JP2002016424A - Ground terminal equipment for satellite communication for orbiting satellite - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To take previous measures before an orbiting satellite enters a radio interference area. SOLUTION: The data of a radio shielding area and an unwanted radio generating area around a skyline are acquired from the skyline image pickup result and these acquired data are defined as temporary masking data (S111). Satellite radio waves passing the shielding area are received from the temporary masking data and an obstacle is classified from the change of a receiving level therein (S112). The satellite is really automatically tracked and classified by the unit of segment (S113). The received waves are searched while scrolling from the periphery of the skyline to the upper air (S114) and when unwanted radio waves are received, the position and strength thereof are recorded and analyzed so that availability can be classified (S115). The classified data are defined as an initial value of masking data (S116). After an operation is started, the masking data are periodically updated by the same method. Before the orbiting satellite enters a masking target area, communication cutoff processing or line switching processing to another satellite is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication that performs communication via an orbiting satellite.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Currently, about 200 communication satellites are already orbiting the earth at a relatively low altitude. Thus, it is possible to communicate with at least several satellites at any point on the earth. Iridium systems and sky bridge systems have been proposed as systems using communication satellites.

As a conventional antenna device for a communication satellite, a parabolic antenna device and a phased array antenna device are widely used.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show examples of a parabolic antenna device.
Shown in A parabolic antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 8 includes a post 101 vertically set on the ground or a building, and a pivot shaft attached to the upper end of the post 101 so as to be parallel to the post 101 and rotatable around the post 101. 10
2, a gear 102g externally fitted to the rotating shaft 102,
A gear 103 that meshes with the gear 102g and is driven to rotate by a rotation motor (not shown).

[0005] The upper part of the radio wave focusing unit 120 is
The radio wave focusing unit 120 is attached to the upper end portion of the radio wave focusing unit 120 via a bracket 111 so as to be vertically rotatable.
The lower part of 20 is attached to the tip of the rod 112a of the cylinder unit 112 attached to the lower part of the rotating shaft 102. A power supply unit 130 is provided at a position where the electric wave is focused by the electric wave focusing unit 120.

[0006] Such a parabolic antenna device 100
Is driven by a rotating motor, so that the gear 103,
The azimuth of the radio wave focusing unit 120 can be controlled by rotating the rotating shaft 102 via 102g. On the other hand, when the cylinder unit 112 is extended, the elevation angle of the radio wave focusing unit 120 can be controlled. Thereby, the parabolic antenna device 100 tracks the communication satellite, directs the radio wave focusing unit 120 to the communication satellite, receives the radio wave output from the communication satellite in a good communication state, or The radio wave can be transmitted in a good communication state.

However, in the conventional parabolic antenna device 100 as described above, one radio wave focusing unit 120 is configured to correspond to one feed unit 130. Therefore, when there are a plurality of tracking satellites, a plurality of parabolic antenna devices 100 corresponding to the number of tracking satellites are required. For example, in order to track two satellites, two parabolic antenna devices 100 are required.

[0008] The two parabolic antenna devices 100 need to be arranged so as not to be an obstacle between the radio wave focusing unit 120 and the satellite. For example, when the radio wave focusing unit 120 is formed in a circular shape having a diameter of 45 cm, one of the radio wave focusing units 120 is
In order to prevent the “shadow” from being formed, it is necessary that the two radio wave focusing units 120 are arranged substantially horizontally and at a distance of about 3 m as shown in FIG.

However, the device as shown in FIG.
The installation required a large space and was difficult to spread to ordinary households. For this reason, there is a demand for an antenna device that can track a plurality of communication satellites, and that is compact and can be installed in a relatively small space.

[0010] Here, in a terrestrial terminal for satellite communication that communicates with an orbiting satellite, an area where communication with the satellite is disabled or an area where interference waves due to other communication radio waves or the like exist. In such a case, when the orbiting satellite enters the area, communication is suddenly interrupted or signal quality is extremely deteriorated, error correction becomes impossible, and retransmission due to lack of communication information is forced. become. In particular, when real-time information communication is performed, it becomes a fatal problem. For this reason, with the development of the above-mentioned antenna device, some precautionary measures are required.

[0011]

As described above, in a terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication that performs communication with an orbiting satellite, an area where communication with the satellite is not possible, or another terminal for communication. If there is an area where interfering waves due to radio waves, etc. exist, when the orbiting satellite enters that area, there is a problem that communication is suddenly interrupted or signal quality is extremely deteriorated and communication information is lost I do.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to solve the problem before the satellite enters an area where communication with the satellite is disabled or an area where interfering waves due to other communication radio waves or the like exist. Another object of the present invention is to provide a terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite capable of taking precautionary measures.

[0013]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a terrestrial terminal apparatus for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

(1) In a satellite communication terrestrial terminal device that captures and tracks an orbiting satellite and communicates through the orbiting satellite, at least information obtained and analyzed at least the radio wave shielding area around the skyline at the installation location is used as masking information. Masking information storage means for storing, and a communication line avoidance means for identifying a period during which the orbiting satellite passes through the radio wave shielding area based on the masking information stored in the masking information storage means, and performing a communication line avoidance process during the period. And characterized in that:

According to this configuration, at least the radio wave shielding area around the skyline at the installation location can be grasped in advance, and the communication line avoidance processing can be performed before the orbiting satellite enters the radio wave shielding area.

(2) In the configuration of (1), an unnecessary radio wave generation area for satellite communication is further included as an initial value of the masking information.

According to this configuration, it is possible to avoid an obstacle due to an unnecessary radio wave such as a terrestrial communication network.

(3) In the configuration of (2), the masking information of the unnecessary radio wave generation area for the satellite communication is obtained by searching for the unnecessary radio wave toward the zenith while scrolling the antenna section from around the skyline. Features.

According to this configuration, the unnecessary radio wave generation area including the sky can be identified in advance.

(4) In the configuration of (1) or (2), after the start of operation, during a period in which communication is not performed, the radio wave shielding area or the unnecessary radio wave generating area is searched again, and the masking is performed based on the search result. It is characterized in that the masking information stored in the information storage means is updated.

According to this configuration, it is possible to cope with a temporal change of the masking information.

(5) In the configuration of (1) or (2), the skyline or the sky is divided into regions, and information on the radio wave blocking region or the unnecessary radio wave generating region is obtained for each divided plane. I do.

With this configuration, it is possible to store a necessary and sufficient amount of masking information.

(6) In the configuration of (1) or (2), when a plurality of antenna systems for capturing and tracking the orbiting satellite independently of each other are provided, any one of the antenna systems is set to a radio wave blocking area or an unnecessary radio wave generating area. Is used for re-searching.

With this configuration, when a plurality of antenna systems are provided, it is possible to perform tracking and satellite communication on one hand and update masking information on the other hand.

(7) In the configuration of (1), the communication line avoiding means establishes and switches a communication line with another orbiting satellite before the orbiting satellite in communication enters the area based on the masking information. It is characterized by the following.

According to this configuration, it is possible to continue communication even when the orbiting satellite enters the area based on the masking information.

(8) In the configuration of (1), the communication line avoiding means interrupts the communication while the communicating orbiting satellite is in an area based on the masking information.

According to this configuration, even when the orbiting satellite enters an area based on the masking information, it is possible to avoid unnecessary transmission and reception of information.

(9) In the configuration of (1), the information of the radio wave shielding area can be obtained by analyzing a video signal obtained by imaging an area around the skyline by an imaging device.

(10) In the configuration of (1),
An information transmitting means for transmitting the masking information stored in the masking information storing means to the satellite communication management device as needed or periodically is provided.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily realize traffic management and failure countermeasures for the entire satellite communication system.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a satellite communication ground terminal device 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view, and FIG. FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a ground terminal device 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially circular fixed base 12,
A substantially circular rotation base 13 is mounted on the fixed base 12 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis Y, and a spherical lens 14 is disposed so as to be centered on the first rotation axis Y.

The fixed base 12 has a base 121 fixed on the ground or a building, formed with several arms 122 extending from the peripheral surface toward the center, and a pulley bearing 123 attached to the tip of each arm. Is done. A motor 15 for rotationally driving the rotary base 13 and a power supply drive control device 18 for performing power supply and position drive control of a pair of self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 described below are mounted on the base 121. . The motor 15 is mounted with the rotating shaft facing upward in the figure, and a roller 19 is mounted on the rotating shaft.

The rotating base 13 has a cylindrical support 131.
Into the bottom of the bearing 123 and the rotating base 1
A protruding circle portion 132 that rotatably supports the entirety 3 is integrally formed, and a peripheral surface thereof is brought into contact with a roller 19 attached to a rotation shaft of the motor 15 to rotate the entire rotation base 13 by the rotation of the roller 19. Are integrally formed. Furthermore, the first rotation axis Y
A pair of arms 134 and 13
5 are integrally formed. These arms 134, 135
Is a U-shape extending from the support 131 along the peripheral surface of the spherical lens 14, and the tip portion passes through the center of the spherical lens 14 and has a second rotation axis X perpendicular to the first rotation axis. Located on top.

A through-hole is formed at the tip of each of the pair of arms 134 and 135 on the second rotation axis X. Support pins 21 and 22 fixed to both ends of the guide rail 20 are inserted into these through holes. The guide rail 20 is formed in a semicircular shape at a fixed distance from the center of the spherical lens 14.
The first and second arms are rotatably supported on the second rotation axis X by being inserted into the through holes of the pair of arms 134 and 135.

The support pin 21 fixed to one end of the guide rail 20 is inserted into a through hole of the arm 134, a washer ring 23 is attached to the end of the support pin 21, and the support pin 21 is processed so as not to be pulled out. The support pin 22 fixed to the end of the arm 135 is inserted through the through hole of the arm 135, and the pulley 24 is attached to the end. Another through-hole is formed below the through-hole of the arm 135 in parallel with the through-hole, and the elevation-angle adjusting motor 25 is mounted with the rotary shaft inserted through the through-hole. You. A pulley 26 having a diameter smaller than that of the pulley 24 is attached to the end of the rotating shaft of the motor 25, and a belt 27 is provided between the pulleys 24 and 26.
Is applied. As a result, the rotation of the motor 25 is reduced and transmitted to the support pin 22 via the pulley 26, the belt 27, and the pulley 24, and the guide rail 20 is moved to the second rotation axis X.
Rotate around.

The pair of self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 are mounted on the guide rail 20 so as to be free to run. Although there are various methods for the self-propelled mechanism, they are omitted here because they are not directly related to the present invention. Each self-propelled power supply device 1
6 and 17 are connected to the power supply drive control device 18 by curl cords 28 and 29, respectively, and run on the guide rail 20 in response to a drive control signal from the control device 18;
Stop at the specified position. In each of the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17,
The antenna elements 30 and 31 are mounted so that the beam direction is directed to the center direction of the spherical lens 14, and a radio wave is radiated in the direction of the center point of the spherical lens 14 by power supply from the power supply drive control device 18, and Receive radio waves.

The entire structure of the above structure is covered with a bowl-shaped radome 33, and the bottom of the radome 33 is joined to the periphery of the base 121. This radome 3
Reference numeral 3 is made of a material having radio wave transmission and low thermal conductivity, for example, resin.

Here, the spherical lens 14 is also called a spherical dielectric lens, and is formed by laminating a dielectric on a concentric spherical surface, and can converge substantially parallel radio waves passing therethrough to one point. . FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the operation of the spherical lens 14. In the case shown in FIG.
Has a four-layer structure, but the number of dielectric layers is not limited to this. In general, the dielectric constant of the stacked dielectrics becomes lower toward the outside. As described above, the dielectric constant of each layer is different, and the transmitted radio wave can be refracted in the same manner as the optical system lens. For each layer, a foam material such as polystyrene (styrene foam) is used, and the dielectric constant is changed by changing the foaming rate.

In addition, the power supply drive control device 18 is connected to a host device 35 installed indoors. The host device 35 provides information on the position of the satellite, an area where communication with the satellite is disabled, and other communication devices. Masking information relating to an area where an interfering wave due to radio waves or the like exists is input. As the host device 35, for example, a general personal computer can be used.

Next, the operation of the terrestrial terminal device having the above configuration as an antenna will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of positioning control of the self-propelled power supply device, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of positioning control of the self-propelled power supply device.

First, the selected two communicable satellites 4
The approximate positions sl and s2 of 1, 42 are the host device 35
Is input to the control device 18 (STEP 11).

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 18 calculates the spherical lens 14 from the input two satellite positions s1 and s2.
To place each of the two self-propelled power supply devices 16, 17 on a1, a2 extending through the center of
6, 17 (more specifically, their antenna elements 30,
The two positions P1 and P2 to be arranged in 31) are calculated (STEP 12).

Next, the control device 18 controls the self-propelled power supply device 1.
A first imaginary plane S including two positions P1 and P2 at which the positions 6 and 17 are to be arranged and the center O of the spherical lens 14, and a first rotation axis Y of the rotation base 13 passing through the center O of the spherical lens 14.
Then, the rotation motor 15 is driven to rotate the rotation base 13 so that the second rotation axis X is disposed on a line of intersection with the second virtual plane H orthogonal to (Step 13).

Following the rotation of the rotation base 13 or simultaneously with the rotation of the rotation base 13, the power supply drive control device 18 drives the elevation angle adjustment motor 25 to
Is rotated about the second rotation axis X, and the guide rail 20 is superimposed on the positions P1 and P2 (STEP 14).

Following the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25 or simultaneously with the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25, the control device 18
Moves the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 on the guide rail 20 and moves them to the positions P1 and P2. (STEP1
5). Thereby, the initial positioning of the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 is achieved.

The two orbiting satellites 41 and 42 orbit around the orbit at a speed of about 10 minutes until they emerge from the horizon (horizontal line) and sink to the horizon (horizontal line). The antenna device 11 according to the present embodiment tracks the satellites s1 and s2 whose positions change relatively quickly as described below.

After the initial positioning is achieved, one of the two satellites 41, 42, for example, the more accurate position (including the meaning of the position after the position change) of the satellite 41 is searched (first search). Step: STEP21). The search for the position of the satellite 41 is performed, for example, as follows.

First, the elevation angle adjusting motor 25 is bidirectionally rotated by a minute amount to rotate the guide rail 20 slightly bidirectionally around the second rotation axis X, and is positioned on the guide rail 20 in correspondence with the satellite 41. Self-propelled power supply device 1
6 is bidirectionally moved a small distance. As a result, the self-propelled power supply device 16 moves within the two-dimensional microsphere.

During the movement within the microsphere, the point Q at which the communication state between the satellite 41 and the self-propelled power supply device 16 is better.
Search for 1. The quality of the communication state can be determined by monitoring the strength of the received signal and the like. Point Q1 is
From the more accurate position of the satellite 41, the center O of the spherical lens 14
May correspond to a position on an axis extending through the shaft. That is, by searching for the point Q1, the satellite 4
1 can be known more accurately.

Next, each of the satellites 41 extending through the center O of the spherical lens 14 from the position of one satellite 41 searched in the first search step and the position of the other satellite 42 before the position change search in the first search step. The position on the axis is calculated. In this case, 2
Two positions Q1 and P2 are confirmed (STEP 22).

Then, a new first virtual plane S including the two positions Q1 and P2 where the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 are to be arranged next and the center O of the spherical lens and a second virtual plane H are defined. The rotation motor 1 is arranged such that the second rotation axis X is disposed on the intersection line.
5 is driven to rotate the rotation base 13 (STEP
23).

Following the rotation of the rotation base 13 or simultaneously with the rotation of the rotation base 13, the control device 18 drives the elevation angle adjustment motor 25 to rotate the guide rail 20 around the second rotation axis X so that the position Q 1, Superimpose on P2 (STEP 24).

Following the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25 or simultaneously with the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25, the control device 18
Moves the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 to the positions Q1 and P2 along the guide rail 20 (STEP 25). Thereby, the tracking positioning of the self-propelled power supply device 16 is achieved while the position P2 of the self-propelled power supply device 17 is preserved. Such a control form is called non-interference control.

After the tracking positioning of the self-propelled power supply device 16 has been achieved, the more accurate position (including the meaning of the position after the position change) of the other satellite 42 of the two satellites 41 and 42 at that time is searched. Is performed (second search step: STEP31).
The search for the position of the satellite 42 is performed in the same manner as the search for the position of the satellite 41.

Through the center O of the spherical lens 14 from the position of the satellite 42 searched in the second search step and the position of the satellite 41 before the position search in the second search step (after the position search in the first search step). A position on each extending axis is calculated. In this case, two positions Q1, Q2 are confirmed. (STE
P32).

Then, a new first virtual plane S including two positions Q1 and Q2 where the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 are to be arranged next and the center O of the spherical lens 14, and a second virtual plane H , The rotation motor 15 is driven so that the second rotation axis X is arranged on the intersection of the rotation base 13 and the rotation base 13 is rotated. (S
TEP33).

Following the rotation of the rotation base 13 or simultaneously with the rotation of the rotation base 13, the control device 18 drives the elevation adjustment motor 25 to rotate the guide rail 20 around the second rotation axis X, 20 to position Q1,
Superimpose on Q2 (STEP 34).

Following the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25 or simultaneously with the drive of the elevation angle adjustment motor 25, the control device 18
Moves the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 to the positions Q1 and Q2 along the guide rail 20 (STEP 35). Thus, the tracking positioning of the self-propelled power supply device 17 is achieved while preserving the position Q1 of the self-propelled power supply device 16, that is, without interference.

Thereafter, the tracking positioning of the self-propelled power supply device 16 and the tracking positioning of the self-propelled power supply device 17 are alternately and continuously performed, so that the two satellites 41 and 42 can be tracked almost continuously. It is possible. When the two satellites 41 and 42 approach and overtake each other, it is possible to easily perform tracking control by exchanging the tracking target satellites between the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 at the time of the overtaking. Become.

The self-propelled power feeding device 1 positioned as described above
When radio waves are radiated from 6 and 17, the radiated radio waves are sequentially passed through the layered dielectric material of the spherical lens 14, so that the traveling directions thereof are changed to be almost parallel, and the radio waves are converted into parallel radio waves by the satellites 41 and 4.
2 (see FIG. 3).

On the other hand, radio waves incident in parallel from the satellites 41 and 42 pass through the spherical lens 14 and are converged toward the self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 disposed at their focal positions. , 17 (see FIG. 3).

As described above, in the ground terminal device 11 having the above configuration, the two self-propelled power supply devices 16 and 17 are arranged to face one spherical lens 14 so that their movements do not interfere with each other. Therefore, the two satellites 41 and 42
Can be tracked simultaneously, and can be installed in a small space.

The problem here is that, as described above, if there is an area where communication with the satellite becomes impossible or an area where an interfering wave due to other communication radio waves or the like exists, the orbiting satellite will be in that area. When entering, the communication is suddenly interrupted, the signal quality is extremely deteriorated, and communication information is lost.

Therefore, in the present invention, an area where communication with the satellite is disabled or an area where an interfering wave due to another communication radio wave or the like exists is observed in advance, and is managed by the host device 35 as masking data. Before the satellite enters the area to be masked, communication disconnection processing or line switching processing to another satellite is performed.

Hereinafter, a method of acquiring / updating masking data according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, an installation place is selected by performing the processing shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, an image pickup device is used as an installation tool, the entire image of the skyline is picked up by this image pickup device (S101), and the image pickup output is analyzed to obtain a radio wave source such as a high-rise building, a mountain, or a ground communication base station. Then, the data D1 of the radio wave shielding area around the skyline and the unnecessary radio wave generation area for this device are acquired (S102), and the validity as the installation location is evaluated from the acquired data D1 (S103).

If it is determined that the location is appropriate, the initial masking data is obtained by the processing shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, when the ground terminal device 11 is installed, the previously acquired area data D1 is installed as initial masking data in the information storage unit of the host device 35 (S111).

Next, by the program processing of the host device 35, the radio wave of the satellite passing through the boundary of the shielded area is received from the installed masking data D1, and the reception level change near the shield is analyzed, and the type of the shielded object is analyzed. Are classified (S112). For example, (a) an object whose reception level changes stepwise is classified as a shield at a long distance, and (b)
Objects that fluctuate unstable are classified as unstable shields, such as trees, at a short distance.

Subsequently, the skyline is divided into, for example, 12 segments of 30 ° each, and the satellites are actually automatically tracked, and classified into the above-mentioned types (a) and (b) on a segment-by-segment basis. (Data D2A) (S113). Next, a received wave is searched for toward the sky while scrolling upward from the skyline periphery (S114). When an unnecessary radio wave is received, its position and intensity are recorded and analyzed, and how much the radio wave can be used for transmission / reception is classified (the classification result is referred to as data D2B) (S1).
15). Finally, the data D2A and D2B are installed in the information storage unit as initial values of the masking data (S116).

Since the surrounding environment may change after the operation starts, it is necessary to periodically update the masking data. The timing of updating includes a method of automatically updating during operation and a method of updating manually or automatically during non-operation.

As an updating method during operation, data D2A and data D2B are reacquired and updated every time set by default. The priority of the update target is data D
In the case of 2A, the order is type (b) and type (a). In the case of data D2B, the order is "strong" and "weak" of unnecessary radio waves. The data update is performed using a period during which there is no traffic between handovers. If a handover command is issued, the operation is immediately stopped. It is desirable to efficiently update data in consideration of the priority order.

As a non-operation updating method, data D2A and data D2B are reacquired and updated according to a command input by an operator. Also in this case, the data update is performed using a period during which there is no traffic between handovers. In addition, the non-operation period is determined in advance, and the update process is automatically started during that period,
The update process may be performed at default time intervals.

The masking data obtained by the above method is held in the ground terminal device 11 and reported to a traffic manager as necessary or periodically, for example, via a satellite. As a result, traffic management of the entire satellite communication is facilitated, and a clue for improvement is provided.

Since the terrestrial terminal device 11 of the present embodiment has two antenna systems capable of directivity control independently of each other, while one of the antenna systems tracks a satellite, the other antenna system uses masking data. Can be obtained. However, the present invention can be similarly implemented even in a terrestrial terminal device having a single antenna system by using a period without traffic.

[0079]

As described above, according to the present invention, prior measures are taken before the satellite enters an area where communication with the satellite becomes impossible or an area where an interfering wave such as another communication radio wave exists. It is possible to provide a terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite capable of performing the operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a ground terminal device for satellite communication according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the operation of the spherical lens used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view showing an outline of positioning control of the self-propelled power supply device used in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of positioning control of the self-propelled power supply device used in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an installation place selecting method according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method of acquiring masking data initial values according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the structure of a conventional parabolic antenna device used for tracking a communication satellite.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a system configuration when tracking a plurality of communication satellites using the parabolic antenna apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ground terminal device for satellite communication 12 ... Fixed base 121 ... Base 122 ... Arm 123 ... Bearing 13 ... Rotating base 131 ... Support body 132, 133 ... Protruding part 134, 135 ... Arm 14 ... Spherical lens 15 ... Motor 16 , 17: Self-propelled power supply device 18: Power supply drive control device 19: Roller 20: Guide rail 21, 22, Support pin 23: Washer 24, 26 ... Pulley 25: Elevation angle adjustment motor 27 ... Belt 28, 29 ... Curl cord 30, 31 ... antenna element 33 ... radome 34 ... foam material layer 35 ... host device 41, 42 ... orbiting satellite

Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5J020 AA02 BB01 CA04 DA03 DA04 DA10 5J021 AA01 BA03 DA02 DA04 DA05 DA07 FA20 GA02 HA03 HA04 HA05 HA07 5K072 AA24 AA28 BB22 DD03 DD15 GG06 GG11 HH01

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A satellite communication ground terminal device for acquiring and tracking orbiting satellites and communicating through the orbiting satellites, wherein at least information obtained and analyzed at least a radio shielding area around a skyline at an installation location is stored as masking information. Communication line avoidance means for identifying a period during which the orbiting satellite passes through the radio wave shielding area based on the masking information stored in the masking information storage means, and performing communication line avoidance processing during that period. A terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite, comprising: 2. The terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite according to claim 1, wherein an unnecessary radio wave generation region for satellite communication is included as an initial value of said masking information. 3. The masking information of the unnecessary radio wave generation area for the satellite communication is obtained by searching for unnecessary radio waves toward the zenith while scrolling the antenna section from around the skyline. Terrestrial terminal equipment for satellite communication using orbiting satellites. 4. After starting operation, during a period when communication is not performed,
Re-search the radio wave shielding area or unnecessary radio wave generation area,
3. The terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite according to claim 1, wherein the masking information stored in the masking information storage means is updated based on a search result. 5. The orbiting satellite according to claim 1, wherein the skyline or the sky is divided into regions, and information on the radio wave blocking region or the unnecessary radio wave generating region is acquired in units of each divided plane. Ground terminal equipment for satellite communication. 6. When there are a plurality of antenna systems for capturing and tracking orbiting satellites independently of each other, any one of the antenna systems is used for re-searching for a radio wave blocking area or an unnecessary radio wave generating area. 3. A terrestrial terminal device for satellite communication using the orbiting satellite according to 1 or 2. 7. The communication line avoiding means establishes and switches a communication line with another orbiting satellite before the orbiting satellite in communication enters an area based on masking information. 2. A ground terminal device for satellite communication using an orbiting satellite according to 1. 8. The orbiting satellite communication site according to claim 1, wherein said communication line avoiding means interrupts communication while the communicating orbiting satellite is in an area based on masking information. Upper terminal device. 9. The satellite communication site according to claim 1, wherein the information of the radio wave shielding area is obtained by analyzing a video signal obtained by imaging an area around the skyline by an imaging device. Upper terminal device. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising information transmitting means for transmitting masking information stored in said masking information storing means to a satellite communication management device as needed or periodically. Terrestrial terminal equipment for satellite communication using orbiting satellites.