JP3859100B2 - Transmitting apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionTransmitting apparatus and methodIn particular, for example, in digital television broadcasting, the digital broadcasting system can be easily expanded by processing broadcast information for each chain corresponding to the transponder.Transmitting apparatus and methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a conventional digital broadcast apparatus.
[0003]
A broadcast program organization system (hereinafter abbreviated as BDPS (Broadcast Data Processing System)) 200 is provided for each program provider, and information related to broadcast programs handled by each program provider, such as program schedule information and events (programs). ) Is registered and managed, and is supplied to a program management system (hereinafter abbreviated as PMS (Program Management System)) unit 210.
[0004]
The PMS unit 210 extracts schedule information and the like from information related to the broadcast program supplied from the BDPS 200, and does not need to individually distinguish the transponders 220-1 to 220-M (hereinafter, transponders 220-1 to 220-M). In this case, the PMS information is generated and transmitted to the transponder 220 together with a predetermined broadcast material.
[0005]
An electronic program guide (hereinafter abbreviated as EPG (Electronic Program Guide)) unit 230 extracts event information and the like from information related to a broadcast program supplied via the PMS unit 210, and generates EPG information for each transponder 220. The data is transmitted to the transponder 220.
[0006]
Thus, in a digital broadcasting system having a configuration in which the PMS unit 210 and the EPG unit 230 respectively process broadcast information corresponding to the transponder 220 and transmit it, for example, when adding a transponder, the PMS unit 210 and the EPG unit 230 need to be reconstructed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Currently, satellite broadcasting based on MPEG2 (Moving Picture Experts Group Phase2) encoding system, for example, DIRECTTV (trademark) in North America and PERFECTTV (trademark) in Japan, allows multichannel broadcasting exceeding 100 channels. However, the number of channels is expected to increase further in the future. In the conventional digital broadcasting system of the above example, the PMS unit 210 and the EPG unit 230 can be coped with by restructuring, but it has already been constructed to cope with multiple channels and becomes a large-scale apparatus. Reconstructing the existing PMS unit 210 and EPG unit 230 requires a great deal of labor.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and facilitates expansion of a broadcasting system such as addition of a transponder without reconstructing the apparatus.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The transmission device according to claim 1 is provided with a set of holding means for holding program scheduling information of a program broadcast on each channel relayed by each of the N repeaters, and a corresponding one repeater. N-type transmission means for transmitting a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater, and each of the N-type transmission means is broadcast on a channel relayed by the corresponding repeater from the program editing information. Extraction means for extracting channel information relating to a program to be generated, schedule information of a program broadcast on the channel is generated based on the channel information, and broadcast on a channel relayed by a repeater based on the generated schedule information Based on the processing means to process the material information of the program and the channel information EPG Generating means for generating information, material information processed by the processing means, and generated by the generating means EPG It is characterized by comprising combining means for combining information, and modulating means for modulating the information combined by the combining means and transmitting it as a digital broadcast signal to a repeater.
[0010]
  The transmission method according to claim 3 extracts channel information related to a program broadcast on a channel relayed by a corresponding relay from program editing information for each of N relays, and based on the channel information, Generate schedule information for programs broadcast on channels, process material information for programs broadcast on channels relayed by repeaters based on the generated schedule information, and based on channel information EPG Information generated, processed material information and generated EPG The information is synthesized, the synthesized information is modulated, and transmitted as a digital broadcast signal to a repeater.
[0011]
  5. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1 and the transmission method according to claim 3, wherein, for each of N repeaters, channel information relating to a program broadcast on a channel relayed by a corresponding repeater from program edit information. Is extracted, schedule information of the program broadcast on the channel is generated based on the channel information, and material information of the program broadcast on the channel relayed by the repeater is processed based on the generated schedule information, Based on channel information EPG Information generated and processed material information and generated EPG The information is combined, and the combined information is modulated and transmitted to the repeater as a digital broadcast signal.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but in order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, in parentheses after each means, The features of the present invention will be described with the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) added. However, of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to the description.
[0014]
  The transmission device according to claim 1 is a set of holding means for holding program scheduling information of a program broadcast on each channel relayed by each of N repeaters (for example, in FIG. NMD 11) and N-type transmission means (for example, chain 12 in FIG. 3) for transmitting a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater to a corresponding one of the repeaters. Each of the extraction means for extracting channel information relating to a program broadcast on a channel relayed by a corresponding repeater (for example, in FIG. PGS 21) and schedule information (for example, FIG. 4) of the program broadcast on the channel based on the channel information, and the program broadcast on the channel relayed by the repeater based on the generated schedule information. Processing means for processing material information (for example, in FIG. PGS 21, ECS 23, encoding unit 30) and channel information EPG Generating means for generating information (for example, in FIG. PGS 21, EPG-FC 24), material information processed by the processing means, and generated by the generating means EPG Synthesizing means to synthesize information ( For example, in FIG. MCS 25 and MUX Part 40 ) And modulating means for modulating the information synthesized by the synthesizing means and transmitting it to the repeater as a digital broadcast signal (for example, FIG. IF And a system 6).
[0015]
The transmission apparatus according to claim 2 is an M-type temporary transmission unit (for example, FIG. 6) that temporarily transmits a digital broadcast signal. GR 90) and control means for controlling the material information corresponding to the material information supplied to the predetermined one of the transmission means (for example, in FIG. 6) MRC 71) and when one of the N-type transmission means fails, one of the outputs of the M-type temporary transmission means is selected as one of the outputs of the failed transmission means and supplied to the processing means. Selection means (for example, in FIG. IF And a switch 80).
[0016]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a digital broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.
[0017]
A broadcast program organization system (hereinafter abbreviated as BDPS (Broadcast Data Processing System)) 1 registers and manages a program organization table of broadcast materials (main material, CM material, and promotional material) in charge of a program supply company. The predetermined information based on the program organization table is transmitted to the central processing system 3.
[0018]
The baseband system 2 stores the broadcast material itself, converts the broadcast material into a baseband signal, and supplies it to the central processing system 3 based on predetermined information supplied from the central processing system 3. ing.
[0019]
The central processing system 3 extracts information corresponding to the customer management system (hereinafter abbreviated as SMS (Subscriber Management System)) 4 and the baseband system 2 from the information transmitted from the BDPS 1, respectively, and the SMS 4 and the baseband system 2. In addition, information transmitted from the BDPS 1, the baseband system 2, and the customer viewing authorization system (hereinafter abbreviated as SAS (Subscriber Authorization System)) 5 is a chain corresponding to a plurality of transponders of a satellite (not shown). Each is multiplexed and transmitted to the IF system 6.
[0020]
The IF system 6 is configured such that the multiplexed signal transmitted from the central processing system 3 is QPSK modulated, converted into an IF signal, further converted into an RF signal, and transmitted to a satellite (not shown).
[0021]
SMS4 stores information related to customer management such as customer registration information and fee collection information. SAS5 receives EMM (Entitlement Management Message) data sent from SMS4, encrypts the EMM data, Further, it is packetized and sent to the central processing system 3.
[0022]
Next, information handled between the BDPS 1, the baseband system 2, the central processing system 3, and the IF system 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0023]
The BDPS 1-1 to 1-L are provided for each program supply company, and create, register, and manage a program organization table of broadcast materials in charge of each program supply company. This program organization table includes, for example, service information in which information related to a program provider is recorded, event information in which detailed information of a broadcast program in an hour unit is recorded, and a time schedule of the broadcast program in a unit of 15 seconds. The operation information in which the information is recorded and the information related to the program broadcast in the series (program broadcast in several times) are divided into PPS information in which the information is recorded and supplied to the central processing system 3 It is made like that.
[0024]
The central processing system 3 includes a network management database (hereinafter abbreviated as NMD (Network Management Database)) 11 and chains 12-1 to 12-M. The NMD 11 is transmitted from the BDPS 1-1 to 1-L. Receiving and holding program scheduling information (service information, event information, operation information, and PPS information), distributing it to the chains 12-1 to 12-M, and transmitting the operation information to the baseband system 2 Has been made. The chains 12-1 to 12-M multiplex the information transmitted from the NMD 11 and the baseband signal transmitted from the baseband system 2 in correspondence with M transponders of satellites (not shown), and the IF system 6 Has been made to send to.
[0025]
The baseband system 2 is configured to transmit the broadcast material converted into the baseband signal based on the operation information supplied from the NMD 11 to the chain 12 of the central processing system 3.
[0026]
FIG. 3 shows a more specific configuration example of the central processing system 3 and the IF system 6.
[0027]
The NMD 11 is connected to the BDPS 1 and the baseband system 2 via the trunk LAN 311, and further to the SMS 4, SAS 5, and each chain 12-1 to 12 -M program guide system (hereinafter referred to as PGS (Program Abbreviated as “Guide System”) 21. The NMD 11 mainly includes an input terminal (not shown) and a personal computer. The NMD 11 receives predetermined information from the BDPS 1 and holds it together with information input from the input terminal (not shown). Distribution is made to the chains 12-1 to 12-M.
[0028]
The chains 12-1 to 12-M process the broadcast material supplied from the baseband system 2 based on the program scheduling information distributed from the NMD 11, and output the processed broadcast material to a satellite transponder (not shown). . A part of the chains 12-1 to 12 -M constitutes the central processing system 3, and the other part constitutes the IF system 6.
[0029]
The PGS 21 is connected to the NMD 11, SMS 4, and SAS 5 via the PGS-LAN 312. Furthermore, the encoder control subsystem (hereinafter abbreviated as ECS (Encoder Control Subsystem)) 23, the electronic program guide flow controller via the chain control LAN 22. (Hereinafter abbreviated as EPG-FC (Electronic Program Guide-Flow Controller)) 24 and a multiplexer control subsystem (hereinafter abbreviated as MCS (Multiplexer Control Subsystem)) 25.
[0030]
The PGS 21 mainly includes an input terminal (not shown) and a personal computer. The PGS 21 obtains predetermined information from the NMD 11 and sends corresponding information to the ECS 23, the EPG-FC 24, and the MCS 25, respectively. Yes. The ECS 23 is composed of, for example, a personal computer, and controls the encoding unit 30 based on information transmitted from the PGS 21.
[0031]
The encoding unit 30 includes encoders 31 to 38 for 8 channels and a multiplexer 39. The baseband system 2 transmits a baseband signal for 7 channels. The baseband signals for seven channels are encoded by seven encoders among the encoders 31 to 38, the encoded signals are multiplexed by the multiplexer 39, and the multiplexed signals are multiplexed (hereinafter referred to as MUX (Multiplexer) unit). (Abbreviated) 40.
[0032]
The EPG-FC 24 is configured by a personal computer, for example, and outputs predetermined information (EPG information) sent from the PGS 21 to the MUX unit 40. The MCS 25 is composed of, for example, a personal computer and controls the MUX unit 40 based on information sent from the PGS 21.
[0033]
The MUX unit 40 includes two multiplexers (MUX 41 and MUX 42). The encoding unit 30 outputs the same two signals, and the EPG-FC 24 similarly outputs the same two signals. One signal output from the encoding unit 30 and one signal output from the EPG-FC 24 are input to the MUX 41, and the other signal is input to the MUX 42. The MUX 41 and the MUX 42 multiplex their inputs and output them to the QPSK modulator 50 of the IF system 6.
[0034]
The QPSK modulator 50 of the IF system 6 includes a QPSK modulator 52 and a QPSK modulator 53. The multiplexed signal output from the MUX 41 is input to the QPSK modulator 52, and the multiplexed signal output from the MUX 42 is input to the QPSK modulator 53. The QPSK modulator 52 and the QPSK modulator 53 respectively QPSK modulate the input multiplexed signal and output the result to the IF switch 54.
[0035]
The IF switch 54 selects the QPSK modulation signal output from the QPSK modulator 52 or the QPSK modulator 53 and outputs the QPSK modulation signal to the amplifier 55. The amplifier 55 includes an up converter (not shown) and a high power amplifier. The amplifier 55 amplifies the QPSK modulation signal selected by the IF switch 54 and outputs the amplified signal to the satellite (not shown) via the antenna 56. However, in practice, the outputs of the chains 12-1 to 12-M are further multiplexed and output to the satellite. Therefore, in this example, signals corresponding to M transponders are output.
[0036]
Next, information processing in the PGS 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The NMD 11 stores service information, event information, operation information, and PPS information supplied from the BDPS 1 for all channels, and configuration information input from the input terminal of the NMD 11. The PGS 21 obtains channel information corresponding to the chain 12 to which the PGS 21 belongs from the NMD 11, and generates EPG process information and schedule process information based on the obtained information. The EPG process information is an event (program) list of program material and CM material, event information indicating details of the event, and the like, and is supplied to the EPG-FC 24. The schedule process information is program broadcast schedule information for one day and is supplied to the ECS 23 and the MCS 25.
[0037]
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of information stored in the NMD 11. NMD11 broadcast information supplied from BDPS1, work key table information from SAS5 and CA system information for today and tomorrow for two days, and event information for seven days after the event information for each channel. Is stored. Configuration information input from a terminal (not shown) of the NMD 11 is stored in a lump.
[0038]
The PGS 21 obtains information stored in one channel corresponding to the chain 12 to which it belongs to one transponder of a satellite (not shown), in this case, information for seven channels and configuration information from the NMD 11 and stores them.
[0039]
Next, the operation of the configuration example shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
[0040]
The BDPS 1 creates broadcast information (service information, event information, PPS information, operation information) based on the registered broadcast material and sends it to the NMD 11. The NMD 11 stores information supplied from the BDPS 1, extracts information necessary for the SMS 4 from information transmitted from the BDPS 1, and stores the information and configuration information input from an input terminal (not shown) of the NMD 11. ing. Further, the NMD 11 reads and stores a work key table file and a CA (Conditional Access) system data file necessary for setting the MUX unit 40 from the SAS 5. The SMS 4 periodically accesses the NMD 11 and reads information corresponding to the SMS 4 stored in the NMD 11.
[0041]
The PGS 21 supplies the information acquired from the NMD 11 as described above to the ECS 23, EPG-FC 24, and MCS 25. The ECS 23 receives the operation information of the broadcast program for one day from the PGS 21 two days before the broadcast. The information is acquired and held, and is read from the information holding the encoder schedule for one hour, and supplied to the encoding unit 30 two hours before being broadcast. The encoding unit 30 encodes the baseband signal input from the baseband system 2 by the encoder 31 to the encoder 38 based on the encoder schedule supplied from the ECS 23, multiplexes the encoded signal by the multiplexer 39, The multiplexed signal is output to the MUX unit 40.
[0042]
In this case, a maximum of seven programs (channels) are supplied to one transponder, and seven baseband signals corresponding to information of the seven programs are supplied from the baseband system 2 to the encoding unit 30. . Of the eight encoders 31 to 38 of the encoding unit 30, seven encoders encode the baseband signal. The remaining encoder is designed to perform encoding instead when one of the seven encoders fails. The failure detection of the encoders 31 to 38 or the encoder replacement process is appropriately executed in the encoding unit 30.
[0043]
For example, the EPG-FC 24 obtains service information in digital satellite broadcasting from the PGS 21. The EPG-FC 24 converts the service information obtained from the PGS 21 into a session, packetizes it, and outputs it to the MUX unit 40 by socket communication via an interface (not shown).
[0044]
For example, the MCS 25 obtains the event information of the broadcast program for one day from the PGS21 two days before the broadcast and holds it, and sets the multiplexer schedule and multiplexer for one hour two hours before the broadcast. The information is read from the stored information and supplied to the MUX unit 40. The MUX unit 40 multiplexes the signal output from the encoding unit 30 and the signal output from the EPG-FC 24 on the basis of the multiplexer schedule, whichever is specified in the multiplexer setting information, of the MUX 41 or MUX 42. Output to system 6. Of the MUX 41 and MUX 42, the one not designated performs multiplexing instead when the designated one fails.
[0045]
The QPSK modulator 52 and the QPSK modulator 53 of the QPSK modulation unit 50 respectively QPSK-modulate the multiplexed signals output from the MUX 41 or MUX 42 of the MUX unit 40 and output to the IF switch 54.
[0046]
In the QPSK modulation unit 50, as in the MUX unit 40, two QPSK modulators (QPSK modulator 52 and QPSK modulator 53) are arranged, and one of them performs QPSK modulation instead of the other when it fails. Has been made.
[0047]
The IF switch 54 selects the QPSK modulation signal output from one of the QPSK modulator 52 and the QPSK modulator 53 of the QPSK modulation unit 50 and outputs the QPSK modulation signal to the amplifier 55. The amplifier 55 amplifies the QPSK modulation signal from the IF switch 54 by shifting the frequency to 14 GHz using an up converter and a high power amplifier, and outputs the amplified signal to the satellite via the antenna 56.
[0048]
Thus, for each transponder, that is, a structure having a small chain for multiplexing and transmitting broadcast information and broadcasting material for several channels, when increasing the number of transponders, the number of chains corresponding to the transponder is increased. It is possible to cope with the expansion of the digital broadcasting system. Since the PGS 21 is configured to acquire information stored in the NMD 11, the main function of the NMD 11 is to hold information supplied from the BDPS 1, and the information to be held increases as the number of transponders increases. It does not have a function that requires reconstruction. Therefore, it is possible to cope with the expansion of the broadcasting system such as the addition of a transponder simply by adding a chain.
[0049]
By using this chain structure, it is usual to provide a highly redundant broadcasting system by providing a chain that is not used and replacing it when a failure occurs in the driving chain. Can do. Hereinafter, a configuration example in consideration of this point will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 6 shows another configuration example of the digital broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied. Note that portions corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.
[0051]
The PGS 21, ECS 23, EPG-FC 24, MCS 25, encoding unit 30, MUX unit 40, sub-redundant controller (hereinafter abbreviated as SRC (Subredundant Controller)) 58, and IF system 6 in the central processing system 3 A chain 60 corresponding to the transponder is formed. In this case, M = 4 and there are four chains 60-1 to 60-4, which are called normal chains.
[0052]
In the central processing system 3, the NMD 11 is connected to the BDPS 1 and the baseband system 2 via the trunk LAN 311, and further to a master redundant controller (hereinafter abbreviated as MRC (Master Redundant Controller)) 71 via the PGS-LAN 312. It is connected to SMS4, SAS5, and PGS21 of chains 60-1 to 60-4.
[0053]
The MRC 71 is connected to the NMD 11, SMS 4, SAS 5, and the PGS 21 of the chains 60-1 to 60-4 via the PGS-LAN 312, and further to the SRC 58 of the chains 60-1 to 60-4 via the monitor LAN 72. It is connected. The MRC 71 is mainly composed of an input terminal (not shown), a personal computer, and a speaker that outputs an alarm. The MRC 71 acquires and holds predetermined information from the NMD 11 and the SRC 58, and stores predetermined information in the NMD 11 and the SRC 58. It is made to supply.
[0054]
The SRC 58 is constituted by, for example, a personal computer, acquires predetermined information from the PGS 21, supplies information sent from the MRC 71 to the PGS 21, and further supplies predetermined information to the MRC 71.
[0055]
The IF switch 80 of the IF system 6 includes a QPSK modulator selection switch 81, a chain selection switch 82, and a GR switch 83. The QPSK modulator selection switch 81 is a QPSK modulator 52 or QPSK of the QPSK modulator 50. The QPSK modulation signal output from the modulator 53 is selected.
[0056]
When the normal side is selected, the chain selection switch 82 outputs a QPSK modulation signal output from the QPSK modulation unit 50 of the chain 60 to the amplifier 55. When the GR side is selected, a global redundant chain (with GR90) is selected. The QPSK modulation signal output from the GR 91) is supplied to the amplifier 55.
[0057]
The GR switch 83 supplies the QPSK signal output from the GR 90 to the amplifier 55 when the GR side is selected in the chain selection switch 82 and the GR 90 side of the GR switch 83 is selected, and when the GR 91 side of the GR switch 83 is selected. The QPSK modulation signal output from the GR 91 is supplied to the amplifier 55.
[0058]
The global redundant chain (GR90 and GR91) is used instead when any of the normal chains (chains 60-1 to 60-4) fails.
[0059]
FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the GR90 of the global redundant chain.
[0060]
The GR 90 basically has substantially the same configuration as that of the chain 60, and portions corresponding to those in the configuration example of the chain 60 in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Omitted where appropriate. In addition, since GR91 has the same configuration as GR90, description of the configuration example of GR91 is omitted.
[0061]
The IF switch 100 selects the QPSK modulation signal from the QPSK modulator 52 or the QPSK modulator 53 of the QPSK modulation unit 50 and outputs it to the distributor 110. The distributor 110 distributes the QPSK modulation signal from the IF switch 100 to the GR switch 83 of the normal chain (chain 60-1 to chain 60-4).
[0062]
The redundant router 120 distributes the same signal as the baseband signal transmitted from the baseband system 2 to the encoding unit 30 of the normal chain to the encoding unit 30 of the global redundant chain.
[0063]
Next, an operation example in which the GR 90 of the global redundant chain is replaced with the chain 60-1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0064]
In step S1, if any of the normal chains (chains 60-1 to 60-4) fails, the failure is detected by a predetermined method, and the chain number where the failure has occurred is changed to SEC-NET (not shown). To the MRC 71. In this case, it is assumed that a failure has occurred in the MRC 25 of the chain 60-1.
[0065]
Next, in step S2, the MRC 71 that has received the number of the chain in which the failure has occurred notifies the operator that a failure has occurred in the digital broadcasting device via a speaker (not shown). At the same time, the MRC 71 displays the GR-compatible file shown in FIG. 9 on a display unit (not shown) and notifies the operator of the number of the broken chain. The chain number of the chain 60-1 is 1.
[0066]
Next, in step S3, the operator who has recognized that the digital broadcasting apparatus has failed inputs predetermined information to the GR-compatible file displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the MRC 71, and the chain 60-1 where the failure has occurred. Select the global redundant chain (GR90 or GR91) to be replaced with and create a GR-compatible file. In this case, it is assumed that the operator replaces the chain 60-1 and the GR 90, and inputs 1 to X in the GR compatible file.
[0067]
When the operator enters one of the chain numbers of the normal chain at the X position in the GR-compatible file in FIG. 9, the GR 90 is replaced with the chain where the number is input, and any of the normal chains is replaced with the Y position in the figure. When the chain number is input, the GR 91 is replaced with the chain in which the number is input.
[0068]
Next, in step S4, the MRC 71 sends the GR compatible file created in step S3 to the NMD 11.
[0069]
Next, in step S5, the NMD 11 receives the GR-compatible file, and in step S6, the NMD 11 acquires information on the chain 60-1 from the NMD 11 to the PGS 21 of the GR 90 based on the information of the GR-compatible file. To the user via the PGS-LAN 312.
[0070]
Next, in step S <b> 7, based on the instruction from the NMD 11, the PGS 21 of the GR 90 acquires information on the chain 60-1 from the NMD 11. When the PGS 21 of the GR 90 acquires the information about the chain 60-1, the GR 90 is driven, and the GR 90 sends the multiplexed signal corresponding to the chain 60-1 to the normal chain (the chain 60-1 via the distributor 90 of the GR 90). Through 60-4) starts to output to the GR switch 83 of the IF switch 80.
[0071]
Next, in step S8, when the SRC 58 of the GR 90 confirms that the PGS 21 of the GR 90 has finished inputting predetermined information from the NMD 11, it notifies the MRC 71 of that fact.
[0072]
Next, in step S9, the MRC 71 notifies the operator that the IF switch 80 of the chain 60-1 can be operated via a speaker (not shown).
[0073]
In step S10, the operator sets the chain selection switch 82 of the chain 60-1 to the GR side, and then sets the GR switch 83 to the GR90 side in step S11. As a result, the QPSK modulated signal from the GR 90 is supplied to the amplifier 55 of the chain 60-1 and transmitted to the satellite (not shown) via the antenna 56.
[0074]
As described above, when a failure occurs in the normal chain, the global redundant chain (GR90 or GR91) immediately obtains information on the failed normal chain, and is replaced with the failed normal chain, and a satellite (not shown) is broadcast. To a predetermined transponder.
[0075]
In the case of the above example, since the broadcast is normally supplied by the global redundant chain, the failed normal chain can maintain the failure state, and the cause of the failure can be easily investigated.
[0076]
Further, the two global redundant chains (GR90 and GR91) can back up a plurality of normal chains, or the global redundant chains (GR90 and GR91) can be backed up.
[0077]
In addition, using the global redundant chain, it is possible to evaluate the upgrade of the apparatus and the program in advance and introduce it into the normal chain.
[0078]
In addition, the global redundant chain can be used as a backup for promotional services.
[0079]
As a providing medium for providing a user with a computer program for performing the processing as described above, a communication medium such as a network or a satellite can be used in addition to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a CD-ROM, or a solid-state memory. .
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention, it is possible to cope with expansion of a broadcasting system such as addition of a transponder without rebuilding the apparatus.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital broadcasting system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining information handled among the BDPS 1, the baseband system 2, the central processing system 3, and the IF system 6 in FIG. 1;
3 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration example of the central processing system 3 and the IF system 6 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining information processing in PGS21.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of information stored in the NMD 11;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another configuration example of a digital broadcast system to which the present invention is applied.
7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of GR90 of the global redundant chain in FIG. 6. FIG.
8 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital broadcasting system of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of a GR-compatible file.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional digital broadcasting system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 broadcast program organization system, 2 baseband system, 3 central processing system, 4 customer management system, 5 customer viewing permission system, 6 IF system, 11 NMD, 12 chain, 21 PGS, 22 chain control LAN, 23 ECS, 24 EPG -FC, 25 MCS, 30 Encoder, 31 Encoder, 32 Encoder, 33 Encoder, 34 Encoder, 35 Encoder, 36 Encoder, 37 Encoder, 38 Encoder, 39 Multiplexer, 40 MUX, 41 MUX, 42 MUX, 50 QPSK modulation Part, 52 QPSK modulator, 53 QPSK modulator, 54 IF switch, 55 amplifier, 56 antenna, 58 SRC, 60 chain, 71 MRC, 72 monitor LAN, 80 IF switch 81 QPSK modulator selection switch, 82 chain selection switch, 83 GR switch, 90 GR, 91 GR, 100 IF switch, 110 distributor, 120 redundant router, 200 broadcast program organization system, 210 PMS unit, 220 transponder, 230 EPG unit , 311 Trunk LAN, 312 PGS-LAN

Claims (3)

In a transmission apparatus that transmits a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater to each of the N repeaters,
  A set of holding means for holding program scheduling information of a program broadcast on each channel relayed by each of the N repeaters;
  N-type transmission means for transmitting a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater to one corresponding repeater;
  With
  Each of the N-type transmission means is
  Extracting means for extracting channel information relating to a program broadcast on a channel relayed by a corresponding repeater from the program editing information;
  A process of generating schedule information of a program broadcast on the channel based on the channel information, and processing material information of a program broadcast on a channel relayed by the repeater based on the generated schedule information Means,
  Based on the channel information EPG Generating means for generating information;
  The material information processed by the processing means, and the generation information generated by the generation means EPG A synthesis means for synthesizing information;
  Modulation means for modulating the information synthesized by the synthesizing means and transmitting the information to the repeater as a digital broadcast signal;
  A transmission device comprising: M-type temporary transmission means for temporarily transmitting the digital broadcast signal;
  Control means for controlling material information corresponding to the material information supplied to a predetermined one of the transmission means to be supplied to a predetermined one of the temporary transmission means;
  When one of the N-type transmission means fails, one of the outputs of the M-type temporary transmission means is selected as one of the outputs of the failed transmission means and supplied to the processing means With selection means to
  The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A transmission device that transmits a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater to each of the N repeaters,
  Holding means for holding program scheduling information of a program broadcast on each channel relayed by each of the N repeaters;
  Transmitting means for transmitting a digital broadcast signal of a channel relayed by the repeater to one corresponding repeater;
  In a transmission method of a transmission device comprising:
  For each of the N repeaters,
  Extracting from the program editing information channel information related to a program broadcast on a channel relayed by a corresponding relay,
  Based on the channel information, generate schedule information of a program broadcast on the channel, and based on the generated schedule information, process material information of a program broadcast on a channel relayed by the repeater,
  Based on the channel information EPG Generate information,
  The processed material information and the generated information EPG Synthesize information,
  The synthesized information is modulated and transmitted to the repeater as a digital broadcast signal.
  A transmission method characterized by the above.

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