates that meet the requirements, one or more archive image candidates that meet the requirements, and one or more analysis application candidates that meet the requirements. A candidate evaluation part 130 evaluates a found candidate. An information presentation part 140 presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of the observation satellite candidates, the archive image candidates and the analysis application candidates.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a platform for a user to utilize an image analysis service obtained by a satellite.

Background Art

[0002] In a system that operates various observation satellites to provide observation data to users, when there is a request from a user, it is necessary to process the archive data obtained in previous operations or the new data obtained in new operations according to the request. The user needs to select an operator and a satellite. Also, the user needs to select an archive or new observation. Also, the user needs to select a service. Furthermore, the user needs to consider their combinations. Since there are no (or only partial) criteria for selecting these, there is a possibility that appropriate data for the required information cannot be obtained. An operator cannot handle (or it takes time) when not having the necessary satellites, necessary archives, and necessary services. That is, an opportunity loss occurs.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the following technology. The system identifies satellites and orbital paths capable of observing a region requested by a user. Then, the system determines an observation plan for efficiently observing the requested region using those combinations.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Due to the lack of know-how regarding the use of satellites, users cannot determine which satellites to use and how to use them optimally. For example, users cannot determine the necessary satellite data, the required data volume, the required data frequency, and the selection between archiving or new observations.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to enable the presentation of appropriate information to users for receiving analysis services of images obtained by artificial satellites.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The utilization device of the present disclosure includes a request reception unit that receives a user request indicating the necessary conditions for an analysis service of an observation image obtained by observation from an observation satellite; a satellite candidate search unit that searches, using a satellite database in which satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites is stored, for one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more pieces of satellite information that meet the necessary conditions as one or more observation satellite candidates; an image candidate search unit that searches, from an image archive in which a plurality of archive images, which are a plurality of observation images, are stored, for one or more archive images that meet the necessary conditions as one or more archive image candidates; an application candidate search unit that searches, from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered, for one or more analysis applications that meet the necessary conditions as one or more analysis application candidates; a candidate evaluation unit that evaluates the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function; an information presentation unit that presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of an observation satellite candidate, an archive image candidate, and an analysis application candidate based on the evaluation result.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, response information to a user request can be presented to the user as appropriate information for receiving an analysis service of an image obtained by a satellite.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] In the embodiments and the drawings, the same elements or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The description of the elements denoted by the same reference numerals as the described elements is omitted or simplified as appropriate. The arrows in the figures mainly indicate the flow of data or the flow of processing.

[0011] Embodiment 1. The utilization device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The utilization device 100 is a device used by a user to utilize an analysis service of an image obtained by a satellite.

[0012] ***Description of Configuration*** Based on FIG. 1, the configuration of the utilization device 100 will be described. The utilization device 100 is a computer including hardware such as a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication device 104, and an input / output interface 105. These hardware components are connected to each other via signal lines.

[0013] The processor 101 is an IC that performs arithmetic processing and controls other hardware. For example, the processor 101 is a CPU. IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit.

[0014] The memory 102 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The memory 102 is also called the main storage device or main memory. For example, the memory 102 is a RAM. The data stored in the memory 102 is saved in the auxiliary storage device 103 as needed. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

[0015] The auxiliary storage device 103 is a non-volatile storage device. For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 is a ROM, HDD, flash memory, or a combination thereof. The data stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 is loaded into the memory 102 as needed. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive.

[0016] The communication device 104 is a receiver and a transmitter. For example, the communication device 104 is a communication chip or NIC. The communication of the utilization device 100 is performed using the communication device 104. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card.

[0017] The input / output interface 105 is a port to which an input device and an output device are connected. For example, the input / output interface 105 is a USB terminal, the input devices are a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device is a display. The input / output of the utilization device 100 is performed using the input / output interface 105. USB is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus.

[0018] The utilization device 100 includes elements such as a request reception unit 110, a candidate search unit 120, a candidate evaluation unit 130, and an information presentation unit 140. These elements are realized by software.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores a utilization program for causing a computer to function as the request reception unit 110, the candidate search unit 120, the candidate evaluation unit 130, and the information presentation unit 140. The utilization program is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 further stores an OS. At least a part of the OS is loaded into the memory 102 and executed by the processor 101. The processor 101 executes the utilization program while executing the OS. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0020] The input / output data of the utilization program is stored in the storage unit 190. The memory 102 functions as the storage unit 190. However, storage devices such as the auxiliary storage device 103, the registers in the processor 101, and the cache memory in the processor 101 may function as the storage unit 190 instead of, or together with, the memory 102.

[0021] The utilization device 100 may include a plurality of processors that replace the processor 101.

[0022] The usage program can be recorded (stored) in a non-volatile recording medium such as an optical disk or a flash memory in a computer-readable manner.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows the functional configuration of the usage device 100. The satellite information DB 191, the image archive 192, and the analysis application DB 193 are stored in the storage unit 190. DB means a database.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows the functional configuration of the candidate search unit 120. The candidate search unit 120 includes a satellite candidate search unit 121, an image candidate search unit 122, and an application candidate search unit 123.

[0025] ***Explanation of operations*** The operation procedure of the usage device 100 corresponds to the usage method. Also, the operation procedure of the usage device 100 corresponds to the processing procedure by the usage program.

[0026] Based on Fig. 4, the usage method will be described. In step S110, the user inputs a user request to the usage device 100. The request reception unit 110 receives the input user request.

[0027] The user request indicates the conditions (necessary conditions) required to provide the analysis service. The analysis service is a service that analyzes an observation image and provides information. An example of the analysis service is flood analysis and ground subsidence analysis. The observation image is an image obtained by observation from an observation satellite. Observation corresponds to imaging. The observed area is shown in the observation image. The observation satellite is an artificial satellite equipped with observation means for performing observation. An example of the observation means is a camera and a radar. The necessary conditions indicate the observation time, the observation area, the analysis type, etc. The observation time is the time when the observation is carried out, and it can be any time in the past or the future. The observation time is specified by time, period, time interval, etc. The observation area is the area to be observed. The analysis type is the type of analysis service.

[0028] In step S120, the candidate search unit 120 performs satellite candidate search, image candidate search, and application candidate search based on the user request.

[0029] The satellite candidate search is performed using the satellite information DB 191. The satellite information DB 191 stores the satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites. The satellite information indicates a satellite identifier, a satellite orbit, an observation type, an observation performance, etc. The satellite identifier identifies the observation satellite. The satellite orbit is the orbit in which the observation satellite flies. The observation type is the type of observation means. The observation performance is the performance of the observation means. For example, the observation performance is indicated by the resolution.

[0030] In the satellite candidate search, the satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for one or more observation satellite candidates. One or more observation satellite candidates are one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more pieces of satellite information that meet the necessary conditions. The observation satellite candidate has a new imaging opportunity.

[0031] One or more observation satellite candidates are searched by at least any one of (1-1) to (1-5), or any combination of (1-1) to (1-5).

[0032] (1-1) In the user request, the necessary conditions indicate the observation time and the observation area. The satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating a satellite orbit capable of observing the observation area at the observation time. The observation satellite identified by the satellite identifier of the found satellite information becomes the observation satellite candidate.

[0033] (1-2) In the user requirement, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the observation type corresponding to the analysis type. For example, data (analysis type data) indicating the observation type corresponding to each of a plurality of analysis types is stored in advance in the storage unit 190. The observation type corresponding to the analysis type means the type of observation means necessary for the analysis. The satellite candidate search unit 121 determines the observation type corresponding to the analysis type using the analysis type data. Then, the satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the determined observation type. The observation satellite identified by the satellite identifier of the found satellite information becomes the observation satellite candidate.

[0034] (1-3) In the user requirement, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. For example, data (analysis type data) indicating the observation performance corresponding to each of a plurality of analysis types is stored in advance in the storage unit 190. The observation performance corresponding to the analysis type means the observation performance necessary for the analysis. The satellite candidate search unit 121 determines the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type using the analysis type data. Then, the satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the determined observation performance. The observation satellite identified by the satellite identifier of the found satellite information becomes the observation satellite candidate.

[0035] (1-4) In the user requirement, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The application candidate search unit 123 determines the observation type corresponding to the analysis type. The satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the determined observation type. The observation satellite identified by the satellite identifier of the found satellite information becomes the observation satellite candidate.

[0036] (1-5) In the user requirement, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The application candidate search unit 123 determines the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. The satellite candidate search unit 121 searches for satellite information indicating the determined observation performance. The observation satellite identified by the satellite identifier of the found satellite information becomes the observation satellite candidate.

[0037] The image candidate search is performed using the image archive 192. The image archive 192 stores a plurality of archive images and the image information of each of the plurality of archive images. The archive image is a past observation image. The image information indicates the observation time, observation area, observation type, observation performance, satellite identifier, etc.

[0038] In the image candidate search, the image candidate search unit 122 searches for one or more archive image candidates. One or more archive image candidates are one or more archive images that meet the necessary conditions.

[0039] One or more archive image candidates are searched by at least any one of (2-1) to (2-3), or any combination of (2-1) to (2-3).

[0040] (2-1) In the user request, the necessary conditions indicate the observation time and the observation area. The image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the observation time that meets the necessary conditions and the observation area that meets the necessary conditions. The archive image corresponding to the found image information becomes the archive image candidate.

[0041] (2-2) In the user request, the necessary condition indicates the analysis type. The image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the observation type corresponding to the analysis type. For example, the image candidate search unit 122 determines the observation type corresponding to the analysis type using the above-mentioned analysis type data. Then, the image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the determined observation type. The archive image corresponding to the found image information becomes an archive image candidate.

[0042] (2-3) The required conditions in the user request indicate the analysis type. The image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. For example, the image candidate search unit 122 determines the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type using the aforementioned analysis type data. Then, the image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the determined observation performance. The archive image corresponding to the found image information becomes an archive image candidate.

[0043] (2-4) The image candidate search unit 122 searches for image information indicating the satellite identifier that identifies the observation satellite candidate. The archive image corresponding to the found image information becomes an archive image candidate.

[0044] The application candidate search is performed using the analysis application DB 193. In the analysis application DB 193, a plurality of analysis applications and the respective application information of the plurality of analysis applications are stored. The analysis application is an application for analyzing the observation image. The application corresponds to, for example, software or a program. The application information indicates the analysis type, the observation type, the observation performance, and the like.

[0045] In the application candidate search, the application candidate search unit 123 searches for one or more analysis application candidates. One or more analysis application candidates are one or more analysis applications that meet the required conditions.

[0046] One or more analysis application candidates are searched by at least any one of (3-1) to (3-3), or any combination of (3-1) to (3-3).

[0047] (3-1) In the user request, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The application candidate search unit 123 searches for application information that meets the prerequisite. The analysis application corresponding to the found application information becomes an analysis application candidate.

[0048] (3-2) In the user request, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The application candidate search unit 123 searches for application information indicating the observation type corresponding to the analysis type. For example, the application candidate search unit 123 uses the aforementioned analysis type data to determine the observation type corresponding to the analysis type. Then, the application candidate search unit 123 searches for application information indicating the determined observation type. The analysis application corresponding to the found application information becomes an analysis application candidate.

[0049] (3-3) In the user request, the prerequisite indicates the analysis type. The application candidate search unit 123 searches for application information indicating the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. For example, the application candidate search unit 123 uses the aforementioned analysis type data to determine the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. Then, the application candidate search unit 123 searches for application information indicating the determined observation performance. The analysis application corresponding to the found application information becomes an analysis application candidate.

[0050] In step S120, at least one of the candidates of one or more observation satellite candidates, one or more archive image candidates, and one or more analysis application candidates is found.

[0051] In step S130, the candidate evaluation unit 130 evaluates the candidates found in step S120 using an evaluation function.

[0052] Specifically, the candidate evaluation unit 130 calculates an evaluation function by taking as input the satellite information of each of one or more candidate observation satellites, the image information of each of one or more archive image candidates, and the application information of each of one or more analysis application candidates. Thereby, an evaluation value is calculated for each combination of a candidate observation satellite, a candidate archive image, and a candidate analysis application (candidate combination). The candidate combination includes at least any one of a candidate observation satellite, a candidate archive image, and a candidate analysis application.

[0053] Based on FIG. 5, the evaluation function will be described. The evaluation function has a plurality of parameters. Each parameter is weighted by the user. Examples of the parameters are observation performance, observation area, image quality, analysis time, observation time difference, and acquisition time. The analysis time corresponds to the processing time of the analysis application. The observation time difference is the difference between the required observation time and the observation time of the observation image. The acquisition time is the time required to obtain a new observation image using the candidate observation satellite.

[0054] In step S140, the information presentation unit 140 presents response information based on the evaluation result obtained in step S130. A specific example of the presentation is display on a display. The response information indicates one or more candidate combinations.

[0055] For example, in step S130, from the evaluation function, the optimal candidate combination selected based on the evaluation value of each candidate combination is output. The information presentation unit 140 presents the optimal candidate combination.

[0056] For example, in step S130, evaluation values of each candidate combination are output from the evaluation function. The information presentation unit 140 selects a predetermined number of candidate combinations in descending order of evaluation based on the evaluation values of each candidate combination. Then, the information presentation unit 140 presents the selected candidate combinations.

[0057] ***Supplement to Embodiment 1*** Based on FIG. 6, the image candidate search in step S120 is supplemented. In the image candidate search, archive image candidates may be selected as follows. The image candidate search unit 122 selects an archive image that matches the observation conditions and whose date and time condition difference is within the allowable range. The selected archive image becomes an archive image candidate. The observation conditions indicate the observation area, off-nadir angle, resolution, orbit direction, etc. The date and time condition difference corresponds to the difference between the required observation date and time and the observation date and time of the archive image. For example, the date and time condition difference is a period difference or a season difference.

[0058] ***Effect of Embodiment 1*** According to Embodiment 1, response information to user requests can be presented to the user as appropriate information for receiving an analysis service of an observation image. Therefore, the user can receive the analysis service using the presented response information.

[0059] Embodiment 2. Regarding the form of providing the analysis service, the main differences from Embodiment 1 will be described based on FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0060] ***Explanation of Configuration*** Based on FIG. 7, the configuration of the utilization device 100 will be described. The utilization device 100 further includes an observation request unit 150 and an image analysis unit 160. The utilization program further causes a computer to function as the observation request unit 150 and the image analysis unit 160.

[0061] Fig. 8 shows the functional configuration of the utilization device 100. The operation system is the system of the operator who operates the observation system. The observation system is a system for performing observations using one or more observation satellites.

[0062] ***Explanation of the operation*** Based on Fig. 9, the usage method will be explained. Steps S110 to S140 are as described in Embodiment 1. After step S140, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0063] In step S210, the user selects any one of the presented one or more candidate combinations. The information presentation unit 140 accepts the selection of the candidate combination. The selected candidate combination is referred to as the selected combination. The observation satellite candidate included in the selected combination is referred to as the selected satellite. The archive image candidate included in the selected combination is referred to as the selected image. The analysis application candidate included in the selected combination is referred to as the selected application.

[0064] In step S220, the observation request unit 150 receives a new image. The new image is an observation image newly obtained by observation from the selected satellite.

[0065] The observation request unit 150 receives the new image as follows. First, the observation request unit 150 transmits an observation request. The observation request is data for requesting observation by the selected satellite. The observation request indicates the selected satellite, the observation time, the observation area, etc. For example, the observation request unit 150 transmits an observation request to the operation system of the operator who operates the selected satellite. The operation system receives the observation request, causes the selected satellite to perform observations according to the observation request, receives a new image obtained by the performed observations, and transmits the new image to the utilization device 100. Then, the observation request unit 150 receives the new image.

[0066] However, if the selected combination does not include the observation satellite candidates, step S220 is not executed.

[0067] In step S230, the image analysis unit 160 analyzes the new image and the selected image using the selected application. However, if the selected combination does not include the observation satellite candidates, the analysis of the new image is not executed. Also, if the selected combination does not include the archive image candidates, the analysis of the selected image is not executed.

[0068] In step S240, the information presentation unit 140 presents the analysis result.

[0069] ***Effects of Embodiment 2*** According to Embodiment 2, an analysis service can be provided using a candidate combination selected from one or more candidate combinations.

[0070] ***Supplementary Explanation of Embodiment*** In the embodiment, the satellite information DB 191, the image archive 192, and the analysis application DB 193 may be managed by an external device.

[0071] According to the embodiment, it is possible to promote the expansion of the use of satellite data. As a result, it becomes possible to solve the problems of each industry by using satellites in a wide variety of industrial fields.

[0072] Each embodiment is an example of a preferred form and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment may be partially implemented or implemented in combination with other forms. The procedures described using flowcharts and the like may be changed as appropriate.

[0073] Each element of the utilization device 100 may be realized by any of software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The "section" of each element of the utilization device 100 may be read as "processing", "step", "circuit", or "circuitry".

[0074] The aspects of the present disclosure are described below as appendices.

[0075] (Appendix 1) A request reception unit that receives a user request indicating requirements for an analysis service of an observation image obtained by observation from an observation satellite, A satellite candidate search unit that uses a satellite database in which satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites is stored to search for one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more satellite information that meets the requirements as one or more observation satellite candidates, An image candidate search unit that searches for one or more archive images that meet the requirements as one or more archive image candidates from an image archive in which a plurality of archive images, which are a plurality of observation images, are stored, An application candidate search unit that searches for one or more analysis applications that meet the requirements as one or more analysis application candidates from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered, A candidate evaluation unit that evaluates the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function, An information presentation unit that presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of an observation satellite candidate, an archive image candidate, and an analysis application candidate based on the evaluation result, A utilization device comprising the above.

[0076] (Appendix 2) The necessary conditions indicate the observation time and the observation area, The satellite information indicates the satellite orbit, The satellite candidate search unit finds the observing satellite of the satellite information indicating the satellite orbit capable of observing the observation area at the observation time as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to Appendix 1.

[0077] (Appendix 3) The necessary conditions indicate the analysis type, The satellite information indicates at least one of the observation type and the observation performance, The satellite candidate search unit finds the observing satellite of the satellite information indicating at least one of the observation type corresponding to the analysis type and the observation performance corresponding to the observation type as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0078] (Appendix 4) The necessary conditions indicate the observation time and the observation area, In the image archive, the image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored, The image information indicates the observation time and the observation area, The image candidate search unit finds the archive image of the image information indicating the observation time matching the necessary conditions and the observation area matching the necessary conditions as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0079] (Appendix 5) The necessary conditions indicate the analysis type, In the image archive, the image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored, The image information indicates at least one of the observation type and the observation performance, The image candidate search unit finds the archive image of the image information indicating at least one of the observation type corresponding to the analysis type and the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 6) In the image archive, the image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored. The image information indicates an observation satellite. The image candidate search unit finds an archive image of the image information indicating the observation satellite candidate as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 7) The necessary condition indicates an analysis type. In the application database, the application information of each of the plurality of analysis applications is stored. The application information indicates an analysis type. The application candidate search unit finds an analysis application of the application information that meets the necessary condition as the analysis application candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6.

[0082] (Supplementary Note 8) The necessary condition indicates an analysis type. In the application database, the application information of each of the plurality of analysis applications is stored. The application information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance. The application candidate search unit finds an analysis application of the application information that indicates at least one of the observation type corresponding to the analysis type and the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type as the analysis application candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 9) The satellite information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance. The application candidate search unit determines at least one of the observation type corresponding to the analysis type and the observation performance corresponding to the analysis type, The satellite candidate search unit finds an observation satellite of satellite information indicating at least one of the determined observation type and the determined observation performance as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8.

[0084] (Appendix 10) The evaluation function has a plurality of parameters, The plurality of parameters include at least one parameter of observation performance, observation area, image quality, analysis time, observation time difference, and acquisition time. Each of the plurality of parameters is weighted by the user. The utilization device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9.

[0085] (Appendix 11) The utilization device includes an observation requirement unit and an image analysis unit. The information presentation unit accepts a selection of any one of the one or more candidate combinations. The observation requirement unit transmits an observation requirement for requesting observation by an observation satellite included as an observation satellite candidate in the selected candidate combination, and receives an observation image obtained by the requested observation. The image analysis unit analyzes at least one of the received observation image and the archive image included as an archive image candidate in the selected candidate combination using the analysis application included as an analysis application candidate in the selected candidate combination. The information presentation unit presents the analysis result. The utilization device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10.

[0086] (Appendix 12) Accept a user request indicating the necessary conditions for the analysis service of the observation image obtained by the observation from the observation satellite. Using a satellite database storing satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites, one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more satellite information meeting the necessary conditions are retrieved as one or more observation satellite candidates, From an image archive storing a plurality of archive images which are a plurality of observation images, one or more archive images meeting the necessary conditions are retrieved as one or more archive image candidates, From an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered, one or more analysis applications meeting the necessary conditions are retrieved as one or more analysis application candidates, The one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates are evaluated using an evaluation function, Based on the evaluation result, response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of the observation satellite candidates, the archive image candidates, and the analysis application candidates is presented Usage method.

[0087] (Appendix 13) A request reception unit that receives a user request indicating necessary conditions for an analysis service of an observation image obtained by observation from an observation satellite, A satellite candidate search unit that uses a satellite database storing satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites to retrieve one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more satellite information meeting the necessary conditions as one or more observation satellite candidates, An image candidate search unit that retrieves one or more archive images meeting the necessary conditions as one or more archive image candidates from an image archive storing a plurality of archive images which are a plurality of observation images, An application candidate search unit that retrieves one or more analysis applications meeting the necessary conditions as one or more analysis application candidates from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered, A candidate evaluation unit that evaluates the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function, As an information presentation unit that presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of an observation satellite candidate, an archive image candidate, and an analysis application candidate based on the evaluation result, A utility program for operating a computer.

Explanation of symbols

[0088] 100 Utilization device, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Auxiliary storage device, 104 Communication device, 105 Input / output interface, 110 Request reception unit, 120 Candidate search unit, 121 Satellite candidate search unit, 122 Image candidate search unit, 123 Analysis application candidate search unit, 130 Candidate evaluation unit, 140 Information presentation unit, 150 Observation request unit, 160 Image analysis unit, 190 Storage unit, 191 Satellite information DB, 192 Image archive, 193 Analysis application DB.

Claims

1. A request receiving unit that receives a user request indicating requirements for an analysis service of an observation image obtained by observation from an observation satellite, A satellite candidate search unit that uses a satellite database storing satellite information of each of a plurality of observation satellites to search for one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more pieces of satellite information that meet the requirements as one or more observation satellite candidates, An image candidate search unit that searches for one or more archive images that meet the requirements from an image archive storing a plurality of archive images, which are a plurality of observation images, as one or more archive image candidates, An application candidate search unit that searches for one or more analysis applications that meet the requirements from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered as one or more analysis application candidates, A candidate evaluation unit that evaluates the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function, An information presentation unit that presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of an observation satellite candidate, an archive image candidate, and an analysis application candidate based on the evaluation result, A utilization device comprising the above.

2. The requirements indicate an observation time and an observation area, The satellite information indicates a satellite orbit, The satellite candidate search unit finds an observation satellite of satellite information indicating a satellite orbit capable of observing the observation area at the observation time as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to Claim 1.

3. The requirements indicate an analysis type, The satellite information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance, The satellite candidate search unit finds an observation satellite of satellite information indicating at least one of an observation type corresponding to the analysis type and an observation performance corresponding to the observation type as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to Claim 1.

4. The requirements indicate an observation time and an observation area, In the image archive, image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored, The image information indicates an observation time and an observation area, The image candidate search unit finds an archive image of image information indicating an observation time that meets the requirements and an observation area that meets the requirements as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to Claim 1.

5. The requirements indicate an analysis type, In the image archive, image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored. The image information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance. The image candidate search unit finds an archive image of image information indicating at least one of an observation type corresponding to the analysis type and an observation performance corresponding to the analysis type as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to claim 1.

6. In the image archive, image information of each of the plurality of archive images is stored. The image information indicates an observation satellite. The image candidate search unit finds an archive image of image information indicating the observation satellite candidate as the archive image candidate. The utilization device according to claim 1.

7. The necessary condition indicates an analysis type. In the application database, application information of each of the plurality of analysis applications is stored. The application information indicates an analysis type. The application candidate search unit finds an analysis application of application information that meets the necessary condition as the analysis application candidate. The utilization device according to claim 1.

8. The necessary condition indicates an analysis type. In the application database, application information of each of the plurality of analysis applications is stored. The application information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance. The application candidate search unit finds an analysis application of application information indicating at least one of an observation type corresponding to the analysis type and an observation performance corresponding to the analysis type as the analysis application candidate. The utilization device according to claim 1.

9. The satellite information indicates at least one of an observation type and an observation performance. The application candidate search unit determines at least one of an observation type corresponding to the analysis type and an observation performance corresponding to the analysis type. The satellite candidate search unit finds an observation satellite of satellite information indicating at least one of the determined observation type and the determined observation performance as the observation satellite candidate. The utilization device according to claim 8.

10. The evaluation function has a plurality of parameters. The plurality of parameters include at least one of parameters of observation performance, observation area, image quality, analysis time, observation time difference, and acquisition time. Each of the plurality of parameters is weighted by a user. The utilization device according to claim 1.

11. The utilization device includes an observation request unit and an image analysis unit. The information presentation unit accepts a selection of any one of the one or more candidate combinations. The observation request unit transmits an observation request for requesting observation by an observation satellite included as an observation satellite candidate in the selected candidate combination, and receives an observation image obtained by the requested observation. The image analysis unit analyzes at least one of the received observation image and the archive image included as an archive image candidate in the selected candidate combination using the analysis application included as an analysis application candidate in the selected candidate combination. The information presentation unit presents the analysis result. The utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Accept a user request indicating the requirements for the analysis service of the observation image obtained by the observation from the observation satellite. Using a satellite database in which the satellite information of each of the plurality of observation satellites is stored, search for one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more satellite information that meets the requirements as one or more observation satellite candidates. Search for one or more archive images that meet the requirements from an image archive in which a plurality of archive images, which are a plurality of observation images, are stored as one or more archive image candidates. Search for one or more analysis applications that meet the requirements from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered as one or more analysis application candidates. Evaluate the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function. Based on the evaluation result, present response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of the observation satellite candidate, the archive image candidate, and the analysis application candidate. Utilization method.

13. A request reception unit that receives a user request indicating the requirements for the analysis service of the observation image obtained by the observation from the observation satellite, and A satellite candidate search unit that uses a satellite database in which the satellite information of each of the plurality of observation satellites is stored to search for one or more observation satellites corresponding to one or more satellite information that meets the requirements as one or more observation satellite candidates. An image candidate search unit that searches for one or more archive images that meet the necessary conditions from an image archive in which a plurality of archive images, which are a plurality of observation images, are stored, as one or more archive image candidates; An application candidate search unit that searches for one or more analysis applications that meet the necessary conditions from an application database in which a plurality of analysis applications are registered, as one or more analysis application candidates; A candidate evaluation unit that evaluates the one or more observation satellite candidates, the one or more archive image candidates, and the one or more analysis application candidates using an evaluation function; An information presentation unit that presents response information indicating one or more candidate combinations of observation satellite candidates, archive image candidates, and analysis application candidates based on the evaluation results; A usage program for causing a computer to function.

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