JPH11261954A - Information transmitter and information transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve reliability of information transmission by transmitting trigger signals to an information storage and transmission means. SOLUTION: In a commercial(CM) insertion device 4, the desired one is selected and set from general purpose interface(GPI) signals 3A-S3F, prescribed key input and the time of a timer incorporated in a play-out control part 29 as a transmission trigger at the time of reproducing, decoding and transmitting the encoded data D1 of a corresponding CM from a video server 25 at the time of preparing a play list by using the play-out control part 29 of a play-out part 11. Then, in the case that the key input is selected as the transmission trigger of the CM, in the case that a key operation is performed by an operator and in the case that the timer inside the play-out control part 29 is selected as the transmission trigger of the CM, when the timer becomes the specified time, the play-out control part 29 transmits the GPI signals S4A-S4F to a channel to the video server 25.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Table of Contents] The present invention will be described in the following order.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems Embodiments of the Invention (1) Configuration of Television Broadcasting System According to this Embodiment (FIG. 1) (2) ) Configuration of CM insertion device (FIG. 2) (3) Configuration of playout section (FIGS. 3 and 4) (4) Processing of CPU of playout control section (4-1) Flow of various programs (FIG. 5) (4-2) Operation procedure on various screens (FIGS. 6 to 13) (5) Operations and effects of this embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 13) (6) Other embodiments (FIGS. 1 to 13) ) The invention's effect

[0003]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information transmitting apparatus and an information transmitting method, and is suitably applied to, for example, a television broadcasting system.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a television broadcasting system, a program and a CM which are prepared in advance when a program (CM) is to be broadcast from what time and from what time, and between what time and what time to broadcast a CM (commercial) in the meantime. Of a program transmitting apparatus that outputs a video / audio signal of a program in accordance with a first program list (hereinafter, referred to as a program arrangement list) that defines a transmission order of the program, and what CM to broadcast from what time Then, in accordance with a second program list (hereinafter, referred to as a play list) that defines the transmission order of the previously created CM, the output of the CM insertion device that outputs the video and audio signals of the CM is sequentially output. By transmitting to the outside while switching, a television broadcast in which a CM is inserted between programs can be performed.

[0005] In this case, the CM insertion device prepares a CM for transmission (standby) based on the play list, and then triggers a GPI (General Perpose Interface) signal given from a main control device for managing the program arrangement list. As a result, a video / audio signal of a corresponding CM is output.

[0006]

However, in such a television broadcasting system, as described above, the CM insertion device outputs the corresponding CM video / audio signal based only on the GPI signal supplied from the main controller. For this reason, there has been a problem that a broadcast accident such as a failure to broadcast a CM occurs when, for example, a failure occurs in the main control device and a GPI signal cannot be output.

[0007] Therefore, in this type of television broadcasting system, if it is possible to reliably transmit the CM video / audio signal from the CM insertion device even if a failure occurs in the main control unit, a broadcasting accident may occur. It is considered that the reliability as a television broadcasting system can be improved by avoiding the above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose an information transmitting apparatus and an information transmitting method capable of improving the reliability of information transmission.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided an information transmitting apparatus for sequentially transmitting a plurality of information materials in accordance with a program list that defines an information material transmission order. The program list management means sends a trigger signal to the information storage / transmission means when necessary based on the program list.

As a result, the information transmitting apparatus can reliably transmit the corresponding information material from the information storing and transmitting means based on the trigger signal output from the program list managing means regardless of the malfunction of the external device. can do.

According to the present invention, in the information transmitting method, a first standby for transmitting a corresponding information material from a plurality of information materials based on a program list is provided.
And a second step of transmitting the information material which has been standby-transmitted at a predetermined timing based on the program list.

According to the information transmission method as a result, it is possible to reliably transmit the corresponding information material based on the program list, regardless of the malfunction of the external device.

[0013]

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

(1) Configuration of Television Broadcasting System According to the Present Embodiment In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a television broadcasting system according to the present embodiment as a whole, and a main control device 2 for managing a program organization list; A program transmitting device 3 for transmitting video / audio signals S1A to S1F of a program for a plurality of channels according to an organization list, and a CM inserter for transmitting video / audio signals S2A to S2F of CM according to a playlist corresponding to each channel. It comprises a screen device 4 and a switch 5 for switching and outputting each output of the program output device 3 and the CM insertion device 4 for each channel.

In this case, the main control device 2 controls the program transmission device 3 composed of a cart machine and a video tape recorder provided in correspondence with each channel based on a pre-registered program arrangement list.
Video / audio signal S1A of a program specified for each channel
To S1F.

In accordance with the program control list, main controller 2 sets the GPI signals S3A to S3F for any of the channels when the CM transmission time arrives.
To the CM insertion device 4.

At this time, the CM insertion device 4 operates according to a playlist set in advance for each channel,
The video / audio signal S of the CM to be transmitted next for each channel
2A to S2F are ready for transmission, and the main controller 2
, The transmission of the corresponding CM video / audio signals S2A to S2F is started at the timing when the GPI signals S3A to S3F are given, and these are transmitted to the switch 5 by the corresponding channels.

At this time, under the control of the main controller 2, the switch 5 selects the output of the CM insertion device 4 for that channel, and thus the C
The CM video and audio signals S2A to S2F output from the M insertion device 4 are output to the outside via the switch 5 in place of the program video and audio signals S1A to S1F output from the program output device 3.

Thus, in the television broadcasting system 1, the video / audio signal S1 of the program is provided for each channel in accordance with the program arrangement list and the play list created in advance.
A to S1F and CM video / audio signals S2A to S2F can be transmitted while being sequentially switched, and thus C
A television broadcast in which M is inserted can be broadcast on a plurality of channels.

(2) Configuration of CM Insertion Apparatus Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the CM insertion apparatus 4 encodes a video and audio signal of a CM, which is recorded on a video tape and supplied, for example, in a previously created encoding process. The encoding processing unit 10 compresses and encodes according to a program list (hereinafter, referred to as an encoding list) and the obtained encoded data D1 of each CM, and stores the encoded data D1 for each channel. Playout unit 1 that plays, decodes, and outputs according to a playlist
And 1.

In this case, under the control of the encoding control section 20, the encoding processing section 10 reproduces the video and audio signals of each CM recorded on the video tape by the video tape recorder 21 and performs reproduction based on the video and audio signals. The video is displayed on the monitor 22 and the voice based on the video / audio signal can be output from the speaker 23.

Thus, in the encoding processing unit 10, the start and end points of the encoding of the video and audio signals of each CM recorded on the video tape and the starting and ending points are checked by the operator while confirming the video and audio. ID of the confirmed video / audio signal (hereinafter referred to as clip)
Then, a desired encoding list can be created by inputting the title and the like to the encoding control unit 20.

In the encoding processing section 10, the video and audio signals of each CM recorded on the video tape are recorded under the control of the encoding control section 20 in accordance with the encoding list created in this manner. The data is reproduced by the recorder 21 and can be coded and multiplexed in the encoder unit 24 by compression encoding. The obtained encoded data D1 of each CM is sent to the video server 25 of the playout unit 11.

The encode control unit 20 of the encode processing unit 10 sends the data of the encode list (hereinafter, referred to as encode list data) to the playout control unit 29 of the playout unit 11 via the Ethernet 28.

At this time, the encoding unit 10 is provided with a library unit 26 composed of a hard disk device and a streamer 27 composed of a cassette tape recorder, and requires the encoded data D1 of each CM output from the encoder unit 24. Library unit 2 according to
6 or can be recorded on a cassette tape via a streamer 27.

On the other hand, in the playout section 11, under the control of the playout control section 29, the encoded data D 1 of each CM supplied from the encoder section 24 of the encoding processing section 10 is transmitted to the hard disk connected to the video server 25. A plurality of media units 30A to 3 comprising devices
Specified media unit 30A-30 of 0G
Give to G and memorize.

The playout section 20 can create and edit playlists for each channel using the playout control section 29, and can perform playout control according to each playlist thus created. Part 29
G supplied from the main control unit 2 (FIG. 1) under the control of
Using the PI signals S3A to S3F as transmission triggers, the corresponding CM encoded data D1 is read out from the corresponding media units 30A to 30G, and this is read by the video server 2.
5, the resulting video and audio signal S2
A to S2F are sent to the switch 5 (FIG. 1) by the corresponding channels as described above.

The playout section 11 is provided with a streamer 31 composed of a tape recorder. Under the control of the playout control section 29, the streamer 31 converts the CM encoded data D2 recorded on the cassette tape and supplied to the streamer. 31 is reproduced by a media unit 30A, designated by the operator via the video server 25.
It can also be stored in 30G.

In addition to the above configuration, the CM insertion device 4 reproduces the encoded data D1 of the corresponding CM from the video server 25 when creating a playlist using the playout control unit 29 of the playout unit 11. GPI signals 3A to S3 provided from main controller 2 (FIG. 1) as a transmission trigger when decoding and transmitting.
A desired one can be selected and set from F, a predetermined key input, and a timer time built in the playout control unit 29.

The playout control unit 29 of the playout unit 11 performs a predetermined key operation using the keyboard of the playout control unit 29 when a key input is selected as a CM sending trigger. In some cases, the playout control unit 29
If any of the timers is selected, and the timer reaches the designated time, the GPI signals S4A to S4F for the channel are sent to the video server 25.

At this time, the video server 25 transmits the next CM to be transmitted for each channel based on the playlist data (hereinafter, referred to as playlist data) given from the playout control unit 29 in advance. Preparation (standby) is performed, and GPI signals S3A to S3F, S3 are sent from main controller 2 (FIG. 1) or playout control unit 29.
When 4A to S4F are given, corresponding CMs are reproduced and decoded in response thereto, and the obtained video and audio signals S2A to S2F of the CMs are output on the corresponding channels.

As a result, the CM insertion device 4
, The main controller (Fig. 1) failed and the GP
Even when the I signals S2A to S2F cannot be transmitted,
This can be dealt with by switching to a key input or a timer time in the playout control unit 29 as a CM transmission trigger, thereby avoiding the occurrence of a broadcasting accident such as a failure to broadcast the CM.

(3) Configuration of Playout Unit Here, the playout control unit 29 of the playout unit 11
Is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as shown in FIG.
nit) 40, ROM (Read Only Memory) 41, RAM
(Random Access Memory) 42, VRAM (Video RA)
M) 43 and a timer 44 are connected to each other via a system bus 45.

A keyboard 46 and a mouse 47 as input means, a printer 48,
A hard disk device 49 as external storage means and a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) 50 as display means are respectively composed of a keyboard interface circuit 51, a mouse interface circuit 52, and a parallel interface circuit 5.
3. Connected via a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) interface circuit 54 and a digital / analog conversion circuit 54, and connected to the encode control unit 20 of the encode processing unit 10 via an Ethernet interface circuit 56; The video server 25 is connected via a serial interface circuit 57.

In this case, in the download mode of the encoded data D1, the CPU 40 controls the video server 25 based on the control signal given from the encode control unit 20 of the encode processing unit 10, thereby controlling the encoder unit 24 of the encode processing unit 10. The encoded data D1 of each CM given from FIG. 2 is stored in the designated media units 30A to 30G.

At this time, the CPU 40 supplies the data of the encoding list including information such as the clip ID, title, and clip length (duration) of each clip provided from the encoding control unit 20 (hereinafter, this is referred to as encoding list data). ) To the hard disk device 49
And store it in a predetermined area in the storage area.

On the other hand, in the play list creation mode, the CPU 40 reads out a corresponding program from various programs stored in the hard disk device 49 and downloads it to the RAM 42.

At this time, the CPU 40 converts the image data based on the program downloaded to the RAM 42 into a VR.
While the image data is stored in the AM 43, the image data is read out at a predetermined cycle, is converted into an analog signal by the digital-to-analog conversion circuit 55, and is given to the CRT 50.

Further, the CPU 40 stores necessary data and programs in the hard disk device 4 based on the programs downloaded to the RAM 42 and various commands input through the keyboard 46 and the mouse 47 at this time.
9 while executing the corresponding processing.

When a command to save the playlist created in this way is input, the CPU 40 stores and stores the data of the playlist in a corresponding area in the hard disk device 49.

When a print command is input, the CPU 40 reads out the image data stored in the VRAM 43 and sends it to the printer 48. Thus, the CPU 40 causes the screen displayed on the CRT 50 to be printed at this time.

On the other hand, in the play list execution processing mode, the CPU 40 reads out the corresponding play list data from the hard disk device 49, downloads it to the RAM 42, and controls the video server 25 based on the play list. The video server 25 sends out a CM based on the playlist.

At this time, when a key input is selected as a CM sending trigger in any one of the channels, the CPU 40 presses the "Ctrl" key of the keyboard 46 and a function key (F1) corresponding to the channel.
.. F6) are simultaneously pressed, the GPI signals S4A to S4F for the channel are sent to the video server 25 in response to this.

Further, when the timer time is selected as the CM transmission trigger, the CPU 40
When the time No. 4 reaches the designated time, the GPI signals S4A to S4F for the channel are transmitted to the video server 25 in response to the time.

Thus, the playout control unit 29
Manages each playlist, and can control transmission of CMs for each channel based on the playlist and various programs.

On the other hand, the video server 25 is configured as shown in FIG. 4, and inputs the encoded data D1 of each CM provided from the encoder unit 24 of the encoding processing unit 10 (FIG. 2) to the data input unit 60. .

At this time, the playout control unit gives the system control unit 61 information on which media unit the encoded data D1 of the CM is to be stored (hereinafter, this is referred to as media designation information).

Thus, the system control unit 61 controls the corresponding HDD control units 63A to 63F via the time division multiplexing control unit 62 based on the media designation information, so that the CM fetched via the data input unit 60. Media unit 30A with the specified encoded data D1
Ｇ30G.

On the other hand, in the operation mode in which the play list is executed, the play-out control unit 29 receives the play-list data for each channel from the play-out control unit 29.
Then, based on the playlist data, the system control unit 61 transmits the corresponding HD via the time-division multiplex control unit 62.
By controlling the D control units 63A to 63D, the encoded data D1 of the CM to be transmitted next for each channel is controlled.
Are prepared for transmission (standby) of these CMs.

Then, the system control section 61 thereafter transmits the GPI signals S3A to S3F to any one of the channels from the main control device 2 (FIG. 1) or the playout control section 29.
Given S4A to S4F, the time division multiplexing control unit 62
By controlling the corresponding HDD control units 63A to 63F through the corresponding media units 30A to 30F,
From G, the encoded data D1 of the corresponding CM is read. As a result, the encoded data D1 read from the media units 30A to 30G is
It is provided to the time division multiplexing control unit 62 via the D control units 63A to 63G and the data bus 64.

At this time, the time-division multiplexing control unit 62 performs time-division multiplexing processing on the supplied encoded data D 1, and obtains the obtained bit stream data D 3 via the data bus 65 in accordance with A provided for each channel. / V (Audio / Vi
deo) The corresponding A / of the decoding units 66A to 66F
The data is sent to the V decode units 66A to 66F. As a result, the bit stream data D3 is thereafter decoded by the A / V decoding units 66A to 66F, and the obtained analog audio / video signals S2A to S2F are transmitted to the corresponding channels.

In this way, in the video server 25, under the control of the playout control unit 29, the encode data D1 of each CM given from the encoder unit 24 of the encode processing unit 10 (FIG. 2) is designated. The stored encoded data D1 is stored in the corresponding media unit 30A to 30G, and the corresponding playlist and the GPI signals S3A to S3F and S4A to S4F provided from the main controller 2 or the playout controller 29.
, And can be decoded and transmitted by a corresponding channel.

(4) Processing of CPU of Playout Control Unit (4-1) Flow of Various Programs Here, the playout control unit 29 according to the present embodiment plays on the hard disk device 49 (FIG. 3) as described above. A plurality of pieces of software including various programs such as a program for creating a list and a program for transmitting a CM according to the play list are stored.

In this case, the CPU of the playout control unit 29
When each program is executed, the CRT 50 (FIG. 3) displays a predetermined screen corresponding to the program.
Each of these screens (ie, each program) is shown in FIG.
Can be called in accordance with the flow shown in FIG. 1, so that the operator can create or edit a desired program list in accordance with the flow and set the created program list in a desired channel.

(4-2) Operation Procedure on Various Screens Here, the CPU 40 of the playout control unit 29 actually
When the power is turned on, a main menu screen 70 as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the CRT 50 (FIG. 3).

On the main menu screen 70, a first menu for managing the encoded data D1 of each CM stored in each of the media units 30A to 30G of the playout section 11 is displayed.
Clip management button 71 for selecting the software of the second, and the second for creating and editing the playlist.
A clip management button 72 for selecting the software of the third type and a third setting for setting a desired playlist for each channel and monitoring the CM transmission state for each channel based on the set playlist. A clip management button 73 for selecting software and a utility button 74 for selecting fourth software for performing various settings are displayed.

When the playlist management button 72 is clicked, for example, by operating the mouse, the CPU 40 displays a playlist management screen 80 shown in FIG. 7 on the CRT 50 (FIG. 3).

This playlist management screen 80
Now, each ID of multiple playlists already created
(Play List ID) and the scheduled broadcast date (ON-Air-Date)
And the scheduled channel (VSR OUT) are displayed in the playlist box 81 as a list. The display contents in the playlist box 81 can be scrolled by operating the up-down buttons 82A and 82B displayed beside the playlist box 81.

On the playlist management screen 80, a channel designation button 83 for selecting a desired channel is provided on the right side of the playlist box 81.
, A preview button 84, and a browse button 85.

Then, the operator selects one of the playlists in the playlist box 81 by operating the mouse, and selects one of the playlists corresponding to the channel not broadcast.
By clicking one of the channel designation buttons 83 and then clicking the preview button 84, the video of each CM registered in the selected playlist can be displayed on the designated channel monitor.

By clicking the blow button 85 instead of the preview button 84 in the same manner,
The video of each CM registered in the selected playlist can be displayed on the designated channel monitor sequentially, for example, every 5 seconds from the beginning.

In the playlist management screen 80, a playlist box 81 is operated by mouse operation.
By selecting one of the playlists and clicking the delete button 86, the data of the selected playlist can be deleted.

The playlist management screen 80
By clicking the sort button 87, a pull-down menu (not shown) can be displayed on the playlist management screen 80 in a superimposed manner.
By using the pull-down menu, the order of the playlists displayed in the playlist box 81 can be rearranged in ascending order of the playlist ID, earlier in the scheduled broadcast date, or in the scheduled broadcast channel.

Further, in the playlist management screen 80, the main menu button 88 can be clicked to return to the main menu screen 70 (FIG. 6). By clicking the print button 89, the playlist can be returned. The management screen 80 can be printed.

On the playlist management screen 80, on the other hand, after clicking the new button 90 by operating the mouse or clicking the playlist ID of any playlist in the playlist box 81, the playlist is selected. By clicking the change button 91, the play list creation screen 100 shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 can be displayed on the CRT 50 (FIG. 3).

The playlist creation screen 100 is a screen for newly creating or changing a playlist by inputting various information using the keyboard 46. For example, a new playlist management screen 80 (FIG. 7) is used. When the playlist creation screen 100 is opened by clicking the button 90, a playlist creation screen 100 in an initial state as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

In this state, first, the execution date of the playlist to be created, the channel to be broadcasted, and the playlist ID are sequentially input via the keyboard 46 (FIG. 3), and these are respectively entered. The date can be displayed in the date column 101, the channel display column 102, and the playlist ID display column 103.

On the play list creation screen 100, the clip sending order desired by the operator,
By inputting the clip ID, broadcast start time, remark information, clip length, and the like using the keyboard 46 (FIG. 3), these information are respectively entered into the clip information display field 104.
Event number display section 105, clip ID display section 1
06, start time display section 107, remarks information display section 10
8 and the duration display unit 109.

At this time, for example, when inputting the broadcast start time of the clip, by inputting "K" or "k" at the beginning, a key input can be designated as a transmission trigger of the CM. , "K" or "k" instead of "C" or "c", the timer time of the playout control unit 29 can be designated as a transmission trigger of the CM. By not inputting anything at the beginning, GPI signals S3A to S3F (FIG. 1) from main controller 2 (FIG. 1) can be designated as a transmission trigger of the CM.

Further, in the event number display section 105, the clip ID display section 106, the start time display section 107, the remark information display section 108 and the duration display section 109 in the clip information display section 104, the order of transmission of the clips desired by the operator, When information such as a clip ID, a broadcast start time, remark information, and a clip length is displayed, by pressing an “Enter” key of the keyboard 46 (FIG. 3), the information is displayed in the playlist display field 111. Can be displayed.

In this case, the play list display section 111 has an event number display section 111A and a start time display section 111.
B, clip ID display section 111C, title display section 11
1D, a remarks information display section 111E, a duration display section 111F, and a total time display section 111G. The transmission order of the clip, the clip ID, the broadcast start time, the remark information, and the clip displayed in the clip information display section 104. Event number display section 111A, start time display section 111B, clip ID of the same length
It is displayed in the display unit 111C, the remark information display unit 111E, and the duration display unit 111F. At this time, the title of the clip is displayed on the title display section 111D based on the encoded data stored in the hard disk device 49 (FIG. 3).

At this time, for example, the clip information display field 104
When the insert mode selection button 112 is checked out of the insert mode selection button 112 and the overwrite selection button 113, the respective information of the clip is inserted into the corresponding column in the playlist display column 111. Is displayed as follows. On the other hand, when the overwrite selection button 113 is checked, each information of the clip is displayed in the playlist display field 11.
The information is displayed so as to be overwritten on the information display of the same event number displayed in advance in 1.

By the same operation, various information such as the order of transmission of the desired clips, the clip ID, the title, the broadcast start time, the remark information, and the clip length are sequentially displayed in the playlist display column 111 in order from the event number "1". To be displayed. As a result, the playlist display field 1
11 can be used to create a playlist as shown in FIG.

At this time, for the time zone in which the program is scheduled to be broadcast, the event number and the broadcast start time are displayed in the event number display section 105 and the start time display section 107 of the clip information display section 104, respectively. After the period "." Is displayed on the clip ID display section 106, the "Enter" key of the keyboard 46 (FIG. 3) is pressed. As a result, the row corresponding to the event number in the playlist display field 111 of the playlist creation screen 100 is colored, for example, blue, and “PG” indicating the broadcast time zone of the program is displayed in the title display section 111D.
The letter "M" is displayed.

On the play list creation screen 100, a total of 999 C
It is possible to set the transmission order of the events composed of M clips or programs (that is, to create a playlist composed of up to 999 events). After clicking on an unnecessary event column among the events displayed in the playlist display column 111, the user clicks the delete button 110 in the clip information display column 104 to display the event in the playlist display column 111. Can be removed from within.

When the user wants to register the playlist thus created, he or she clicks the save button 114. As a result, the playlist data displayed in the playlist display field 111 is stored in the CPU 40 (FIG. 3).
Are stored and stored in the hard disk device 49 (FIG. 3) under the control of.

On the other hand, when the user wants to cancel the play list, the user clicks the cancel button 115. As a result, each piece of information displayed in the playlist display section 111 can be deleted without saving.

When the user wants to print the playlist creation screen 100, he or she clicks the print button 116. As a result, under the control of the CPU 40,
This playlist creation screen 100 can be printed.

Further, in the playlist creation screen 100, by clicking an edit (mouse) button 117, it is possible to switch to a playlist creation screen in which a playlist can be created by mouse operation. Play list table button 31
By clicking 8, it is possible to switch to a playlist table screen on which a playlist box similar to the playlist box 81 on the playlist management screen 80 (FIG. 7) is displayed.

In the playlist creation screen 100, clicking the previous button 119 causes the previous screen (that is, the playlist management screen 80) to be clicked.
(FIG. 7)), and by clicking the main menu button 120, it is possible to return to the main menu screen 70 (FIG. 6).

On the other hand, the CPU 40 (FIG. 3)
When the channel status button 73 is clicked by operating the mouse while the main menu screen 70 (FIG. 6) is displayed (FIG. 3), the channel status and playout control screen 13 shown in FIG.
0 is displayed on the CRT 50.

The channel status and playout control screen 130 is a screen for setting a playlist for each channel and monitoring the CM sending status of each channel based on the playlist. When the playlist is set, the playlist table button 132 shown in FIG. 11 is first displayed on the CRT 50 by clicking the playlist table button 131.

On the playlist table screen 132, each ID (Play List ID) of a plurality of playlists that have already been created and registered, and their scheduled broadcast dates (ON-Air-D
ate) and the channel to be broadcast (VSR OUT) are displayed in the playlist box 133 as a list.

The display contents in the playlist box 133 can be scrolled by clicking the up / down buttons 134A and 134B displayed beside the playlist box 133 by operating the mouse.

When the operator wants to return to the original channel status and playout control screen 130, he clicks the cancel button 135 and selects a desired playlist displayed in the playlist box 133. In that case, the play list ID is clicked, and then the open button 136 is clicked.

As a result, the original channel status and playout control screen 130 is displayed on the CRT 50 and the contents of the selected playlist are displayed on the channel status and playout control screen 13.
0 in the playlist display field 1137, and the playlist ID and scheduled broadcast date of the playlist are respectively displayed in the playlist ID display field 138 and the date display field 139.
Will be displayed.

Then, after clicking the active button 140 to open a corresponding dialog box (not shown), inputting an event number for starting transmission, and then clicking the OK button in the dialog box. To do.

As a result, the playlist displayed in the playlist display field 137 of the channel status and playout control screen 130 is changed to the channel display field 1.
A standby state can be set in the channel indicated by 41 (that is, the playlist is set in the channel). Note that the channel number displayed in the channel display field 141 can be changed using the pull-down button 142, whereby a desired playlist can be set as a desired channel.

On the channel status and playout control screen 130, when the playlist thus set is executed, the playlist display field 1
A check mark 143 is displayed in the 37 event number display section 137A for the event whose transmission has been completed by that time.

For the event being transmitted at that time, the corresponding stage is colored and displayed in a predetermined first color, and for the event in which the transmission standby is completed and the content cannot be changed, the corresponding stage is displayed in a predetermined color. Is displayed in the second color.

Further, when the play list displayed in the play list display section 137 is executed, the remaining time until the start time of the next program is displayed in the countdown display section 144.

Thus, the execution status of the playlist set for each channel can be monitored using the channel status and playout control screen 130.

Note that the stop button 145 is displayed on the channel status and playout control screen 130.
Is clicked on to display the playlist display field 137.
Can be stopped.

By clicking the multi-status button 146, a multi-channel display screen 147 showing the execution status of the play list of all channels as shown in FIG. 12 can be displayed, and the main menu button 148 can be clicked. As a result, it is possible to return to the main menu screen 70 (FIG. 6).

Further, on the channel status and playout control screen 130, by clicking on the edit playlist button 149,
Can be displayed.

In this case, the playlist edit screen 150
Is a screen for editing the currently executed playlist, and includes a channel button 115 and a print button 11 on the playlist creation screen 100 (FIGS. 8 and 9).
6, an edit button 117, a playlist table button 118, a previous button 119, and a channel button 151, a print button 152, an edit button 153, a playlist table button 154, and a play table button 154, which have the same functions as the main menu button 120, respectively. A beer button 155 and a main menu button 156 are displayed.

On the playlist edit screen 150, the clip information display field 104, date display field 101, channel number display field 102, playlist ID display field 103, and playlist information display field 104 of the playlist creation screen 100 (FIGS. 8 and 9) are displayed. Clip information display column 157, date display column 158, channel number display column 1 similar to list display column 111
59, a playlist ID display field 160 and a playlist display field 161 are displayed, and are displayed in the playlist status field 161 of the channel status and playout control screen 130 (FIG. 10) immediately before the playlist display field 161. The playlist is displayed.

On the playlist editing screen 150, the event number display section 1 in the playlist display section 161 is displayed.
A check mark 162 is displayed for the event that has been sent up to that point in 61A. For the event being sent at that time, the corresponding stage is colored and displayed in a predetermined first color, and for the event in which the transmission standby is completed and the content cannot be changed, the corresponding stage is displayed in a predetermined second color. Is displayed in color.

Further, on the playlist editing screen 150, each event can be edited up to 10 seconds before transmission, and the event number of the last event that cannot be edited is displayed in the event number display section 161A of the playlist display field 161. A downward arrow 163 is displayed on the left side of.

Accordingly, the operator uses the playlist editing screen 150 to select a desired event from the events displayed in the playlist display field 161 below the downward arrow 163 using the clip information display field 157. Editing can be performed, such as changing to a clip of this type, or changing a transmission trigger of the clip.

(5) Operation and Effect of the Embodiment In the above configuration, the television broadcasting system 1
In the CM insertion device 4, the playout unit 11
When a play list is created using the playout control unit 29, the main control device 2 (FIG. 1) is used as a CM transmission trigger.
, GPI signals S3A to S3F, key input, and timer time in playout control unit 29 can be selected.

When the play list is executed, when a key input is set as a transmission trigger of a CM to be transmitted, a predetermined key is set via the keyboard 46 of the playout control unit 29. When an input is given or when a timer time in the playout control unit 29 is set as a transmission trigger of a CM to be transmitted, when the time of the timer 44 reaches a designated time, the timer 44 responds. GPI signals S4A to S4
F is sent to the video server 25.

At this time, the video server 25 has completed the transmission standby of the next CM for each channel. When the playout control unit 29 receives the GPI signals S4A to S4F, the video server 25 uses the GPI signals S4A to S4F as a transmission trigger and outputs the corresponding CM. From the corresponding media units 30A to 30G,
This is decoded and the obtained CM video / audio signal S2 is obtained.
A to S2F are sent to the switch 5 (FIG. 1).

Therefore, the television broadcasting system 1 has a function of outputting the GPI signals S4A to S4F based on the play list to the playout control unit 29 which manages the play list of the CM insertion device 4 as described above. As a result, the GPI signal S
By setting 4A to S4F (that is, setting the key input or the timer time of the playout control unit 29 as a transmission trigger), the video server 25 can transmit the data regardless of the trouble of the main control device 2 or the like. C for sure
M video / audio signals S2A to S2F can be transmitted.

According to the above configuration, the playout control unit 2 for managing the playlist of the CM insertion device 4
9 is provided with GPI signal output functions S4A to S4F so that the video server 25 can reliably transmit the corresponding CM video and audio signals S2A to S2F irrespective of the failure of the main controller 2 or the like. Thus, a television broadcasting system with high reliability for CM transmission can be realized.

(6) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the CM insertion device 4 of the television broadcasting system 1 has been described. The present invention can be widely applied to various information transmitting apparatuses other than transmitting various information materials other than the video and audio signals S2A to S2F of the CM.

In the above-described embodiment, the encoding data D1 of a plurality of CM clips to be transmitted is stored, and the transmission standby of the encoding data D1 of the corresponding CM clip is performed based on the play list.
GPI signals S3A to S3F, S4A as trigger signals
The description has been given of the case where the video server 25 as the information storage / transmission means for decoding and transmitting the encoded data D1 of the clip which has been put on standby at the timing given to S4F is configured as shown in FIG.
The present invention is not limited to this, and various other configurations can be widely applied.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the program list is managed, and the GPI signals S4A to S4F as trigger signals are sent to the video server 25 as needed based on the program list. Although the case where the out control unit 29 is configured as shown in FIG. 3 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and various other configurations can be widely applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, the GPI for each CM clip set on the play list is
A function of freely switching the output sources of the signals S3A to S3F and S4A to S4F to either the playout control unit 29 or the main control device 2 (playlist creation screen 80 or playlist editing screen 150 is displayed on CRT 50). Playout control unit 29)
Has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be mounted on the video server 25.

Further, in the above embodiment, the CM
Creation of a playlist in the insertion device 4,
Although a case has been described in which editing and management can be performed only by the playout control unit 29, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of personal computers may be connected to the playout control unit 29 via Ethernet. At the same time as connecting, each personal computer is equipped with the same software as the various software installed in the playout control unit 29, and the personal computer creates, edits, and manages a playlist. You may make it obtain.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as the types of CM transmission triggers specified on the play list, the GPI signals S3A to S3F from the main control device 2, the key input and the timer time in the playout control section 29 are set. Although the case where three types are provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the point is that the trigger signal can be supplied to the video server 25 at various timings by various methods. For example, various types of transmission triggers other than the above can be applied as the type of the CM transmission trigger specified on the playlist.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of information materials to be transmitted are stored in an information transmitting apparatus for sequentially transmitting a plurality of information materials in accordance with a program list defining an order of transmitting the information materials. And information storage and transmission means for performing transmission standby of a corresponding information material from a plurality of stored information materials based on the program list, and transmitting the information material which has been transmitted and standby at a timing at which a trigger signal is given. By providing a program list management means for managing a program list and transmitting a trigger signal to the information storage and transmission means when necessary based on the program list, regardless of a failure of an external device, etc. Based on the trigger signal output from the program list management means, respond from the information storage and transmission means It can be reliably delivered to broadcast material, thus the information delivery device capable of improving the reliability of information transmission can be realized.

Further, in an information transmitting method for sequentially transmitting a plurality of information materials according to a program list defining an information material transmission order, a transmission standby of a corresponding information material from among the plurality of information materials is performed based on the program list. And a second step of transmitting the information material that has been transmitted and standby at a predetermined timing based on the program list.
It is possible to reliably transmit the corresponding information material irrespective of the failure of the external device, and thus realize an information transmission method capable of improving the reliability of information transmission.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

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

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a playout control unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a video server.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating transition to each screen in a playout control unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main menu screen.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a playlist management screen.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a playlist creation screen.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a playlist creation screen.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a channel status and playout control screen.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a playlist table screen.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-channel display screen.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a playlist editing screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... television broadcasting system 2 ... main controller
3 ... program transmission device, 4 ... CM insertion device,
5. Switch, 10 ... Encoding unit, 11 ...
... Playout section, 24 ... Encoder section, 25 ... Video server, 29 ... Playout control section, 40 ... C
PU, 44: Timer, 46: Keyboard, 47:
Mouse, 49: Hard disk device, 50: CR
T, 70: Main menu screen, 80: Playlist management screen, 100: Playlist creation screen, 130: Channel status and playout control screen, 132: Playlist table screen, 147: Multi-channel display Screen, 150 ...
Playlist edit screen, S1A to S1F, S2A to S2
F: video / audio signal, S3A to S3F, S4A to S4F
... GPI signal, D1, D2 ... encoded data.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An information transmitting apparatus for sequentially transmitting a plurality of information materials according to a program list defining an order of transmitting information materials, wherein the information transmitting device stores a plurality of information materials to be transmitted and stores the plurality of information materials based on the program list. Information storage and transmission means for performing transmission standby of the corresponding information material from among the plurality of stored information materials, and transmitting the information material which has been transmitted and standby at a timing when a trigger signal is given; and And a program list management means for transmitting the trigger signal to the information storage and transmission means when necessary based on the program list. 2. The program list management means has a function of freely switching an output source of the trigger signal for the information material set in the program list to either the program list management means or an external device. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein
An information transmission device according to claim 1. 3. An information transmission method for sequentially transmitting a plurality of information materials according to a program list defining an information material transmission order, the method comprising: transmitting a plurality of information materials from among the plurality of information materials based on the program list. An information transmission method, comprising: a first step of performing standby for transmitting information material; and a second step of transmitting the information material that has been standby-transmitted at a predetermined timing based on the program list.