Display system, display method, and program

Abstract

A display system according to the present invention obtains data indicating an orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite. The display system performs 3D graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and a graph of the time-series data such that the orbit of the artificial satellite matches the time axis of the graph of the time-series data.

Description

Display system, display method, and recording medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display system, a display method, and a recording medium.

[0002] In some cases, the orbit of a satellite and time-series data related to the satellite are displayed. For example, a satellite design support device described in Patent Document 1 displays the orbit of a satellite as a three-dimensional model animation in a graphical editing window, and displays graphs such as power balance in a time chart window with time elapsed from left to right.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-086092

[0004] When the orbit of a satellite and the time series data relating to that satellite are displayed simultaneously, it is preferable that a user viewing the image can easily grasp the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time series data.

[0005] An example of an object of the present disclosure is to provide a display system, a display method, and a recording medium that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a display system includes a data acquisition means for acquiring data indicating an orbit of an artificial satellite and time series data relating to the artificial satellite, and a display means for performing a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data coincide with each other.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a display method includes a display system acquiring data indicating an orbit of a satellite and time series data related to the satellite, and performing a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the satellite and a graph of the time series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the satellite and the graph of the time series data coincide with each other.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the recording medium stores a program for causing a computer controlling a display system to acquire data indicating the orbit of a satellite and time series data related to the satellite, and to perform a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the satellite and the graph of the time series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the satellite and the graph of the time series data coincide with each other.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when the orbit of a satellite and time series data related to that satellite are displayed simultaneously, it is expected that a user viewing the image will be able to relatively easily grasp the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time series data.

[0010] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of a satellite trajectory and a graph of time series data by a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display in which a satellite trajectory and a graph of time series data related to the satellite are displayed in separate windows; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vector indicating the direction of a value axis in some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure generates and displays a three-dimensional graphics image related to a satellite; FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is configured as a single device; FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is configured with multiple devices; FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a configuration of a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a display method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention according to the claims. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the display system 100 includes a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, an operation input unit 130, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a data acquisition unit 191, a coordinate conversion unit 192, and a display processing unit 193.

[0012] The display system 100 acquires data indicating the orbit of a satellite and time-series data related to the satellite, and performs a three-dimensional graphics display of the satellite orbit and a graph of the time-series data. The time-series data related to the satellite is also simply referred to as time-series data. The display system 100 displays an image of the Earth, the satellite orbit, and the graph of the time-series data related to the satellite so that (1) the time axis of the satellite orbit and the time-series data graph coincide, (2) the time on the time axis of the time-series data graph coincides with the time of the satellite's passage along the satellite orbit, (3) the satellite orbit in three-dimensional space and the value axis of the time-series data graph, which is an axis other than the time axis, are orthogonal, and (4) the satellite orbit is positioned around the Earth in the displayed image, and the value axis of the time-series data graph is oriented outward relative to the Earth. The value axis of the time-series data graph is an axis other than the time axis of the time-series data graph. The display system 100 may be configured to include a computer such as a workstation (WS) or a personal computer (PC).

[0013] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a satellite orbit and a graph of time-series data by the display system 100. In the example of Fig. 2, M11 is an image of the Earth. Line L11 is the satellite orbit. Line L11 also represents the time axis of the graph of time-series data related to that satellite.

[0014] Points P11-1, P11-2, P11-3, and so on each indicate the position of the artificial satellite on the orbit indicated by line L11 at a certain time. Points P11-1, P11-2, P11-3, and so on are also collectively referred to as point P11. Hereinafter, the position of the artificial satellite on the orbit indicated by line L11 will also be simply referred to as the position of the artificial satellite.

[0015] Lines L12-1, L12-2, L12-3, and so on each represent a value axis of a graph of time-series data. Lines L12-1, L12-2, L12-3, and so on are collectively referred to as line L12. Furthermore, the display system 100 displays line L12-1 so that point P11-1 is one of the endpoints of line L12-1. Line L12-1 also corresponds to the line that represents the time when the artificial satellite is located at the position of point P11-1.

[0016] The display system 100 also displays a line L12-2 such that point P11-2 is one of its endpoints. The line L12-2 also corresponds to the line representing the time when the artificial satellite is at the position of point P11-2. The display system 100 also displays a line L12-3 such that point P11-3 is one of its endpoints. The line L12-3 also corresponds to the line representing the time when the artificial satellite is at the position of point P11-3.

[0017] In this way, the lines L12-1, L12-2, L12-3, ... also correspond to lines representing a certain time. The display system 100 may display the lines L12-1, L12-2, L12-3, ... so that the lines L12-1, L12-2, L12-3, ... represent equally spaced times.

[0018] Line L13 indicates the value of the time series data for each time. Line L14 indicates a certain value of the time series data, such as the upper limit value of the time series data. The display system 100 may not display the line indicating the upper limit value of the time series data. Furthermore, the upper limit value of the time series data may not be determined.

[0019] M12 is an image of the artificial satellite. The display system 100 displays the image of the artificial satellite at the position of the artificial satellite at a certain time. Furthermore, in order to display the image of the artificial satellite in an easy-to-understand manner, the display system 100 displays the image of the artificial satellite larger than the actual ratio of the size of the artificial satellite to the size of the Earth.

[0020] The position at which the display system 100 displays the image of the artificial satellite is not limited to the position of the artificial satellite at a specific time. The display system 100 may be configured to display the image of the artificial satellite in real time. That is, the display system 100 may be configured to display the image of the artificial satellite at the position of the artificial satellite at the current time. The display system 100 may also be configured to display the image of the artificial satellite at the position of the artificial satellite at a certain time in the past. The display system 100 may also be configured to display the image of the artificial satellite at the position of the artificial satellite at a certain time in the future.

[0021] Furthermore, the display system 100 may be configured to display an image of the artificial satellite at the position of the artificial satellite at each of a plurality of times. Therefore, the display system 100 may be configured to display a plurality of images of the artificial satellite. Furthermore, the display system 100 may not display an image of the artificial satellite.

[0022] Furthermore, the display system 100 may be configured to change the time of the display object and display the image. For example, as the time of the display object advances, the display system 100 may change information about the Earth's surface, such as the positions of the oceans and continents shown in the Earth image M11, in accordance with the Earth's rotation, and may also change the position of the satellite image M12.

[0023] Furthermore, the display system 100 may be configured to change the viewing direction in the 3D graphics display to display an image. For example, the display system 100 may change information about the Earth's surface, such as the positions of the oceans and continents shown in the Earth image M11, and the position of the satellite image M12, according to the viewing direction specified by the user.

[0024] V11 is an arrow (vector) indicating the direction of the sun as seen from the satellite. FIG. 2 also shows an example in which a satellite captures an image of a portion of the Earth's surface. Area A101 indicates the area captured by the satellite from the position of the satellite shown in image M12. However, the satellites that are the subject of display by the display system 100 are not limited to satellites for specific purposes. Furthermore, the display system 100 may not display area A101. The display system 100 may not display some of the portions of the image exemplified in FIG. 2. For example, the display system 100 may not display arrow V11.

[0025] 2, the display system 100 displays the orbit of the satellite and the graph of the time-series data so that the orbit of the satellite coincides with the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to that satellite ((1) above). Both the orbit of the satellite and the time axis of the graph of the time-series data are represented by line L11.

[0026] 2 (for example, an operator of a satellite) can easily understand that the graph of lines L11 to L14 is a graph of time-series data related to a satellite passing through the orbit indicated by line L11. In this way, when the display system 100 simultaneously displays the orbit of a satellite and the time-series data related to that satellite, it is expected that the user viewing the image can relatively easily understand the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time-series data.

[0027] 2, the display system 100 displays the satellite's orbit and the graph of the time-series data so that the time on the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to the satellite matches the time of the satellite's passage along its orbit (see (2) above). The time indicated by line L12-1 on the graph is the same as the time of the satellite's passage along the satellite's orbit indicated by point P11-1, one of the endpoints of line L12-1. Similarly, for each combination of line L12-2 and point P11-2, line L12-3 and point P11-3, and so on, the line and point represent the same time.

[0028] 2 can easily grasp the correspondence between the times on the graph of lines L11 to L14 and the times at which the satellite passes through the orbit indicated by line L11. In this way, when the display system 100 simultaneously displays the orbit of a satellite and time-series data related to that satellite, it is expected that the user viewing the image can relatively easily grasp the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time-series data.

[0029] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 2, the display system 100 displays the satellite orbit and the graph of the time-series data so that the satellite orbit in three-dimensional space and the value axis of the graph of the time-series data are perpendicular to each other (see (3) above). The satellite orbit is indicated by line L11. The value axis of the graph is indicated by line L12. Line L12 is displayed so as to be perpendicular to line L11 in three-dimensional space. This is expected to make it easier for a user viewing the three-dimensional graphics image shown in Figure 2 to read the time-series data values ​​from the graph.

[0030] 2, the display system 100 displays the satellite orbits around the Earth in the display image, with the value axis of the time-series data graph pointing outward relative to the Earth (see (4) above). The line L12 representing the value axis is displayed pointing outward relative to the Earth shown in image M11.

[0031] As a result, the display system 100 displays a graph of time-series data related to the satellite outside the Earth shown in image M11. In particular, for the time period when the satellite orbit is in front of the Earth (toward the viewpoint assumed in the 3D graphics display), the display system 100 can display the graph so that it is not hidden by the Earth. In this respect, the display system 100 is expected to make the graph easier to view for users viewing the image.

[0032] The display system 100 may display a graph of time series data for a time period when the satellite orbit is on the other side of the Earth, for example, by semi-transparently displaying the image M11 of the Earth. Furthermore, if a user wishes to view a graph of time series data for a time period when the satellite orbit is on the other side of the Earth, the display system 100 may display the graph of time series data for the time period the user wishes to view in front of the Earth by, for example, changing the line of sight in the 3D graphics display in accordance with the user's instructions. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of displaying the graph of time series data at a position corresponding to the position of the satellite orbit as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the display system 100 may display a graph of time series data separately from the display of the satellite orbit, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

[0033] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display in which the orbit of a satellite and a graph of time-series data related to that satellite are displayed in separate windows. In the example of Fig. 3, a display system for displaying data related to the satellite displays a three-dimensional graphics display window and a time-series data graph display window on the display screen.

[0034] This display system displays the orbit of an artificial satellite in three-dimensional graphics in area A201 of a three-dimensional graphics display window. In the example of Figure 3, M21 is an image of the Earth. Line L21 is the orbit of the artificial satellite. M22 is an image of the artificial satellite. V21 is an arrow (vector) indicating the direction of the sun as seen from the artificial satellite. Area A201 indicates the area imaged by the artificial satellite from the position of the artificial satellite shown in image M22.

[0035] This display system also displays a graph of different time series data in each of areas A202, A203, and A204 of the time series data graph display window. The time series data displayed as a graph in the time series data graph display window is all time series data related to the artificial satellite whose orbit is displayed by line L21 in the three-dimensional graphics display window.

[0036] In area A202, the display system displays the time-series data as a line graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing value. In area A203, the display system displays a graph of the time-series data showing values ​​for each time period as a bar graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing value. In area A204, the display system displays binary time-series data for each of the three items "A," "B," and "C" as a graph with the horizontal axis representing time and the vertical axis representing the item.

[0037] Comparing the display examples of Figure 2 and Figure 3, Figure 2 is expected to make it easier to grasp the correspondence between the orbits and the graph because the orbits and the graph are displayed integrally, compared to Figure 3, in which the orbits and the graph are displayed separately. For example, even when orbits and graphs of time-series data for multiple artificial satellites are displayed, the display method illustrated in Figure 2 makes it easier to grasp the correspondence between the orbits and the graph because the orbits and the graph are displayed integrally. Furthermore, the display method illustrated in Figure 2 requires relatively little eye movement when the user refers to the orbits and the graph because the orbits and the graph are displayed integrally, thereby reducing the burden on the user.

[0038] The display system 100 may be configured to switch, in response to a user operation, between an integrated display of the satellite orbits and graphs of the time series data as illustrated in Fig. 2 and separate displays of the satellite orbits and graphs of the time series data as illustrated in Fig. 3. The integrated display of the satellite orbits and graphs of the time series data as illustrated in Fig. 2 is also referred to as an integrated display. The separate displays of the satellite orbits and graphs of the time series data as illustrated in Fig. 3 are also referred to as individual displays.

[0039] As described above, the integrated display is expected to make it easier for users to understand the relationship between the satellite orbits and the time series data. On the other hand, the individual display allows the graph to be displayed so that the time axis is represented as a straight line, which is expected to make the graph easier for users to read. For example, a user can determine the time at which they want to read the value of the time series data in the integrated display, switch to the individual display, and read the value of the time series data at that time.

[0040] The graph of time-series data displayed by the display system 100 using the orbit of a satellite as the time axis is not limited to the line graph exemplified in Fig. 2, and various types of graphs can be used. For example, the display system 100 can display various types of graphs using the orbit of a satellite as the time axis, such as a bar graph as exemplified in area A203 of Fig. 3, a graph showing binary data as exemplified in area A204, a Gantt chart, or a step graph.

[0041] In the configuration of the display system 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the communication unit 110 communicates with other devices. For example, the display system 100 may receive various data related to the artificial satellite, including data indicating the orbit of the artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite, from the other devices. However, the method by which the display system 100 acquires the data indicating the orbit of the artificial satellite and the time-series data related to the artificial satellite is not limited to a specific method. For example, the display system 100 may include a simulator, and the orbit of the artificial satellite and the time-series data may be calculated by simulation.

[0042] The display unit 120 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal panel or an LED (Light Emitting Diode) panel, and displays various images under the control of the control unit 190. In particular, the display unit 120 performs an integrated display of the satellite orbit and time-series data related to the satellite, as described with reference to FIG. 2 . As described above for the display system 100, the display unit 120 may also separately display the satellite orbit and the time-series data graph, as exemplified in FIG. 3 . As described above for the display system 100, the display unit 120 may switch between the integrated display and the individual display in response to a user operation. The display unit 120 corresponds to an example of a display means.

[0043] The operation input unit 130 includes input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and accepts user operations. The operation input unit 130 may be configured to accept a user operation to instruct the display of the orbits of artificial satellites and the time-series data related to the artificial satellites. The operation input unit 130 may also be configured to accept a user operation to specify the artificial satellites for which the orbits and time-series data are to be displayed. When there are multiple pieces of time-series data, the operation input unit 130 may be configured to accept a user operation to specify the time-series data to be displayed. When the display unit 120 is capable of displaying both the integrated display and the individual display, the operation input unit 130 may be configured to accept a user operation to instruct the display unit 120 to switch between the integrated display and the individual display.

[0044] The storage unit 180 stores various types of data. For example, the storage unit 180 stores data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite. The storage unit 180 may also store various types of data related to the artificial satellite that the communication unit 110 receives from another device. The storage unit 180 is configured using a storage device included in the display system 100.

[0045] The control unit 190 performs various processes by controlling each unit of the display system 100. The functions of the control unit 190 may be performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the display system 100 reading and executing a program from the storage unit 180.

[0046] The data acquisition unit 191 acquires data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite. For example, the data acquisition unit 191 may extract various data, such as the data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and the time-series data related to the artificial satellite, from data received from another device via the communication unit 110. The data acquisition unit 191 may then store the extracted data in the storage unit 180 and read it from the storage unit 180 when the data is to be used.

[0047] The following describes an example in which the data acquisition unit 191 acquires satellite orbit data, satellite attitude data, imaging location data, satellite telemetry information, and celestial body position data from another device via the communication unit 110. The satellite orbit data is data that indicates the position of the orbit of an artificial satellite in real space. In the example of FIG. 2, the satellite orbit data is data that indicates the position in real space of the orbit of the artificial satellite indicated by line L11. The data acquisition unit 191 acquires satellite orbit data that indicates the position of the artificial satellite at each time.

[0048] The satellite attitude data is data that indicates the attitude (direction and tilt) of the satellite in real space. In the example of Fig. 2, the satellite attitude data is data that indicates the orientation in real space of the satellite represented by image M12. The data acquisition unit 191 acquires satellite attitude data that indicates the attitude of the satellite at each time.

[0049] The imaging location data is data indicating an area of ​​the Earth's surface in real space that is imaged by an artificial satellite. In the example of Fig. 2, the imaging location data is data indicating an area imaged by the artificial satellite, which is indicated by area A101. The data acquisition unit 191 acquires imaging location data indicating an imaging location (area imaged by the artificial satellite) for each imaging time.

[0050] Satellite telemetry information is information obtained through communication with a satellite. The satellite telemetry information includes time-series data related to the satellite or data that is the source of the time-series data. In the example of Figure 2, the time-series data obtained from the satellite telemetry information is data indicating data values ​​for each time, as indicated by line L13.

[0051] For example, information on the power consumption and heat generation of the satellite at the time of transmitting the satellite telemetry information may be included in the satellite telemetry information acquired by the data acquisition unit 191. However, the time series data included in the satellite telemetry information or the data that is the source of the time series data is not limited to a specific one.

[0052] The celestial body position data is data indicating the positions of celestial bodies. In the example of Fig. 2, the celestial body position data is data for calculating the direction of the sun as seen from the artificial satellite, as indicated by arrow V11. For example, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires celestial body position data indicating the position of the sun as seen from the earth for each time.

[0053] However, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 191 is not limited to a specific type of data, and may be various information such as the orbit of a satellite and time-series data related to the satellite. Furthermore, the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 191 may be measured values ​​(actual data) or calculated values ​​obtained by simulation or the like. Alternatively, the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire data based on measured values ​​and data based on calculated values. For example, the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire measured values ​​of each piece of data up to the present (the time of data acquisition) and predicted or estimated values ​​of each piece of data for the future.

[0054] When it is difficult to predict the time series data, the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire data up to the present and future data for the satellite orbit, and acquire only data up to the present for the time series data. In this case, the display unit 120 may display the satellite orbit up to the present and future orbit, and display only a graph of the time series data up to the present.

[0055] The method by which the data acquisition unit 191 acquires data is not limited to the method of acquiring data from another device via the communication unit 110. For example, the display system 100 may include a simulator, and the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire data from the simulator in addition to or instead of acquiring data from another device. Alternatively, the storage unit 180 may store in advance some or all of the data to be acquired by the data acquisition unit 191. Then, the data acquisition unit 191 may acquire the data by reading the data from the storage unit 180.

[0056] The coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the coordinate values ​​in the three-dimensional graphics display of each object to be displayed. The term "object" here refers to a component in the image to be displayed. For example, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the satellite orbit, the position and orientation of a satellite 3D (three-dimensional) model, the image capture point position, and the sun direction vector from satellite orbit data, satellite attitude data, image capture point data, and celestial body position data. In the example of FIG. 2 , the satellite orbit is indicated by line L11. The satellite 3D model is indicated by image M12. The image capture point position is indicated by area A101. The sun direction vector is indicated by arrow V11.

[0057] The method by which the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the coordinate values ​​of each object in the three-dimensional graphics display is not limited to a specific method. For example, the coordinate conversion unit 192 may calculate the coordinate values ​​using a known coordinate conversion method for three-dimensional graphics.

[0058] Furthermore, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the plot position of the graph of the time series data related to the artificial satellite based on the satellite orbit data and the satellite telemetry information. In the example of Fig. 2, the coordinate value of the line L11 in the three-dimensional graph display, which is calculated by the coordinate conversion unit 192 as the plot position of the orbit of the artificial satellite, also corresponds to the plot position on the time axis of the time series graph.

[0059] Furthermore, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the line L12 indicating the value axis in the three-dimensional graph display so that the line L12 is perpendicular to the line L11 in the three-dimensional space and points outward from the line L11 toward the outside of the Earth.

[0060] Furthermore, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates, for each time, the coordinate values ​​in the three-dimensional graph display of the line L13 indicating the time-series data value for each time so that the coordinate value is at a position on the value axis indicating the time-series data value at that time. As in the case where the value axis is clearly indicated, for times when the value axis is not clearly indicated, i.e., times when the line L12 is not displayed, the coordinate conversion unit 192 plots a point indicating the time-series data value in three-dimensional space at a position perpendicular to the line L11 and outside the Earth from the line L11 when viewed from the position of the corresponding time on the line L11.

[0061] In addition, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates the coordinate values ​​in the three-dimensional graph display of line L14, which indicates the maximum value of the time series data, so that line L14 is displayed at a position in three-dimensional space that is shifted from line L11 in the direction of the value axis by a distance corresponding to the maximum value.

[0062] The coordinate transformation unit 192 may calculate the direction of the value axis using a method for calculating the cross product of vectors in three-dimensional space. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a vector indicating the direction of the value axis. In the example of FIG. 4, line L31 indicates the orbit of the artificial satellite. Point P31 indicates a point on the orbit of the artificial satellite. Vector V ｇ is a vector from point P31 toward the center of the Earth. ｓ is a vector indicating the direction of travel of the satellite at point P31.

[0063] In the example of FIG. 4, the coordinate conversion unit 192 converts the vector V ｇ and V ｓ The cross product vector V ｃ Calculate.

[0064]

[0065] Here, "x" represents the cross product of vectors. ｃ is a vector V ｇ and V ｓ Then, the coordinate transformation unit 192 calculates the vector V as a vector indicating the direction of the value axis at the point P31, as shown in equation (2). ｃ and V ｓ The cross product vector V ｙ Calculate.

[0066]

[0067] Vector V ｙ is a vector V ｃ and V ｓ Also, according to equations (1) and (2), the vector V ｙIn this way, the coordinate conversion unit 192 can calculate the direction of the value axis by using the vector cross product calculation method so that the value axis is perpendicular to the satellite orbit and points outward relative to the Earth.

[0068] When the time intervals of the time-series data are large, the coordinate conversion unit 192 may interpolate the data. In this case, the coordinate conversion unit 192 may interpolate the data at time intervals determined according to the time it takes for the artificial satellite to orbit the Earth. For example, in the case of an artificial satellite that orbits the Earth once every 90 minutes, the coordinate conversion unit 192 may interpolate the data at 10-second intervals.

[0069] 2, in the three-dimensional graphics image displayed by the display unit 120, a curve representing the orbit of a satellite is used as the time axis of the graph of time-series data. Therefore, the time axis is represented by a curve. When the time interval of the time-series data is large, if the coordinate transformation unit 192 draws a line representing the data values ​​without considering the curvature of the time axis, such as by connecting points representing the time-series data with a straight line, the accuracy of the graph will decrease at times far from the times at which the time-series data exists.

[0070] In contrast, by having the coordinate conversion unit 192 interpolate the time-series data, the accuracy of the graph displayed by the display unit 120 can be made to be a graph that follows the curve that indicates the time axis, and in this respect, it is possible to increase the accuracy of the graph displayed by the display unit 120. Furthermore, by having the coordinate conversion unit 192 interpolate the data at time intervals determined according to the time it takes for the satellite to orbit the Earth, it is possible to determine the data interpolation interval in relation to the degree of curvature of the curve that indicates the time axis, and it is possible to achieve a trade-off between the accuracy of the graph and the processing load of the data interpolation.

[0071] The display processing unit 193 generates image data of a three-dimensional graphics image based on the coordinate values ​​acquired by the coordinate conversion unit 192, and displays the generated image data on the display unit 120. The method by which the display processing unit 193 generates image data of a three-dimensional graphics image and displays the generated image data on the display unit 120 is not limited to a specific method. For example, the display processing unit 193 may generate image data of a three-dimensional graphics image using an existing computer graphics library, and display the generated image data on the display unit 120.

[0072] The display system 100 detects the vector V ｃ Alternatively, a third coordinate axis may be provided in the direction of the vector V in FIG. ｙ In addition to the graph of time series data having a value axis in the direction of ｃ It is also possible to display multiple graphs with the satellite orbit as the time axis, such as a graph of time-series data with a value axis in the direction of the arrow.

[0073] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure for generating and displaying a 3D graphics image of an artificial satellite by the display system 100. In the processing of FIG. 5, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires satellite orbit data, satellite attitude data, imaging point data, satellite telemetry information, and celestial body position data (step S101).

[0074] Next, the coordinate conversion unit 192 calculates coordinate values ​​for displaying a three-dimensional graphics image using the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 191 (step S102). Specifically, the coordinate conversion unit 192 converts position information in real space indicated in the data acquired by the data acquisition unit 191 into coordinate values ​​in the three-dimensional graphics image.

[0075] Next, the display processing unit 193 generates a three-dimensional graphics image based on the coordinate values ​​calculated by the coordinate conversion unit 192, and controls the display unit 120 to display the generated three-dimensional graphics image (step S103). After step S103, the display system 100 ends the series of processes. The display system 100 may be configured to execute the process of Fig. 5 every time it acquires measurement data from another device. Furthermore, the display system 100 may be configured to execute the process of Fig. 5 every time it receives a user operation specifying the time that should be used as the current time in the display.

[0076] The display system 100 may be configured as a single device. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration when the display system 100 is configured as a single device. In the configuration shown in Fig. 6, the display system 100 includes a satellite data display device 200. The satellite data display device 200 includes a communication unit 110, a display unit 120, an operation input unit 130, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a data acquisition unit 191, a coordinate conversion unit 192, and a display processing unit 193.

[0077] The components of the satellite data display device 200 are similar to the components of the display system 100 in Fig. 1, and are therefore given the same reference numerals (110, 120, 130, 180, 190, 191, 192, 193), with detailed descriptions omitted here. The satellite data display device 200 executes the functions of the display system 100 in Fig. 1. The satellite data display device 200 may be configured to include, in a single housing, a computer that executes the functions of the communication unit 110, the storage unit 180, and the control unit 190, a display screen that executes the functions of the display unit 120, and an operation input device that executes the functions of the operation input unit 130.

[0078] The display system 100 may be configured with a plurality of devices. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which the display system 100 is configured with a plurality of devices. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7, the display system 100 includes a display control device 310, a display device 320, and an input device 330. The display control device 310 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 180, and a control unit 190. The control unit 190 includes a data acquisition unit 191, a coordinate conversion unit 192, and a display processing unit 193.

[0079] The communication unit 110, storage unit 180, control unit 190, and each unit thereof of the display control device 310 are similar to the communication unit 110, storage unit 180, control unit 190, and each unit thereof of the display system 100 in Fig. 1 , and are therefore denoted by the same reference numerals (110, 180, 190, 191, 192, 193), and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The display control device 310 executes the functions of the communication unit 110, storage unit 180, and control unit 190 in Fig. 1. The display control device 310 may be configured using a computer.

[0080] The display device 320 has a display screen and displays various images under the control of the display control device 310. The display device 320 corresponds to an example of the display unit 120 in Fig. 1. The input device 330 accepts user operations. The input device 330 corresponds to an example of the operation input unit 130 in Fig. 1.

[0081] As described above, the data acquisition unit 191 acquires data indicating the orbit of a satellite and time-series data related to that satellite. The display unit 120 displays the orbit of the satellite and the graph of the time-series data in three-dimensional graphics so that the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to that satellite coincides with the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to that satellite.

[0082] According to display system 100, it is expected that a user (e.g., a satellite operator) viewing the three-dimensional graphics image displayed by display unit 120 will be able to easily understand that the graph of time-series data is a graph of time-series data related to a satellite passing through an orbit indicated by the time axis of the graph. Thus, according to display system 100, when the orbit of a satellite and the time-series data related to that satellite are simultaneously displayed, it is expected that a user viewing the image will be able to relatively easily understand the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time-series data.

[0083] Furthermore, by displaying the orbit of a satellite and a graph of time-series data relating to that satellite in an integrated manner, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the user viewing the three-dimensional graphics image will need to move their eyes less, and in this respect it is expected that the burden on the user will be relatively small.

[0084] Furthermore, the display system 100 displays the satellite orbit and the time-series data graph in three-dimensional graphics, allowing the viewpoint and image size (object size) to be freely changed, so that the user can view the image from any direction. Furthermore, the display system 100 can move the time displayed forward or backward, which changes the satellite's position along its orbit and the direction of the sun direction vector. The user can view images at various times.

[0085] Furthermore, the display unit 120 displays the satellite's orbit and the graph of the time series data so that the time on the time axis of the graph of the time series data related to the satellite matches the time of the satellite's passage along its orbit. With the display system 100, it is expected that a user viewing the displayed 3D graphics image will be able to easily grasp the correspondence between the time on the graph of the time series data and the time of the satellite's passage along its orbit. Thus, with the display system 100, when the satellite's orbit and the time series data related to the satellite are simultaneously displayed, it is expected that a user viewing the image will be able to relatively easily grasp the relationship between the satellite's orbit and the time series data.

[0086] Furthermore, the display unit 120 displays the satellite orbit in three-dimensional space and the graph of the time-series data so that the satellite orbit in three-dimensional space is perpendicular to the value axis, which is an axis other than the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to the satellite. This is expected to make it easier for a user viewing the three-dimensional graphics image to read the time-series data values ​​from the graph.

[0087] In addition, the display unit 120 displays an image of the Earth, the orbit of the satellite, and the graph of the time series data so that the orbit of the satellite is positioned around the Earth in the displayed image and the value axis of the graph of the time series data related to the satellite is oriented outward relative to the Earth.

[0088] As a result, the display system 100 displays a graph of time-series data related to the satellite outside the Earth. In particular, for time periods when the satellite's orbit is in front of the Earth (toward the viewpoint assumed in the 3D graphics display), the display system 100 can display the graph so that it is not hidden by the Earth. In this respect, the display system 100 is expected to make the graph easier to view for users viewing the image.

[0089] As described above, the display system 100 may display a graph of time series data for a time period when the satellite orbit is on the other side of the Earth, for example, by semi-transparently displaying the image M11 of the Earth. Furthermore, if a user wishes to view a graph of time series data for a time period when the satellite orbit is on the other side of the Earth, the display system 100 may display the graph of time series data for the time period the user wishes to view in front of the Earth by, for example, changing the line of sight in the 3D graphics display in accordance with the user's instructions. Furthermore, in addition to or instead of displaying the graph of time series data at a position corresponding to the position of the satellite orbit as illustrated in FIG. 2 , the display system 100 may display a graph of time series data separately from the display of the satellite orbit, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .

[0090] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of a display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8 , a display system 610 includes a data acquisition unit 611 and a display unit 612. In this configuration, the data acquisition unit 611 acquires data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite. The display unit 612 performs a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data related to the artificial satellite coincide with each other. The data acquisition unit 611 corresponds to an example of data acquisition means. The display unit 612 corresponds to an example of display means.

[0091] According to the display system 610, it is expected that a user (e.g., an operator of a satellite) viewing the three-dimensional graphics image displayed by the display unit 612 will be able to easily understand that the graph of time-series data is a graph of time-series data related to a satellite passing through an orbit indicated by the time axis of the graph. Thus, according to the display system 610, when the orbit of a satellite and the time-series data related to that satellite are simultaneously displayed, it is expected that a user viewing the image will be able to relatively easily understand the relationship between the orbit of the satellite and the time-series data.

[0092] Furthermore, by displaying the orbit of a satellite and a graph of time-series data relating to that satellite in an integrated manner, the user viewing the three-dimensional graphics image will need to move their eyes less, and in this respect it is expected that the burden on the user will be relatively small.

[0093] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a display method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The display method illustrated in FIG. 9 includes acquiring data (step S611) and performing display (step S612). In acquiring data (step S611), the display system acquires data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite. In performing display (step S612), the display system performs a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and a graph of the time-series data related to the artificial satellite so that the time axis of the orbit of the artificial satellite coincides with the time axis of the graph of the time-series data related to the artificial satellite.

[0094] 9, it is expected that a user (e.g., a satellite operator) viewing a three-dimensional graphics image displayed by the display system will be able to easily understand that the graph of time-series data is a graph of time-series data related to a satellite passing through an orbit indicated by the time axis of the graph. Thus, according to the display method shown in FIG. 9, when a satellite orbit and time-series data related to that satellite are simultaneously displayed, it is expected that a user viewing the image will be able to relatively easily understand the relationship between the satellite orbit and the time-series data.

[0095] Furthermore, in the display method shown in FIG. 9, the orbit of the satellite and a graph of time-series data relating to that satellite are displayed together, so that the user viewing the three-dimensional graphics image does not have to move their eyes as much, and in this respect it is expected that the burden on the user will be relatively small.

[0096] 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, a computer 700 includes a CPU 710, a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, an interface 740, and a non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0097] One or more of the display system 100, satellite data display device 200, display control device 310, and display system 610, or a part thereof, may be implemented in a computer 700. In this case, the operations of these devices are stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 710 also allocates storage areas in the main storage device 720 for these devices to perform processing in accordance with the program. Communication between each device and other devices is executed by an interface 740 having a communication function and performing communication under the control of the CPU 710. The interface 740 also has a port for a non-volatile recording medium 750, and reads information from the non-volatile recording medium 750 and writes information to the non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0098] When the display system 100 is implemented in a computer 700, the operations of the control unit 190 and each of its units are stored in the form of a program in an auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0099] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area of ​​the storage unit 180 in the main storage device 720 in accordance with the program. Communication with other devices by the communication unit 110 is performed by the interface 740 having a communication function and operating under the control of the CPU 710. Display of various images by the display unit 120 is performed by the interface 740 having a display device and displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710. Reception of user operations by the operation input unit 130 is performed by the interface 740 having an input device and receiving user operations under the control of the CPU 710.

[0100] When the satellite data display device 200 is implemented in the computer 700, the operation of the control unit 190 and each of its units is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-mentioned processing in accordance with the program.

[0101] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area of ​​the storage unit 180 in the main storage device 720 in accordance with the program. Communication with other devices by the communication unit 110 is performed by the interface 740 having a communication function and operating under the control of the CPU 710. Display of various images by the display unit 120 is performed by the interface 740 having a display device and displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710. Reception of user operations by the operation input unit 130 is performed by the interface 740 having an input device and receiving user operations under the control of the CPU 710.

[0102] When the display control device 310 is implemented in the computer 700, the operations of the control unit 190 and each of its units are stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0103] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area for the storage unit 180 in the main storage device 720 in accordance with the program. Communication with other devices via the communication unit 110 is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710. Interaction between the display control device 310 and the user is performed by the interface 740, which has a display device and an input device, displaying various images under the control of the CPU 710 and accepting user operations.

[0104] When the display system 610 is implemented in the computer 700, its operation is stored in the form of a program in the auxiliary storage device 730. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program.

[0105] Furthermore, the CPU 710 allocates a storage area in the main storage device 720 for the display system 610 to perform processing in accordance with the program. Communication between the display system 610 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710. Communication between the display system 610 and other devices is performed by the interface 740, which has a communication function and operates under the control of the CPU 710.

[0106] One or more of the above-described programs may be recorded on nonvolatile recording medium 750. In this case, interface 740 may read the programs from nonvolatile recording medium 750. Then, CPU 710 may directly execute the programs read by interface 740, or may temporarily store the programs in main storage device 720 or auxiliary storage device 730 and then execute them.

[0107] Alternatively, a program for executing all or part of the processing performed by the display system 100, satellite data display device 200, display control device 310, and display system 610 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of each component. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, read-only memories (ROMs), and compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be designed to implement part of the aforementioned functions, or may be capable of implementing the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0108] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and include designs within the scope of the present invention that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0109] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 1) A display system comprising: a data acquisition means for acquiring data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time series data relating to said artificial satellite; and a display means for performing a three-dimensional graphics display of said satellite orbit and a graph of said time series data so that the time axis of said satellite orbit and the graph of said time series data coincide with each other.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 2) The display system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the display means displays the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data so that the time on the time axis of the graph of the time series data matches the passing time of the artificial satellite in the orbit of the artificial satellite.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 3) The display system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the display means displays the orbit of the artificial satellite in three-dimensional space and the graph of the time series data so that the orbit of the artificial satellite in three-dimensional space and a value axis, which is an axis other than the time axis, of the graph of the time series data are perpendicular to each other.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 4) The display system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the display means displays the image of the Earth, the orbit of the satellite, and the graph of the time series data so that the orbit of the satellite is positioned around the Earth in the displayed image and the value axis of the graph of the time series data points outward relative to the Earth.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 5) A display method including: a display system acquiring data indicating an orbit of an artificial satellite and time series data related to the artificial satellite; and performing a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data coincide with each other.

[0115] (Supplementary Note 6) A recording medium storing a program for causing a computer that controls a display system to execute the following: acquiring data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time series data related to the artificial satellite; and performing a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data so that the time axis of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time series data coincide with each other.

[0116] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-170492, filed on October 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0117] The present disclosure may be applied to a display system, a display method, and a recording medium.

[0118] 100, 610 Display system 110 Communication unit 120, 612 Display unit 130 Operation input unit 180 Storage unit 190 Control unit 191, 611 Data acquisition unit 192 Coordinate conversion unit 193 Display processing unit 200 Satellite data display device 310 Display control device 320 Display device 330 Input device

Claims

1. Data acquisition means for acquiring data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data regarding the artificial satellite; Display means for performing three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and a graph of the time-series data such that the orbit of the artificial satellite coincides with the time axis of the graph of the time-series data; A display system comprising the same.

2. The display means displays the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data such that the time at which the graph of the time-series data is located on the time axis coincides with the passing time of the artificial satellite on the orbit of the artificial satellite. The display system according to Claim 1.

3. The display means displays the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data such that a value axis, which is an axis other than the time axis among the axes of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data in three-dimensional space, is orthogonal to the other axes. The display system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. The display means displays an image of the Earth, the orbit of the artificial satellite, and the graph of the time-series data such that the orbit of the artificial satellite is located around the Earth in the display image and the direction of the value axis of the graph of the time-series data is outward with respect to the Earth. The display system according to Claim 3.

5. A display method, comprising: acquiring data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data regarding the artificial satellite; performing three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and a graph of the time-series data such that the orbit of the artificial satellite coincides with the time axis of the graph of the time-series data.

6. Performing the three-dimensional graphics display means that the display system displays the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data such that the time at which the graph of the time-series data is located on the time axis coincides with the passing time of the artificial satellite on the orbit of the artificial satellite. The display method according to Claim 5, comprising the same.

7. Performing the three-dimensional graphics display means that the display system displays the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data such that a value axis, which is an axis other than the time axis among the axes of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data in three-dimensional space, is orthogonal to the other axes. The display method according to Claim 5 or Claim 6, comprising the same.

8. Performing the three-dimensional graphics display means that the display system positions the orbit of the artificial satellite around the Earth in the display image, and the direction of the value axis of the graph of the time-series data is outward with respect to the Earth, and the display system displays the image of the Earth, the orbit of the artificial satellite, and the graph of the time-series data. The display method according to claim 7, including this.

9. In a computer that controls a display system, obtaining data indicating the orbit of an artificial satellite and time-series data related to the artificial satellite; performing a three-dimensional graphics display of the orbit of the artificial satellite and the graph of the time-series data so that the orbit of the artificial satellite and the time axis of the graph of the time-series data coincide; A program for causing the above to be executed.