JP4282256B2

JP4282256B2 - Digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device

Info

Publication number: JP4282256B2
Application number: JP2001258396A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 稔阿部; 香織今村; 正樹加藤; 明博桜井
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2001-08-28
Filing date: 2001-08-28
Publication date: 2009-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-28
Also published as: JP2003069964A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、衛星放送、地上波放送等のデジタル放送システムにおいて、データ放送を行うためのデジタル放送信号多重送出装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、デジタル放送技術の確立に伴い、通信衛星や放送衛星を使用する衛星放送システムではデジタル放送が開始され、さらに地上波放送システムにおいてもデジタル放送への移行が計画されている。
【０００３】
上記デジタル放送の放送局では、テレビジョン放送に加えて、文字放送等のデータ放送も行っている。データ放送では、各種の情報番組を放送しており、その中にはテレビジョン放送番組に連動した情報や、またテレビジョン放送番組とは独立した情報等を提供している。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上記放送局では、多重化出力レート、つまり放送波の帯域幅が予め固定されているため、データ放送により伝送すべきデータを多重化出力レートからテレビジョン放送番組の映像及び音声の伝送レートを差し引いたレートで出力しなければならない。しかし、映像及び音声の伝送レートは、番組や映像シーンに応じて変化し、場合によってはデータ放送に利用できる帯域が狭くなり、データ伝送に多くの時間を要することになる。このため、優先順位の高いデータ放送のデータをリアルタイムで伝送することができないという不具合が生じることになる。
【０００５】
また、テレビジョン放送の占有帯域幅が減少した場合には、未使用の帯域ができ、無駄が多くなる。
【０００６】
そこで、この発明の目的は、放送帯域の変動に影響されることなく、少なくとも優先順位の高いデータ放送のデータを効率良くテレビジョン放送信号に多重して伝送できるようにしたデジタル放送信号多重送出装置を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この第１の発明に係るデジタル放送信号多重送出装置は、外部制御手段からの制御に基づいて、所定の放送帯域中の少なくとも一部の帯域に割り当てられ、かつテレビジョン放送番組の素材を示すテレビジョン放送素材情報を含んだ帯域が変動するテレビジョン放送信号と、放送帯域中のテレビジョン放送信号が割り当てられていない帯域に割り当てられ、かつそれぞれ優先順位が設定されたデータ放送番組の素材を示す複数のデータ放送素材情報、データ放送番組に関する制御情報を含んだ周期情報を含むパケット構造のデータ放送信号とを放送するデジタル放送システムに用いられ、外部制御手段からの通知情報に応じてデータ放送信号をテレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重して送出するデジタル放送信号多重送出装置であって、入力されるデータ放送信号を前記複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報に分離する分離手段と、この分離手段により分離された複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報を各情報別にそれぞれ所定パケット数分格納する複数のバッファと、これら複数のバッファの出力をテレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重する多重化手段と、データ放送信号の帯域の一部を固定帯域に設定し、残りの帯域を前記テレビジョン放送信号の変動する帯域占有率に応じた可変帯域に設定し、複数のバッファから少なくとも最高の優先順位に設定されたデータ放送素材情報及び周期情報を前記固定帯域に対応するレートで読み出して前記多重化手段に与えるとともに、外部制御手段からの通知情報に含まれる前記テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率に応じて、固定帯域に割り当てられたデータ放送素材情報以外の複数のデータ放送素材情報を優先順位に従って選択的に読み出して多重化手段に与える読み出し制御手段とを備えるようにしたものである。
【０００８】
この第１の発明によれば、外部制御手段から通知されるテレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率に応じて複数のデータ放送素材情報が優先順位の高い順に選択されることによって、送信すべきデータ放送信号のパケット数を可変させることができるので、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が最小を示す場合に、ユーザがいつ受信を開始してもデータ放送番組を速やかに視聴できるように、伝送可能な帯域内で全ての番組をテレビジョン放送信号に多重して送信し、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える場合に、少なくとも最高の優先順位データ放送番組の素材情報及び周期情報をテレビジョン放送信号に多重して送信するというように、帯域変動に応じた最適なデータ伝送を行うことができる。
【０００９】
外部制御手段からの制御に基づいて、所定の放送帯域中の少なくとも一部の帯域に割り当てられ、かつテレビジョン放送番組の素材を示すテレビジョン放送素材情報を含んだ帯域が変動するテレビジョン放送信号と、放送帯域中の前記テレビジョン放送信号が割り当てられていない帯域に割り当てられ、かつそれぞれ優先順位が設定されたデータ放送番組の素材を示す複数のデータ放送素材情報、データ放送番組に関する制御情報を含んだ周期情報を含むパケット構造のデータ放送信号とを放送するデジタル放送システムに用いられ、外部制御手段からの通知情報に応じて前記データ放送信号を前記テレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重して送出するデジタル放送信号多重送出装置であって、入力されるデータ放送信号を複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報に分離する分離手段と、この分離手段により分離された複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報を各情報別にそれぞれ所定パケット数分格納する複数のバッファと、これら複数のバッファの出力を前記テレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重する多重化手段と、データ放送信号の帯域の一部を固定帯域に設定し、残りの帯域をテレビジョン放送信号の変動する帯域占有率に応じた可変帯域に設定し、外部制御手段からの通知情報に含まれるテレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える場合に、前記複数のバッファから少なくとも最高の優先順位に設定されたデータ放送素材情報及び周期情報を固定帯域に対応するレートで読み出して前記多重化手段に与える読み出し制御手段とを備えるようにしたものである。
【００１０】
この第２の発明によれば、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超えるときに、データ放送により放送されるデータは少なくとも最高の優先順位を示すデータ放送番組の素材情報及び周期情報となる。このため、放送帯域中の限られたデータ放送用の帯域を有効に利用して、優先順位の高いデータ放送のデータを効率良く伝送することが可能となる。また、帯域変動に影響されることなく、常に最高の優先順位を示すデータ放送番組の素材情報及び周期情報の伝送帯域を確保することができる。
【００１１】
外部制御手段からの制御に基づいて、所定の放送帯域中の少なくとも一部の帯域に割り当てられ、かつテレビジョン放送番組の素材を示すテレビジョン放送素材情報を含んだ帯域が変動するテレビジョン放送信号と、前記放送帯域中の前記テレビジョン放送信号が割り当てられていない帯域に割り当てられ、かつそれぞれ優先順位が設定されたデータ放送番組の素材を示す複数のデータ放送素材情報、データ放送番組に関する制御情報を含んだ周期情報を含むパケット構造のデータ放送信号とを放送するデジタル放送システムに用いられ、前記外部制御手段からの通知情報に応じて前記データ放送信号を前記テレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重して送出するデジタル放送信号多重送出装置であって、入力される前記データ放送信号を前記複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報に分離する分離手段と、この分離手段により分離された前記複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報を各情報別にそれぞれ所定パケット数分格納する複数のバッファと、これら複数のバッファの出力を前記テレビジョン放送信号に選択的に多重する多重化手段と、複数のバッファに格納された複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報の各パケットを監視するバッファ監視手段と、データ放送信号の帯域の一部を固定帯域に設定し、残りの帯域をテレビジョン放送信号の変動する帯域占有率に応じた可変帯域に設定し、複数のバッファから少なくとも最高の優先順位に設定されたデータ放送素材情報及び周期情報を固定帯域に対応するレートで読み出して前記多重化手段に与えるとともに、外部制御手段からの通知情報に含まれるテレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率及びバッファ監視手段の監視結果のうちの少なくとも一方に基づいて、固定帯域に割り当てられたデータ放送素材情報以外の複数のデータ放送素材情報を優先順位に従って選択的に読み出して前記多重化手段に与える読み出し制御手段とを備えるようにしたものである。
【００１２】
この第３の発明では、テレビジョン放送用の帯域がテレビジョン放送番組の素材やシーン等により変化し、その変化に応じてデータ放送パケットを効率良くテレビジョン放送信号に多重して送出するようにしている。このとき、単純にデータ放送パケットを帯域変動に応じて送出すると、データ放送において優先順位が最高を示すデータ放送番組のデータ放送素材情報及び次順位のデータ放送番組のデータ放送素材情報が一律に変化してしまうことになり、比較的遅延量を抑えたい最高優先順位のデータ放送素材情報まで影響が出てしまうことになる。そこで、入力されたデータ放送信号を複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報に分離して、各情報別に複数のバッファに格納し、これら複数のバッファそれぞれのパケット数を監視することにより、データ放送信号のレート管理を行うようにしている。したがって、複数のデータ放送素材情報、周期情報は固定帯域に割り当ててテレビジョン放送信号に多重することができ、固定帯域に割り当てられたデータ放送素材情報以外のデータ放送素材情報はテレビジョン放送番組の素材の符号量の変化に応じて可変させてテレビジョン放送信号に多重することができる。
【００１３】
また、上記第１乃至第３の発明において、データ放送信号中に、その他の付加情報を含んだイベントメッセージ情報を含む場合にも、上記第１乃至第３の発明と同様の作用効果が得られる。
【００１４】
さらに、上記第１乃至第３の発明において、バッファ監視手段は、複数のバッファにそれぞれ格納されるパケット数が所定数を超える場合に、データ放送信号の送出元に対し停止制御を行うことも特徴とする。
【００１５】
このようにすることで、バッファに格納されるパケット数が所定数を超えた場合には、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超えている状況であるから、データ放送信号の送出元に対し所定数を超えたバッファに格納されるパケット送出の停止制御を行うようにしている。このため、処理負荷は低く抑えられる。
【００１６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施形態について図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００１７】
図１は、この発明に係るデジタル放送信号多重送出装置が適用される局内システムの一実施形態を示すブロック構成図である。
【００１８】
このシステムは、同図に示すように、エンコーダ（ＥＮＣ）１１，１２と、マルチプレクサ（ＭＵＸ）１３と、符号化多重制御部（ＥＭＣ）１４と、データ放送送出部１５と、自動番組送出制御部（ＡＰＣ）１６と、局内時計１７と、データサーバ（ＤＳ）１８とを備えている。
【００１９】
エンコーダ１１は、テレビジョン放送番組の映像信号をＭＰＥＧ２符号化方式で圧縮符号化してビットストリームを生成し、マルチプレクサ１３に出力する。エンコーダ１２は、テレビジョン放送番組の音声信号をＡＡＣ（Advanced Audio Coding）符号化方式で圧縮符号化してビットストリームを生成し、マルチプレクサ１３に出力する。
【００２０】
マルチプレクサ１３は、各エンコーダ１１，１２の出力と、データ放送送出部１５から出力されるデータ放送用データとを多重化し、トランスポートストリームとして送出する。また、符号化多重制御部１４から出力される情報を元に、ＰＭＴ（Program Map Table）、ＰＡＴ（Program Association Table）等のデータを生成し、トランスポートストリームに多重する。
【００２１】
符号化多重制御部１４は、自動番組送出制御部１６から提供される指示情報、放送スケジュールデータ及び局内時計１７で計測される編成時刻に基づいてエンコーダ１１，１２及びマルチプレクサ１３を制御する。なお、ＰＭＴ、ＰＡＴには、番組に関する情報やトランスポートストリーム中にデータ放送用データが含まれているか否かを示す情報が含まれている。
【００２２】
データ放送送出部１５は、自動番組送出制御部１６から提供される指示情報に基づいて、パケット構造のデータ放送用データをマルチプレクサ１３に送出するものである。
【００２３】
自動番組送出制御部１６は、データサーバ１８から提供される放送スケジュールデータ及び局内時計１７で計測される番組編成時刻に従って、符号化多重部１４及びデータ放送送出部１５に対し指示情報を送出して符号化多重部１４の符号化多重処理を制御し、またデータ放送送出部１５の送出処理を制御するようにしている。
【００２４】
図２は、上記マルチプレクサ１３の具体的構成を示すブロック図である。
【００２５】
マルチプレクサ１３は、同図に示すように、ＴＳ多重処理部１３１、多重判定部１３２、パケット区別部１３３、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４、多重部１３５、バッファ監視部１３６、多重処理部１３７を備えている。
【００２６】
ＴＳ多重処理部１３１は、多重判定部１３２に対し符号化多重制御部１４からのデータを含めた多重要求情報を送出し、その要求に対する判定結果に基づき、エンコーダ１１、１２からのビットストリームをパケット多重し、多重部１３５に出力する。
【００２７】
多重判定部１３２は、ＴＳ多重処理部１３１からの多重要求に対する判定結果をＴＳ多重処理部１３１に送出する。なお、判定結果には、テレビジョン放送信号の送出レートが含まれる。
【００２８】
パケット区別部１３３は、データ放送送出部１５から出力されたデータ放送用データを入力し、データサーバ１８から与えられる制御情報に基づき、優先順位が設定されたデータ放送パケット、データ放送番組に関する制御情報を含んだ周期情報としてのＤＩＩ（Download Information Indication）セクションパケット、その他の付加情報を含むイベントメッセージセクションパケットを区別する。
【００２９】
このパケット区別部１３３で区別されたパケットのうち、リアルタイム性が要求される第１のデータ放送パケットは出力バッファ１３４１に所定個数順次保持され、ＤＩＩセクションパケットは出力バッファ１３４２に所定個数順次保持され、イベントメッセージセクションパケットは出力バッファ１３４３に所定個数順次保持され、第１のデータ放送パケットに比してリアルタイム性が要求されない第２のデータ放送パケットは出力バッファ１３４４に所定個数順次保持される。
【００３０】
多重部１３５は、ＴＳ多重処理部１３１の出力、各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４の出力を選択的に多重して出力する。
【００３１】
バッファ監視部１３６は、各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４に保持されたパケット数を監視する。
【００３２】
多重処理部１３７は、バッファ監視部１３６の監視結果に基づいて、多重判定部１３２に対し多重要求情報を送出し、この多重要求に対する多重判定部１３２からの判定結果に基づいて、各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４に保持されたパケットの読み出し制御を行う。
【００３３】
次に、上記構成において、以下にその処理動作を説明する。
まず、データ放送の伝送帯域は、図３に示すように、テレビジョン放送番組の映像／音声で使用する帯域のうちの残りの帯域を使用することが伝送の基本概念になっている。デジタル放送における映像／音声は、ＭＰＥＧ２で規定される圧縮符号化技術を採用していることから映像シーンによりテレビジョン放送用の帯域が変動することになる。
【００３４】
現在、データ放送用のデータは、予め映像／音声の最大符号量から余り帯域の目処をつけ固定ビットレートで伝送されているため、映像／音声の符号量が減少した時にも何も多重されていない帯域が発生し無駄である。
【００３５】
そこで、本実施形態では、データ放送送出部１５から出力されるデータ放送用データをそのままマルチプレクサ１３に入力し、マルチプレクサ１３にて帯域変動に応じたデータ放送用データの送出制御を行う。この場合の送出制御の様子を図４（ａ）、（ｂ）に示す。
【００３６】
マルチプレクサ１３では、データ放送送出部１５からのデータ放送用データをパケット区別部１３３に入力し、第１のデータ放送パケット、第２のデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットに分離した後、各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４にそれぞれ所定個数のパケットを順次保持する。各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４に保持されたパケットは、それぞれバッファ監視部１３６によって監視され、その監視結果は多重処理部１３７に通知される。
【００３７】
多重処理部１３７では、バッファ監視部１３６からの監視結果が与えられると、多重判定部１３２に対し多重要求情報を送出し、この多重要求情報に対する判定結果からテレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率、つまりテレビジョン放送信号の送出レートを判定し、この判定結果に基づき、各出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４から第１のデータ放送パケット、第２のデータ放送パケットをデータサーバ１８から通知される優先順位に従って選択的に読み出し、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットを読み出す。
【００３８】
ここで、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値以下である場合に、多重処理部１３７は、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４からＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットを予め設定された固定レートで読み出し、第１のデータ放送パケット及び第２のデータ放送パケットのうち優先順位が高いパケットを固定レートで読み出すとともに、次順位の第１のデータ放送パケット及び第２のデータ放送パケットを上記帯域占有率に応じたレートで読み出し、多重部１３５に与える。すると、多重部１３５から図４（ａ）に示すようなパケット列が出力される。
【００３９】
一方、テレビジョン放送信号の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える場合に、多重処理部１３７は、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４から最高順位を示すデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットのみを固定レートで読み出す。すると、多重部１３５から図４（ｂ）に示すようなパケット列が出力される。
【００４０】
これにより、例えばクイズ問題やドラマの１場面等の映像シーンに付随した優先順位の高いデータ放送番組のデータを、テレビジョン放送番組の映像／音声の符号量が最大になっても伝送に影響を与えないように伝送することが可能となる。
【００４１】
上記帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超えた場合において、例えば出力バッファ１３４４には優先順位の低い第２のデータ放送パケットが保持され続けることになる。この出力バッファ１３４４の蓄積量は、常にバッファ監視部１３６に通知されることになる。バッファ監視部１３６は、出力バッファ１３４４の蓄積量を監視し、所定量を超えている場合に、データ放送送出部１５に対して第２のデータ放送パケットの送出を停止させるようなバッファ情報を通知する。
【００４２】
以上のように上記実施形態では、入力されたデータ放送用データをパケット区別部１３３にて第１のデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケット、第２のデータ放送パケットに分離して、各パケット種別ごとに出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４３に蓄積し、バッファ監視部１３６にて出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４３の蓄積量を監視して多重処理部１３７に通知するようにしている。そして、テレビジョン放送用の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超えるときに、多重処理部１３７にて、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４３から最高優先順位を示すデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットを固定レートで読み出して、多重部１３５に与えてＴＳ多重処理部１３１の出力と多重してトランスポートストリームを生成し、送出するようにしている。
【００４３】
したがって、帯域変動が起こるごとにデータ放送において最高優先順位を示すデータ放送番組の素材データ及び次順位を示すデータ放送番組の素材データが一律に変化してしまう不具合がなくなり、最高優先順位を示すデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットは固定レートでテレビジョン放送信号に多重することができ、次順位のデータ放送パケットはテレビジョン放送番組の素材の符号量の変化に応じて可変させてテレビジョン放送信号に多重することができる。また、テレビジョン放送用の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える場合に、データ放送用の放送帯域における限られた帯域を有効に利用して、最高優先順位のデータ放送のデータを効率良く伝送することが可能となり、帯域変動に影響されることなく、常に優先順位の高いデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット及びイベントメッセージセクションパケットの帯域を確保することができる。
【００４４】
また、テレビジョン放送用の帯域占有率が最小を示す場合に、ユーザがいつ受信を開始してもデータ放送番組を速やかに視聴できるように、伝送可能帯域内で全ての番組を送信することもできるので、従来のように、データ放送用の放送帯域が固定されていたことによって、帯域に無駄が生じることなく、これにより、帯域の変動に応じた最適なデータ伝送を行うことができる。すなわち、放送帯域全体の有効利用率を高めることが可能となる。
【００４５】
さらに、テレビジョン放送用の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える状態において、バッファ監視部１３６にて、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４の蓄積量が監視され、この蓄積量が所定量を超える場合に、データ放送送出部１５に対しデータ放送パケットの停止制御が行われるので、出力バッファ１３４１〜１３４４を大容量のバッファに交換する必要がなく、その分マルチプレクサ１３の処理負荷は低く抑えられるとともに、安価なもので済む。
【００４６】
なお、この発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。例えば、上記実施形態では、テレビジョン放送用の帯域占有率が所定のしきい値を超える場合に、最高優先順位のデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット及びイベントメッセージセクションパケットを送信するようにしているが、最高優先順位のデータ放送パケット及びＤＩＩセクションパケットのみであってもよい。イベントメッセージの使用は、コンテンツ依存で必ずしも必要とするものではない。また、固定帯域は、任意に設定でき、設定によっては優先順位が１位，２位，３位のデータ放送パケットを常に送信することも可能となる。
【００４７】
また、上記実施形態では、４個の出力バッファを用いる例について説明したが、取り扱うデータ放送用データによっては、出力バッファの数は任意であってもよい。
【００４８】
また、上記実施形態において、パケット区別部１３３は、符号化多重制御部１４からの制御情報を基に、データ放送用データから第１のデータ放送パケット、第２のデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットを分離するようにしていた。しかし、それに限ることなく、データ放送用データに含まれる所定の制御情報パケットに基づいて、データ放送用データから第１のデータ放送パケット、第２のデータ放送パケット、ＤＩＩセクションパケット、イベントメッセージセクションパケットを分離するようにしてもよい。
【００４９】
さらに、上記実施形態では、固定受信サービスによるテレビジョン放送システムを対象に説明したが、例えば携帯型受信端末を使用した移動体向けの放送システムや携帯端末向けの放送システムにも適用可能である。また、専用線網やインターネットを利用したコンピュータシステムにも適用可能である。
【００５０】
その他、局内システムの構成、マルチプレクサの種類やその構成、マルチプレクサにおけるデータ放送用データの送出制御手順、データ放送のパケットの内容等についても、この発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形して実施できる。
【００５１】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したようにこの発明によれば、放送帯域の変動に影響されることなく、少なくとも優先順位の高いデータ放送のデータを効率良くテレビジョン放送信号に多重して伝送できるようにしたデジタル放送信号多重送出装置を提供することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】この発明に係るデジタル放送信号多重送出装置が適用される局内システムの一実施形態を示すブロック図。
【図２】図１に示したマルチプレクサの具体的構成を示すブロック図
【図３】同実施形態におけるテレビジョン放送信号とデータ放送信号との帯域関係を示すタイミングチャート。
【図４】同実施形態における処理動作を説明するためのタイミング図。
【符号の説明】
１１，１２…エンコーダ（ＥＮＣ）、
１３…マルチプレクサ（ＭＵＸ）、
１４…符号化多重制御部（ＥＭＣ）、
１５…データ放送送出部、
１６…自動番組送出制御部（ＡＰＣ）、
１７…局内時計、
１８…データサーバ（ＤＳ）、
１３１…ＴＳ多重処理部、
１３２…多重判定部、
１３３…パケット区別部、
１３４１〜１３４４…出力バッファ、
１３５…多重部、
１３６…バッファ監視部、
１３７…多重処理部。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission apparatus for performing data broadcasting in a digital broadcasting system such as satellite broadcasting and terrestrial broadcasting.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the establishment of digital broadcasting technology, digital broadcasting has been started in satellite broadcasting systems using communication satellites and broadcasting satellites, and the transition to digital broadcasting is also planned in terrestrial broadcasting systems.
[0003]
In the above digital broadcasting stations, data broadcasting such as text broadcasting is performed in addition to television broadcasting. In data broadcasting, various information programs are broadcast, and information linked to the television broadcast program, information independent of the television broadcast program, and the like are provided therein.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the broadcasting station, since the multiplexed output rate, that is, the bandwidth of the broadcast wave is fixed in advance, the data to be transmitted by data broadcasting is transmitted from the multiplexed output rate to the video and audio transmission rate of the television broadcast program. It must be output at a rate minus. However, the transmission rate of video and audio varies depending on the program and video scene, and in some cases, the bandwidth that can be used for data broadcasting is narrowed, and a long time is required for data transmission. For this reason, the malfunction that the data of high priority data broadcasting cannot be transmitted in real time will arise.
[0005]
In addition, when the occupied bandwidth of television broadcasting decreases, an unused band is created and waste is increased.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device capable of efficiently multiplexing and transmitting at least high priority data broadcast data to a television broadcast signal without being affected by fluctuations in the broadcast band. Is to provide.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a television that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band and indicates a material of a television broadcast program based on control from an external control means. This shows the data broadcasting program material that is assigned to a band that does not have a television broadcast signal in the broadcast band and to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is assigned, and that has a priority set. Used in a digital broadcasting system that broadcasts a plurality of data broadcasting material information and a packet-structured data broadcasting signal including periodic information including control information related to the data broadcasting program, and the data broadcasting signal according to the notification information from the external control means Is a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device that selectively multiplexes and broadcasts to a television broadcast signal. A plurality of data broadcast material information and period information separated by the separation means, and a plurality of pieces of data broadcast signals that are separated by the separation means and stored for a predetermined number of packets. A buffer, a multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal, a part of the band of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and the remaining band is set to the television broadcast signal. varying set to a variable band corresponding to the band occupancy at least the highest priority level data broadcast material information and the multiplexing means reads the cycle information at a rate corresponding to the fixed band from the plurality of buffers And is allocated to a fixed band according to the band occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means. Reads against was more data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information selectively according to the priority ranking is obtained by so and a read control means for supplying to the multiplexing means.
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the data broadcast to be transmitted is selected by selecting a plurality of pieces of data broadcast material information in descending order of priority according to the band occupancy ratio of the television broadcast signal notified from the external control means. Since the number of signal packets can be changed, transmission is possible so that the user can quickly view the data broadcast program whenever the user starts reception when the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal indicates the minimum. When all the programs in a band are multiplexed and transmitted on a television broadcast signal, and the band occupation rate of the television broadcast signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, at least the material information and period of the highest priority data broadcast program It is possible to perform optimal data transmission according to band fluctuations such as transmitting information multiplexed on a television broadcast signal.
[0009]
A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating the data broadcast program material assigned to a band in the broadcast band to which the television broadcast signal is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program. It is used in a digital broadcast system that broadcasts a data broadcast signal having a packet structure including the included periodic information, and selectively multiplexes the data broadcast signal with the television broadcast signal according to notification information from an external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for transmitting an input data broadcast signal to a plurality of data broadcast elements. Separation means for separating information and period information, a plurality of data broadcast material information separated by the separation means, a plurality of buffers for storing period information for each information for a predetermined number of packets, and outputs of the plurality of buffers and multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the television broadcast signal, a variable bandwidth setting part of the band of the data broadcasting signal to a fixed band, corresponding to the remaining bandwidth to the bandwidth occupation rate of change of the television broadcast signal Data broadcasting material set to at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers when the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means exceeds a predetermined threshold Read control means for reading information and period information at a rate corresponding to a fixed band and giving the information to the multiplexing means is provided.
[0010]
According to the second aspect of the invention, when the bandwidth occupancy of the television broadcast signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the data broadcast by the data broadcast is at least the material information of the data broadcast program indicating the highest priority, and Period information. For this reason, it is possible to efficiently transmit data broadcast data with high priority by effectively using a limited data broadcast band in the broadcast band. In addition, the transmission band of the material information and the period information of the data broadcast program always showing the highest priority can be secured without being affected by the band fluctuation.
[0011]
A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is selectively multiplexed with the television broadcast signal according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for transmitting the data broadcast signal to be transmitted. Data broadcast material information, separation means for separating into periodic information, a plurality of data broadcast material information separated by the separation means, a plurality of buffers for storing each predetermined number of packets for each information, and a plurality of these Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the output of the buffer to the television broadcast signal, buffer monitoring means for monitoring each packet of the plurality of data broadcast material information and period information stored in the plurality of buffers, and data broadcasting It sets some of the band of the signal to a fixed band, and set to a variable band corresponding the remaining bandwidth to the bandwidth occupation rate of variation in the television broadcast signal, which is set to at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffer data Broadcast material information and period information are read out at a rate corresponding to a fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and also sent from the external control means. A plurality of data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information allocated to the fixed band is assigned in accordance with the priority order based on at least one of the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal included in the information and the monitoring result of the buffer monitoring means. Read control means for selectively reading and giving to the multiplexing means.
[0012]
In the third aspect of the invention, the television broadcast band changes depending on the material or scene of the television broadcast program, and in accordance with the change, the data broadcast packet is efficiently multiplexed and transmitted to the television broadcast signal. ing. At this time, if the data broadcast packet is simply transmitted according to the band fluctuation, the data broadcast material information of the data broadcast program having the highest priority in the data broadcast and the data broadcast material information of the next data broadcast program change uniformly. As a result, even the highest priority data broadcasting material information for which a relatively small amount of delay is desired is affected. Therefore, the input data broadcast signal is separated into a plurality of data broadcast material information and period information, stored in a plurality of buffers for each piece of information, and the number of packets in each of the plurality of buffers is monitored. Rate management. Therefore, a plurality of data broadcast material information and period information can be assigned to a fixed band and multiplexed on a television broadcast signal. Data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information assigned to the fixed band can be used for a television broadcast program. It can be varied according to the change in the code amount of the material and multiplexed on the television broadcast signal.
[0013]
In the first to third inventions, the same effects as those of the first to third inventions can be obtained when the data message includes event message information including other additional information. .
[0014]
Furthermore, in the first to third aspects of the invention, the buffer monitoring means also performs stop control on the transmission source of the data broadcast signal when the number of packets stored in each of the plurality of buffers exceeds a predetermined number. And
[0015]
In this manner, when the number of packets stored in the buffer exceeds a predetermined number, the data broadcasting signal is used because the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcasting signal exceeds a predetermined threshold. Control of stopping transmission of packets stored in a buffer exceeding a predetermined number is performed with respect to the transmission source. For this reason, the processing load can be kept low.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0017]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an in-station system to which a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
[0018]
As shown in the figure, this system includes encoders (ENC) 11 and 12, a multiplexer (MUX) 13, an encoding multiplex control unit (EMC) 14, a data broadcast transmission unit 15, and an automatic program transmission control unit. (APC) 16, a local clock 17, and a data server (DS) 18 are provided.
[0019]
The encoder 11 compresses and encodes the video signal of the television broadcast program using the MPEG2 encoding method, generates a bit stream, and outputs the bit stream to the multiplexer 13. The encoder 12 compresses and encodes the audio signal of the television broadcast program using an AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) encoding method, generates a bit stream, and outputs the bit stream to the multiplexer 13.
[0020]
The multiplexer 13 multiplexes the outputs of the encoders 11 and 12 and the data broadcast data output from the data broadcast transmission unit 15 and transmits the multiplexed data as a transport stream. Also, based on the information output from the encoding and multiplexing control unit 14, data such as PMT (Program Map Table), PAT (Program Association Table), etc. is generated and multiplexed on the transport stream.
[0021]
The encoding multiplex control unit 14 controls the encoders 11 and 12 and the multiplexer 13 based on the instruction information provided from the automatic program transmission control unit 16, the broadcast schedule data, and the knitting time measured by the local clock 17. Note that the PMT and PAT include information related to programs and information indicating whether or not data broadcasting data is included in the transport stream.
[0022]
The data broadcast transmission unit 15 transmits data broadcast data having a packet structure to the multiplexer 13 based on the instruction information provided from the automatic program transmission control unit 16.
[0023]
The automatic program transmission control unit 16 transmits instruction information to the encoding multiplexing unit 14 and the data broadcast transmission unit 15 according to the broadcast schedule data provided from the data server 18 and the program scheduling time measured by the local clock 17. The encoding and multiplexing process of the encoding and multiplexing unit 14 is controlled, and the transmission process of the data broadcast transmitting unit 15 is controlled.
[0024]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the multiplexer 13.
[0025]
As shown in the figure, the multiplexer 13 includes a TS multiplex processing unit 131, a multiplex determination unit 132, a packet discrimination unit 133, output buffers 1341-1344, a multiplex unit 135, a buffer monitoring unit 136, and a multiplex processing unit 137. .
[0026]
The TS multiplex processing unit 131 sends multiplex request information including data from the encoding multiplex control unit 14 to the multiplex determination unit 132, and packetizes the bit streams from the encoders 11 and 12 based on the determination result for the request. Multiplex and output to the multiplexing unit 135.
[0027]
The multiplex determination unit 132 sends the determination result for the multiplex request from the TS multiplex processing unit 131 to the TS multiplex processing unit 131. Note that the determination result includes the transmission rate of the television broadcast signal.
[0028]
The packet discriminating unit 133 receives the data broadcasting data output from the data broadcasting sending unit 15, and based on the control information given from the data server 18, the control information regarding the data broadcasting packet and the data broadcasting program for which priority is set. A DII (Download Information Indication) section packet as period information including a message and an event message section packet including other additional information are distinguished.
[0029]
Among the packets distinguished by the packet distinction unit 133, the first data broadcast packets requiring real-time property are sequentially held in a predetermined number in the output buffer 1341, and the DII section packets are sequentially held in a predetermined number in the output buffer 1342. A predetermined number of event message section packets are sequentially held in the output buffer 1343, and a predetermined number of second data broadcast packets that do not require real-time performance compared to the first data broadcast packet are sequentially held in the output buffer 1344.
[0030]
The multiplexing unit 135 selectively multiplexes and outputs the output of the TS multiplexing processing unit 131 and the outputs of the output buffers 1341-1344.
[0031]
The buffer monitoring unit 136 monitors the number of packets held in each output buffer 1341-1344.
[0032]
The multiplex processing unit 137 sends multiplex request information to the multiplex determination unit 132 based on the monitoring result of the buffer monitoring unit 136, and each output buffer 1341 based on the determination result from the multiplex determination unit 132 for the multiplex request. ... 1344 are read out.
[0033]
Next, the processing operation of the above configuration will be described below.
First, as shown in FIG. 3, the basic concept of transmission is to use the remaining bandwidth of the bandwidth used for video / audio of a television broadcast program. Since video / audio in digital broadcasting employs a compression encoding technique defined in MPEG2, the band for television broadcasting varies depending on the video scene.
[0034]
Currently, data for data broadcasting is transmitted at a fixed bit rate with an extra bandwidth reserved from the maximum video / audio code amount, so nothing is multiplexed even when the video / audio code amount decreases. There is no bandwidth and is wasted.
[0035]
Therefore, in this embodiment, the data broadcast data output from the data broadcast transmission unit 15 is input to the multiplexer 13 as it is, and the multiplexer 13 performs transmission control of the data broadcast data according to the band fluctuation. The state of the transmission control in this case is shown in FIGS.
[0036]
The multiplexer 13 inputs the data broadcast data from the data broadcast transmission unit 15 to the packet discrimination unit 133 and separates it into a first data broadcast packet, a second data broadcast packet, a DII section packet, and an event message section packet. The predetermined number of packets are sequentially held in the output buffers 1341 to 1344, respectively. The packets held in the output buffers 1341 to 1344 are monitored by the buffer monitoring unit 136, and the monitoring result is notified to the multiprocessing unit 137.
[0037]
In response to the monitoring result from the buffer monitoring unit 136, the multiplex processing unit 137 sends multiplex request information to the multiplex determination unit 132, and from the determination result for the multiplex request information, the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal, that is, The transmission rate of the television broadcast signal is determined. Based on the determination result, the first data broadcast packet and the second data broadcast packet are selectively transmitted from the output buffers 1341-1344 according to the priority order notified from the data server 18. To read the DII section packet and event message section packet.
[0038]
Here, when the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the multiplex processing unit 137 sets the DII section packet and the event message section packet from the output buffers 1341-1344 to a preset fixed rate. The first data broadcast packet and the second data broadcast packet are read at a fixed rate, and the first data broadcast packet and the second data broadcast packet of the next order are occupied by the band. The data is read at a rate according to the rate and is given to the multiplexing unit 135. Then, the packet sequence as shown in FIG.
[0039]
On the other hand, when the bandwidth occupancy of the television broadcast signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the multiplex processing unit 137 receives only the data broadcast packet, DII section packet, and event message section packet indicating the highest order from the output buffers 1341-1344. Are read at a fixed rate. Then, a packet sequence as shown in FIG.
[0040]
As a result, transmission of data of a high-priority data broadcast program associated with a video scene such as a quiz problem or one scene of a drama is affected even if the video / audio code amount of the television broadcast program is maximized. It is possible to transmit without giving.
[0041]
When the bandwidth occupancy exceeds a predetermined threshold value, for example, the output buffer 1344 continues to hold the second data broadcast packet with a low priority. The accumulated amount of the output buffer 1344 is always notified to the buffer monitoring unit 136. The buffer monitoring unit 136 monitors the accumulation amount of the output buffer 1344 and notifies the data broadcast transmission unit 15 of buffer information that stops the transmission of the second data broadcast packet when the predetermined amount is exceeded. To do.
[0042]
As described above, in the above-described embodiment, the input data broadcast data is separated into the first data broadcast packet, the DII section packet, the event message section packet, and the second data broadcast packet by the packet distinguishing unit 133. Each packet type is accumulated in the output buffers 1341 to 1343, and the buffer monitoring unit 136 monitors the accumulated amount of the output buffers 1341 to 1343 and notifies the multiprocessing unit 137 of the accumulated amount. When the bandwidth occupancy rate for television broadcasting exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the multiprocessing unit 137 causes the data broadcast packet, DII section packet, event message section indicating the highest priority from the output buffers 1341-1343. Packets are read at a fixed rate, given to the multiplexing unit 135, multiplexed with the output of the TS multiplexing processing unit 131, and a transport stream is generated and transmitted.
[0043]
Therefore, every time band fluctuation occurs, there is no problem that the material data of the data broadcasting program showing the highest priority in the data broadcasting and the material data of the data broadcasting program showing the next order are uniformly changed, and the data showing the highest priority. Broadcast packets, DII section packets, and event message section packets can be multiplexed onto a television broadcast signal at a fixed rate, and the next-order data broadcast packet can be varied according to changes in the code amount of the material of the television broadcast program. Can be multiplexed onto a television broadcast signal. In addition, when the bandwidth occupancy rate for television broadcasting exceeds a predetermined threshold, the data broadcasting data with the highest priority is efficiently used by effectively utilizing the limited bandwidth in the broadcasting bandwidth for data broadcasting. It is possible to transmit, and the bandwidth of the data broadcast packet, the DII section packet, and the event message section packet with high priority can always be secured without being affected by the bandwidth fluctuation.
[0044]
In addition, when the bandwidth occupancy rate for television broadcasting shows the minimum, it is possible to transmit all programs within the transmittable band so that the user can promptly view the data broadcast program whenever the user starts reception. Therefore, since the broadcasting band for data broadcasting is fixed as in the prior art, there is no waste in the band, so that optimum data transmission according to the fluctuation of the band can be performed. That is, it is possible to increase the effective utilization rate of the entire broadcast band.
[0045]
Further, in a state where the bandwidth occupancy rate for television broadcasting exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the buffer monitoring unit 136 monitors the storage amount of the output buffers 1341-1344, and the storage amount exceeds the predetermined amount. Since the data broadcast packet stop control is performed on the data broadcast transmission unit 15, it is not necessary to replace the output buffers 1341-1344 with a large-capacity buffer. It ’s easy.
[0046]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, when the television broadcast bandwidth occupancy exceeds a predetermined threshold, the highest priority data broadcast packet, DII section packet, and event message section packet are transmitted. Only the highest priority data broadcast packet and DII section packet may be included. The use of event messages is not necessarily required depending on the content. In addition, the fixed bandwidth can be set arbitrarily, and depending on the setting, it is possible to always transmit data broadcast packets with the first, second, and third priorities.
[0047]
Moreover, although the example using four output buffers was demonstrated in the said embodiment, the number of output buffers may be arbitrary depending on the data for data broadcasting to handle.
[0048]
Further, in the above embodiment, the packet distinguishing unit 133 is based on the control information from the encoding and multiplexing control unit 14, and from the data for data broadcasting, the first data broadcast packet, the second data broadcast packet, the DII section packet, Event message section packets were separated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and based on a predetermined control information packet included in the data broadcasting data, the first data broadcasting packet, the second data broadcasting packet, the DII section packet, and the event message section packet are generated from the data broadcasting data. May be separated.
[0049]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the television broadcasting system using the fixed reception service has been described. However, for example, the present invention can be applied to a mobile broadcasting system using a portable receiving terminal and a broadcasting system for a portable terminal. The present invention can also be applied to a computer system using a leased line network or the Internet.
[0050]
In addition, the configuration of the in-station system, the type and configuration of the multiplexer, the transmission control procedure of data broadcast data in the multiplexer, the contents of the data broadcast packet, etc. can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. .
[0051]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, digital broadcasting that can efficiently multiplex and transmit at least high-priority data broadcasting data to a television broadcasting signal without being affected by fluctuations in the broadcasting band. A signal multiplex transmission device can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an in-station system to which a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission apparatus according to the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the multiplexer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a band relationship between a television broadcast signal and a data broadcast signal in the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a processing operation in the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 12 ... Encoder (ENC),
13: Multiplexer (MUX),
14 ... Encoding multiplex control unit (EMC),
15: Data broadcast sending section,
16 ... Automatic program transmission control part (APC),
17 ... Clock clock,
18 ... Data server (DS),
131 ... TS multiple processing unit,
132. Multiple determination unit,
133: Packet distinguishing unit,
1341-1344 ... Output buffer,
135 ... Multiplexing part,
136: Buffer monitoring unit,
137: Multiple processing unit.

Claims

Based on the control from the external control means, a band that is allocated to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band and that includes the first service material information indicating the material of the first service broadcast program varies . A first service broadcast signal and a plurality of second service broadcast programs that are assigned to a band in the broadcast band to which the first service broadcast signal is not assigned and each has a priority set. 2 is used in a digital broadcasting system that broadcasts the second service broadcast signal including the service material information 2 and the second service broadcast signal including the period information including the control information related to the second service broadcast program, according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device that selectively multiplexes and transmits the second service broadcast signal to the first service broadcast signal,
Separating means for separating the input second service broadcast signal into the plurality of second service material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of second service material information and period information separated by the separation means for a predetermined number of packets for each information;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the first service broadcast signal;
Sets some of the bandwidth of the second service broadcasting signal to a fixed band, and set to a variable band corresponding remaining band in the band occupation ratio varying of said first service broadcast signals, from said plurality of buffers The second service material information and the period information set at least to the highest priority are read out at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the second information included in the notification information from the external control means A plurality of second service material information other than the second service material information allocated to the fixed band is selectively read out in accordance with the priority order in accordance with the bandwidth occupancy rate of one service broadcast signal, and the multiplexing means A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device comprising: a read control means for providing.

Based on the control from the external control means, a band that is allocated to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band and that includes the first service material information indicating the material of the first service broadcast program varies . A first service broadcast signal and a plurality of second service broadcast programs that are assigned to a band in the broadcast band to which the first service broadcast signal is not assigned and each has a priority set. 2 is used in a digital broadcasting system that broadcasts the second service broadcast signal including the service material information 2 and the second service broadcast signal including the period information including the control information related to the second service broadcast program, according to the notification information from the external control means A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device that selectively multiplexes and transmits the second service broadcast signal to the first service broadcast signal,
Separating means for separating the input second service broadcast signal into the plurality of second service material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of second additional service material information and period information separated by the separation means for a predetermined number of packets for each information;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the first service broadcast signal;
Wherein a portion of the bandwidth of the second service broadcast signal set to a fixed band, and sets the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to the band occupancy varying of said first service broadcasting signal, the external control means The second service material information set to at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers when the band occupancy rate of the first service broadcast signal included in the notification information from exceeds a predetermined threshold; A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission apparatus, comprising: a read control unit that reads out period information at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and supplies the read cycle information to the multiplexing unit.

Based on the control from the external control means, a band that is allocated to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band and that includes the first service material information indicating the material of the first service broadcast program varies . A first service broadcast signal and a plurality of second service broadcast programs that are assigned to a band in the broadcast band to which the first service broadcast signal is not assigned and each has a priority set. 2 is used in a digital broadcasting system that broadcasts the second service broadcast signal including the service material information 2 and the second service broadcast signal including the period information including the control information related to the second service broadcast program, according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device that selectively multiplexes and transmits the second service broadcast signal to the first service broadcast signal,
Separating means for separating the input second service broadcast signal into the plurality of second service material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of second service material information and period information separated by the separation means for a predetermined number of packets for each information;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the first service broadcast signal;
Buffer monitoring means for monitoring each packet of the plurality of second service material information and period information stored in the plurality of buffers;
Sets some of the bandwidth of the second service broadcasting signal to a fixed band, and set to a variable band corresponding remaining band in the band occupation ratio varying of said first service broadcast signals, from said plurality of buffers The second service material information and the period information set at least to the highest priority are read out at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the second information included in the notification information from the external control means A plurality of second service material information other than the second service material information allocated to the fixed band based on at least one of a bandwidth occupancy rate of one service broadcast signal and a monitoring result of the buffer monitoring means; A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device comprising: a read control means that selectively reads out the data according to a priority order and gives the read data to the multiplexing means .

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is selectively multiplexed with the television broadcast signal according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for transmitting
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of data broadcast material information separated by the separating means and period information for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers The data broadcast material information and the period information set in the above are read at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the band occupation rate of the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means And a read control means for selectively reading out a plurality of data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information assigned to the fixed band according to a priority order and giving the information to the multiplexing means. Digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device.

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is selectively multiplexed with the television broadcast signal according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for transmitting
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of data broadcast material information separated by the separating means and period information for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, included in the notification information from the external control means When the bandwidth occupancy rate of the television broadcast signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the data broadcasting material information and the period information set at least in the highest priority from the plurality of buffers are rates corresponding to the fixed bandwidth. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device, comprising: a read control means for reading out and supplying to the multiplexing means.

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is selectively multiplexed with the television broadcast signal according to the notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for transmitting
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information and period information;
A plurality of buffers for storing a plurality of data broadcast material information separated by the separating means and period information for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
A plurality of data broadcast material information stored in the plurality of buffers, buffer monitoring means for monitoring each packet of period information;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers The data broadcast material information and the period information set in the above are read at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the band occupation rate of the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means And based on at least one of the monitoring results of the buffer monitoring means, a plurality of data broadcasting material information other than the data broadcasting material information allocated to the fixed band is selectively read out in accordance with a priority order and is sent to the multiplexing means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device comprising: a read control means for providing.

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is used in a digital broadcast system that broadcasts a packet-structured data broadcast signal including event message information including additional information, and according to notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for selectively multiplexing and transmitting the signal to the television broadcast signal There is,
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information, period information and event message information;
A plurality of buffers for storing the plurality of data broadcast material information, the period information, and the event message information separated by the separating means for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers The data broadcast material information, the period information and the event message information set in the above are read at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means Read control means for selectively reading a plurality of data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information allocated to the fixed band according to the priority order according to the bandwidth occupancy rate and giving the data to the multiplexing means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device characterized by the above.

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is used in a digital broadcast system that broadcasts a packet-structured data broadcast signal including event message information including additional information, and according to notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for selectively multiplexing and transmitting the signal to the television broadcast signal There is,
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information, period information and event message information;
A plurality of buffers for storing the plurality of data broadcast material information, the period information, and the event message information separated by the separating means for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, included in the notification information from the external control means When the bandwidth occupancy of the television broadcast signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the data broadcasting material information, the period information, and the event message information set to at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers are A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device, comprising: a read control means for reading out the data at a rate corresponding to the above and giving it to the multiplexing means.

A television broadcast signal that is assigned to at least a part of a predetermined broadcast band based on control from an external control unit and whose band including television broadcast material information indicating the material of the television broadcast program varies. And a plurality of data broadcast material information indicating data broadcast program material assigned to a band to which the television broadcast signal in the broadcast band is not assigned and each having a priority set, and control information related to the data broadcast program The data broadcast signal is used in a digital broadcast system that broadcasts a packet-structured data broadcast signal including event message information including additional information, and according to notification information from the external control means. A digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device for selectively multiplexing and transmitting the signal to the television broadcast signal There is,
Separating means for separating the input data broadcast signal into the plurality of data broadcast material information, period information and event message information;
A plurality of buffers for storing the plurality of data broadcast material information, the period information, and the event message information separated by the separating means for each information by a predetermined number of packets;
Multiplexing means for selectively multiplexing the outputs of the plurality of buffers to the television broadcast signal;
Buffer monitoring means for monitoring each packet of the plurality of data broadcast material information, period information and event message information stored in the plurality of buffers;
A portion of the bandwidth of the data broadcast signal is set to a fixed band, and set the remaining bandwidth variable band corresponding to varying bandwidth occupation rate of the television broadcast signal, at least the highest priority from the plurality of buffers The data broadcast material information, the period information and the event message information set in the above are read at a rate corresponding to the fixed band and given to the multiplexing means, and the television broadcast signal included in the notification information from the external control means A plurality of data broadcast material information other than the data broadcast material information allocated to the fixed band is selectively read out in accordance with a priority order based on at least one of the bandwidth occupancy rate and the monitoring result of the buffer monitoring means And a digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device characterized by comprising a read control means for giving to the multiplexing means .

The said buffer monitoring means performs stop control with respect to the transmission origin of the said data broadcast signal, when the number of packets each stored in these buffers exceeds a predetermined number. Digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device.

11. The digital broadcast signal multiplex transmission device according to claim 4, wherein the separation unit has a function of separating the data broadcast signal under the control of the external control unit.

11. The digital broadcast signal according to claim 4, wherein the separating means has a function of separating the data broadcast signal based on a predetermined information packet included in the data broadcast signal. Multiple sending device.