JP2001186399A - Network camera, data exchange device, non-linear editor and network editing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce deteriorated of picture quality at the time of editing by reducing the number of times on the compression/extension process of video data generated by a video camera. SOLUTION: Video data being a material is fetched into a video server 14 from a network camera 11 in the format of compressed video data through a network 12 and it is recorded as a compressed video data as it is. At the time of editing, a non-linear editor 13 receives compressed video data recorded in the video server 14 through the network 12 and expands it. Various effect processings are conducted and data is compressed. Then, data is sent to the video server 14 through the network 12. The video server 14 records received compressed video data on an inside hard disk device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network-compatible non-linear editing system, and more particularly, to reducing the number of times of compression / expansion processing of video data to prevent image quality degradation and to use a non-synchronous communication network for video data. The present invention relates to a non-linear editing system that enables flow control, bandwidth guarantee, and delay guarantee.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a nonlinear editing system using a video server, for example, there is one shown in FIG. In this nonlinear editing system, a plurality (3 in the figure)
) (Serial D)
It is connected to one video server 114 by an digital interface or the like. In addition, a video camera 115 is connected to the non-nilia editing machine 111.

Each nonlinear editing machine includes an editing unit, a display unit, and a video decoder (video data decompression device). The video server 114 has a large-capacity hard disk device, and can record / reproduce compressed video data (hereinafter, referred to as compressed video data).

When editing is performed in the editing system configured as described above, a video camera (video camera 115 in the figure) connected to a non-linear editing machine temporarily outputs uncompressed video data (hereinafter, uncompressed video data). Is temporarily compressed and taken into the non-linear editor 111, and is then decompressed again and sent to the video server 114. The video server 114 compresses the received uncompressed video data and records it on the hard disk device. Next, the video server 114 plays back the compressed video data from the hard disk device, decompresses the data, and sends the data to the non-linear editor 111. The non-linear editor 111 performs editing processing such as various effects processing on the received non-compressed video data, and sends the edited non-compressed video data to the video server 114. The video server 114 compresses the received uncompressed video data and records it on the hard disk device.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional editing system, image quality deteriorates because compression / expansion processing is involved in the process of transmitting video data between the non-linear editor and the video server. There was a problem.

In addition, the conventional editing system described above has a problem in that the use efficiency of devices is low because the non-linear editing machine and the video server are connected one-to-one.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an editing system capable of reducing the deterioration of the image quality by reducing the number of compression / expansion processes of video data. With the goal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a nonlinear editing system compatible with a network.

A further object of the present invention is to realize a flow control of video data in a nonlinear editing system compatible with an asynchronous communication network.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a video data band guarantee and a delay guarantee in a nonlinear editing system compatible with an asynchronous communication network.

[0011]

A first network camera according to the present invention captures an image of a subject, generates an analog video signal, and converts the analog video signal into digital data by converting the video signal into video data. / D conversion unit, a video compression unit for compressing the video data, and a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data to a network using TCP / IP. With this configuration, the compressed video data generated by imaging the subject is transmitted by TCP / IP.
Can be sent to a network using

Further, a second network camera according to the present invention captures an image of a subject and generates an analog video signal, and an A / D converter that digitizes the analog video signal and converts the analog video signal into video data. And a video compression unit for compressing the video data, and a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data to an ATM network. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit the compressed video data generated by imaging the subject to the ATM network.

Further, a third network camera according to the present invention is a video input unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating an analog video signal, and an A / D conversion unit for digitizing the analog video signal and converting it into video data. A video compression unit that compresses the video data, a network interface unit that sends the compressed video data to an asynchronous communication network and receives a synchronization packet from the asynchronous communication network, and a synchronization unit that synchronizes with the received synchronization packet. A synchronous reception unit that generates a frame pulse and supplies the frame pulse to the video input unit, the A / D conversion unit, and the video compression unit. With this configuration, compressed video data generated by imaging a subject can be transmitted to the asynchronous communication network, and an operation synchronized with a frame pulse received from the asynchronous communication network can be performed.

A fourth network camera according to the present invention captures an image of an object and generates an analog video signal, and an A / D converter that digitizes the analog video signal and converts the analog video signal into video data. A video compression unit for compressing the video data, a service request unit for generating a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee, and transmitting the compressed video data and the service setting request to an asynchronous communication network. And a network interface unit. With this configuration, it is possible to transmit compressed video data generated by imaging a subject to an asynchronous communication network, and to transmit a service setting request for video data with bandwidth guarantee and delay guarantee to the asynchronous communication network. It becomes possible.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network camera for imaging a subject and generating an analog video signal, and an A / D converter for digitizing the analog video signal and converting the analog video signal into video data. A video compression unit for compressing the video data, a service request unit for generating a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee, and transmitting the compressed video data and the service setting request to an asynchronous communication network. And a network interface unit for receiving a synchronization packet from the asynchronous communication network, and generating a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet and supplying the frame pulse to the video input unit, the A / D conversion unit, and the video compression unit. A synchronous receiver. According to this configuration, it is possible to transmit the compressed video data generated by imaging the subject to the asynchronous communication network, perform the operation synchronized with the frame pulse received from the asynchronous communication network, and guarantee the bandwidth. In addition, it becomes possible to send a service setting request for video data with a delay guarantee to the asynchronous communication network.

Further, the data exchange device according to the present invention comprises:
In a data exchange apparatus for exchanging video data packets and other data packets in an asynchronous communication network, a first storage means for holding a transmittable remaining amount of video data packets at specified time intervals; Second storage means for holding the remaining transmittable amount of the data packet of the data packet, when a connection setting request of a video data packet having a desired bandwidth is received,
The connection setting request is accepted only when the total data amount within the specified time, which is the product of the band and the specified time, is equal to or less than the transmittable remaining amount, and the total data amount is subtracted from the transmittable remaining amount. Is stored in the first storage unit as a new remaining transmittable amount, and when a data packet is received, the type of the data packet is identified,
When the video data packet is identified as the video data packet relating to the connection that has received the request, the video data packet is transmitted. When the video data packet is identified as the other data packet, the packet of the other data is transmitted. The packet of the other data is transmitted only when the size of the remaining data is equal to or less than the remaining transmittable amount held in the second storage unit, and a value obtained by subtracting the packet size from the transmittable remaining amount is newly transmitted. As the possible remaining amount, the second
In the storage means. With this configuration, communication of video data packets whose bandwidth is guaranteed at specified time intervals is possible between devices connected to the data exchange device.

The first video server according to the present invention comprises: a video service unit for recording / reproducing compressed video data; a synchronous transmission unit for generating a synchronous packet synchronized with a frame pulse of the video data; A network interface for transmitting and receiving the video data to and from the asynchronous communication network and transmitting the synchronous packet to the asynchronous communication network. With this configuration, it becomes possible to transmit and receive compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network, and to transmit synchronous packets to the asynchronous communication network.

A second video server according to the present invention includes a video service unit for recording / reproducing compressed video data, a service management unit for managing a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee, A network interface for transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network, discarding transmission data of a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth obtained in the service setting request, and receiving the service setting request from the asynchronous communication network; And a unit. With this configuration, compressed video data can be transmitted to and received from the asynchronous communication network,
In addition, it becomes possible to receive and manage a video data service setting request accompanied by a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee from the asynchronous communication network.

Further, a third video server according to the present invention comprises: a video service unit for recording / reproducing compressed video data; a synchronous transmission unit for generating a synchronous packet synchronized with a frame pulse of the video data; And a service management unit that manages a service setting request for video data with a delay guarantee, and transmits and receives the compressed video data to and from an asynchronous communication network, and transmits transmission data of a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth acquired by the service setting request. And a network interface unit for transmitting the synchronous packet to the asynchronous communication network and receiving the service setting request from the asynchronous communication network. With this configuration, compressed video data can be transmitted / received to / from the asynchronous communication network, and a synchronous packet can be transmitted to the asynchronous communication network, and a service setting of video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee is provided. Requests can be received from the asynchronous communication network and managed.

The first non-linear editor according to the present invention decodes and edits the compressed video data and compresses the edited video data, and sends the compressed video data to an asynchronous communication network. A network interface unit for receiving a synchronous packet from the asynchronous communication network, and a synchronous receiving unit for generating a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronous packet and supplying the frame pulse to the editing unit. Features. With this configuration, the compressed video data can be transmitted / received to / from the asynchronous communication network, and an operation synchronized with the synchronous packet received from the asynchronous communication network can be performed.

A second non-linear editor according to the present invention decodes and edits compressed video data, compresses the edited video data, and edits the video data with bandwidth guarantee and delay guarantee. A service request unit for generating a service setting request; transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network; discarding transmission data having a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth acquired in the service setting request; A network interface unit for transmitting a request to the asynchronous communication network. With this configuration, compressed video data can be transmitted and received to and from the asynchronous communication network, and a service setting request for video data with bandwidth guarantee and delay guarantee can be transmitted to the asynchronous communication network.

Further, a third non-linear editor according to the present invention decodes and edits the compressed video data, and also edits the edited video data, and edits the video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee. A service request unit for generating a service setting request; transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network; discarding transmission data having a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth acquired in the service setting request; To the asynchronous communication network, and a network interface unit for receiving a synchronization packet from the asynchronous communication network, and a synchronization receiving unit for generating a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet and supplying the frame pulse to the editing unit And characterized in that: With this configuration, compressed video data can be transmitted to and received from the asynchronous communication network, and an operation synchronized with a frame pulse received from the asynchronous communication network can be performed. A service setting request for video data can be transmitted to the asynchronous communication network.

The first network editing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first network camera and a video server having a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving compressed video data to and from a network using TCP / IP. A non-linear editor having a network interface for transmitting and receiving compressed video data to and from the network is connected to a network using TCP / IP. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of times of compression / decompression when transferring video data over a network, and to reduce image quality deterioration.

A second network editing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first video server and the first nonlinear editing are connected to an asynchronous communication network. With this configuration, the non-linear editing machine can perform editing processing synchronized with the frame pulse generated by the video server.

Furthermore, a third network editing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the data exchange device, the second video server, and the second nonlinear editing are connected to an asynchronous communication network. I do. With this configuration, between the nonlinear editing machine and the video server,
Communication of compressed video data packets whose bandwidth is guaranteed at specified time intervals becomes possible.

The fourth network editing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the data exchange device, the third video server, and the third non-linear editing are connected to an asynchronous communication network. I do. With this configuration, the non-linear editing machine can perform editing processing synchronized with the frame pulse generated by the video server, and furthermore, communication of compressed video data packets between the non-linear editing machine and the video server with guaranteed bandwidth at specified time intervals. Becomes possible.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The network camera 1 includes a video input unit 3, an A / D conversion unit 4 to which the output is input, a video compression unit 5 to which the output is input, and a network interface unit 6 to which the output is input. Have. The network interface unit 6 is connected to the network 2.

The video input unit 3 captures an image of a subject and generates an analog video signal. The A / D converter 4 digitizes the analog video signal and converts it into video data. The video compression unit 5 converts the video data into compressed video data such as MPEG2 or DV format. Network 2 is TC
A network using P / IP, an ATM network, or the like.
The compressed video data is transmitted to the network 2 according to the TCP / IP protocol or the ATM protocol.

As described above, according to the network camera of the first embodiment of the present invention, an analog video signal obtained by imaging a subject is digitized, and the amount of information is further compressed to use a network using TCP / IP, or Transmission to the ATM network becomes possible.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a network editing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This network editing system includes a network camera 11, a non-linear editing machine 13, and a video server.
14 is connected to the network 12.

The network camera 11 is a network interface unit 6 in the network camera 1 shown in FIG.
Is based on TCP / IP. The network 12 is a network using TCP / IP. The nonlinear editing machine 13 includes an editing processing unit, a video codec (video data compression / expansion device), a display unit, and a network interface unit.
After receiving the compressed video data transmitted from the video server 14 from the network 12 and decompressing it and performing an editing process,
It can be compressed and sent over the network 12 to the video server 14. The video server 14 has a large-capacity hard disk device and can record / reproduce compressed video data. Here, the video data compression method is
This is the same method as the compression method in the network camera 11. The network camera 11 can transmit the compressed video data generated by imaging the subject to the video server 14 via the network 12.

In the network editing system having the above configuration, video data as a material is transmitted from the network camera 11 to the network in the form of compressed video data.
The video data is taken into the video server 14 through 12, and recorded as compressed video data. When performing editing, the non-linear editor 13 receives compressed video data recorded in the video server 14 via the network 12 and decompresses it. Then, after performing various effect processes, the data is compressed and sent to the video server 14 via the network 12. Video server 14
Records the received compressed video data in an internal hard disk device.

As described above, according to the network editing system of the second embodiment of the present invention, the compressed video data generated by the network camera is taken into the server without going through the compression / decompression process, and edited by the editing machine. By performing the decompression only when the video data is transferred, the number of times of compression / decompression at the time of transferring the video data over the network can be reduced, and the deterioration of the image quality can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment) In a network editing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a video server synchronizes a non-linear editing machine with a frame via an asynchronous communication network, thereby obtaining a frame for editing work. In addition to improving the accuracy, a failure (overflow / underflow) of a buffer memory in the nonlinear editing machine is avoided.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this network editing system, first and second non-linear editing machines 21 and 22, a network camera 23, and a video server 24 are connected via an exchange device 25. First and second non-linear editing machines 21,
22, network camera 23, and video server 24,
Each of the switching devices 25 is connected to a physically different port, and the switching device 25 knows the addresses of the devices connected to the respective ports. The first and second nonlinear editing machines 21 and 22, the network camera 23, and the video server 24 know the addresses of themselves and other devices.

The first and second non-linear editing machines 21 and 22
An editing unit 26, a network interface unit 27, and a synchronization receiving unit 28 are provided (for convenience, only the first nonlinear editing machine 21 has an internal configuration illustrated). Network camera 23
Is a video input unit 29, an A / D conversion unit 30, and a video compression unit 31
, A network interface unit 32, and a synchronous reception unit 33
And Video server 24, video service department
34, network interface unit 35, and synchronous transmission unit
36 and. The switching device 25 is, for example, an Ethernet hub, and includes a network interface unit 27 of the first and second nonlinear editing machines 21 and 22 and a network camera.
The network interface section 32 of the video server 24 and the network interface section 35 of the video server 24
They are connected by 10Base_T.

The editing unit 26 in the first nonlinear editing machine 21
Includes a video codec, a buffer memory, a processing device, and a display device. The video codec decompresses the compressed video data received from the network interface unit 27 and compresses the uncompressed video data that has been edited by the processing device. The buffer memory temporarily stores uncompressed video data expanded by the video codec. The processing device reads the uncompressed video data stored in the buffer memory, performs a predetermined editing process, and then stores the edited uncompressed video data in the buffer memory. The display unit displays the uncompressed video data read from the buffer memory during the editing processing. The network interface unit 27 receives the compressed video data from the switching device 25 and sends it to the editing unit 26. Editing department
An exchange device for the edited compressed video data output from 26
Send to 25. Further, it sends a synchronization packet (details will be described later) received from the switching device 25 to the synchronization receiving unit 28. The synchronization receiving unit 28 generates a frame pulse locked to the received synchronization packet and sends it to the editing unit 26. The editing unit 26 performs an editing operation at the timing of the received frame pulse. Second
The same applies to the non-linear editing machine 22.

The video input unit 29 in the network camera 23,
The A / D conversion unit 30 and the video compression unit 31 are respectively the first
It has the same configuration and function as the components of the same name in the network camera 1 of the embodiment. The network interface unit 32 exchanges the compressed video data with the exchange device 25.
Send to Further, it sends the synchronization packet received from the switching device 25 to the synchronization receiving unit 33. The synchronization receiving unit 33 generates a frame pulse locked to the received synchronization packet and sends it to the video input unit 29, the A / D conversion unit 30, and the video compression unit 31. Video input unit 29, A / D conversion unit 30, and video compression unit
31 performs each processing at the timing of the received frame pulse.

The video service unit 34 in the video server 24
Has a large-capacity hard disk device, and records the compressed video data received from the network interface unit 35. Further, the recorded compressed video data is reproduced and sent to the network interface unit 35. Further, a frame pulse is generated and transmitted to the synchronous transmission unit 36. The synchronization transmission unit 36 generates a synchronization packet at the rising timing of the frame pulse received from the video service unit 34, and sends the synchronization packet to the network interface unit 35. The network interface unit 35 includes a synchronous transmission unit 36
Is transmitted to the switching device 25.
Further, it transmits the compressed video data received from the video service unit 34 to the switching device 25. Further, the compressed video data received from the switching device 25 is sent to the video service unit.

In the network editing system configured as described above, the video service unit 34 constantly generates a frame pulse and continuously sends it to the synchronous transmission unit 36 during its operation. Then, the synchronization transmission unit 36 generates a synchronization packet synchronized with the timing of the frame pulse, and transmits the synchronization packet to the switching device 25 via the network interface 35. The switching device 25 transmits the received synchronization packet to the first and second nonlinear editing machines 21 and 22 and the network camera 23. In the first and second non-linear editing machines 21 and 22 and the network camera 23, the synchronization packet is sent from each of the network interfaces 27 and 33 to the synchronization receivers 28 and 33, where a frame pulse is generated. The frame pulse generated by the synchronization receiving unit 28 is sent to the editing unit 26, and the frame pulse generated by the synchronization receiving unit 33 is sent to the video input unit 29, the A / D conversion unit 30, and the video compression unit 31. . Video input unit 29, A / D conversion unit 30, and video compression unit
Sent to 31. Therefore, the first and second nonlinear editing machines 21 and 22 and the network camera 23 can execute various processes at the timing of the frame pulse generated by the video server 24.

As described above, according to the network editing system of the third embodiment of the present invention, the first and second nonlinear editing machines 21 and 22 are synchronized with the frame pulse generated by the video server 24. Since the editing operation can be performed using the frame pulse, the frame accuracy can be improved, and the failure of the buffer memory in the editing unit 26 can be avoided.

(Fourth Embodiment) In a network editing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, by providing an exchange device having a function of guaranteeing the bandwidth of video data at specified time intervals, a non-linear editing system can be provided. Achieve video data bandwidth guarantee and delay guarantee.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In this network editing system, first and second non-linear editing machines 41 and 42, a network camera 43, and a video server 44 are connected via an exchange 45. First and second non-linear editing machines 41,
42, network camera 43, and video server 44,
Each of the switching devices 45 is connected to a physically different port, and the switching device 45 knows the addresses of the devices connected to the respective ports. The first and second non-linear editing machines 41 and 42, the network camera 43, and the video server 44 know the addresses of themselves and other devices.

The first and second non-linear editing machines 41 and 42
An editing unit 46, a network interface unit 47, and a service requesting unit 48 are provided (for convenience, only the first non-linear editing machine 41 shows the internal configuration). Network camera
43, a video input unit 49, an A / D conversion unit 50, and a video compression unit
51, a network interface unit 52, and a service request unit 53. The video server 44 includes a video service unit 54, a network interface unit 55, and a service management unit 56. The switching device 45 is, for example, an Ethernet hub, and is connected to the network interface unit 47 of the first and second nonlinear editing machines 41 and 42, the network interface unit 52 of the network camera 43, and the network interface unit 55 of the video server 44. The connection is established by 100 / 10Base_T.

Editing unit 46 in first non-linear editing machine 41
Has a video codec, a buffer memory, a processing device, and a display device, and has the same configuration and function as the editing unit 26 in the first embodiment, but does not perform a synchronization operation by a frame pulse. . The service request unit 48
When receiving the compressed video data from the video server 44 via the switching device 45 and when transmitting the compressed video data to the video server 44, a service setting request is generated and sent to the network interface unit 47. This service setting request includes the address of the non-linear editing machine and data transmission band information. The service request unit 48
Generates a connection setting request after the service setting request is received, and sends it to the network interface unit 47. The network interface unit 47 converts the received service setting request and connection setting request into a switching device.
Send to 45. In addition, the network interface unit 47
Transmits the compressed video data output from the editing unit 46 to the exchange device 45. Further, it receives the compressed video data from the switching device 45 and sends it to the editing unit 46. The same applies to the second non-linear editor 42.

The video input unit 49 in the network camera 43,
The A / D conversion section 50 and the video compression section 51 are respectively the first
It has the same configuration and function as the components of the same name in the network camera 1 of the embodiment. The service request unit 53 transmits the compressed video data output from the video compression unit 51 to the video server 44 via the switching device 45,
A service setting request is generated and sent to the network interface unit 52. The network interface unit 52 transmits the received service setting request to the switching device 45. Further, the network interface unit 52 includes a video compression unit 51.
The compressed video data compressed in step (1) is transmitted to the switching device 45.

The network interface unit 55 in the video server 44 sends the compressed video data received from the switching unit 45 to the video service unit 54. Further, it transmits the compressed video data output from the video service unit 54 to the switching device 45. Further, the service setting request received from the switching device 45 is sent to the service management unit 56. Service Management Department
The connection setting request, service setting request acceptance or rejection notification generated by 56 is transmitted to switching apparatus 45. The video service unit 54 has a large-capacity hard disk device, and records the compressed video data received from the network interface unit 55. Also, the recorded compressed video data is reproduced and the network interface 55
Send to The service management unit 56 includes a service management table 57 and a transmission remaining amount register 58. The service management table 57 registers the service setting request generated by the service request unit 48 of the nonlinear editing machine. The transmission remaining amount register 58 holds the remaining amount of data that can be transmitted within a specified time (details will be described later). At the time of initialization, the total amount of data that the video server 44 can transmit within a specified time is set in the transmission remaining amount register 58. Upon receiving the service setting request, the service management unit 56 refers to the transmission remaining amount register 58 to determine whether or not the service setting request can be accepted. I do. Then, when the connection setting request is received, the transmission amount related to the received service setting request is subtracted from the transmission remaining amount register 58, and a reception notification of the service setting request is generated. When the service setting request cannot be accepted or when the connection setting request is rejected, a service setting request rejection notice is generated.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the switching device 45. The switching device 45 includes a management unit 61, a connection setting unit 62, an exchange control unit 63, a buffer memory unit 64,
Fourth reception ports 65 to 68 and first to fourth transmission ports 69 to 72 are provided. Each of the transmission ports 69 to 72 includes a destination address register 73, a connection management table 74, a transmission remaining amount register 75, and a non-priority transmission remaining amount register 76 (for convenience, only the first transmission port 69 has an internal structure. Illustrated).

The components in the switching unit 45 are interconnected by an internal bus. Further, each of the receiving ports 65 to 68 and each of the transmitting ports 69 to 72 are connected via the buffer memory unit 64,
Data packets can be transferred from the receiving port side to the transmitting port side. Further, the exchange control unit 63 can control the operation of the buffer memory 64. One receiving port and one transmitting port are connected to one device (non-linear editing machine, network camera, video server).

The switching device 45 performs operations such as initialization, connection setting, data exchange, and connection release. Hereinafter, description will be made sequentially with reference to FIGS.

A. Operation at initialization (Fig. 6) The management unit 61 sets and holds the specified time, the total reception buffer amount, and the maximum non-priority transmission amount (step A1). The specified time is a time interval to be monitored when managing the transmission amount of a priority packet, that is, a compressed video data packet, and a non-priority packet, that is, a packet other than a video data packet, by a total of packet data at regular time intervals. Here, the prescribed time is preferably, for example, one to several frames. The total reception buffer amount is an upper limit value of a packet size that can be stored in the buffer memory unit 64. The maximum non-priority transmission amount is an upper limit value of non-priority packets exchanged within the specified time.

2. The address of the connected device is set in the destination address register 73 of each of the transmission ports 69 to 72 (step A2). That is, it checks whether the device connected to each of the transmission ports 69 to 72 is the first or second nonlinear editing machine 41 or 42, the network camera 43, or the video server 44, and sets it.

3. The connection management table 74 of each transmission port is initialized. Further, a value obtained by subtracting the maximum non-priority transmission amount from the total transmittable amount of the transmission port is set in the transmission remaining amount register 75, and the maximum non-priority transmission amount is set in the non-priority transmission remaining amount register. That is, the amount of priority packets that can be transmitted within the specified time is set in the transmission remaining amount register 75 (step A3). Note that the total transmittable amount indicates the total amount of data that each transmission port can transmit per specified time.

B. Operation when setting connection (FIG. 7) The connection setting unit 62 receives a connection setting request for a connection for a priority packet. Then, the destination address, the receiving source address, and the required bandwidth are obtained (step B1).

2. The transmission bandwidth within the specified time is calculated by multiplying the requested bandwidth by the specified time (step B2).

3. The destination address register 73 of each transmission port is searched from the destination address, and the transmission port is determined (step B3).

4. Transmission remaining amount register 75 of the transmission port
Then, it is determined whether or not the value remains for the transmission amount (step B4).

5. If it does not remain (N in step B4
O), reject the connection setup request (step B)
6).

6. If it remains (YE in step B4
S), the transmission amount is subtracted from the transmission remaining amount register 75 of the transmission port, and the reception source address and the transmission amount are registered in the connection management table 74 of the transmission port (step B5).

C. During operation 1. Each time the specified time elapses, the maximum non-priority transmission amount is set in the non-priority transmission remaining amount register 76 of each transmission port.

D. During data exchange (Fig. 8) The packet is received from the reception port and temporarily stored in the buffer memory unit 64. From the received packet, a destination address, a source address and a packet size are obtained (step C1).

2. If the acquired packet size exceeds the total reception buffer amount (YES in step C2),
The packet is discarded (step C3).

3. If the acquired packet size does not exceed the total reception buffer amount (NO in step C2),
The exchange control unit 53 searches the destination address register 73 of each transmission port from the destination address and determines the transmission port (step C4).

4. The connection management table 74 of the transmission port is searched (step C5), and priority / non-priority of the packet is identified (step C6.
Priority packet).

5. For priority packets (YE in step C6)
S), and transmits from the transmission port (step C7).

6. For non-priority packets (step C6
NO), it is determined whether or not the value of the non-priority transmission remaining amount register 76 of the transmission port is larger than the packet size (step C8).

7. If smaller than the packet size (NO in step C8), the non-priority packet is discarded (step C9).

8. If it is larger than the packet size (YES in step C8), the value of the non-priority transmission remaining amount register 76 is reduced by the packet size and transmitted from the transmission port (step C10).

E. When the connection is released (FIG. 9) The connection setting unit 62 receives a connection release request for the connection to be released. Then, a destination address, a reception source address, and a required bandwidth are obtained (step D1).

2. The connection setting unit 62 searches the destination address register 73 of each transmission port from the acquired destination address and determines the transmission port (step D).
2).

3. The connection management table of the transmission port is searched from the reception source address (step D3),
The registration of the connection is confirmed (step D4).

4. If there is no registration (NO in step D4),
The connection release request is rejected (step D6).

5. If there is registration (YES in step D4),
The transmission amount is added to the remaining transmission amount of the transmission port, and the registration is deleted (step D5).

In the network editing system configured as described above, for example, when the first non-linear editor 41 edits using the compressed video data recorded on the hard disk device in the video service unit 54 of the video server 44 First, the service request unit 48 generates a service setting request and sends it to the network interface unit 47. This service setting request is sent to the service management unit 56 in the video server 44 via the switching device 45 and the network interface unit 55 in the video server 44. As described above, the service setting request includes the first non-linear editor 41
, And data transmission bandwidth information.
The service management unit 56 identifies the requested band from the band information included in the received service setting request. And
The data transmission amount is calculated by multiplying the required bandwidth by the above-mentioned specified time. Further, referring to the transmission remaining amount register 58, if the calculated data transmission amount is equal to or smaller than the transmission remaining amount of the transmission register 58, the switching device 45
Sends a connection setting request to the server. Then, when the connection setting request is received, the service management unit 56 subtracts the data transmission amount from the value of the transmission remaining amount register 58. Next, the service setting request is registered in the service management table 57, and the reception of the service setting request is returned to the first nonlinear editing machine 41 via the switching device 45.

If the calculated data transmission amount exceeds the transmission remaining amount in the transmission remaining amount register 58, the service management unit 56 rejects the service setting request, and notifies the fact via the switching unit 45. To the first non-linear editor 41. Also, when the connection setting request is rejected, the service setting request is rejected, and the fact is returned to the first non-linear editor 41 via the switching device 45.

When the first non-linear editing machine 41 is notified that the service setting request has been accepted, it sends a connection setting request to the video server 44 to the switching device 45. Then, when the connection setting request is received, transmission and reception of compressed video data whose bandwidth is guaranteed at specified intervals between the editing unit 46 of the first non-linear editing machine 41 and the video service unit 54 of the video server 44 Becomes possible.
Second non-linear editing machine 42 and network camera
The same applies when 43 is used.

As described above, according to the network editing system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first and second non-linear editing machines 41 and 42 and the network camera 43 and the video server 44 Communication of video data packets whose bandwidth is guaranteed at specified time intervals becomes possible.

(Fifth Embodiment) In a network editing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a frame of an editing work is synchronized by synchronizing a frame from a video server to a non-linear editor via an asynchronous communication network. By improving the accuracy and avoiding the failure of the buffer memory, and by providing a switching device having a function of guaranteeing the bandwidth of video data at specified time intervals, the bandwidth guarantee and delay guarantee of video data at the time of nonlinear editing are provided. Realize.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this network editing system, first and second non-linear editing machines 81 and 82, a network camera 83, and a video server 84 are connected via an exchange 85. First and second non-linear editing machines 81,
82, network camera 83, and video server 84
Each of the switching devices 85 is connected to a physically different port, and the switching device 85 knows the addresses of the devices connected to the respective ports. The first and second non-linear editing machines 81 and 82, the network camera 83, and the video server 85 know the addresses of themselves and other devices.

The first and second non-linear editing machines 81 and 82
An editing unit 86, a network interface unit 87, a service requesting unit 88, and a synchronization receiving unit 89 are provided (for convenience, only the first non-linear editing unit 81 has an internal configuration illustrated).
The video server 84 includes a video service unit 96, a network interface unit 97, a service management unit 98, and a synchronous transmission unit 99. First and second non-linear editing machines
The blocks inside 81 and 82, the blocks inside the network camera 83, and the blocks inside the video server 84 have the same configuration and function as the blocks having the same names in FIG. 3 or FIG. The switching device 85 has the internal configuration shown in FIG. That is, this network editing system is a combination of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment.

The operation of the network editing system according to the fifth embodiment configured as described above is clear from the operation of the third embodiment and the operation of the fourth embodiment. Omitted.

According to the non-linear editing system of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve the frame accuracy of the editing work, avoid the buffer memory from being broken, and guarantee the bandwidth and delay of the video data. Bandwidth guarantee can be realized.

[0087]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a network editing system having an excellent effect that the deterioration of image quality can be reduced by reducing the number of times of compression / expansion of video data. can do.

In addition, since the editing operation is performed using the frame pulse synchronized with the frame pulse generated by the video server, the frame editing is improved, and the network editing has an excellent effect that the failure of the buffer memory is avoided. A system can be provided.

Further, by providing a switching device having a function of guaranteeing the bandwidth of video data packets at specified time intervals, communication of video data packets with guaranteed bandwidth at specified time intervals between the nonlinear editor and the video server is provided. It is possible to provide a network editing system having an excellent effect that the editing can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the switching device in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of initialization of the switching device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of the switching device of FIG. 5 when setting a connection;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the exchange device of FIG. 5 at the time of data exchange;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the switching device of FIG. 5 when releasing a connection;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network editing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional nonlinear editing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 11, 83 Network camera 2 Network 3, 29, 49, 90 Video input unit 4, 30, 50, 91 A / D conversion unit 5, 31, 51, 92 Video compression unit 6 27, 32, 35, 47, 52, 55, 87, 93, 97 Network interface unit 13, 21, 22, 41, 42, 81, 82 Non-linear editing machine 14, 24, 44, 84 Video server 25, 45, 85 Switching device 28, 33, 89, 94 Synchronous reception unit 36, 99 Synchronous transmission unit 48, 53, 88, 95 Service request unit 56, 98 Service management unit 57, 100 Service management table 58, 75, 101 Transmission remaining amount register 74 Connection management table 76 Non-priority transmission remaining Quantity register

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification FI FI Theme Court ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/16 G11B 27/02 A 9A001Z (72) Inventor Masaaki Sato Tsunashima Toshishima, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (3-1) Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masakatsu Fujita 4-3-1 Tsunashima Higashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yutaka Miyabe Kohoku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd., 4-3-1 Tsunashima-ku, Ward (72) Inventor Fujio Ito 4-3-1, Tsunashimahigashi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term (reference) 5C022 AA00 AB00 AC69 CA03 5C053 FA14 GB38 LA01 LA11 5C064 BA07 BB10 BC25 5D110 AA13 AA29 BB20 BB29 CA05 CA46 CB04 CB06 CF11 CK05 5K030 HA10 HB02 HB29 HC06 JT04 LE11 MA06 9A001 BB04 CC07 EE04 EE05 HH23 HH27 JJ71 KK42

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image input unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating an analog video signal, an A / D converter for digitizing the analog video signal and converting the analog video signal into video data, and a video compression unit for compressing the video data And a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data to a network using TCP / IP. 2. An image input unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating an analog video signal, an A / D conversion unit for digitizing the analog video signal and converting it to video data, and a video compression unit for compressing the video data And a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data to an ATM network. 3. An image input unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating an analog video signal, an A / D conversion unit for digitizing the analog video signal and converting it to video data, and a video compression unit for compressing the video data A network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data to the asynchronous communication network and receiving a synchronization packet from the asynchronous communication network; and a synchronization receiving unit for generating a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet. A network camera comprising: 4. An image input unit for imaging a subject and generating an analog video signal, an A / D conversion unit for digitizing the analog video signal and converting it to video data, and a video compression unit for compressing the video data A service request unit for generating a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee, and a network interface unit for transmitting the compressed video data and the service setting request to an asynchronous communication network. Characteristic network camera. 5. An image input unit for capturing an image of a subject and generating an analog video signal, an A / D conversion unit for digitizing the analog video signal and converting it to video data, and a video compression unit for compressing the video data A service request unit for generating a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee; transmitting the compressed video data and the service setting request to an asynchronous communication network; And a synchronization receiving unit that generates a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet and supplies the frame pulse to the video input unit, the A / D conversion unit, and the video compression unit. Characteristic network camera. 6. A data exchange apparatus for exchanging video data packets and other data packets in an asynchronous communication network, wherein said first storage means retains a transmittable remaining amount of video data packets at specified time intervals, and said specified value. Second storage means for storing a remaining transmittable amount of the other data packet for each time, wherein when a connection setting request for a video data packet having a desired band is received, The connection setting request is accepted only when the total data amount within the specified time, which is a product of time, is equal to or less than the transmittable remaining amount, and a value obtained by subtracting the total data amount from the transmittable remaining amount is used as a new value. When the data packet is received, the type of the data packet is identified as the remaining amount that can be transmitted. If the request is identified as a video data packet pertaining to the connection that received the request,
If the video data packet is transmitted and the packet of the other data is identified as being a packet of the other data, the size of the packet of the other data is equal to or less than the remaining transmittable amount held in the second storage means. Transmitting a packet of said other data only, and holding a value obtained by subtracting said packet size from said remaining transmittable amount as a new remaining transmittable amount in said second storage means. . 7. A video service unit that records / reproduces compressed video data, a synchronization transmission unit that generates a synchronization packet synchronized with a frame pulse of the video data,
A video interface, which transmits and receives the compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network and transmits the synchronous packet to the asynchronous communication network. 8. A video service unit for recording / reproducing compressed video data, a service management unit for managing a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee, and asynchronous communication of the compressed video data. And a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving to and from the network, discarding transmission data of a band equal to or more than the bandwidth acquired by the service setting request, and receiving the service setting request from the asynchronous communication network. Video server featured. 9. A video service unit that records / reproduces compressed video data, a synchronization transmission unit that generates a synchronization packet synchronized with a frame pulse of the video data,
A service management unit for managing a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee; transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from an asynchronous communication network; A video server, comprising: a network interface unit for discarding the transmission data, transmitting the synchronous packet to the asynchronous communication network, and receiving the service setting request from the asynchronous communication network. 10. An editing unit for decoding and editing compressed video data and for transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from an asynchronous communication network, wherein the editing unit compresses the edited video data. A nonlinear editing machine, comprising: a network interface unit for receiving a synchronization packet from a network; and a synchronization reception unit for generating a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet and supplying the frame pulse to the editing unit. 11. An editing unit for decoding and editing compressed video data and compressing the edited video data, and a service requesting unit for generating a service setting request for video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee. Transmitting and receiving the compressed video data to and from the asynchronous communication network, discarding transmission data having a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth acquired by the service setting request, and transmitting the service request to the asynchronous communication network. A nonlinear editing machine comprising a network interface unit. 12. An editing unit for decoding and editing the compressed video data and compressing the edited video data, and a service requesting unit for generating a service setting request for the video data with a bandwidth guarantee and a delay guarantee. Transmitting / receiving the compressed video data to / from the asynchronous communication network, discarding transmission data having a bandwidth equal to or greater than the bandwidth acquired in the service setting request, and transmitting the service setting request to the asynchronous communication network. A network interface unit that transmits and receives a synchronization packet from the asynchronous communication network; and a synchronization reception unit that generates a frame pulse synchronized with the received synchronization packet and supplies the frame pulse to the editing unit. Nonlinear editing machine. 13. A network server according to claim 1, a video server having a network interface unit for transmitting / receiving compressed video data to / from a network using TCP / IP, and a network server for transmitting the compressed video data to the network. A non-linear editing machine having a network interface for transmitting and receiving
A network editing system, wherein the network editing system is connected to a network using P / IP. 14. A network editing system, wherein the video server according to claim 7 and the nonlinear editing according to claim 10 are connected to an asynchronous communication network. 15. A network editing system, wherein the data exchange device according to claim 6, the video server according to claim 8, and the nonlinear editing according to claim 11 are connected to an asynchronous communication network. 16. A network editing system, wherein the data exchange device according to claim 6, the video server according to claim 9, and the non-linear editing according to claim 12 are connected to an asynchronous communication network.