JPH10164480A - Device, method for sending video and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a convenient commercial (CM)-insertion device by speedily switching a multi-channel screen for displaying the program contents of respective output channels in one screen and a single-channel screen for displaying contents designated through an input means as well. SOLUTION: A main-menu screen 91 is defined as a most significant screen and a screen group 92 for play list (CM-sending program list) creation, screen group 93 for play list display for displaying the contents of play list and a sending state, screen group 94 for clip management for clip ID (sending unit code) processing and utility screen group 95 are provided as low-order screens. The screen group 93 for play list display defines a channel status screen (single channel screen) 96 as a high-order screen, has a screen group 97 for play list editing, multi-channel status screen 98 and play list table screen 99 in low order and can directly switch the screen 96 and 98 without through the high-order screen.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Table of Contents] The present invention will be described in the following order. Technical Field to which the Invention pertains Related Art Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Embodiments of the Invention (1) Overall Configuration of Television Broadcasting System According to Example (FIG. 1) (2) CM Insertion (2-1) Configuration of encoding processing unit (FIGS. 3 and 4) (2-2) Configuration of playout unit (FIGS. 5 and 6) (2-3) Configuration of monitoring unit (FIG. 7) (2-4) Configuration of a computer for creating a playlist (FIG. 8) (3) Switching processing from a multi-channel display screen to a single-channel display screen (FIGS. 9 to 13) (4) Operation of the embodiment (FIG. 14) (5) Effects of the actual example (6) Other embodiments Effects of the invention

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a video transmitting apparatus, a video transmitting method, and a recording medium, for example, a CATV (Cable).
This is suitable for use in a CM insertion device that inserts commercial (CM) video between programs in Television broadcasting.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a CM insertion device, a video source for a CM is encoded based on the MPEG standard and stored on a hard disk, and a program for broadcasting a CM image between programs is set in advance. Keep it. Accordingly, the CM insertion device only needs to read and output the CM image from the hard disk according to the transmission program, and the program and the CM are switched by the switch.
The video was switched and broadcasted.

[0004]

By the way, in the CM insertion device having such a configuration, a transmission program for one channel is displayed for one screen on a CRT monitor (hereinafter, this is referred to as a single channel display). The contents and the transmission state of the CM video to be broadcast are monitored. In practice, the operator is CR
By switching the single channel display screen on the T monitor, the program contents of each channel are monitored.

When the operator wants to monitor not only the program contents of each channel by switching the single channel display screen on the CRT monitor but also the program contents of all the channels at one time on the screen, the single channel screen is displayed. To switch to the multi-channel display screen where all channel program contents can be monitored at once.

However, in the CM insertion device, when the operator checks the multi-channel display screen and then switches to the single-channel display screen again, the multi-channel display screen is once returned to the main menu screen, and then again the single-channel display screen. Must be called, which is troublesome and does not allow quick processing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to propose an easy-to-use video transmission device, a video transmission method, and a recording medium capable of quickly switching screens.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, when a predetermined image is transmitted to a plurality of output channels connected according to a broadcast program, the contents of the broadcast program are transmitted to each output channel. When the display portion related to the broadcast program is specified, all the contents of the broadcast program of the specified output channel are displayed in one screen, so that the screen switching operation can be performed instantaneously. Can be done.

[0009]

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

(1) Overall configuration of a television broadcasting system according to an embodiment In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CAT to which the present invention is applied as a whole.
FIG. 2 shows a television broadcasting system for V, showing cart machines 2 to 7 for a plurality of channels (six channels in this embodiment), control units 8 to 13 provided respectively corresponding to the cart machines 2 to 7, and It comprises a CM (commercial video) insertion device 14.

The control units 8 to 13 supply control signals C _{1 to} C ₆ to the cart machines 2 to 7, respectively, in accordance with a program programming program input in advance. Each cart machine 2-7
In, on the basis of the control unit 8-13 on the control signal C ₁ -C ₆ supplied respectively, during program broadcasting time video / audio signals VA ₁ to VA ₆ program specified from the specified video tape Each channel is reproduced and output from each channel via a built-in switch (not shown).

Each of the cart machines 2 to 7 sends the timing signals GPI _{1 to} GPI ₆ to the CM insertion device 14 _one to two seconds before the scheduled insertion time of the CM.
, The CM video / audio signals CVA ₁ to CVA along a CM transmission program list (hereinafter referred to as a playlist) preset for each channel.
The VA ₆ is reproduced by the CM insertion device 14 from the start time, and the CM video / audio signals CVA _{1 to} CV _{1 are} reproduced.
The A ₆ via the switcher has been made to deliver to the outside.

The cart machines 2 to 7 also manage the start time of the video / audio signals VA _{1 to} VA ₆ of the next program at the end of the transmission of the CM video / audio signals CVA _{1 to} CVA _6. / audio signal CVA ₁ ~CVA ₆ is switched switcher at the timing to terminate and to output the video / audio signals VA ₁ to VA ₆ of the next program.

As described above, the television broadcasting system 1
The video / video of the program is set by the cart machines 2 to 7 according to the program scheduling program preset for each channel.
Audio signals VA _{1 to} VA ₆ and CM video / audio signal CVA ₁
By sending while sequentially switching between ~CVA _6, it is made to be able to broadcast沿Tsuta CM playlist in between programs.

(2) Configuration of CM Insertion Device As shown in FIG. 2, the CM insertion device 14 is a CM insertion device.
The video / audio signal CVA ₁ ~CVA ₆ MPEG (Moving
A Picture Experts Group), encodes and multiplexes the encoded data according to the standard, and outputs the encoded data as encoded data D1. The encoded data D1 is recorded and stored, and the encoded data D1 is stored in a playlist set in advance for each channel. Accordingly, a playout unit 16 for reproducing and outputting the CM video / audio signals CVA ₁ to CVA ₁ -C
The monitoring unit 17 monitors the transmission state of the VA ₆ and, if necessary, creates, reproduces and edits a playlist. Each encoding unit 1
5. The playout unit 16 and the monitoring unit 17 are connected to a network via an Ethernet bus EB.

In the encoding section 15, under control of the computer 18, the CM video / audio signal CVA recorded on the video tape by the VTR 19 is encoded by the encoder section 2.
Decode on the other hand while encoding with 1 and monitor 2
0, the broadcast time range of the CM video / audio signal CVA to be encoded is specified in units of “seconds” using a time code while actually monitoring the CM video / audio signal CVA decoded by 0.
And recording means such as a streamer 23 and the like. The computer 18 supplies an instruction signal S1 for encoding the CM video / audio signal CVA in the designated broadcast time range to the encoder unit 21.

The encoder section 21 outputs a CM video / audio signal CVA in a broadcast time range designated based on the instruction signal S1.
Is encoded according to the MPEG standard. In practice, the encoder unit 21 assigns an ID number to each CM video / audio signal CVA in a designated time range, converts the CM video / audio signal CVA into a transmission unit called “clip ID”, and creates an “encode list” including a plurality of clip IDs. I do.

The encoder unit 21 collectively encodes the respective clip IDs based on the "encode list", stores the encoded data in the library unit (hard disk) 22 as encoded data D1, and stores the encoded data D1 in the video server of the playout control unit 16. 25 [10Mbps]
At the transfer rate of At this time, the encoding processor 15 displays the video state (image quality and the like) of the encoded clip ID on the monitor 20. Therefore, the operator can use the encoded clip ID
Is displayed on the monitor 20 for confirmation.

The computer 18 reads out the encoded data D1 stored in the library unit 22, sends it to the streamer 23, and records it. As a result, the CM insertion device 14 can carry the streamer tape on which the encoded data D1 is recorded by the encoding processing unit 15, and read the encoded data D1 by the streamer 27 of the playout unit 16 provided at a remote location. Have been made to gain.

Further, in the playout section 16, the computer 24 transmits the encoded data sent from the encoder section 21 of the encoding processing section 15 based on the control signal given from the computer 18 of the encoding processing section 15 via Ethernet. The data D1 is transferred to the video server 25.
Is stored in any one of the media units 26 (media units 26A to 26G) designated through the. The streamer 27 is a streamer 23 of the encoding unit 15.
The encoded data D1 can also be read out by reproducing the streamer tape recorded by the above method.

Further, the playout section 16 adds additional information (ID No., Title, etc.) of each clip ID of the encoded data D1 stored in each of the media units 26A to 26G.
A "play list", which is a CM transmission program list, is created on the basis of the program and recorded on a hard disk (not shown) in the computer 24 for reproduction, and the playlist can be edited as necessary. I have. still,
The video server 25 sends timing signals GPI _{1 to} GPI ₆ corresponding to each channel from each of the cart machines 2 to 7.
Is transmitted, the clip IDs are sequentially decoded in accordance with the order programmed in the “Playlist”, and the CM video / audio signals CVA _{1 to} CVA ₆ are output in the order according to the program at the timing when the program ends. 2-7
The data is output from a channel designated via the display (FIG. 1).

On the other hand, the monitoring unit 17 has computers 28 to 33 for monitoring, and the video server 25
"Playlist" the contents of the CM video / audio signal CVA ₁ ~CVA ₆ to be delivered in response to each channel from (CM
The transmission program list can be confirmed on the computer screen. As a result, in the monitoring unit 17, dedicated operators are arranged for the respective computers 28 to 33, and each operator
The broadcast status of the video / audio signal CVA ₁ ~CVA ₆ is adapted to monitor each channel.

Also, a monitoring computer 28
33 are the first states that have been started, and are “1” to
The playlist of the “6” channel is displayed, but by switching the switch, any computer 28 to
At 33, the contents of the "play list" of the desired channel can be displayed. Further, the monitoring computers 28 to 33 have the same functions as the computer 24 of the playout unit 16 and execute creation and reproduction of a playlist and editing of a clip ID during reproduction of the playlist (replacement of the clip ID, etc.). It is made to be able to do.

Further, the CM insertion device 14 is provided with a playlist creation computer 34 for creating and editing playlists off-line. The playlist creation computer 34 has a function of creating and editing a playlist, and records the created playlist on a floppy disk (not shown). Therefore, the playout unit 16
Yotsute to the computer 24, by reading the play list recorded on the floppy disk, follow the the play list connexion CM video / audio signal CVA ₁ ~CV
It is configured so as to be able to output the A ₆ from the video server 25.

(2-1) Configuration of Encoding Processing Unit As shown in FIG. 3, in the encoder unit 21 of the encoding processing unit 15, the peripheral device control unit 41,
It comprises an audio data encoding unit 42, a video data encoding unit 43, a multiplexing unit 44, an MPEG2 bit stream data decoding unit 45, and a system bus 46 connecting each block.

The peripheral device control section 41 converts a CM video / audio signal in a broadcast time range designated by a time code into a V based on an instruction signal S1 from the computer 18.
The audio signal A1 is reproduced by the TR 19 and supplied to the audio signal encoding unit 42, and the video signal V1 is supplied to the video signal encoding unit 43.

The peripheral device control unit 41 includes an audio signal encoding unit 42 and a video signal encoding unit 4.
3. The multiplexing unit 44 and the MPEG2 bit stream data decoding unit 45 are controlled, and the audio signal A1 is encoded by the audio signal encoding unit 42 according to the MPEG1 standard and Layer2.
In addition to the encoding into the audio encoded data AE1 conforming to the video signal V1, the video signal encoding unit 43 encodes the video signal V1.
Is encoded into video encoded data VE1 conforming to the MPEG2 standard and MP @ ML, and supplied to the multiplexing unit 44, respectively.

The multiplexing unit 44 multiplexes the coded audio data AE1 and the coded video data VE1 to generate bit stream data D2. The peripheral device controller 41 sends the bit stream data D2 to the MPEG2 bit stream data decoder 45 via the system bus 46. Also, the peripheral device control unit 4
Numeral 1 sends the bit stream data D2 to the video server 25 and can be stored in the media units 1 to 7 via the video server 25.

Further, the peripheral device control unit 41
Converts bit stream data D2 to library unit 2
2, the bit stream data D2 stored in the library unit 22 can be recorded on a streamer tape by the streamer 23.

The MPEG2 bit stream data decoding section 45 decodes the bit stream data D2 based on the control of the peripheral device
The M video signal V2 and the CM audio signal A2 are extracted, and the CM video signal V2 is output to the video confirmation monitor 20.
The CM audio signal A2 is amplified via an audio amplifier 47 and output from a speaker 48 as audio. Thus, the operator confirms the actually encoded CM video signal V2 of the clip ID on the monitor 20 and outputs the sound through the speaker 48 so as to check the image quality and the sound quality of the encoded clip ID. It has been done.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the computer 18 in the encoding processing unit 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51A, which is a control unit of the computer.
ROM (Read Only Memory) 52A and RAM (Random Access Memory) 53A as main memories and VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) as a memory for image display.
y) 54A is connected via system bus 55A. Further, peripheral devices such as input / output means and external storage means are provided in the CPU 51A and the main memory by a system bus 55A.
Connected through.

The ROM 52A is a basic operation program (BIOS) for initializing a hardware system when the computer 18 is started up.
/ Output System). RAM 53A
Is used as a work area of the CPU 51A for an OS (Operating System) or an execution program of application software. Further, the VRAM 54A is used as a memory for writing image display data to be displayed on a screen on a monitor 56A provided in the computer 18.

Here, when the computer 18 is started by the BIOS read from the ROM 52A when the power is turned on, the CPU 51A reads the OS from the hard disk 57A via the SCSI interface 58A and loads the OS into the RAM 53A. Thus, the computer 18 can be operated under the control of the CPU 51A via the OS.

When encoding a CM video / audio signal, the CPU 51A reads out encoding control software for executing various processes related to the encoding from the hard disk 57A via the SCSI interface 58A, loads it into the RAM 53A, and
Through S, the image display data of the encoding control software is written into the VRAM 54A.

The computer 18 transmits, via the OS, image display data such as a menu screen used for executing various processes related to the encoding process using the encoding control software and text input by the keyboard 60A. Then, the image display data is written on the VRAM 54A, and the image display data is periodically read out by the CPU 51A to be displayed on the screen.

In this case, the computer 18 converts the input information input by the keyboard 60A or the mouse 62A as input means into the keyboard interface 5 respectively.
9A or the mouse interface 61A, and the data is transferred to the encoding control software via the OS.

When a menu screen or a work screen relating to the encoding process is displayed on the CRT monitor 56A, image display data is read out from the VRAM 54A under the control of the CPU 51A, and a D / A (Digital / Analog) converter 63A is read. To the D / A converter 63A
To convert the digital video signal into an analog video signal and output it to the CRT monitor 56A. Further, a printer 64A is connected to the computer 18 via a parallel interface 65A and a bus 55A, and the contents of a display screen displayed on a CRT monitor 56A can be printed out using the printer 64A. I have.

Further, the computer 18 of the encoding processing unit 15 includes the computer 24 of the playout unit 16 and the computers 28 to 33 of the monitoring unit 17, the Ethernet bus EB and the Ethernet interface 6.
7A. Thus, commands and data can be transmitted and received between the computer 18 of the encoding processing unit 15, the computer 24 of the playout unit 16, and the computers 28 to 33 of the monitoring unit 17. In this case, a video server 25 of the playout unit 16 is connected to the encoder unit 21 of the encoding processing unit 15 via the Ethernet, and processing by the encoding control software is performed between the encoder unit 21 and the video server 25. For sending and receiving various commands.

(2-2) Configuration of Playout Unit As shown in FIG. 5, the video server 25 of the playout unit 16 receives a command from the computer 24 by the system control unit 71, and the system control unit 71 converts the command into a command. The creation, editing and reproduction of a play list are executed based on the playlist. The system control unit 71 controls the entire video server 25, and outputs the timing signal GPI ₁ transmitted from the cart machines 2 to 7.
Based on ～GPI _6, respectively to read the encoded data stored in Yotsute media units 26A~26G the HDD control unit 72 to 78, the data bus 79
To the time division multiplexing control unit 80 via

The time-division multiplexing control unit 80 time-division-multiplexes the encoded data and sends out the bit stream data D3 to the A / V decoding units 82 to 87 corresponding to the respective channels via the data bus 81. The A / V decoders 82 to 87 decode the bit stream data D3, and output analog CM video signals and audio signals CVA _1.
It is not adapted to output as ~CVA _6.

The data input section 88 is for inputting the encoded data D1 sent from the encoder section 21 of the encoding processing section 15, and sends the encoded data D1 to the A / V decoding sections 82 to 87. And
Is adapted to output as CM video signal and audio signal CVA ₁ ~CVA ₆ analog decodes Yotsute encoded data D1 to the A / V decoding unit 82-87.

In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG.
The computer 24 has a point that playout control software different from the encoding control software recorded on the hard disk 57A of the computer 18 is stored in the hard disk 57B, and that the encoding processing unit is connected via an Ethernet interface 67B. The configuration is the same as that of the computer 18 except that it is connected to the 15 computers 18 and the computers 28 to 33 of the monitoring unit 17.

The playout control software is for executing various processes such as creation, editing and reproduction of a play list, and the computer 24 is adapted to execute various processes based on the playout control software. It has been done.

(2-3) Configuration of Monitoring Unit In FIG. 7 in which the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals and suffixed with “C”, the monitoring computers 28 to 33 of the monitoring unit 17 also use the computer 18. And that the playout monitoring software different from the encoding control software recorded on the hard disk 57A is stored in the hard disk 57C, and that the Ethernet interface 67C
The configuration is the same as that of the computer 18 except that the computer 18 is connected to the computer 24 of the playout unit 16 via the interface and that the computer is not connected to the computer 24 without the serial interface 66B.

The playout monitoring software is a program having exactly the same function as the playout control software. The playout monitoring software not only monitors the contents and transmission status of the playlist on the CRT monitor 56C, but also monitors the playlist. Editing operations such as changing the clip ID, replacing the clip ID, and the like, and reproducing a play list can be performed.

As described above, the computers 28 to 33 have the same functions as the computer 18,
Normally, the computer 18 is set to give priority to the function. Therefore, in the computers 28 to 33, the creation, reproduction and editing of the playlist can be executed only when the authority to give priority to the functions of the computers 28 to 33 is given from the computer 18 by the operation of the operator. Has been made.

(2-4) Configuration of Play List Creation Computer In FIG. 8, in which the same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals and the suffix “D” is added, in the play list creation computer 34, the computer 18 The point that playlist creation software different from the encoding control software recorded on the hard disk 57A is recorded on the hard disk 57D, the serial interface and the parallel interface are not provided, and the Ethernet interface It has the same configuration as the computer 18 except that it does not have an ace and is not connected to another computer.

The playlist creation software is a program having a playlist creating and editing function. The playlist created by the playlist creating computer 34 is recorded on a floppy disk or the like, and the computers 24 and 28 to 33 are provided. Thus, the play list data recorded by this method can be read out.

(3) Processing for Switching from Multi-Channel Display Screen to Single-Channel Display Screen In the playout control software of the present invention, the structure of the display screen when switching from the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen is shown in FIG. Shown in

As shown in FIG. 9, in the playout control software, a main menu screen 91 is the top screen, and a playlist creation screen group 92 for creating a playlist as a broadcast program on the lower screen. , A playlist display screen group 93 for displaying the contents and transmission status of the playlist in the predetermined channel, a clip management screen group 94 for performing a copy process of a clip ID, and a utility screen group 95. I have.

The playlist display screen group 93 includes a channel status screen (single channel display screen) 94 as an upper screen, a playlist editing screen group 94 as a lower screen, and a multi-channel status screen (multi-channel display screen) 98. And a playlist table screen 9 for displaying a list for selecting a playlist
In the present invention, the screen switching process between the channel status screen 96 and the multi-channel status screen 98 can be performed directly without going through the main menu screen 91.

In practice, in the playout unit 15,
After creating the playlist by the computer 24,
The clip ID is reproduced and output based on the play list. At this time, in the playout unit 15, the CPU 51B of the computer 24 displays the contents of the playlist and the transmission status of each channel on the single channel display screen on the CRT monitor 56B.

Accordingly, the operator confirms the contents and transmission state of the playlist of the desired channel on the single channel display screen, and then wants to confirm the contents and transmission state of the playlist of another channel. The contents of the screen can be switched to another channel.

On the other hand, the operator is not one channel per screen as in the single channel display screen, but one screen.
There is a case where the user wants to check the contents of the playlist and the transmission status of all the channels on the screen at once. In such a case, the CPU 51B as the control means switches from the single channel display screen to the multi-channel display screen in which the contents of the playlist and the transmission status of all the channels are displayed in one screen.
The CPU 51B is configured to instantaneously switch the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen when the processing for switching from the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen is performed by the operator.

Next, the channel switching processing procedure of the CPU 51B for switching from the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen in the playout control software of the present invention will be described while checking the actual monitor screen. In the CM insertion device 14, when the computer 24 of the playout unit 16 is started up, the CPU 51B sends an O from the hard disk 57B.
S is read and loaded into the RAM 53B. Thus, the OS automatically starts up.

The CPU 51B reads out the playout control software from the application software on the OS, loads it into the RAM 53B, and starts up the playout control software. Subsequently, the CPU 51B writes image display data representing the contents of the main menu screen of the playout control software to the VRAM 54B via a program on the OS. The CPU 51B periodically reads out the image display data written in the VRAM 54B, converts it into an analog video signal by the digital / analog converter 63B, and sends it out so that the main menu screen is displayed on the CRT monitor 56B. It has been done.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, a “CLIP MANAGEMENT” button 100 and a “PL
AYLIST MANAGEMENT ”button 101,“ CHANNEL STATU
An "S" button 102 and a "UTILITYI" button 103 are displayed. The operator has a "CHANNEL STATUS" button 10
Select 2 and click. Thereby, the CPU 51B
Is the single channel display screen "CHANNEL STATU
"S" screen is displayed on the CRT monitor 56B.

As shown in FIG. 11, "CHANNEL STATUS"
The screen displays “1” in the “VSR OUT” column 104 and “Playlist
The ID number “9602241a” is displayed in the “ID” column 105. The operator enters the “VSR OUT” column 104 and the “Playli
By checking the "st ID" column 105, it can be recognized that the playlist having the ID number "9602241a" is being reproduced in the "1" channel.

In the “CHANNEL STATUS” screen,
The clip IDs up to "004" of "Event" with a check mark at the left end in the display unit 106 have already been broadcast, and the clip ID "00000013", which is the event of "005" indicated by diagonal lines. Indicates that it is currently being broadcast. The “Count Down” column 107 contains “002” to “00” between the program video (PGM) of the “001” event and the program video (PGM) of the “007” event.
6) shows the current remaining broadcast time counted down from the total time of the clip IDs up to "6". In this case, the countdown starts from "00:02:30" and the current remaining broadcast time is "38" seconds. It is in a connected state. further,
The “Date” column 108 displays the current broadcast date.

Accordingly, the operator can select “Event (event number)”, “Start (scheduled broadcast start time)”, “Clip
ID "," Title "," Description "," Duration "
(Broadcast time) "and" Total Duration (total broadcast time of clip IDs scheduled to be broadcast between program images) ", the playlist" 9602241a "being broadcast to" 1 "channel Understand the contents of.

By the way, "ACT" provided at the upper left of the screen
The button 109 is displayed in the playlist “9602241
In this single channel display screen, the "ACT" button 109 is clicked, and a state in which the playlist is being reproduced is displayed. The “Stop” button 110 is for stopping the playlist “9602241a” being played, and
The “i Status” button 111 is for switching from the currently displayed single channel display screen to the multi-channel display screen.

A "Playlist Table" button 112 is used to open a playlist table (list of playlists) used to change the currently reproduced playlist "9602241a". The button 113 is used to edit the currently reproduced playlist “9602241a”. Finally, "Main Man
The "u" button 114 is for returning to the previous "Main Manu" screen. Further, an up and down arrow button 1 for scrolling the display unit 106 is provided at the right end of the screen display.
15, 116 and a scroll bar 117 are provided to display a clip ID hidden on the screen.

When the operator grasps the contents of the playlist “9602241a” being reproduced on the “1” channel by looking at the single channel display screen, and wishes to confirm the contents and the reproduction state of the playlists of the other channels, "VS
Click the ↓ arrow button 118 next to “1” displayed in the “R OUT” column 104. At this time, the CPU 51B opens a pull-down menu immediately below the “VSR OUT” column 104.

As shown in FIG. 12, a pull-down menu 119 displays the number of connected channels 1 to 6. Since the operator has grasped the contents of the playlist "9602241a" of the "1" channel and finished it, when the user clicks on a channel other than the "1" channel, for example, "3", the CPU 51B closes the pull-down menu and closes the "VSRO".
"3" is displayed in the "UT" column 104. At this time, CPU
51B displays the ID number of the play list being broadcast on the “3” channel in the “Playlist ID” column 105.

On the other hand, when the operator wants to check the contents and the transmission state of the playlists of all the channels, the operator needs to select “Multi
"Status" button 111 is clicked. In this case, CP
U51B displays "MULTI CHANNE" which displays the contents and transmission status of the playlist of "1" channel to "6" channel.
L STATUS ”screen (multi-channel display screen) on the CRT
It is displayed on the monitor 56B.

As shown in FIG. 13, on the multi-channel display screen, the “Date” column 121 shows 02/24/96
Is displayed and the "OUT" column 1
The number of channels from "1" to "6" is displayed at 22, respectively, and the contents of the playlist and the transmission status of each channel are individually displayed. The display content of each channel on the multi-channel display screen is the same as the content of the single channel display, but the display frame 123 is displayed on one screen to display the contents of the playlists of all the channels and the transmission state. Each is getting smaller.

The operator can confirm the broadcast state of each channel at a glance by confirming the multi-channel display screen. In this case, the mark indicated by the mark next to the “Event” number in each display unit 123 is the clip ID that has already been transmitted at the current time.
Is shown. Also, the operator checks the “Count Down” column 124 of each channel,
The remaining broadcast time of the CM video in each channel can be confirmed.

Further, the operator sometimes wants to return to the single channel display screen again after confirming the contents of the playlist and the transmission state in each channel. In such a case, when the operator clicks on each of the channel displays “1” to “6” in the “OUT” column 122,
The CPU 51B instantaneously switches to a single channel display screen of the number of clicked channels. That is, in the playout control software, the “OUT” column 1 of the multi-channel display screen
The 22 channel display functions not only as a function of simply displaying the number of channels, but also as a switching button for switching to a single channel display screen.

(4) Operation of the Embodiment In the CM insertion device 14, the CRT monitor 56B in the computer 24 of the playout unit 16
The processing procedure for switching from the multi-channel display screen displayed to the single-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The CPU 51B of the computer 24
It enters from the start step of T1 and moves to step SP1.
In step SP1, the CPU 51B determines whether or not the "CHANNEL STATUS" button 102 has been clicked on the main menu screen by the operator. here,
If a negative result is obtained, this is indicated by the operator as "CH
ANNEL STATUS "button 102 is not clicked, and at this time, the CPU 51B proceeds to step SP
Returning to 1, the following processing is repeated. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP1, this indicates that the "CHANNEL STATUS" button 102 has been clicked by the operator, and the CPU 51B proceeds to step SP2.

In step SP2, when the CPU 51B recognizes that the "CHANNEL STATUS" button 102 has been clicked, the "CHANNEL STATUS" button 102 is displayed on the "CHANNEL STATUS" button.
The screen is switched to the "NELSTATUS" screen, the contents of the playlist for one channel and the transmission state are displayed, and the routine proceeds to step SP3. As a result, the operator sees the single channel display screen and confirms the contents of the playlist of the desired channel and the transmission state.

At step SP3, the CPU 51B displays “Multi Status” on the single channel display screen.
It is determined whether or not the button 111 has been clicked by the operator. Here, if a negative result is obtained, it indicates that the "MultiStatus" button 111 has not been clicked by the operator, and at this time, the CPU
51B returns to step SP3 and repeats the following processing. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP3, this is indicated by the operator as "Multi Status".
This indicates that the button 111 has been clicked. At this time, the CPU 51B proceeds to step SP4.

In step SP4, when the CPU 51B recognizes that the "Multi Status" button 111 has been clicked, it switches from the single channel display screen to the multi-channel display screen, and the contents and transmission of all the playlists of each channel in one screen. The states are individually displayed, and the routine proceeds to step SP5. As a result, the operator can see at a glance the contents of the playlists and the transmission status of all the channels by looking at the multi-channel display screen.

At step SP5, the CPU 51B determines whether or not the channel display buttons "1" to "6" displayed in the OUT column 122 of the multi-channel display screen have been clicked by the operator. Here, if a negative result is obtained, this means that none of the channel display buttons has been clicked, and at this time, the CPU 51B returns to step SP5 and repeats the following processing. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP5, this indicates that any of the channel display buttons "1" to "6" has been clicked, and at this time, the CPU 51B proceeds to step SP6.

At step SP6, the CPU 51B reads from the RAM 83 the data relating to the contents of the playlist and the transmission status of the clicked channel, and returns to step SP2 to instantly switch the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen. The above processing is repeated.

As described above, the computer 24 of the playout unit 16 uses the OUT field 122 in the multi-channel display screen based on the playout control software.
Is switched to the single channel display screen when the displayed channel is clicked, it is possible to instantaneously switch from the multi channel display screen to the single channel display screen.

That is, when switching from the multi-channel display screen to the single-channel display screen as in the prior art, the operator goes back to the main menu screen and then clicks the "CHANNEL STATUS" button 102 again to take a troublesome processing procedure. Without the need to click the channel button displayed in the OUT column 122 in the multi-channel display screen, the display screen can be quickly switched.

The computer 24 of the playout unit 16 uses the playout control software to switch the playlist to the contents and transmission status of the other channel on the single channel display screen and display the same in the "VSR OUT" column. When the ↓ arrow button 118 next to the channel display displayed at 104 is clicked, a pull-down menu is opened, and when the desired number of channels is selected from among them, the transmission channel is instantly switched to change the content and transmission of the playlist. Display status. As a result, the operator can switch the screen to the contents of the playlist of another output channel and the transmission state only by operating the mouse on the screen.

(5) Effects of the Embodiment According to the above configuration, in the computer 24 of the playout unit 16, the OUT column 1 in the multi-channel display screen is displayed based on the playout control software.
By making the channel display displayed on 22 function as a channel button when switching to the single channel display screen, the switching operation from the multi-channel display screen to the single channel display screen can be performed quickly, and thus the usability is improved. A good CM insertion device can be realized.

(6) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the case where the multi-channel display screen functions as a channel button for switching the channel display displayed in the OUT section 122 to the single channel display screen is described. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display frame 123 may function as a button for switching to the single channel display screen. In this case as well, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the effective area of the object to be selected at the time of clicking is increased, so that it is possible to switch to the single-channel display screen more easily and quickly.

In the above-described embodiment, the pull-down menu is opened by clicking the ↓ arrow button 118 next to the channel display displayed in the “VSR OUT” column 104 on the single channel display screen, and the desired menu is opened. The case has been described in which the transmission channels are instantaneously switched and displayed by selecting the number of channels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all of “1” to “6” are displayed in the “VSR OUT” column 104. The channel number of the currently displayed channel is displayed in a variety of other display methods, such as displaying the number of currently displayed channels in a different color or blinking, and is simply clicked when switching to the desired channel. It may be sufficient if done.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the CRT monitor 56B is used as the display means has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used by connecting to a liquid crystal monitor or the like. .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the video transmission device of the present invention is applied to the CM insertion device 14 for transmitting a CM video, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to a video transmission device that transmits other various videos.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a predetermined image is transmitted for each of a plurality of output channels connected according to a broadcast program, the contents of the broadcast program are divided for each output channel and one screen is displayed. When the display portion relating to the broadcast program is designated after all of the contents are displayed, the screen contents are switched to display the contents of the broadcast program of the designated output channel in one screen. And a user-friendly video transmission device capable of quickly executing the switching operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an overall configuration of a television broadcasting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a CM insertion device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an encoder unit in an encoding processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer in an encoding processing unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video server in a playout unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer in a playout unit.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a computer in the monitoring unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a playlist creation computer.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a display screen in playout control software.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a main menu screen of playout control software displayed on a CRT monitor.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a single-channel display screen in playout control software displayed on a CRT monitor.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pull-down menu displayed on a CRT monitor.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-channel display screen in playout control software displayed on a CRT monitor.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a screen switching processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... TV broadcasting system, 2-7 ... Cart machine, 8-13 ... Control unit, 14 ... CM insertion device, 15 ... Encoding unit, 16 ... Playout unit, 17 ... Monitoring unit , 18, 24, 28-3
3, 34 computer, 21 encoder part, 2
5 Video server 71 System control unit

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yoko Komori 6-35 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A video transmitting apparatus for transmitting a predetermined video for each of a plurality of output channels connected according to a broadcast program, comprising: display means for displaying the content of the broadcast program on a screen; After displaying all of the output channels on one screen after being divided for each output channel, when the display portion relating to the broadcast program is designated via the input means, the contents of the screen are switched and the broadcast program of the designated output channel is designated. And a control means for displaying all the contents of the image on one screen. 2. The video transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein said display portion is a channel number display portion. 3. A video transmission method for transmitting a predetermined video to a plurality of output channels connected according to a broadcast program, wherein the contents of the broadcast program are divided for each output channel and all are displayed on one screen. And a second step of switching the contents of the screen when the display portion relating to the broadcast program is designated and displaying the contents of the broadcast program of the designated output channel in one screen. A video transmission method characterized in that 4. The video transmitting method according to claim 3, wherein said display portion is a channel number display portion. 5. A recording medium in which a program for transmitting a predetermined image to each of a plurality of output channels connected according to a broadcast program is written, wherein the contents of the broadcast program are divided for each output channel to form one screen. A first step of displaying all the contents of the broadcast program in the output channel when the display part relating to the broadcast program is designated, and displaying the contents of the broadcast program of the designated output channel in one screen. 2. A recording medium comprising: 6. The recording medium according to claim 5, wherein said display portion is a channel number display portion.