JP2001359063A - Head end for catv system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a head end for a CATV system compatible with digital broadcasting that can enhance service to subscribers of the CATV system without the need for an extension of its facility. SOLUTION: The head end 1 is provided with channel selection converters 7 that receive a signal from a PC(personal computer) 5 and a reception signal of an antenna 3 receiving a BS digital broadcast signal, extract broadcast data of a channel designated by the PC 5, convert the data into a CATV broadcast signal and output the signal to a trunk line 13 and with a standby device (spare channel selection converter) 9 for backing up on the occurrence of a fault on behalf of any faulty converter 7 among the channel selection converters 7. Then the PC 5 activates the standby device 9 for broadcasting an additional program such as a program of a temporary service in BS digital broadcasting and a sub program of a multi-view television program as the CATV program when the standby display device 9 is not used for a fault backup device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a head end of a CATV system, and more particularly, to a broadcast data of each digital broadcast channel included in a head end of a CATV system which receives a received signal from an antenna for receiving a digital broadcast signal. Is converted into a broadcast signal for a CATV system in a predetermined frequency band, and the broadcast signal is transmitted to the trunk of the CATV system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital broadcasting using artificial satellites (digital satellite broadcasting) has been widely used. In digital broadcasting, broadcast data of a plurality of programs can be simultaneously multiplexed and transmitted for each wireless channel assigned as a broadcast wireless transmission path, and the original broadcast data (video data and audio data) can be transmitted. In addition to the channel selection information (P) for the receiving device to realize the channel selection operation of the digital broadcast.
MT: Program Map Table including PAT: Program Assoc
Additional information including program information for the EPG (electronic program guide) (data indicating what program is being broadcast on which digital broadcast channel, when) and the like are also transmitted. And digital broadcasting using broadcasting satellite (BS) (BS digital broadcasting)
However, it is scheduled to start in earnest from December 2000.

[0003] In this specification, a digital broadcasting channel means a channel number in digital broadcasting, and generally means a service ID. In addition, the “1 service ID / multiple ES system” in which each elementary stream of video and audio for a plurality of programs (a packet defined by the MPEG2 system, hereinafter referred to as ES) is transmitted by one service ID. in case of,
A service ID and a packet ID (hereinafter, referred to as a PID) indicating each ES included in the broadcast data of the service ID
Correspond to a digital broadcast channel.

Here, for example, when constructing a CATV system for receiving a digital broadcast signal from an artificial satellite and transmitting it to the terminal side, the head end thereof has the following configuration. First, at the head end, an antenna for receiving a digital broadcast signal transmitted from each transponder of an artificial satellite, and a transponder containing broadcast data of a specific digital broadcast channel in response to a signal received from the antenna. , And extracts broadcast data of a program being broadcast on the specific digital broadcast channel from the tuned received signal, and converts the broadcast data into any channel (for CATV) in the CATV system. And a channel selection converter that converts the signal into a broadcast signal for a CATV system in a predetermined frequency band corresponding to the channel and outputs the signal to a trunk line composed of a coaxial cable.

[0005] Then, one channel selection converter is provided for each digital broadcast channel to be provided to the terminal side by the CATV system. Still further, the head end includes an information processing device that determines whether or not they are operating normally from an output of each channel selection conversion device,
When one of the channel selection conversion devices becomes abnormal, a spare channel selection conversion device (hereinafter, referred to as a preliminary channel selection conversion device) to be used in place of the channel selection conversion device is provided.

[0006] When the information processing apparatus detects that any of the channel selection conversion apparatuses has become abnormal, for example, it notifies the operator at a CATV center (hereinafter, referred to as a CATV center) of the fact. In this case, the operator stops the operation of the channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal by the information processing device, and sets the CAT corresponding to the digital broadcast channel assigned to the channel selection conversion device.
The setting is manually switched so that the broadcast signal for the V system is output from the preselection conversion device. It is also conceivable that the information processing apparatus is configured to automatically switch the setting without the intervention of the operator.

[0007] On the other hand, for example, in BS digital broadcasting, new services such as "temporary service" and "multi-view television" which are not provided in analog broadcasting are scheduled. The temporary service is a digital broadcasting station (broadcasting company) that sets a new temporary channel in a margin band obtained by reducing the bit rate while maintaining the original organization service, and adds the extra channel By
Emergency news programs, extended live programs, and the like are broadcast as additional temporary programs.

As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 6, first, in an original program of a certain broadcasting station, an HDTV (Digital TV) (Digital Channel) with a service ID = 101 is used from time t1 to time t2. High Definitio
n television: a baseball broadcast program is broadcast in the high-definition television system, and the HDTV is broadcast from the next time t2 to time t3.
It is assumed that a movie program is scheduled to be broadcast in a system.

Here, when the baseball game is not completed by time t2 and the baseball broadcast program is extended and broadcasted, the broadcasting station first transmits a movie which is an original normal program from time t2 to a normal one. Broadcasting is performed in a low-rate HDTV system having a lower bit rate than the HDTV system having a normal rate (normal bit rate). Further, a temporary service ID (102 in the example of FIG. 6) that has not been added before is added, and from the time t2 to an arbitrary time t2 ′ (usually in baseball) by the digital broadcast channel of the service ID = 102. Until the game is over), broadcast the baseball program on SDTV (Standard
television: Standard television.

In other words, in this example, by lowering the broadcasting rate of a normal program which is originally a normal rate HDTV system, one extra channel of the SDTV system is added, and the extra channel is extended by the extra channel. Program is broadcast as a temporary program. When comparing the data amount, the normal-rate HDTV system is equivalent to three channels of the SDTV system, and the low-rate HDTV system is
This corresponds to two channels of the SDTV system.

[0011] Thereafter, when the broadcasting of the temporary program ends at time t2 ', a movie, which is a normal program, is broadcast in the normal rate HDTV system from that time. The broadcast station operates the additional information included in the digital broadcast signal so that the receiving device can recognize the start and end of the temporary service as described above.

More specifically, when a special service is started, the broadcasting station updates a PAT included in a digital broadcast signal, adds a special service ID to the PAT, and ends the special service. When you do, PAT
From the temporary service ID. For this reason, on the receiving device side, by monitoring the PAT included as additional information in the digital broadcast signal, a certain broadcasting station can change the digital broadcast channel for the temporary program (in the above example, the temporary service ID = 102). It is possible to detect that it has been added.

On the other hand, as exemplified in FIG. 7, a multi-view television is a system in which one channel of the HDTV system is divided into a maximum of three channels of the SDTV system on the assumption that operation is performed with one service ID / multiple ES systems. By doing so, it is an application that simultaneously broadcasts a plurality of related contents in one service. And a plurality of SDTs
One of the V-system channels is used as a main program channel (main channel), and the other is used as an additional sub-program channel (sub-channel).

As a specific example, in a live broadcast of golf, etc., the general contents (general broadcast) are broadcast as a main program, the condition of the 17th hole is broadcast as one sub-program, and the condition of the 18th hole is broadcasted. Is broadcast as the other sub-program.

[0015] For example, a certain broadcasting station starts from time t10.
Digital broadcast channel with service ID = 101 and PID = 500, HDT broadcast general broadcast of golf
It is assumed that the operation is started in the V method. Then, at time t11, when the broadcast station starts implementing the multi-view television, the general broadcast is provided with service ID = 101 and PID =
501 digital broadcast channels (main channel)
Thus, the main program of the SDTV system is continued, and for example, the status of the 17th hole is changed to the service ID = 10.
1 and a PID = 502 digital broadcast channel (first sub-channel) is broadcast as a sub-program a of the SDTV system. Further, for example, the situation of the other 18th hole is that the service ID = 101 and the PID = 503.
Digital broadcast channel (second sub-channel)
Is broadcast as a subprogram b of the SDTV system.

Thereafter, when the implementation of the multi-view television is completed at time t12, the service ID = 101 and the PID = 50 as in the period from time t10 to time t11.
With the digital broadcast channel 0, a general broadcast (or another program) of the golf relay is performed in the HDTV system.

On the broadcast station side, by operating the additional information included in the digital broadcast signal, the receiving device can recognize the start and end of the multi-view television as described above. Specifically, on the broadcast station side,
When the multi-view television is started, the organization of the service ID and the PID in the PMT included in the digital broadcast signal is defined by a plurality of PIDs for one service ID as illustrated at times t11 to t12 in FIG. Change to be dependent. When the multi-view television is terminated, the composition of the service ID and the PID in the PMT is set to the service ID of the default value for one service ID.
(In the example of FIG. 7, PID = 500).

For this reason, on the receiving device side, by monitoring the PAT included as additional information in the digital broadcast signal, a certain broadcast station is able to use the digital broadcast channel for the sub-program of the multi-view television (in the above example, the service broadcast). It is possible to detect that the channel with ID = 101 and PID = 502 and the channel with service ID 101 and PID = 503) have been added. When the multi-view television is started, the receiving device sets a plurality of PIDs.
Among them, the one with the smallest number (PID in the example of FIG. 7)
= 501) is regarded as the main channel corresponding to the PID of the default value until then.

[0019]

In the temporary service and the multi-view television service as described above, a digital broadcasting station that implements the service adds a digital broadcasting channel at a desired timing, and adds the digital broadcasting channel. An additional program such as a temporary program or a sub-program of a multi-view television is broadcast by the broadcast channel.

[0020] Therefore, at the head end of the CATV system compatible with digital broadcasting, such temporary services and additional programs (temporary programs and sub-programs) increased by multi-view television are also provided to the subscribers of the CATV system. For this purpose, it is necessary to prepare an extra channel selection converter in advance separately from a backup channel selection converter for backup in case of failure.

However, since the temporary service and the multi-view television service are not always provided, it is disadvantageous in terms of cost to provide an extra tuning conversion device for such a service. . Therefore, the present invention
It is an object of the present invention to improve the service for a subscriber of the CATV system without increasing the equipment (particularly a channel selection conversion device) at the head end of the CATV system compatible with digital broadcasting.

[0022]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention The present invention has been made in order to achieve the above object.
The head end of the ATV system is compatible with digital broadcasting, and includes a channel selection conversion unit. And
The channel selection conversion means corresponds to the channel selection conversion device described above, receives a signal from an antenna for receiving a digital broadcast signal, and converts a program broadcast on a specific digital broadcast channel from the received signal. , And converts the extracted broadcast data into a broadcast signal of any channel (hereinafter, referred to as a CATV channel) in the CATV system.
Output to system trunk.

Further, the head end is provided with a spare channel selecting conversion means (hereinafter referred to as a preliminary channel selecting conversion means) which is used in place of the channel converting means when the channel converting means becomes abnormal. It has. The preliminary channel selection conversion means has basically the same configuration as the channel selection conversion means. For example, an information processing device provided as an abnormality determination means provided in the head end causes the channel selection conversion means to be in an abnormal state. If it is determined that there is, the operation is performed in place of the abnormal tuning conversion means. Note that the switching from the channel selection conversion unit determined to be abnormal to the preliminary channel selection conversion unit can be configured to be automatically performed by the information processing apparatus.
The switching may be manually performed by the operator of the CATV center.

Here, in particular, in the head end according to the present invention, a broadcasting station, which is a source of broadcast data extracted from the received signal by the channel selection conversion means, has added a digital broadcasting channel for broadcasting an additional program. Detecting means for detecting this based on the additional information included in the digital broadcast signal, control means and guiding means. The additional program is a temporary program in the above-mentioned temporary service, a sub-program in a multi-view television, or the like.

[0025] If the preliminary channel selection conversion means is not used in place of the channel selection conversion means, and the detection means detects the addition of a digital broadcast channel, the control means includes a preselection conversion means. To cause the preselection conversion means to extract, from the received signal from the antenna, the broadcast data of the additional program being broadcast on the added digital broadcast channel, and CATV of broadcast signal output by station conversion means
The broadcast signal is converted into a broadcast signal of another CATV channel different from the broadcast channel and output to the trunk line.

Further, when the control means operates the preselection conversion means, the guidance means outputs the video signal of the broadcast signal output from the selection conversion means to the main line on the other CATV channel. A guide video indicating that the additional program is being broadcast is superimposed.

Therefore, the subscriber of the CATV system has:
CATV of a broadcast signal output to the main line by the channel selection converting means
When the user selects a channel and watches the program of the channel, the guide image is displayed on the television monitor by the guide means, so that the temporary program or the multi-view television can be displayed on the other CATV channel. That an additional program such as a sub-program is being broadcast.

That is, in the head end of the present invention, when the channel selection conversion means fails, the failed channel selection conversion means can be used by using the preliminary channel selection conversion means as a backup for a failure which is the original use. The broadcast signal for the CATV system corresponding to the digital broadcasting channel in charge is transmitted normally to the trunk line. However, if the preselection conversion means is not used as a backup for failure, the preselection conversion means is used. The station conversion means is used for broadcasting an additional program added by a broadcasting station of a digital broadcasting channel which is assigned to the channel selection conversion means by the CATV system.

Therefore, according to the head end of the present invention,
CATV can be used to provide extra services and multi-view TV programs without additional equipment as channel selection conversion means.
It can be provided to the subscribers of the system, and the service for the subscribers can be improved.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a head end 1 of a CATV system according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The head end 1 of this embodiment is a receiving antenna (hereinafter, referred to as a receiving antenna) for receiving a digital broadcasting signal relayed and transmitted from a terrestrial broadcasting station via each transponder of a space broadcasting satellite (hereinafter, referred to as a BS). , Simply referred to as an antenna) 3 and a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC) 5 as an information processing device for controlling the head end 1.

The transponder of the BS is a 12G wireless transmission channel for BS digital broadcasting.
One exists for each of the first, third, thirteenth, and fifteenth wireless channels in the Hz band. Also, antenna 3
Is an offset type parabolic antenna composed of a reflecting mirror 3a and a receiving section 3c disposed at a focal position of the reflecting mirror 3a via a supporting arm 3b. Then, the receiving unit 3c
A digital broadcast signal (broadcast radio wave) from each transponder collected by the reflecting mirror 3a is received, and the received signal is converted into an intermediate frequency signal (hereinafter, BS-I) in a 1 GHz band.
F) and output as a received signal.

Further, the head end 1 of the present embodiment
Is a signal received from the antenna 3 (that is, the receiving unit 3c
From the BS-IF), and from the received signal, extracts the broadcast data of the program being broadcast on the digital broadcast channel indicated by the service ID and the PID specified by the PC 5, and extracts the extracted data. Broadcast data is transmitted to any channel (C) within a transmission frequency (for example, 90 to 770 MHz) in the CATV system.
A plurality of channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n that convert and output a television broadcast signal (that is, a broadcast signal for CATV system) of a predetermined frequency band (bandwidth of 6 MHz) corresponding to an ATV channel; A spare tuning converter (hereinafter, referred to as a spare device) 9 having the same configuration as the tuning converters 7-1 to 7n and a tuning converter 7-1 for distributing a received signal from the antenna 3 to each other. -7 to 7-n and the spare device 9, and the channel selecting and converting devices 7-1 to 7-n.
And a mixed output circuit (MIX) 15 for mixing outputs of the CATV system and the backup device 9 and sending the mixed output to a trunk line (backbone transmission line) 13 composed of a coaxial cable of the CATV system.

Note that the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n provide, for each BS digital broadcast channel (digital broadcast channel) to be provided to the terminal side by the CATV system,
They are provided one by one. In addition, the spare device 9 is configured such that when any of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n becomes abnormal,
It is used in place of the channel selection converter in which the abnormality has occurred, and is set so as not to output a signal to the mixing output circuit 15 in normal times. Further, in FIG. 1, only one spare device 9 is shown, but the head end 1 of the present embodiment includes two spare devices 9. In the following description, in the case where each of the backup devices 9 is particularly distinguished, “9-1” and “9-
2 "is used.

On the other hand, the head end 1 of the present embodiment includes a VHF antenna 43, a UHF antenna 45, and a mixer 47 that mixes the reception signals of the two antennas 43 and 45 and supplies the mixed signal to the mixing output circuit 15. Is provided.
In the headend 1, the ground wave received by each of the VHF antenna 43 and the UHF antenna 45 is also transmitted from the mixed output circuit 15 to the main line 13.

Next, the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n and the spare device 9 will be described in detail. As described above, since the spare device 9 is the same as each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n, in the following description, each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n will be described. And the backup device 9 collectively
This is called a channel selection conversion device 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tuning conversion device 7
A microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 21 for controlling the channel selection converter 7 while exchanging data with the C5, a tuner module 23 to which a BS-IF from the antenna 3 is input, and a CA descrambler 2
5, MPEG2 demultiplexer (MPEG2-DEM
UX) 27, an analog video signal generation unit 29, an analog audio signal generation unit 31, an on-screen display control unit (hereinafter, referred to as an OSD control unit) 32, and a modulation unit 33.

Here, the CPU 21 controls each of the channel selecting and converting devices 7.
As shown in FIG. 1, a signal converter 19 provided in the head end 1 is connected via an RS232C cable 17 of each PC, and the signal converter 19 is connected to a U extending from the PC 5.
It is connected to the SB cable 20. That is, the signal converter 19 converts the data signal output from the PC 5 to the USB cable 20 into a signal of the RS232C standard and outputs the signal to the CPU 21 of each channel selection conversion device 7. The CPU 21 converts the data signal output from the CPU 21 to each of the RS232C cables 17 into a USB standard signal and outputs the signal to the PC 5.

Then, in the channel selection conversion device 7, the PC
5 to the CPU 21 via the USB cable 20, the signal converter 19, and the RS232C cable 17,
The channel selection conversion device 7 converts a service ID and a PID of the BS digital broadcast data to be converted into a broadcast signal for the CATV system (hereinafter, these IDs are collectively referred to as reception target IDs) and a broadcast of the reception target ID. And an output channel indicating which CATV channel within the transmission frequency of the CATV system is to be converted to a broadcast signal.

Then, the CPU 21 sets the reception target ID (service ID and PID) specified by the PC 5 to the MPE.
The transponder number (that is, the transponder number of the transponder outputting the digital broadcast signal including the broadcast data of the reception target ID while notifying the G2 demultiplexer 27)
The transponder number is one of the first, third, thirteenth, and fifteenth radio channels. Hereinafter, this transponder number is also referred to as a “radio channel”. , And outputs a control signal for selecting a signal of the specified wireless channel from the BS-IF. Further, the CPU 21 sends the output channel specified by the PC 5 to the modulation unit 33.

Then, the tuner module 23
In accordance with the control signal from U21, a signal of a wireless channel including the broadcast data of the reception target ID is selected from the BS-IF, and the selected signal is digitally decoded by well-known demodulation and decoding. The data is converted into a transport stream (hereinafter, referred to as TS) which is a bit stream of data and output.

The tuner module 23 also performs data error detection and correction processing when converting the data to TS. The tuner module 23 transmits bit error information indicating the data error rate obtained by the error detection to the CPU 21. Output to And
The CPU 21 transmits the bit error information to the RS 23
The data is transmitted to the PC 5 via the 2C cable 17, the signal converter 19, and the USB cable 20.

The TS includes not only broadcast data (video data and audio data) of a plurality of service IDs and PIDs transmitted on the corresponding wireless channel, but also other additional information (specifically, data of the additional information). Are also multiplexed, and the additional information includes the described channel selection information (such as PAT and PMT) and EPG program information.

T output from the tuner module 23
S is input to a CA descrambler 25 for a conditional access system (CA). If the TS is a bit stream that has been scrambled by pay broadcasting or the like, the CA descrambler 25 returns the TS to a normal bit stream,
The signal is input to the EG2 demultiplexer 27. If the TS from the tuner module 23 is not scrambled, the TS is sent to the CA descrambling unit 2.
5 as it is, and the MPEG2 demultiplexer 2
7 is input.

The MPEG2 demultiplexer 27 has a CA
The TS from the descrambling unit 25 is decoded, and the additional information is separated and extracted from the TS, each of the video data and the audio data, which are the broadcast data of the reception target ID notified by the CPU 21, and the above-mentioned additional information. And further, MPE
The G2 demultiplexer 27 outputs the extracted reception target I
The video data and the audio data of D are output to the analog video signal generation unit 29 and the analog audio signal generation unit 31, respectively, and the extracted additional information is output to the CPU 21.

Then, the analog video signal generation unit 29
The video data from the MPEG2 demultiplexer 27 is converted into an analog video signal (NTSC signal) and output to the OSD control unit 32. The OSD control unit 32 controls the CPU 21
And superimposes an arbitrary image on the analog video signal from the analog video signal generation unit 29 (superimpose). The analog video signal is output to the modulation unit 33 as it is.

Further, the analog audio signal generation unit 31
The audio data from the PEG2 demultiplexer 27 is converted into an analog audio signal and output to the modulation unit 33. Then, the modulation unit 33 converts the analog video signal from the OSD control unit 32 and the analog audio signal from the analog audio signal generation unit 31 into a television broadcast signal (CATV) of a frequency band corresponding to the output channel notified from the CPU 21. The signal is re-modulated into a system broadcast signal and output to the mixed output circuit 15. Note that the modulation section 33 controls the modulation operation related to audio by an audio mode switching signal from the CPU 21.

By the way, at the time of the initial operation when the power is supplied to the channel selection conversion device 7 and the reception target ID is not yet instructed from the PC 5, the CPU 21 sets the default of the four radio channels. The tuner module 23 selects a radio channel,
The additional information output from the PEG2 demultiplexer 27 is stored.

When the receiving object ID is designated from the PC 5, the CPU 21 outputs a digital broadcast signal including the broadcasting data of the receiving object ID based on the additional information stored at the time of the initial operation. Is specified, and the tuner module 23 selects the specified radio channel. That is, this is because the additional information includes, as the channel selection information, data indicating which service ID and PID broadcast data is being transmitted on which wireless channel.

After that, the CPU 21 executes the MPEG2
The latest additional information sequentially output from the demultiplexer 27 is transmitted to the RS232C cable 17 and the signal converter 1 together with the bit error information from the tuner module 23.
9, and to the PC 5 via the USB cable 20.

In the head end 1 of the present embodiment provided with a plurality of the channel selection conversion devices 7 as described above, the PC 5 normally includes the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n other than the standby device 9.
The service ID and PID of each BS digital broadcast to be provided by the CATV system to the terminal
Are respectively designated as reception target IDs, and output channels corresponding to the respective reception target IDs are specified.
As for the standby device 9, the power supply itself is shut off, or a command to stop the operation of each unit of the standby device 9 is given to the CPU 21 of the standby device 9.

For this reason, normally, the channel selection conversion device 7-
1 to 7-n, to the mixed output circuit 15, a television broadcast signal of each CATV channel obtained by remodulating the broadcast data of each reception target ID for the CATV system, and the television of each CATV channel is output. The broadcast signals are mixed by the mixing output circuit 15 and transmitted to the trunk 13.

On the other hand, the head end 1 of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 for the PC 5 to determine whether or not each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n is operating normally. As described above, the tuner 35 and the branch circuit 37 that branches a signal (hereinafter, referred to as a trunk signal) transmitted from the mixed output circuit 15 to the trunk 13 and inputs the signal to the tuner 35 are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tuner 35 includes a tuning section 39 for tuning a television broadcast signal of a CATV channel indicated by a tuning signal output from the PC 5 from the trunk signal, An analog video signal is extracted from the signal selected by the local unit 39, and it is determined whether or not the synchronization signal is normally included in the video signal, and the presence / absence of the synchronization signal indicating the determination result is determined. And a synchronization signal detecting section 41 for outputting to the PC 5. Note that the synchronization signal detection unit 41 outputs a high-level signal as the presence / absence of the synchronization signal, for example, if the synchronization signal is normally included in the video signal, and outputs a low-level signal otherwise. .

Further, in the head end 1 of the present embodiment, the PC 5 performs the abnormality monitoring processing shown in FIG. 4 to determine whether or not each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n is operating normally. Is constantly monitored. Note that the abnormality monitoring process of FIG. 4 is sequentially executed for each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n. In the following description related to FIG. 4, among the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n, a channel selection conversion device that is currently monitored is referred to as a channel selection conversion device to be monitored. On the other hand, although not shown, PC5
Also periodically performs an additional information storage process of updating and storing the above-mentioned additional information sent from the CPU 21 of each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the abnormality monitoring process executed by the PC 5, first, in the first step (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 110, the signal is output from the channel selection conversion device to be monitored this time. It monitors whether or not the synchronization signal is normally included in the television broadcast signal.

More specifically, a TV broadcast signal of a CATV channel (ie, an output channel instructed to the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device to be monitored) output from the channel selection conversion device to be monitored is transmitted to a tuner. The tuning section 39 of the tuner 35 is tuned, and the synchronization signal detecting section 41 of the tuner 35
The presence / absence of the synchronization signal output from the monitor is monitored.

Then, in S120, based on the presence / absence of the synchronization signal, it is determined whether or not the synchronization signal is normally included in the television broadcast signal output from the channel selection converter to be monitored. Judgment, if the synchronization signal is normally included, it is determined that the channel selection conversion device to be monitored this time is operating normally, switch the channel selection conversion device to be monitored,
Steps S110 and S120 are performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that the synchronization signal is not normally included in the television broadcast signal output from the channel selection converter to be monitored, the output of the channel selection converter to be monitored is output. Has stopped, the flow advances to S130 to acquire the reception target ID instructed to the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion apparatus to be monitored, and in S140, the current time is acquired.

Further, in the following S150, the program information of the latest additional information stored by the additional information storage processing is analyzed. At this time, the PC 5 analyzes the latest program information acquired from the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device to be monitored among the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n. It is also possible to use program information obtained from a channel selecting device other than the station converting device.

At S160, based on the analysis result at S150 and the current time, the reception target ID instructed to the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device to be monitored (specifically, digital broadcasting of the reception target ID) Determines whether the broadcast station is currently broadcasting.

If it is determined in step S160 that the reception target ID is not currently being broadcast, the digital broadcast itself, which is being converted by the channel selection conversion device to be monitored into a television broadcast signal for the CATV system, is transmitted. It does not exist at the time, and it is determined that it is not abnormal that the output of the channel selection converter to be monitored has stopped. Then, in this case, the channel selection conversion device to be monitored is switched, and the process from S110 is performed again.

On the other hand, in S160, the reception target ID
If it is determined that is currently being broadcast, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the channel selection conversion device to be monitored, and the process proceeds to S170. In S170, C of the channel selection conversion device to be monitored is
From the bit error information sent from the PU 21, the C / N (CN ratio) of the signal selected by the tuner module 23 of the channel selection conversion device to be monitored is calculated by a method such as map interpolation. At the same time, it is determined whether or not the calculated C / N is equal to or greater than a predetermined value considered to be normal. In addition, the CPU of each channel selection conversion device 7-1 to 7-n
The C / N may be calculated based on the bit error information from the tuner module 23, and data representing the C / N value may be transmitted to the PC 5. in this case,
The PC 5 determines in step S170 that the C
It is only necessary to obtain the value of C / N from the PU 21 and the C / N
Does not need to be calculated.

If it is determined in step S170 that the C / N is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the digital broadcast signal from the transponder can be normally received by the channel selection converter to be monitored. Trunk line 1 from the tuning converter
Since the output to No. 3 has stopped, the process proceeds to S180, where the channel selection conversion device to be monitored at that time (that is, the channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal) and the tuner module 23 in the channel selection conversion device A first type of abnormality notification indicating that an abnormality has occurred in a later stage than that is performed. The first type of abnormality notification is performed by, for example, activating a lamp, a buzzer, or the like in a CATV center provided with the headend 1, or displaying an image on a display connected to the PC 5. .

If it is determined in step S170 that the C / N is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the process shifts to step S190.
A channel selection conversion device to be monitored at that time (ie, a channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal) and a transmission channel or a device from the antenna 3 to the channel selection conversion device indicating that an abnormality has occurred. Two types of error notification are performed. The second type of abnormality notification is also performed by, for example, activating a lamp, a buzzer, or the like in the CATV center, or displaying an image on a display connected to the PC 5.

Then, the PC 5 executes S180 and S1.
After performing any one of the notification processes 90, the process proceeds to S200, and the standby device 9 is operated in place of the channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal in S160. Specifically, first, the power supply itself to the channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal is shut off, or the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device stops the operation of each unit of the device. Then, power is supplied to the standby device 9 and the CPU 21 of the standby device 9 is
The reception target ID and the output channel, which are exactly the same as the reception target ID and the output channel, are instructed to the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion apparatus determined to be abnormal. As a result, the standby device 9 is used as a backup for a failure, and operates instead of the channel selection conversion device determined to be abnormal.

After that, the PC 5 switches the channel selection converter to be monitored and performs the processing from S110 again.
On the other hand, in the head end 1 of the present embodiment, the PC 5
Performs the additional program handling process shown in FIG. 5 in parallel with the abnormality monitoring process shown in FIG. 4 so as to be able to deal with the above-mentioned temporary service and multi-view television service.

The additional program processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed for each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n. Further, in the following description of the additional program corresponding process, the “selection conversion device to be processed” is one of the channel selection conversion devices (7
-1 to 7-n).

As shown in FIG. 5, in the additional program corresponding processing executed by the PC 5, first, in step S210, the inactive standby device 9 not used for backup at the time of failure.
(Hereinafter, referred to as an empty spare device 9 or an empty spare device 9). If there is no empty spare device 9 (S210: NO), the process waits as it is, and if there is an empty spare device 9 (S210: YES),
In subsequent S220, the latest additional information (particularly, PAT as channel selection information) stored by the above-described additional information storage processing.
And PMT), the broadcast station (broadcasting company) that is the source of the broadcast data of the reception target ID instructing the channel selection conversion device to be processed can be used for the temporary service or the multi-view television. It is determined whether or not a digital broadcast channel has been added. At this time, the PC 5 analyzes the latest additional information acquired from the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device to be processed.

If it is determined in S220 that the digital broadcast channel has not been added, the process proceeds to S210.
The determination processing of S220 is performed again. If it is determined in S220 that the digital broadcast channel has been added, the process proceeds to S230, where the spare device 9 is assigned (assigned) to the digital broadcast channel detected to be added in S220. .

That is, power is supplied to the vacant spare device 9, and the service ID and PID corresponding to the added digital broadcast channel are instructed to the CPU 21 of the spare device 9 as reception target IDs. CAT
Channels currently unused in the V system for CATV
Designate as output channel. As a result, the spare device 9 extracts, from the BS-IF, the broadcast data of the additional program being broadcast on the digital broadcast channel added by the broadcast station, and converts the broadcast data into the unused CATV. This is converted into a broadcast signal of a channel for use (hereinafter, this CATV channel is referred to as an “additional channel”) and output. Then, the broadcast signal of the additional channel is transmitted to the trunk 13 via the mixed output circuit 15.

Further, in S240, the PC 5 controls the OSD control unit 32 provided in the channel selection conversion device via the CPU 21 of the channel selection conversion device to be processed, so that the PC 5 Superimposing processing for superimposing a guide image indicating that an additional program is being broadcast on the additional channel on a video portion of a broadcast signal output from the channel selection conversion device to the main line 13. I do.

For this reason, the subscriber of the CATV system has:
The guide image is superimposed and displayed on a television monitor when the channel selection conversion device to be processed selects a CATV channel of a broadcast signal output to the main line 13 and watches a program on the CATV channel. This makes it possible to know that an additional program such as a temporary program or a sub-program of a multi-view television is currently being broadcast on the additional channel.

After that, in the next step S250, the PC 5 analyzes the latest additional information stored in the additional information storage processing in the same manner as in the above-mentioned S220, and instructs the channel selection conversion apparatus to be processed. It is determined whether or not the broadcast station that is the source of the broadcast data of the reception target ID has canceled the addition of the digital broadcast channel (that is, whether the temporary service or the multi-view television service has been terminated).

If it is determined that the addition of the digital broadcast channel has been canceled (S250: YES), the process proceeds to S26.
The process proceeds to 0, the operation of the standby device 9 controlled in S230 is stopped, the superimposition by the processing in S240 is released, and the processing in S210 and thereafter is performed again.

Next, the operation of such additional program handling processing will be specifically described with reference to the case of the temporary service illustrated in FIG. Here, the PID is ignored. It is also assumed that there is a spare device 9 that is vacant. First, in FIG. 6, service ID = 10
The source of the broadcast data 1 is a broadcast station A, and the broadcast station A is a digital broadcast channel for broadcasting a temporary program (in this example, an extended baseball broadcast) between times t2 and t2 ′. It is assumed that the temporary service ID = 102 is added.

In the head end 1, for example, the channel selection conversion device 7-1 transmits the service ID = 10 from the BS-IF.
1 and extracts the broadcast data as "C13
It is assumed that the signal is converted into a television broadcast signal of a CATV channel having a channel number of "" and output.

In this case, at time t2 in FIG.
When the temporary service ID = 102 is added, the PC 5 of the head end 1 sets the service ID = 102 based on the latest PAT in S220 of the additional program corresponding process for the channel selection conversion device 7-1. Detects the extension. Then, in S230, the PC 5 operates the backup device 9 to cause the backup device 9 to extract the broadcast data of the temporary service ID = 102 from the BS-IF, and to transmit the broadcast data to C13. The broadcast signal is converted into a different and unused broadcast signal of a CATV channel (here, a CATV channel having a channel number of “C21”) and output. Further, the PC 5 performs the process of S240 to select the channel conversion device 7.
For example, a guidance video such as "I am currently broadcasting an extended baseball broadcast on the C21 channel" is superimposed on the video portion of the C13 channel broadcast signal output from the -1 to the main line 13.

Then, at time t2 'in FIG.
When the broadcasting station A deletes the temporary service ID = 102,
In S250, the PC 5 detects that the extension of the service ID = 102 has been canceled, and in S260, stops the superimposing and stops the operation of the backup device 9. That is, the state is returned to the state before time t2 when the standby device 9 was not operated.

The operation of the additional program handling process will be specifically described with reference to the case of the multi-view television illustrated in FIG. Here, it is assumed that both of the two spare devices 9-1 and 9-2 are vacant (unused) as described above. First, in FIG. 7, the broadcast source of the broadcast data with the service ID = 101 is the broadcast station A, and the broadcast station A broadcasts the two sub-programs a and b from time t11 to time t12. As a digital broadcast channel, service ID = 101 and PID = 5
02 channel, service ID = 101 and PID
= 503 channels are added.

In the head end 1, for example, the channel selection conversion device 7-1 transmits the service ID = 10 from the BS-IF.
It is assumed that broadcast data of 1 and PID = 500 is extracted, and the broadcast data is converted into a television broadcast signal of a CATV channel having a channel number “C13” and output.

In this case, at time t11 in FIG. 7, when broadcast station A expands the channel with service ID = 101 and PID = 502 and the channel with service ID = 101 and PID = 503, In the PC 5, based on the latest PAT, in S 220 of the additional program corresponding processing for the channel selection conversion device 7-1, the PC 2
It detects that one channel has been added.

In step S230, the PC 5 sends the service ID = 10 from the BS-IF to one of the backup devices 9-1.
1 and the broadcast data of PID = 502 are extracted, and the broadcast data is a CATV channel different from C13 and unused until now (here, a CATV channel having a channel number “C21”). And output it. Further, the PC 5 causes the other backup device 9-2 to extract the broadcast data of the service ID = 101 and the PID = 503 from the BS-IF, and to transmit the broadcast data to the C1.
3, CA different from C21 and previously unused
The broadcast signal is converted into a broadcast signal of a TV channel (here, a CATV channel having a channel number of “C22”) and output.

In the case of this multi-view television, the PC
5 is the channel selection conversion device 7-1 during the time t11 to t12.
However, the setting is changed so that the broadcast data of the main channel with the service ID = 101 and the PID = 501 is extracted from the BS-IF. That is, C of the channel selection conversion device 7-1
The reception target ID instructing the PU 21 is the service ID = 1.
01 and PID = 500 are changed to service ID = 101 and PID = 501. As described above, in the example of FIG. 7, the PID with the smallest number (= 501) among the plurality of PIDs at times t11 to t12 is
This is because this corresponds to the main channel corresponding to the default PID (= 500).

Further, the PC 5 executes the processing of S240, and the C output from the channel selection conversion device 7-1 to the trunk 13
In the video portion of the 13-channel broadcast signal, for example, a guidance video such as “I am broadcasting the status of the 17th hole on channel C21 and broadcasting the status of the 18th hole on channel C22” is super-in. Pause.

Then, at time t12 in FIG.
Broadcasting station A has service ID = 101 and PID = 502
And the service ID = 101 and PID = 503 are deleted, and the initial state is returned to only the service ID = 101 and PID = 500, the PC 5 detects this in S250, and in the next S260, The superimpose is stopped, and the operations of the two standby devices 9-1 and 9-2 are stopped.
The setting is returned to the original setting for extracting the broadcast data of 01 and PID = 500 from the BS-IF. That is, the state is returned to the state before time t11 when the standby device 9 was not operated.

As described above, in the head end 1 of the present embodiment, there is no abnormality in the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n, and the backup device (backup channel selection conversion device) 9 is used as a backup for failure. When not used, the spare device 9 is
Additional programs such as a special service program and a sub-program of a multi-view television are used for broadcasting on a CATV system. Therefore, according to the head end 1, a special service or an additional program by a multi-view television can be CAT-added without specially adding the channel selection conversion device 7.
It can be provided to the subscribers of the V system, and the service for the subscribers can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the channel selection conversion device 7-1
7 to n correspond to channel selection conversion means, and the standby device 9 corresponds to preliminary channel selection conversion means. Among the processes executed by the PC 5, the additional information storage process and the process of S220 in FIG. 5 correspond to the detection unit, the process of S230 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the control unit, and the process of S240 in FIG. Corresponds to the means.

In the head end 1 of the above embodiment,
PC5 receives C from any of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n.
If it is determined that the broadcast signal for the ATV system has not been output normally (S120: NO), the latest program information acquired at that time is analyzed, and the channel selecting and converting apparatus performs the CA.
If there is no broadcast of the ID converted to the broadcast signal for the TV system, no abnormality is determined (S160: NO),
If the broadcast of the ID is being broadcast, it is determined that the channel selection conversion device is really abnormal, and that it is determined to be abnormal (S160: YES).

Therefore, according to the head end 1 of the present embodiment, when the broadcast itself of a certain ID (digital broadcast channel) is lost from the broadcast station due to the influence of food or at midnight, the head end 1 can handle the ID. The channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n, which output the broadcast signal for the CATV system, do not erroneously be determined to be abnormal, and the system abnormality can be accurately detected. In addition, since the head end 1 of this embodiment uses the program information included in the digital broadcast signal, it is not necessary to manually set the latest program information by hand. Therefore, reliable abnormality determination can be realized without trouble.

Further, in the head end 1 of the present embodiment, since the PC 5 makes the determination in S170 in FIG. 4 described above, the abnormal locations in the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n are also specified to some extent. Maintenance work becomes easier. As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said Example, You can take various aspects.

For example, the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n
Only one instead of a plurality may be used. In addition, the spare device 9
The number is not limited to two and may be, for example, only one. Further, the modulation method in the modulation unit 33 of each of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n may be any method suitable for the form of the applied CATV system. What is necessary is just a thing suitable for a system. That is, the tuner 35 can tune each of the signals output from the modulation units 33 of the channel selection conversion devices 7-1 to 7-n, and can confirm whether or not the signal is a normal television broadcast signal. Any configuration is acceptable.

On the other hand, the present invention can be applied not only to BS digital broadcasting but also to CS digital broadcasting using a communication satellite (CS) and terrestrial digital broadcasting not via an artificial satellite. it can.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a head end of a CATV system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each tuning conversion device and a standby device in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the tuner of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality monitoring process executed by a PC provided at a head end of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating additional program handling processing executed by a PC provided at the head end of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a temporary service in digital broadcasting.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a multi-view television in digital broadcasting.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Head end, 3 ... Antenna, 3a ... Reflecting mirror, 3b
... Support arm, 3c ... Receiving unit, 5 ... PC (personal computer), 7-1 to 7-n ... Tuning conversion device, 9 ... Spare device (spare tuning conversion device), 11 ... Distribution circuit, 13 ... Main line, 15: mixed output circuit, 17: RS232C cable, 19: signal converter, 20: USB cable, 21:
CPU (microcomputer), 23: Tuner module, 25: CA descrambling unit, 27: MPEG
2 demultiplexer, 29 ... analog video signal generator,
31: analog audio signal generation unit, 32: OSD control unit (on-screen display control unit), 33: modulation unit, 35: tuner, 37: branch circuit, 39: tuning unit,
41: Synchronous signal detector, 43: VHF antenna, 45 ...
UHF antenna, 47 ... Mixer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/025 H04N 7/08 A 7/03 7/035

Claims (1)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus receives a received signal from an antenna for receiving a digital broadcast signal, extracts broadcast data of a program broadcast on a specific digital broadcast channel from the received signal, and extracts the extracted broadcast data. CATV
Any channel in the system (hereinafter, CATV)
Channel converting means for converting the signal into a broadcast signal of the same channel and outputting it to the main line of the CATV system, and a spare used in place of the channel converting means when the channel converting means becomes abnormal. A head-end of a CATV system comprising: (a) a channel selection conversion unit (hereinafter referred to as a preliminary channel selection conversion unit); and (b) a broadcast station that is a source of broadcast data extracted from the reception signal by the channel selection conversion unit, Detecting means for detecting the addition of a digital broadcast channel for broadcasting a program based on additional information included in the digital broadcast signal, and wherein the preliminary channel selection conversion means is used in place of the channel selection conversion means Otherwise, if the detection means detects the addition of a digital broadcast channel, the preselection conversion means is operated to cause the preselection conversion means to receive the reception signal. From the signal, while extracting the broadcast data of the additional program being broadcast on the added digital broadcast channel,
Control means for converting the broadcast data into a broadcast signal of another CATV channel different from the CATV channel of the broadcast signal output by the tuning conversion means, and outputting the broadcast signal to the main line; When the preselection conversion means is operated, the fact that the additional program is broadcast on the other CATV channel with respect to the video of the broadcast signal output from the selection conversion means to the main line. And a guide means for superimposing a guide image to be shown. A head end of a CATV system, comprising: