Processing device, processing program, processing method, and processing system

Abstract

[Problem] To efficiently determine the quality of acquired image information. [Solution] A processing device equipped with at least one processor that is used for imaging by a spacecraft capable of imaging the earth, wherein the at least one processor receives image information acquired by the spacecraft imaging an imaging target on the earth and / or attribute information associated with the image information, and executes processing for determining the quality of the image information on the basis of the received image information and / or attribute information.

Description

Processing Device, Processing Program, Processing Method, and Processing System 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system used for imaging by a spacecraft. 【0002】 Conventionally, a system for imaging an observation target using a spacecraft has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes "a reception unit that receives a request to acquire observation data based on the result of observing a specified range at a specified time, and based on the orbit information of a plurality of observation satellites, among the plurality of observation satellites, a specifying unit that specifies the observation satellite that can observe the specified range after the specified time, and the observation data generated by the specified observation satellite, and an acquisition unit that acquires the requested observation data, which is the observation data based on the result of observing the specified range after the specified time." However, in the information processing device of Patent Document 1, the quality of the acquired observation data was not managed. 【0003】 International Publication No. 2021 / 192079 【0004】 Therefore, based on the above technologies, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that can efficiently determine the quality of acquired image information according to various embodiments. 【0005】 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, "a processing device including at least one processor used for imaging by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth, wherein the at least one processor receives at least one of the image information acquired by the spacecraft imaging the imaging target on the Earth and the attribute information associated with the image information, and is configured to execute a process for determining the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and the attribute information" is provided. 【0006】According to one aspect of this disclosure, a processing program is provided for a computer used for imaging by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth, which receives at least one of the image information and attribute information associated with the image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth, and which performs processing to determine the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information. 【0007】 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a processing method is provided which is performed by at least one processor in a computer used for imaging by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth, and includes the steps of receiving at least one of image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth and attribute information associated with the image information, and determining the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information. 【0008】 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a processing system is provided which includes "a spacecraft configured to image the Earth and a processing device configured to control imaging by the spacecraft, and comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive at least one of image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth and attribute information associated with the image information, and to perform processing to determine the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information." 【0009】 According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that enable more efficient imaging-related processing. 【0010】 The effects described above are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to, or in lieu of, any other effects described herein or that would be obvious to those skilled in the art may be achieved. 【0011】 Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spacecraft 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a spacecraft 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a diagram conceptually showing an instruction management table stored in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A is a diagram conceptually showing an example of telemetry information and imaging status information processed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B is a diagram conceptually showing an example of telemetry information and imaging status information processed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of image information processed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a determination map image and a determination captured image processed in a processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow related to the generation of a trained analysis model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 【0012】 Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that common components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, please note that components shown in one drawing may be omitted in another drawing for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, please note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to an exact scale. 【0013】The various systems, methods, and apparatus described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way. In practice, this disclosure is directed toward any novel features and aspects of each of the various embodiments disclosed, combinations of these various embodiments, and combinations of some of these various embodiments. The various systems, methods, and apparatus described herein are not limited to any particular embodiments, particular features, or combinations of such particular embodiments and features, and the things and methods described herein do not require that one or more particular effects exist or problems are solved. Furthermore, various features or aspects of the various embodiments described herein, or some of such features or aspects, may be used in combination with each other. 【0014】 While the operation of some of the various methods disclosed herein is described in a particular order for convenience, this method of description should be understood to include the possibility of rearranging the order of the operations unless a particular order is required by the following specific sentences. For example, multiple operations described in order may, in some cases, be rearranged or performed simultaneously. Furthermore, for the sake of simplification, the accompanying drawings do not show various ways in which the various matters and methods described herein may be used in conjunction with other matters and methods. 【0015】 Any operating theories, scientific principles, or other theoretical descriptions presented herein in connection with the apparatus or method of this disclosure are provided for the purpose of better understanding and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The apparatus and method in the appended claims are not limited to apparatus and method that operate in the manner described by such operating theories. 【0016】Any of the various methods disclosed herein can be implemented using a plurality of computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable media, and can be executed on a computer. The one or more media may be non-transient computer-readable storage media such as, for example, at least one optical media disk, a plurality of volatile memory components, or a plurality of non-volatile memory components. Here, the plurality of volatile memory components include, for example, DRAM or SRAM. The plurality of non-volatile memory components include, for example, hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). Furthermore, the computer includes any computer available on the market, for example, smartphones and other mobile devices having computing hardware. 【0017】 Any of the multiple computer-executable instructions for implementing the technologies disclosed herein, along with any data generated and used during the implementation of the various embodiments disclosed herein, may be stored in one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-temporary computer-readable storage media). Such multiple computer-executable instructions may, for example, be part of a separate software application, or part of a software application accessed or downloaded via a web browser or other software application (such as a remote computing application). Such software may be executed, for example, on a single local computer (as a process run on any suitable computer available on the market), or in a network environment (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other such network) using one or more network computers. 【0018】For clarity, only specific selected aspects of various software-based implementations are described. Other details that are well known in the art are omitted. For example, the technologies disclosed herein are not limited to any particular computer language or program. For example, the technologies disclosed herein may be executed by software written in C, C++, Java®, or any other suitable programming language. Similarly, the technologies disclosed herein are not limited to any particular computer or type of hardware. Specific details of suitable computers and hardware are well known and do not need to be described in detail herein. 【0019】 Furthermore, any of the various embodiments of such software (including, for example, a set of computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the various methods disclosed herein) may be uploaded, downloaded, or accessed remotely by preferred means of communication. Such preferred means of communication include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web, intranets, software applications, cables (including fiber optic cables), magnetic communications, electromagnetic communications (including RF communications, microwave communications, and infrared communications), electronic communications, or other such means of communication. 【0020】In this disclosure, "image data" means, for example, data captured by a spacecraft; "generated image information" means, for example, information generated so that it can be provided to a user terminal device by processing the image data with the image control device 230; and "image information" is a general term for both image data and generated image information. In other words, image data and generated image information are merely terms used to distinguish the timing of transmission or reception, and image data and generated image information may be substantially the same or different. Furthermore, neither image data nor generated image information is limited to a specific file format; any file format that can be processed by each device is acceptable. Also, the image specified by the image data and generated image information is not limited to a single still image, but may be a burst image obtained by capturing multiple still images in succession, or a video composed of multiple frames, or any other form. Furthermore, as stated above, "image information" is a general term for both image data and generated image information. Therefore, "image information" may refer to image data only, generated image information only, or both image data and generated image information. 【0021】 Furthermore, while this disclosure may refer to "First Spacecraft 300-1" or "Second Spacecraft 300-2," these are merely designations used to identify each user terminal device, each user, and each spacecraft, and do not imply any limitation to a specific number or order. In addition, unless specifically mentioned, the designations "First" and "Second" may have different meanings or the same meaning. 【0022】1. Overview of Processing System 1 The Processing System 1 relating to this disclosure receives at least one of the following: image information acquired by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth when imaging an object on Earth, and attribute information associated with said image information. Based on at least one of these pieces of information, the Processing System 1 determines the quality of the image information. In this way, the Processing System 1 determines the quality of the image information, enabling it to perform quality control of the image information more efficiently and execute a series of processes related to imaging more efficiently. 【0023】 Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 1, the processing system 1 includes a processing unit 100, a user terminal device 400, an image control device 230, a management device 220, a ground station communication device including a first communication device 210-1 and a second communication device 210-2, and a spacecraft including a first spacecraft 300-1 and a second spacecraft 300-2. Each component is connected to each other in a communicative manner via at least one wireless and one wired communication network. 【0024】 In very simple terms, within the processing system 1, the user terminal device 400 receives user input, selects imaging location information including the target to be imaged and the desired date and time for imaging, and generates imaging instruction information. The processing device 100 generates imaging schedule information in response to the instruction information received from the user terminal device 400, and performs quality determination and post-processing based on the determined quality for the image information acquired according to the schedule information. The management device 220 generates imaging instruction information for controlling the spacecraft based on the schedule information and transmission schedule generated by the processing device 100, and also manages images captured by the spacecraft and the user. The image control device 230 processes the image data received from the spacecraft and generates image information that can be provided to the user terminal device 400. The ground station communication device relays communication between each device on the ground station side and the spacecraft. The spacecraft travels in orbit around the Earth, and in the process, it images the target to be imaged, including predetermined points on the ground, according to the schedule information, and transmits the captured image data to the ground station. 【0025】 Note that the configuration shown in Figure 1 is just one example of the configuration of processing system 1, and of course, other components may be added or omitted. Furthermore, each component shown in Figure 1 does not need to execute all of the processes described below, and it is possible to distribute the processing among multiple components. 【0026】 2. Diagram 2 of the configuration of the processing unit 100 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the processing unit 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 2, the processing unit 100 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, and a communication interface 113. Each of these components is electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. The processing unit 100 does not need to have all of the components shown in Figure 2; it is possible to omit some components or add other components. For example, it is possible to use an external memory connected via communication as memory, or a database device, server device, etc. Also, the processing unit 100 is typically configured as a server device installed in the cloud, but it may be any device such as an on-premise server device, a supercomputer, a mainframe, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a workstation, or a mobile information terminal. Furthermore, the processing unit 100 can distribute some of its processing with other processing units, including other server devices. In other words, the processing unit 100 is not limited to a single device, but also includes cases where it is distributed across multiple devices depending on the handling of information and the processing load. 【0027】The processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the processing system 1 based on processing programs stored in the memory 112. Based on the processing programs stored in the memory 112, the processor 111 executes processes related to providing imaging services. In particular, the processor 111 executes processes such as "receiving at least one of the image information and attribute information associated with the image information obtained by a spacecraft imaging an object on Earth" and "determining the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information" based on the processing programs stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may be combined with GPUs, FPGAs, etc. as appropriate. 【0028】 Memory 112 is composed of RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Memory 112 stores instruction commands for various control of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as processing programs. Specifically, memory 112 stores programs for processor 111 to execute, such as "a process to receive at least one of the image information and attribute information associated with the image information acquired by a spacecraft imaging an object on Earth" and "a process to determine the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information." In addition to these programs, memory 112 also stores various information from the instruction management table. Note that this information does not need to be constantly stored in memory 112 within the processing unit 100, but may be stored in a database device installed remotely. In that case, the database device is also included in memory 112. 【0029】The communication interface 113 functions as a notification unit for sending and receiving various information with user terminal devices 400 and management devices 220, etc., connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 113 include wired communication connectors such as USB and SCSI, and wireless communication transmitting and receiving devices such as mobile phone networks, wireless networks (Wi-Fi, WiMax, cellular, etc.), fixed telephone networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and / or Ethernet®. 【0030】 3. The processing system 1 of the configuration of the spacecraft 300 shown in Figure 1 may include at least one spacecraft 300. Although Figure 1 illustrates a first spacecraft 300-1 and a second spacecraft 300-2, the processing system 1 may include three or more spacecraft 300. Each spacecraft 300 may be, for example, an artificial satellite, but is not limited to that, and may include any mobile body capable of navigating in space. 【0031】 Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spacecraft 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B is a block diagram showing the configuration of a spacecraft 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although Figure 3A shows an example of a spacecraft 300, the first spacecraft 300-1 and the second spacecraft 300-2 do not need to have the same configuration, and the spacecraft may have different configurations. 【0032】 According to Figures 3A and 3B, the spacecraft 300 may include a communication device 350 that transmits and receives various data with a ground station communication device, an imaging device 310 that images the Earth, and a control device 340 that controls the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 and the attitude of the spacecraft 300. The communication device 350, the control device 340, and the imaging device 310 may be electrically connected to each other via control lines and / or data lines. 【0033】(1) Communication device 350 The communication device 350 may include a communication interface 359, as shown in Figure 3B. The communication interface 359 can receive control information related to the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 transmitted from the ground station communication device and transmit this control information to the imaging device 310. The communication interface 359 can also transmit and / or receive various data to and from the ground station communication device. 【0034】 Furthermore, the communication interface 359 can transmit, for example, image data acquired by the control device 340 and space position information regarding the position of the spacecraft 300 in space, which is being monitored by the control device 340, to the ground station communication device. The space position information of the spacecraft 300 can be acquired at any time by the sensor 355, which will be described later. 【0035】 Furthermore, the communication interface 359 can receive identification data from each communication device included in the ground station communication equipment (such as the first communication device 210-1 and the second communication device 210-2) and store the respective identification data in the memory 354, which will be described later. This makes it possible for the communication interface 359 to recognize which of the multiple communication devices received the control information from the communication device when it receives control information from a communication device, based on the identification data of that communication device included in the control information. In addition, the identification data of each of the multiple communication devices transmitted from the ground station communication equipment to the communication interface 359 includes the location data of each communication device. This allows the communication interface 359 to associate the location data of each of the multiple communication devices with their respective ID data and store this data in the memory 354. Therefore, when control information is transmitted from the communication device to the spacecraft 300, it is not necessary to include the location data of the communication device in the control information, and it is possible to reduce the size of the control information (in this case, if the ID data of the communication device is included in the control information, the spacecraft 300 can obtain the location data of the communication device associated with that ID data by referring to the memory 354). 【0036】The communication interface 359 may, for example, utilize a communication method corresponding to the S-band or X-band frequency band, but other communication methods may also be used. Furthermore, the communication interface 359 can be configured with multiple communication interfaces depending on the recipient and the communication standards used during transmission and reception. 【0037】 Here, by storing multiple imaging modes related to the imaging operation of the spacecraft 300 (imaging device 310) that are assumed in advance in the control device 340 (memory 354 of the control device 340) along with encrypted data, it becomes possible to transmit only this encrypted data from the ground station communication device to the communication interface 359. In this case, when the communication interface 359 transmits the encrypted data received from the ground station communication device to the control device 340, the control device 340 can read the imaging mode corresponding to this encrypted data from the memory 354 and control the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 according to this imaging mode. The imaging mode can include, for example, two modes: a wide-area imaging mode and a high-resolution imaging mode. In this case, the wide-area imaging mode can be encrypted as "MODE1" and the high-resolution imaging mode as "MODE2" ("MODE1" and "MODE2" become the encrypted data, respectively). Note that the multiple imaging modes are not limited to just the wide-area imaging mode and the high-resolution imaging mode, and other modes may also be included. 【0038】Image instruction information, which is an example of control information, preferably includes image scheduling information indicating the time to image the target, image position information indicating the location of the target, and selection information. Image position information indicating the location of the target is information indicating a point or region on Earth that is to be imaged, and may be data indicating the latitude and longitude corresponding to this point or region. The aforementioned image scheduling information may be data indicating the date and time on which imaging should be performed (the date and time on which imaging, observation, etc. by the spacecraft 300 is required). The image instruction information may more preferably further include orbital information of the spacecraft 300. Examples of such orbital information include the direction in which the spacecraft 300 moves on its orbit on Earth at the time it images the target, the position on its orbit where the spacecraft 300 is located at the same time (space position information), the imaging angle of the spacecraft 300 at the same time (e.g., Nafnadia angle), various parameters such as the noise equivalent backscattering coefficient and output power resolution, and combinations thereof. Such orbital information is particularly important as imaging conditions when a synthetic aperture radar is used as the imaging device of the spacecraft 300. Information such as "January 11, 2024, 13:00 / 33.55 degrees North latitude / 135.55 degrees East longitude / MODE 1 / (FROM 20B TO 10A)" may be transmitted from the ground station communication device to the communication interface 359. In this case, "January 11, 2024, 13:00" corresponds to imaging schedule information, "33.55 degrees North latitude / 135.55 degrees East longitude" corresponds to imaging position information of the imaging target, and "MODE 1" corresponds to imaging mode information. The identification data of the transmitting communication device 3 (for example, "20B") may also be included in this control information. 【0039】 The transmission and reception of various data between the communication interface 359 and the ground station communication equipment can be carried out using, for example, a communication method in the S-band or X-band frequency band, but is not limited to this, and can be carried out using various communication methods, such as inter-satellite communication. 【0040】(2) Control device 340 The control device 340 receives control information (e.g., imaging instruction information) received by the communication interface 359 from the ground station communication device and can control the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 based on this control information (e.g., imaging instruction information). The control device 340 can also control the attitude of the spacecraft 300 in relation to its imaging operation. 【0041】 The control device 340 includes, as hardware, a processor 353, a memory 354, and a sensor 355, which are interconnected by a data bus and / or a control bus, and can perform various information processing described later. 【0042】 The processor 353, for example, is called a CPU, and by performing various calculations based on the instructions and data stored in the memory 354, it can generate imaging instruction information related to the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 and the attitude of the spacecraft 300 related to the imaging operation. 【0043】 The memory 354 can store instructions and data received from the communication interface 359, as well as the calculation results of the processor 353. Furthermore, the memory 354 can store instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute a specific application (for example, an application for controlling the imaging operation of the imaging device 310, an application for controlling the attitude of the spacecraft 300, etc.). The memory 354 may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable media such as RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and hard disk drives (HDD: not shown). 【0044】Furthermore, as described above, the memory 354 can store a plurality of imaging modes related to the imaging operation of the imaging device 310 assumed in advance, together with the encrypted data. For example, the memory 354 can store the wide-area imaging mode together with the encrypted data "MODE1", and the high-resolution imaging mode together with the encrypted data "MODE2". Further, the memory 354 stores information related to the attitude control of the spacecraft 300 corresponding to each of the wide-area imaging mode and the high-resolution imaging mode (for example, in the wide-area imaging mode, the spacecraft 300 can be subjected to attitude control to maintain the same attitude with respect to the ground surface of the imaging target. On the other hand, in the high-resolution imaging mode, the spacecraft 300 can be subjected to attitude control to track the ground surface of the imaging target), the frequency of the radio wave radiated from the imaging device 310, information related to the irradiation time of the radio wave radiated from the imaging device 310 (for example, several seconds to several minutes in the wide-area imaging mode, while several seconds in the high-resolution imaging mode), information related to conditions such as modulation / demodulation, information related to the time required for the imaging operation, and various other data, as well as their calculation methods (computer programs, etc.). Thereby, the processor 353 can generate various control information related to the imaging operation of the imaging device 310. 【0045】 Furthermore, as described above, the memory 354 can store the identification data of each of the plurality of ground station communication devices. For example, the memory 354 can store these data by associating the position information of each of the plurality of ground station communication devices with their respective ID data. 【0046】The sensor 355 may include, for example, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a position sensor, and / or a speed sensor, etc., which are used for acquiring various data regarding the progress of the spacecraft 300, the cosmic position and attitude in outer space, etc., and for controlling them. Further, the sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, and / or an infrared sensor, etc., for observing the external environment and / or the internal environment of the spacecraft 300. The various sensor data acquired by the sensor 355 are stored in the memory 354 and then used for arithmetic processing by the processor 353 and may be transmitted to the ground station communication device via the communication interface 359. 【0047】 (3) Imaging device 310 The imaging device 310 receives the control information generated by the aforementioned control device 340 and executes an imaging operation. The imaging device 310 can use, for example, a synthetic aperture radar. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the imaging device 310 includes a transmitter 360, a radiator 357, a reflector 330, and a receiver 361. 【0048】 The transmitter 360 sends out a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency based on the control information from the control device 340. After the pulse signal is subjected to processes such as modulation and / or demodulation and converted to a high-frequency radio frequency, it is amplified and radiated from the radiator 357 to the reflector 330 and then radiated into the external space of the imaging device 310. Thereafter, the transmitter 360 receives the radio wave (reflected wave) reflected by the imaging target at the receiver 361 via the reflector 330 and the radiator 357. The received image data can be transmitted to the ground station communication device via the aforementioned communication interface 359. Note that the reflected wave received at the receiver 361 can also be transmitted to the ground station communication device via the communication interface 359. 【0049】Here, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the radiator 357 and the reflector 330 correspond to an antenna. The reflector 330 is arranged to face the radiator 357 at a predetermined angle and includes a sub-reflector (sub-mirror) 332 for reflecting radio waves radiated from the radiator 357 to a main reflector, the reflector 331, which is arranged to face the mirror surface of the sub-reflector 332 and further reflects the radio waves reflected by the sub-reflector 332 to radiate radio waves into the space outside the imaging device 310, and a support member 333 for supporting the sub-reflector 332. 【0050】 The reflector 331 includes a plurality of ribs 335 and a planar body 336, and its reflective surface may be formed in a parabolic shape in order to function as a main reflector. 【0051】 4. Ground station communication equipment (first communication equipment 210-1 and second communication equipment 210-2) The processing system 1 may include ground station communication equipment consisting of at least one communication equipment. For example, Figure 1 illustrates two communication equipment (first communication equipment 210-1 and second communication equipment 210-2), but the processing system 1 may include any number of communication equipment. 【0052】 Each communication device is a commonly known ground station and may include, for example, a battery (not shown) and a communication interface for sending and receiving various data to and from each of the multiple spacecraft 300 and the control device 220. 【0053】 As a result, each communication device can receive image data captured (acquired) or image information generated based on this image data, as well as space position information regarding the position of the spacecraft 300 in space, which is monitored by the control device 340, from each of the spacecraft 300, and can transmit the received image data (or image information) and space position information to the management device 220. In addition, each communication device can receive its own identification data from the management device 220 and transmit (transmit) the received identification data to each of the multiple spacecraft 300. 【0054】Furthermore, by connecting each communication device to the management device 220 via a communication line, each communication device can transmit control information received from the management device 220 to a predetermined spacecraft 300. 【0055】 The communication lines connecting each communication device and the management device 220 may include, but are not limited to, mobile phone networks, wireless networks (Wi-Fi, WiMax, cellular, etc.), fixed telephone networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and / or Ethernet®. 【0056】 5. Management device 220 The management device 220 receives imaging instruction information generated by the processing device 100 from the processing device 100 and can select an appropriate communication device from among multiple communication devices and an appropriate spacecraft 300 from among multiple spacecraft 300 in order to perform imaging based on imaging schedule information specified in the imaging instruction information. Such a management device 220 can also be configured in the same manner as the processing device 100 illustrated in Figure 2. 【0057】 The management device 220 can be connected to a plurality of communication devices (in Figure 1, the first communication device 210-1 and the second communication device 210-2) via communication lines. This allows the management device 220 to transmit control information to a predetermined spacecraft 300 to each of the plurality of communication devices (in Figure 1, the first communication device 210-1 and the second communication device 210-2). The management device 220 can also receive the aforementioned identification data from each of the plurality of communication devices (in Figure 1, the first communication device 210-1 and the second communication device 210-2). 【0058】 Furthermore, the management device 220 may be connected to the processing device 100 via a communication line. In this case, the communication line may include, but is not limited to, mobile phone networks, wireless networks (Wi-Fi, WiMax, cellular, etc.), fixed telephone networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and / or Ethernet®. 【0059】 As a result, the management device 220 can receive imaging instruction information from the processing device 100 indicating a request to image the target object. 【0060】 The hardware configuration of the management device 220 includes a processor and a memory communication interface. 【0061】 A processor, sometimes called a CPU, can perform various calculations based on instructions and data stored in memory. 【0062】 The memory can store instructions and data received via the communication interface, as well as the results of calculations performed by the processor. Furthermore, the memory can store instructions and data (computer programs) that constitute a specific application (for example, an application for determining the spacecraft 300 that performs imaging operations, an application for determining the communication device that transmits control information to the spacecraft 300, an application for controlling the content of the control information transmitted from the communication device to the spacecraft 300, an application for controlling the transmission and reception of data with the communication device, an application for controlling the transmission and reception of data with the communication device, etc.). The memory may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable media such as RAM, ROM, non-volatile memory, and hard disk drives (HDD: not shown). 【0063】The management device 220 executes a combination determination function under the control of the processor. Based on the imaging position information of the target to be imaged included in the imaging instruction information, the space position information of each of the multiple spacecraft 300 that have been previously received via the ground station 2, and the position information (identification data) of each of the multiple communication devices, the combination determination function can determine from among the multiple spacecraft 300 and multiple communication devices a combination of one spacecraft 300 capable of performing an imaging operation at the point specified by the imaging position information of the target to be imaged, and one communication device that transmits the imaging instruction information to the one spacecraft 300 capable of performing the imaging operation, at the start timing specified by the imaging schedule information. Furthermore, when multiple spacecraft 300 cooperate to perform imaging at the point corresponding to the target to be imaged, the combination determination function can also determine a combination of multiple spacecraft 300 capable of performing the imaging operation and multiple communication devices that transmit the aforementioned control data to each of the multiple spacecraft 300 capable of performing the imaging operation. 【0064】 Furthermore, the processor of the management device 220 can determine the content of control information to be transmitted to the communication device based on information regarding the combination of one spacecraft 300 and one communication device generated by the combination determination function, and information regarding the total time. This control information includes imaging position information of the object to be imaged and imaging schedule information. 【0065】 Furthermore, the processor of the management device 220 can grasp the status of the object to be imaged based on information such as the imaging position of the object, and determine which imaging mode the imaging device 310 of the spacecraft 300 should use for imaging. Based on this decision, the processor can further generate the aforementioned selection information. 【0066】Furthermore, the processor of the management device 220 can transmit the generated control information and request information requesting that the control information be transmitted to one spacecraft 300 determined by the combination to the communication interface. This allows the communication interface to transmit this control information and request information to one communication device determined by the aforementioned combination. For example, the control information transmitted from the communication interface to the communication device may be "January 11, 2024, 13:00:04 / 33.55 degrees North latitude / 135.55 degrees East longitude / MODE 1 / (FROM 20B TO 10B)". 【0067】 6. Image Control Device 230 The image control device 230 can receive image data acquired by the spacecraft 300 via a communication device. The image control device 230 can also generate image information based on the received image data. The image control device 230 can transmit the image information thus generated to the processing device 100. 【0068】 Here, we will briefly explain image data and image information generated based on this image. The spacecraft 300 can acquire image data by imaging a certain point on Earth. Such image data may include, for example, a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the aforementioned point, and the depth and time (date and time) associated with each of these coordinates. Such image data may be generated, for example, in the form of a matrix. 【0069】 Here, when the spacecraft 300 performs imaging using synthetic aperture radar, radio waves are emitted from the spacecraft 300 toward the aforementioned point on Earth. As a result, the spacecraft 300 can receive radio waves that are reflected from the aforementioned point and propagating toward the spacecraft 300. The spacecraft 300 can use the received intensity of such radio waves and the time (date and time) when such radio waves were received to generate data that includes a plurality of coordinates corresponding to the aforementioned point, and the depth and time (date and time) associated with each of these coordinates. 【0070】On the other hand, generated image information, which is generated based on image data, can be information that represents each coordinate contained in the image data, along with the depth and time corresponding to that coordinate, in the form of a map. In such generated image information, each point corresponding to a coordinate can be represented by a degree of intensity determined according to the depth corresponding to that coordinate. For example, if the depth corresponding to a certain coordinate is deep (i.e., the point corresponding to that coordinate is at a low position), the point corresponding to that coordinate can be represented more intensely, while if the depth corresponding to a certain coordinate is shallow (i.e., the point corresponding to that coordinate is at a high position), the point corresponding to that coordinate can be represented more lightly. 【0071】 7. User Terminal Device 400 The configuration of the user terminal device 400 includes, for example, a processor that functions as a control unit, a memory that functions as a storage unit, an input interface that functions as an input unit, an output interface that functions as an output unit, and a communication interface that functions as a communication unit. Each of these components is electrically connected to each other via control lines and data lines. The user terminal device 400 does not need to have all of these components; it is possible to omit some or add other components. The user terminal device 400 can be any device that can communicate with the processing unit 100 via a wired or wireless network, and smartphones, tablet devices, laptop PCs, desktop PCs, scanners, imaging devices, and multifunction printers can be used as user terminal devices 400. In the case of multiple users as described above, multiple user terminal devices 400 are used for each user, but each user terminal device 400 may be a different type of terminal device. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required that there be one user terminal device 400 for each user; multiple users may use one user terminal device 400, or one user may use multiple user terminal devices 400. 【0072】The processor of the user terminal device 400 receives user input via an input interface to generate, for example, imaging location information and imaging schedule information for the object to be imaged, and generates imaging location information, time information, and imaging mode information for the object to be imaged. The processor of the user terminal device 400 then transmits the generated imaging location information, time information, and imaging mode information to the processing unit 100 via a communication interface. 【0073】 8. Various Information Used in Processing in Processing System 1 Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an instruction management table stored in a processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Figure 4, the instruction management table stores user ID information, attribute information, imaging position information, schedule information, image data, and generated image information, etc., associated with instruction ID information. 【0074】 "Instruction ID information" is, for example, unique information for each imaging instruction given by the user, and is used to identify each instruction. Instruction ID information is generated by the processing unit 100 each time a new imaging search request is received from the user. 【0075】 "User ID information" is, for example, unique information for each user, used to identify each user. User ID information is generated by the processing unit 100 each time a user sends a new registration request for an imaging service through the user terminal device. 【0076】"Attribute information" is information that indicates the attributes of the image information associated with the acquired image information. Examples of attribute information include telemetry information of the spacecraft 300 at the time the image data was captured, or imaging mode information that indicates the imaging mode at the time of capture. Examples of such telemetry information include the attitude of the spacecraft 300 at the time of capture, the velocity of the spacecraft 300 at the time of capture, the position of the spacecraft 300 in space at the time of capture, or information acquired by various sensors of the spacecraft 300. Among the attribute information, telemetry information is used in particular to determine the quality of the captured image information (especially the image data) and to decide whether or not to generate generated image information according to the result of this determination. Examples of imaging mode information include information that indicates the pattern of the imaging operation of the spacecraft 300, and more specifically, information that indicates a wide-area imaging mode or information that indicates a high-resolution imaging mode. It should be noted that this type of imaging mode information is merely one example; other examples include information indicating continuous shooting mode, zoom in / out mode, video mode, still image mode, and combinations thereof, as long as it indicates imaging operation. 【0077】"Image location information" is information that indicates a point or region on Earth that each user desires to be imaged, and is used as one of the attribute pieces of information associated with the acquired image information. Image location information may include, for example, the latitude, longitude, and altitude of a point on Earth, and is set according to the user's selection. However, information indicating latitude, longitude, and altitude is merely one example of location information. Examples of image location information include latitude, longitude, and altitude, information indicating landmarks (e.g., Tower A, City Hall B, etc.), information indicating the name of a region such as a country, prefecture, or city / town (e.g., Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City, Tenjin, etc.), information indicating an address (e.g., the address itself or postal code), information indicating a telephone number, and combinations thereof. Any information that indicates a location can be cited as an example. It is desirable for image location information to include altitude as described above. The imaging location information is used to determine the quality of the image information (particularly the generated image information) based on whether the imaging location includes an area where object identification is difficult, such as a uniform landscape without landmarks over an arbitrary area like the sea, a lake, or a desert, and to perform processing according to the result of that determination. 【0078】 "Schedule information" is information indicating the date and time when the spacecraft 300 will image the target object. The target object information includes, for example, at least one piece of information indicating a specific date and time (for example, "January 11, 2024, 13:00:04"). The target object information is information determined by the processing unit 100. 【0079】"Image data" is data captured (observed) by the spacecraft 300 and is a type of image information. In other words, image data is the data itself observed by the imaging device 310 of the spacecraft 300, or the data after it has been converted into data that can be transmitted from the spacecraft 300 to the ground station. Image data includes, for example, multiple coordinates corresponding to a certain point, and the depth and time (date and time) associated with each of these multiple coordinates. Image data is generated in the form of a matrix, for example. In addition to the above, such image data may also be data indicating the intensity of radio waves received by the receiver 361 of the imaging device 310, data indicating the intensity of ultraviolet rays, data indicating the intensity of infrared rays, or data indicating the intensity of radiation. Such image data is converted into generated image information by processing by, for example, the image control device 230. 【0080】 "Generated image information" is information that has been converted into information that can be provided to the user terminal device 400 by processing image data by the image control device 230, and is a type of image information. As an example of such generated image information, there is image information that represents each coordinate included in the image data and the depth and time corresponding to this coordinate in the form of a map. In such generated image information, the points corresponding to each coordinate can be represented by a degree of intensity determined according to the depth corresponding to that coordinate. For example, if the depth corresponding to a certain coordinate is deep (i.e., the point corresponding to that coordinate is at a low position), the point corresponding to that coordinate can be represented more intensely, while if the depth corresponding to a certain coordinate is shallow (i.e., the point corresponding to that coordinate is at a high position), the point corresponding to that coordinate can be represented more lightly. Such generated image information can be any information obtained by converting data indicating the intensity of radio waves, ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, or radiation acquired as image data into visual information, and other examples include so-called color images, black and white images, infrared images, ultraviolet images, or radiation images. 【0081】The information stored in such an instruction management table is merely an example, and it may naturally include other information such as desired period information indicating the period during which the user desires imaging of the target object, and candidate information indicating candidate times during which imaging by the spacecraft 300 is possible. Furthermore, while each piece of information stored in the instruction management table is typically stored in the memory 112 of the processing unit 100, it may also be stored in other devices such as the management device 220, server device, or database device. 【0082】 9. Processing Sequences Executed in Processing System 1 Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams showing processing sequences executed in Processing System 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 5A shows the processing sequence executed between the user terminal device 400, the processing device 100, and the management device 220 from the time the user receives an imaging search request from the user-available user terminal device 400 until an imaging instruction request is transmitted to the spacecraft. Figure 5B shows the processing sequence executed between the spacecraft 300, the image control device 230, and the processing device 100 when determining the quality of image information acquired according to the instruction information from the user. 【0083】 (1) According to the processing diagram 5A relating to the transmission of imaging instruction information, the processing sequence is initiated when the user terminal device 400 receives an input of an imaging search request. Specifically, the processor of the user terminal device 400 receives user operation input via the input interface on the imaging search screen output via the output interface, and generates search request information by selecting the user's user ID information, desired period information, attribute information, and imaging position information (S11). 【0084】Although not specifically illustrated, the search request information is generated based on the user's selection via the imaging search screen output through the output interface of the user terminal device 400. For example, attribute information is generated by receiving user input via the input interface to select either the wide-area imaging mode or the high-resolution imaging mode, which indicate patterns of imaging operations, in the attribute selection area of ​​the imaging search screen. Also, for example, imaging location information is generated by receiving user input via the input interface to select a desired location from the map displayed in the map information display area of ​​the imaging search screen, or by receiving input of a landmark to be imaged by the user. Regarding elevation information within the imaging location information, it is generated by reading elevation information that has been stored in advance and associated with the received imaging location information (for example, information showing latitude and longitude). Furthermore, desired period information is generated by receiving user input via the input interface to select information indicating the period for which the user wishes to image the target in the desired period selection area of ​​the imaging search screen. 【0085】 Next, the processor of the user terminal device 400 transmits search request information (T11) to the processing unit 100 via the communication interface, which includes the user's user ID information, as well as the imaging location information (imaging target), desired period information, and attribute information generated in S11. When the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 receives the search request information via the communication interface 113, it generates new instruction ID information and stores it in the instruction management table. The processor 111 of the processing unit 100 also stores the user's user ID information, imaging location information, desired period information, and attribute information included in the received search request information in the instruction management table in association with the newly generated instruction ID information (S12). 【0086】Then, the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 determines whether imaging by the spacecraft 300 is possible under the conditions specified in the received search request information (imaging location information, desired period information, and attribute information) (S13). Specifically, the processor 111 determines whether imaging by the spacecraft 300 is possible by determining whether the imaging target specified by the imaging location information is included in the range that can be imaged by the spacecraft 300 during the period specified by the desired period information. 【0087】 Here, since the spacecraft 300 moves in orbit around the Earth, imaging of the target is only possible when it is positioned above the target, and imaging is not always possible. Therefore, the processing unit 100 has in advance calculated and stored the orbit of each spacecraft 300, as well as the range and time during which imaging is possible. Accordingly, the processor 111 determines whether imaging is possible by comparing this pre-stored information with the desired period information and position information. In this way, the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 determines whether imaging is possible based on the positional relationship between the spacecraft 300 and the target in processing S13, and does not make a decision based on priority at this point. Therefore, the user can find out whether imaging is possible or not in a shorter amount of time. 【0088】If the processor 111 determines that imaging is not possible, it outputs information indicating that imaging is not possible to the user terminal device 400 that sent the search request information via the communication interface 113. On the other hand, if the processor 111 determines that imaging is possible, it executes a process to extract candidate imaging information (S14). Specifically, the processor 111 calculates the period during which it is possible to image the target identified by the imaging position information from the desired period information and the time it takes for the spacecraft 300 to move above the target. The processor 111 then selects at least one time during which imaging is possible from this period and generates candidate information indicating the selected time and the range that will actually be imaged during that time. The processor 111 stores the generated candidate information in the instruction management table in association with the instruction ID information, and also transmits the generated candidate information (T12) along with the instruction ID information to the user terminal device 400 that sent the search request information via the communication interface 113. 【0089】 When the processor of the user terminal device 400 receives candidate information via the communication interface, it outputs a candidate display screen showing the candidate information via the output interface. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the candidate display screen includes a selection box for selecting a desired candidate from among multiple candidate information, and an input box for specifying desired delivery date information indicating the date and time when the transmission of the captured image information will be completed. The processor of the user terminal device 400 then accepts user operation input via the input interface and selects at least one imaging time information from the candidate information. The processor of the user terminal device 400 also accepts input of desired delivery date information via the input interface. The processor of the user terminal device 400 generates instruction information including the selected or input imaging time information and desired delivery date information (S15). 【0090】The processor of the user terminal device 400 transmits instruction information (T13), which includes instruction ID information, imaging time information, and desired delivery date information generated in S15, to the processing unit 100 via the communication interface. When the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 receives the instruction information via the communication interface 113, it stores the imaging time information and desired delivery date information contained in the instruction information in the instruction management table, associating them with the instruction ID information (S16). 【0091】 The processor 111 of the processing unit 100 generates imaging schedule information based on imaging time information identified by the instruction information and stores it in the instruction management table in association with the instruction ID information (S17). The processor 111 reads from the instruction management table the instruction ID information, imaging schedule information, imaging position information indicating the imaging target, mode information, and also transmission schedule information that specifies the timing for transmitting the captured image data, as well as identification data of the ground station communication device 210 to which the data will be transmitted. The processor 111 then calculates the situation when the spacecraft 300 is imaging the imaging target and stores the calculated situation as imaging status information. Specifically, the processor 111 identifies whether it is a wide-area imaging mode or a high-resolution imaging mode based on the mode information, and based on the imaging position information and the movement plan information of the spacecraft 300 at the time of imaging (for example, the velocity information and space position information of the spacecraft), it generates imaging status information that includes at least one of the following: the space position information of the spacecraft 300 during the period specified by the imaging time information, the velocity information of the spacecraft 300 during the period specified by the imaging time information, and the attitude information of the spacecraft 300 during the period specified by the imaging time information (the angle between a line extending vertically from the spacecraft 300 toward the Earth's surface and a line along the radio waves emitted from the spacecraft 300). The processor 111 then generates imaging instruction information including the above imaging status information in addition to instruction ID information, etc. (S18). The processor 111 transmits the generated imaging instruction information (T14) to the management device 220 via the communication interface 113. 【0092】When the management device 220 receives imaging instruction information, it stores the imaging instruction information in its memory (S20). The management device 220 then transmits the imaging instruction information as control information to the spacecraft 300, which has also been determined by the combination determination function, via the ground station communication device 210. The spacecraft 300, upon receiving the imaging instruction information, performs imaging at the time specified by the imaging schedule information included in the imaging instruction information, including the imaging target specified by the position information. This completes the processing sequence. 【0093】 (2) Processing related to quality determination of captured image information Next, as described above, Figure 5B shows the processing sequence executed between the spacecraft 300, the image control device 230, and the processing device 100 when determining the quality of image information acquired in accordance with user instructions. 【0094】 As explained in Figure 5A, when the time specified by the imaging time information included in the imaging instruction information reaches the time specified by the imaging time information included in the imaging instruction information, the spacecraft 300 performs imaging of the target to be imaged in the mode specified by the mode information included in the imaging instruction information, including the target to be imaged specified by the imaging position information. The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 stores the captured image data in the memory 354, associating it with the instruction ID information included in the imaging instruction information, using the processor 353. The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 also acquires the space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 from various sensors 355 during the period in which the target to be imaged was captured, and stores this as attribute information, associating it with the instruction ID information. The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 then waits until it is time to transmit the captured image data and the attribute information acquired in association with the image data to the ground station. 【0095】The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300, when the processor 353 receives identification data of one of the ground station communication devices 210 via the communication interface 359, determines that it has reached the communication range of the said ground station communication device 210 (S31). The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300, using the processor 353, reads out each transmission schedule information (transmission date and time and identification data of the destination ground station communication device 210) from among the multiple imaging instruction information received in advance (S32). Then, the control device 340 of the spacecraft 300, using the processor 353, selects instruction ID information as the transmission target that has the same identification data as the ground station communication device 210 that is currently within communication range, and whose date and time specified by the transmission schedule information is the present (S33). Then, the control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 reads attribute information associated with the selected instruction ID information via the processor 353 and transmits the attribute information (T31) and instruction ID information to the ground station communication device 210, which is identified by the identification data, via the communication interface 359. 【0096】 When the processor of the ground station communication device 210 receives attribute information and instruction ID information, it stores the received attribute information in association with the instruction ID information. Then, the processor of the ground station communication device 210 transmits the stored attribute information and instruction ID information to the connected image control device 230 via the communication interface. 【0097】 When the processor of the image control device 230 receives attribute information via the communication interface, it stores the received attribute information in association with instruction ID information (S34). Then, the processor of the image control device 230 transmits the stored attribute information (T32) and instruction ID information to the connected processing unit 100 via the communication interface. 【0098】When the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 receives attribute information via the communication interface 113, it stores the attribute information in the instruction management table in association with the received instruction ID information. The processor 111 then compares at least the space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 from the stored attribute information with the imaging status information generated in advance in S18 of Figure 5A, and performs imaging determination processing to determine the quality of the captured image (S35). Once the imaging determination processing is completed, the processor 111 performs post-processing based on the determination result. For example, the processor 111 generates an image information generation request to request processing such as downloading image data or converting it into generated image information. Details of the imaging determination processing and post-processing will be explained in Figure 6 and other references. 【0099】 When an image information generation request is generated, the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 transmits the generated image information generation request (T33) along with instruction ID information to the image control device 230 via the communication interface 113. When the processor of the image control device 230 receives the image generation request and instruction ID information via the communication interface, it transmits the image generation request (T34) and instruction ID information to the spacecraft 300 that has transmitted attribute information via the ground station communication device 210. 【0100】 When the control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 receives an image generation request and instruction ID information from the ground station communication device 210 via the communication interface 359 using the processor 353, it reads out the image data associated with the instruction ID information (S37). The control device 340 of the spacecraft 300 transmits the image data (T35) read out via the communication interface 359 along with the instruction ID information to the ground station communication device 210 using the processor 353. 【0101】 When the processor of the ground station communication device 210 receives image data and instruction ID information, it stores the received image data in association with the instruction ID information. Then, the processor of the ground station communication device 210 transmits the stored image data and instruction ID information to the connected image control device 230 via the communication interface. 【0102】When the processor of the image control device 230 receives image data via the communication interface, it receives the image data and instruction ID information, and stores the received image data in association with the instruction ID information (S38). Then, the processor of the image control device 230 generates generated image information, which is represented in map format by the intensity of color at each coordinate, based on the coordinate, depth, and time information that constitutes the image data (S39). Then, the processor of the image control device 230 transmits the generated generated image information together with the instruction ID information to the processing device 100 via the communication interface. 【0103】 When the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 receives generated image information via the communication interface 113, it stores the generated image information in the instruction management table in association with the received instruction ID information. The processor 111 then reads the stored generated image information and attribute information associated with the received instruction ID information and executes an imaging determination process to determine the quality of the captured image information (S40). Once the imaging determination process is completed, the processor 111 executes post-processing based on the determination result. For example, the processor 111 generates an image information generation request to request processing such as downloading image data or converting it to generated image information. Details of the imaging determination process and post-processing will be explained in Figure 6, etc. This completes the processing sequence. 【0104】As shown above, the processing sequences in Figures 5A and 5B enable efficient determination of the quality of acquired image information. In particular, the download of image data from the spacecraft 300 (T35) and the processing related to the generation of generated image information (S39) place a heavy burden on communication resources and processing load. However, since the imaging determination process is performed in advance in S35 based on attribute information, and these processes are executed only if the quality is met, the image information acquisition process can be executed more efficiently. Furthermore, by making the post-processing performed on the acquired generated image information different based on the determined quality, it is possible to execute post-processing performed after the acquisition of generated images more efficiently. For example, if the quality does not meet the conditions, imaging may be automatically performed again. This allows for the rapid provision of image information to the user. 【0105】 10. Figure 6, a diagram of the processing flow performed by the processing device 100, is a diagram of the processing flow performed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 is a diagram of the processing flow of the imaging determination process and post-processing performed in S35 to S41 of Figure 5B. This processing flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the processing device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112. 【0106】 As shown in Figure 6, when the processor 111 receives instruction ID information from the image control device 230 via the communication interface 113, it determines whether or not attribute information has been received along with the instruction ID information (S111). If attribute information has been received, the processor 111 stores the received attribute information in the instruction management table, associating it with the received instruction ID information (S112). 【0107】Next, the processor 111 reads out at least the space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 from the stored attribute information and determines whether these information satisfies a predetermined first condition in order to determine the quality of the image data captured by the spacecraft 300 (S113). An example of the first condition is whether the space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 at the time the target to be imaged for image acquisition (i.e., the attribute information received in S111) are within a predetermined range when compared with the space position information, velocity information, and attitude information stored as imaging status information. 【0108】 Here, Figures 7A and 7B conceptually illustrate an example of telemetry information and imaging status information processed in a processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 7A conceptually illustrates an example of processing related to determining whether the first condition of S113 in Figure 6 is met based on the telemetry information and imaging status information of image information captured in wide-area imaging mode. Figure 7B conceptually illustrates an example of processing related to determining whether the first condition of S113 in Figure 6 is met based on the telemetry information and imaging status information of image information captured in high-resolution imaging mode. 【0109】(1) Example of determination in wide-area imaging mode Figure 7A shows an example of when imaging in wide-area imaging mode is performed according to the search request information generated in S11 of Figure 5A. In other words, in wide-area imaging mode, the imaging status information of space position information, velocity information and attitude information is set so that, while the spacecraft 300 moves from a position specified by the space position information at time t1-1 (imaging time information) to a position specified by the space position information at time t1-2 (imaging time information) at a velocity set by velocity information, the imaging status information of space position information, velocity information and attitude information are set so that the radio waves continue to be emitted toward the Earth surface over a range R1 while maintaining the angle θ1 specified by attitude information (the angle between a line extending perpendicularly from the spacecraft 300 toward the Earth surface and a line extending toward the center position Q1 of the radio waves emitted from the spacecraft 300) so as to include the imaging target D1 specified by the imaging position information. The spacecraft 300 then controls the imaging of image data according to the said imaging status information. In other words, the spacecraft 300 starts emitting radio waves in a range R1 from its position at time t1-1 toward the central position Q1 at an angle θ1, and continues emitting radio waves at an angle θ1 until it reaches the position at time t1-2. As a result, the central position changes parallel to the direction of movement of the spacecraft 300, and as a result, it is controlled to emit radio waves across the irradiation range P1. 【0110】On the other hand, during the actual flight of the spacecraft 300, various factors may prevent the acquisition of image data as set in the above-mentioned imaging status information. That is, as shown in Figure 7A, the illumination range P2, which is determined by the position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 actually acquired from various sensors when the spacecraft 300 acquires imaging data, may be shifted. Specifically, according to Figure 7A, the position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 when imaged in wide-area imaging mode indicate that: - While the spacecraft 300 moved from the position determined by the space position information at time t1-1 to the position determined by the space position information at time t1-2 at the velocity set by the velocity information, - it continued to emit radio waves toward the Earth's surface over a range R2 while maintaining the angle θ2 (angle between a line extending vertically from the spacecraft 300 toward the Earth's surface and a line extending toward the center position Q2 of the radio waves actually emitted from the spacecraft 300) determined by the attitude information. In other words, the spacecraft 300 began emitting radio waves in a range R2 from its position at time t1-1 toward the central position Q2 at an angle θ2, and continued emitting radio waves at an angle θ2 until it reached its position at time t1-2. As a result, radio waves were emitted across the irradiation range P2. 【0111】 Therefore, as shown in Figure 7A, by comparing the imaging status information and the attribute information, a shift of θ2-θ1 occurs in the radio wave irradiation angle, and a shift of P2-P1 occurs in the radio wave irradiation range. In other words, if the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 is set as a first condition that any of the above shift amounts are within a predetermined range, it calculates any of the above shift amounts by comparing the imaging status information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300) and the attribute information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300). Then, the processor 111 determines the quality of the image data by determining whether the calculated shift amount satisfies the condition set as the first condition. 【0112】(2) Example of determination in high-resolution imaging mode Figure 7B shows an example of when imaging in high-resolution imaging mode is performed according to the search request information generated in S11 of Figure 5A. In high-resolution imaging mode, the imaging status information of space position information, velocity information and attitude information is set so that the imaging target specified by the imaging position information is included, and the irradiation starts at an angle θ3-1 (angle between a line extending vertically from the space vehicle 300 toward the Earth surface and a line extending toward the center position O1 of the radio waves emitted from the space vehicle 300) specified by the attitude information, and continues to irradiate toward the center position O1 at all times. The imaging status information of space position information, velocity information and attitude information are set so that the imaging target specified by the imaging position information is included, and the irradiation starts at an angle θ3-1 (angle between a line extending vertically from the space vehicle 300 toward the Earth surface and a line extending toward the center position O1 of the radio waves emitted from the space vehicle 300) specified by the attitude information, and continues to irradiate toward the center position O1 at all times. The space vehicle 300 then controls the imaging of image data according to the said imaging status information. In other words, the spacecraft 300 starts emitting radio waves toward the central position O1 at an angle θ3-1 from its position at time t2-1, and continues emitting radio waves toward the central position O1 while changing the angle until it reaches the position at time t2-2, so that it irradiates the central position O1 and its surroundings with radio waves in multiple cycles. 【0113】On the other hand, during the actual flight of the spacecraft 300, various factors may prevent the acquisition of image data as set in the above imaging status information. That is, as shown in Figure 7B, the irradiation center position O2, which is determined by the position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 actually acquired from various sensors when imaging data is acquired by the spacecraft 300, may shift. Specifically, according to Figure 7B, the position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300 when imaged in high-resolution imaging mode indicate that: - While the spacecraft 300 moved from the position identified by the space position information at time t2-1 to the position identified by the space position information at time t2-2 at the velocity set by the velocity information, - it started irradiating at an angle θ4-1 identified by the attitude information (the angle between a line extending vertically from the spacecraft 300 toward the Earth's surface and a line extending toward the center position O2 of the radio waves actually emitted from the spacecraft 300), and continued irradiating toward the center position while changing the angle until it reached the position at time t2-2. 【0114】 Therefore, as shown in Figure 7B, by comparing the imaging status information and attribute information, a shift occurs in the radio wave irradiation angle (for example, (θ4-1)-(θ3-1) as the shift at the start of irradiation, and (θ4-2)-(θ3-2) as the shift at the end of irradiation), and a shift of O2-O1 occurs in the irradiation center position. In other words, if the processor 111 of the processing unit 100 is set as a first condition to determine whether any of the above shift amounts are within a predetermined range, it calculates one of the above shift amounts by comparing the imaging status information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300) and attribute information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300). The processor 111 then determines the quality of the image data by determining whether the calculated shift amount satisfies the condition set as the first condition. 【0115】(3) Other examples of determination The above (1) and (2) show examples of determination by comparing imaging status information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300) with attribute information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300), but it is also possible to determine by other methods. For example, the processor 111 calculates the trajectory of the spacecraft 300's movement during the period specified by the imaging time information of the spacecraft 300, based on the velocity information and space position information acquired as attribute information. The processor 111 then determines the quality of the image data by determining whether the calculated trajectory satisfies the first condition (for example, whether the amount of movement of the spacecraft 300 during the predetermined period is within a predetermined range, and whether the trajectory is one in which the spacecraft remains in the same place for a long period of time). 【0116】 In this example, the image data quality is determined using methods (1) to (3) above, but it can, of course, be determined by other methods as well. 【0117】 Returning to Figure 6, the processor 111 compares the attribute information of the image data captured by the methods (1) to (3) above with the imaging status information and determines whether the first condition is met. If the processor 111 determines that the first condition is met, that is, if any of the following apply, it executes the first post-processing (S114): - Wide-area imaging mode: The amount of displacement is within the range set as the first condition. - High-resolution imaging mode: The amount of displacement is within the range set as the first condition. - Trajectory of the spacecraft 300: The amount of movement of the spacecraft 300 over a predetermined period is not within the range set as the first condition (i.e., the trajectory is not one in which the spacecraft remains in the same place for a long period of time). 【0118】 As a first post-processing step, the processor 111 receives (for example, downloads) image data from the spacecraft 300 and generates an image information generation request to the image control device 230 to convert the image data into generated image information. Then, as a first post-processing step, the processor 111 transmits the generated image information generation request along with instruction ID information to the image control device 230 via the communication interface 113. 【0119】 On the other hand, if the processor 111 determines in S113 that none of the first conditions are met, it performs a second post-processing step (S121). Specifically, as the second post-processing step, the processor 111 generates at least one of the following to the spacecraft 300: for example, a notification that an error has occurred regarding the image data imaging process; a request to perform the image data imaging process again; a request to retransmit the imaging schedule information in order to perform the image data imaging process again; or a notification that there may be a delay in the provision of image information. The processor 111 then transmits one of these pieces of information to the spacecraft 300, the management device 220, or the user terminal device 400 via the communication interface 113. 【0120】 As shown in Figure 6, the processes involved in downloading image data from the spacecraft 300 and generating image information place a heavy burden on communication resources and processing power. Therefore, in S113, the quality of the image data is determined in advance based on whether the attribute information satisfies the first condition. Then, based on the result of this determination (that is, only if the quality is determined to meet the standard (first condition)), the processes involved in downloading the image data and generating image information are executed. Consequently, it becomes possible to execute the image information acquisition process more efficiently based on the quality determination result. 【0121】 Next, if the processor 111 determines in S111 that it has not received attribute information, it determines whether it has received generated image information along with the instruction ID information (S115). If it has received generated image information, the processor 111 stores the received generated image information in the instruction management table, associating it with the received instruction ID information. If it has not received generated image information, the processing flow ends. 【0122】Next, the processor 111 reads out the imaging position information (one of the attribute information) associated with the stored generated image information (S116), and determines whether the imaging position information satisfies a predetermined second condition in order to determine the quality of the image data captured by the spacecraft 300 (S117). An example of the second condition is whether the altitude specified by the imaging position information is above a predetermined height. 【0123】 Here, as described above, the imaging location information may include information indicating altitude in addition to information indicating latitude and longitude. Areas where the altitude is lower than a predetermined height are often over the sea, and in such areas over the sea, there are few landmark objects, making it difficult to determine the quality of the image information. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of image information processed by the processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of generated image information received in S115 of Figure 6, where the imaging target is over the sea. According to Figure 8, the generated image information has a gradual change in color, making it difficult to distinguish landmarks or distinctive scenery. Therefore, as described above, by using the imaging location information (altitude), it becomes possible to determine the quality of the generated image information (whether or not the imaging target is over the sea). 【0124】 It should be noted that determining whether or not the imaged object is at sea based on the image location information is merely one example of a quality determination method based on image location information. For example, one could first identify areas on a map where object identification is difficult, such as the sea, lakes, or deserts, and set a second condition of whether or not the image falls within that area. Then, the quality could be determined based on the location identified by the image location information (e.g., latitude and longitude) and the second condition. 【0125】Returning to Figure 6, the processor 111 determines whether the imaging location information of the attribute information of the generated image information generated by the above method satisfies the second condition. If the processor 111 determines that the second condition is satisfied, that is, if any of the following apply, it proceeds to the process in S118: - The elevation specified by the imaging location information is greater than or equal to a predetermined height. - The point specified by the imaging location information does not fall within a predetermined region. 【0126】 Next, if the imaging position information satisfies the second condition, the processor 111 reads out the stored generated image information (S118) and determines whether the generated image information satisfies the third condition (S119) in order to determine the quality of the image data captured by the spacecraft 300. An example of the third condition is whether or not the generated image information has been determined to be abnormal through analysis. 【0127】 Here, the analysis of the generated image information is performed using a pre-trained analysis model as an example. 【0128】 (1) Example of determination by acquiring features using a trained analysis model As an example of analyzing generated image information, there is a method of determination by acquiring features of the generated image information using a trained analysis model and comparing them with features acquired separately from the map image information used for determination. Here, Figure 9 is a diagram showing the processing flow executed in the processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 9 shows a detailed processing flow of the method executed in S119 of Figure 6, which is the abnormality determination process by analyzing the generated image information, by acquiring features of the generated image information using a trained analysis model. This processing flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the processing device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112. 【0129】As shown in Figure 9, the processor 111 acquires map image information for determination (S211). One example of such map image information for determination is a map image (satellite image) of a location identified by attribute information (for example, imaging location information) associated with the generated image information to be determined. Such map image information for determination can be any information that can be used to determine the generated image information acquired by the current imaging, and is not limited to the map image described above; generated image information acquired separately at a time prior to the current imaging may also be used. 【0130】 Next, the processor 111 inputs the acquired map image information for judgment into the trained analysis model (S212). Preferably, such a trained analysis model is one that outputs the feature quantities of the image information when the image information is input. In other words, as an example, the learner of the trained analysis model is a learner trained by deep learning such as a convolutional neural network. Examples of trained models that utilize such convolutional neural networks include ResNet (Residual Network) and SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector). These are just a few examples of pre-trained analysis models. Models trained using various learning methods, such as neural networks, multilayer perceptons (MLP), LSTM (Long Short Term Memory), GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit), GNN (Graph Neural Network), Transformer, etc., gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT) such as LightGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), XGBoost, CatBoost, ridge regression, logistic regression, support vector regression (SVR), nearest neighbor, decision trees, regression trees, random forests, or combinations thereof, can also be used as pre-trained analysis models. 【0131】The processor 111 obtains feature quantities of the map image information for judgment from the trained analysis model as output (S213). Although the trained analysis model was used as an example to explain how to obtain feature quantities, feature quantities can of course be obtained by other image analysis processes. 【0132】 Furthermore, as explained in S118 of Figure 6, the processor 111 acquires the generated image information to be used for the determination by reading the generated image information stored in association with the instruction ID information (S214). Then, the processor 111 inputs the acquired generated image information into the same trained analysis model used in S212 (S215), and obtains features as output from the trained analysis model (S216). 【0133】 Next, the processor 111 compares the feature quantities of the judgment map image information acquired in S213 with the feature quantities of the generated image information acquired in S216, and calculates the degree of agreement between the two images to determine whether the acquired generated image information is abnormal or not (S217). Specifically, the processor 111 determines that the generated image information is normal if the calculated degree of agreement is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the generated image information is abnormal if it is less than the threshold. The processor 111 then outputs either the result that the generated image information is normal or abnormal (S218). Examples of abnormal generated image information include images where the captured position is shifted, such as in Figure 7A or Figure 7B, images where the focus of the image target position of the generated image information is blurred, or images where characteristic values ​​such as pixel values ​​of the generated image information are not set appropriately. 【0134】 It should be noted that this judgment result is merely an example, and the judgment result may also output a numerical value indicating the degree of similarity, or other classifications other than abnormal or normal (for example, high similarity, low similarity, etc.). 【0135】Here, Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a judgment map image and a judgment image processed in a processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of judgment map image information and judgment generated image information acquired in S211 and S214 of Figure 9. According to Figure 10, the processor 111 processes to acquire map image information of a location specified by attribute information (e.g., imaging location information) associated with the generated image information to be judged. However, the acquired map image information is not used as is as judgment map image information, but only a part of the acquired map image information is used as judgment map image information. That is, the processor 111 acquires judgment map image information by, for example, cutting out only a predetermined range from the center of the acquired map image information. Then, the processor 111 calculates features by inputting the cut-out judgment map image information into a trained analysis model. 【0136】 Similarly, when the processor receives the generated image information to be judged, it uses only a portion of the acquired generated image information as the generated image information for judgment. That is, the processor 111 obtains the generated image information for judgment by, for example, extracting only a predetermined range from the center of the acquired generated image information. The processor 111 then calculates features by inputting the extracted generated image information for judgment into a trained analysis model. 【0137】 The area to be cropped is defined as a predetermined range from the center of each image information, but it is also possible to crop an obvious area. For example, the area to be cropped may be defined as a predetermined range from a position identified by the imaging position information, or the area to be cropped as a predetermined range from a position where radio waves are emitted from the spacecraft 300. Furthermore, the shape to be cropped is not limited to a rectangle; it may be any polygon shape, including a circle. 【0138】The received generated image information may have uncertain image data due to factors such as the stability of the radio waves being emitted, particularly in the surrounding areas. Therefore, by extracting and using only a portion of the image information as described above in the processing related to the determination of such effects, it is possible to prevent the aforementioned adverse effects. 【0139】 (2) An example of analyzing generated image information is to determine whether it is abnormal or not by obtaining information indicating the probability of whether it is abnormal or not from a trained analysis model obtained by training a set of training image information and label information. Here, Figure 11 is a diagram showing the processing flow related to the generation of a trained analysis model according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This processing flow may be executed by the processor 111 of the processing device 100, or by the processor of another device (for example, a model generation device). 【0140】 As shown in Figure 11, the processor 111 performs the step of acquiring training image information (S311). Such training image information can include, for example, pre-prepared training map image (satellite image) information or training generated image information generated from image data captured in advance by the spacecraft 300. Here, the image information itself is used as training image information, but of course, it is also possible to use feature information obtained from each image as training image information. 【0141】Once the training image information and the corresponding ground truth label information are obtained, the processor 111 performs a step of machine learning to analyze anomaly patterns using these (S314). This machine learning is performed, for example, by providing these sets of information to a neural network made up of neurons and repeatedly adjusting the parameters of each neuron so that the output from the neural network is the same as the ground truth label information. Then, a step of acquiring the trained analysis model is performed (S315). The acquired trained analysis model may be stored in the memory 112 of the processing unit 100 or in another device connected to the processing unit 100 via a wired or wireless network. 【0142】 While the above example uses a neural network as the learner to generate a trained analysis model, it is also possible to generate models using neural network methods such as convolutional neural networks, multilayer perceptons (MLP), LSTM (Long Short Term Memory), GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit), GNN (Graph Neural Network), and Transformer, as well as gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) methods such as LightGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), XGBoost, and CatBoost, and ridge regression, logistic regression, support vector regression (SVR), nearest neighbor method, decision trees, regression trees, and random forests. 【0143】 As described above, once the trained analysis model is generated, the processor 111 inputs the generated image information read out in S118 of Figure 6 into the trained analysis model. The processor 111 then obtains information indicating the probability of determining an anomaly from the trained analysis model as output. Note that this output information is merely an example, and the processor may also output a classification indicating whether it is "abnormal" or "normal" based on the probability information. 【0144】Returning to Figure 6, the processor 111 analyzes the generated image information using each trained analysis model by method (1) or (2) above, and determines whether the result satisfies the third condition. If the processor 111 determines that the third condition is satisfied, that is, if any of the following apply, it executes the first post-processing (S120): - The result of the processing in Figure 9 is not "abnormal" - The image is not classified as "abnormal" based on the accuracy of the abnormality output from the trained analysis model in Figure 11 【0145】 As a first post-processing step, the processor 111 executes at least one of the following processes: a process to skip the second post-processing step; a process to notify the user terminal device 400 that sent the search request information at T11 in Figure 5A that it is possible to provide generated image information; and a process to send the generated image information to the user terminal device 400 that sent the search request information at T11 in Figure 5A. 【0146】 Furthermore, if the processor 111 determines in S119 that the third condition is not met, it executes a second post-processing step (S121). Specifically, as the second post-processing step, the processor 111 generates notification information to inform an administrator terminal device available to the administrator of the need for the administrator to verify the quality of the generated image information provided by the processing system 1. The processor 111 then transmits the generated notification information and the generated image information read in S118 to the administrator terminal device via the communication interface 113. This completes the processing flow. Although not specifically shown in the diagram, when the administrator terminal device receives the notification information, the processor of the administrator terminal device outputs the received notification information and generated image information via the output interface. This allows the administrator to visually inspect the generated image information and more accurately verify its quality. 【0147】As shown in Figure 6, if the second and third conditions are met, the process proceeds in a way that omits quality checks by the administrator of the generated image information. However, if there are doubts about the quality of the generated image information, the administrator can be prompted to perform a quality check. This makes it possible to perform quality checks of the generated image information more efficiently and to provide the generated image information to the user earlier. 【0148】 In this embodiment, we can provide a processing device, a processing program, a processing method, and a processing system that can efficiently determine the quality of acquired image information. 【0149】 11. Others In Figure 5B, an imaging determination process (S35) is performed based on attribute information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300) and imaging status information, and based on the determination result, processing related to the download of image data and the generation of generated image information is performed. However, it is also possible to uniformly perform the processing related to the download of image data and the generation of generated image information first, and then perform the imaging determination process based on attribute information (space position information, velocity information, and attitude information of the spacecraft 300) and imaging status information. In such a case, if it is determined that the first condition is met, the first post-processing in S120 of Figure 6 is performed, and if it is determined that the first condition is not met, the second post-processing in S212 of Figure 6 is performed. 【0150】 Furthermore, in Figure 6, after receiving the generated image information, the imaging position information is read out and a determination is made as to whether the imaging position information satisfies the second condition. However, this is not the only option; similar to the determination of the first condition, the determination may also be made after receiving the attribute information. 【0151】 Furthermore, Figure 6 illustrates the case where each determination is made in the order of the first condition (S113), the second condition (S117), and the third condition (S119). However, the order of each determination is merely an example, and any order is acceptable. 【0152】Furthermore, Figure 6 illustrates the case where, if neither the second nor the third condition is met, the second post-processing step S121 is executed, and this second post-processing step involves a quality check by the administrator. However, instead of this process, the second post-processing step performed after the determination of the first condition may be executed, or the second post-processing step performed after the determination of the first condition may be executed further based on the result of this process (for example, if the administrator determines that there is an abnormality). 【0153】 The embodiments and variations of this disclosure are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. These embodiments and variations can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. 【0154】 1 Processing System 100 Processing Unit 210-1 First Communication Device 210-2 Second Communication Device 220 Management Device 230 Image Control Device 300-1 First Spacecraft 300-2 Second Spacecraft 400 User Terminal Device

Claims

1. A processing device comprising at least one processor used for imaging the Earth by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive at least one of image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth and attribute information associated with the image information, and to perform a process for determining the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information.

2. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, configured to perform a process to notify an administrator terminal device available to the administrator of the need for the administrator to verify the quality of the image information, in accordance with the result of the determination.

3. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the quality of the image information is determined by whether or not at least one of the image information and the attribute information satisfies predetermined conditions.

4. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conditions are conditions related to the positional information of the object to be imaged.

5. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conditions are conditions related to the altitude of the object to be imaged.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conditions are conditions related to telemetry information when the imaging target is imaged.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conditions are conditions related to the attitude of the spacecraft when the object to be imaged is imaged.

8. The processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the quality of the preceding image information is determined by a trained analysis model for determining the quality of the image information by inputting the image information.

9. The processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the quality of the image information is determined by inputting the image information and map image information acquired in correspondence with the location information of the object to be imaged into the trained analysis model.

10. The processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image information input to the trained analysis model is a portion cropped within a predetermined range from the received image information.

11. A processing program for causing a computer used for imaging the Earth by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth to receive at least one of the image information and attribute information associated with the image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth, and to perform processing to determine the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information.

12. A processing method performed by at least one processor in a computer used for imaging the Earth by a spacecraft capable of imaging the Earth, comprising: receiving at least one of image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth and attribute information associated with the image information; and determining the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information.

13. A processing system comprising a spacecraft configured to image the Earth and a processing device configured to control imaging by the spacecraft, the processing system comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive at least one of image information obtained by the spacecraft imaging an object on the Earth and attribute information associated with the image information, and to perform processing to determine the quality of the image information based on at least one of the received image information and attribute information.

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