JP2002165115A - Nonlinear broadcasting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a nonlinear broadcasting system which is designed to improve the overall efficiency in using hardware resources, while giving high priority to securing of the hardware resources for broadcast, in order to prevent broadcasting accidents. SOLUTION: This nonlinear broadcasting system executes broadcast processing that must not be interrupted in direct relation to the broadcasting itself, and the other background processes, both of which commonly use the hardware resources. A hardware resource controller, which allocates the resources to each process according to its start time (In) and end time (Out), based on an edit list considered as the reproduction schedule of the image data, allocates the hard disc access band to the broadcast processing for reading and reproducing image data from the hard disc based on the edit list (S22), seeking the surplus amount left in the band (S24), after allocating the maximum amount of hard disc access band within the range of extra amount, to the background processes (S25).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a broadcasting system, and more particularly to a broadcasting system in which material data is fetched and edited on a randomly accessible recording medium and edited and broadcasted. Related to technology for allocating resources.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, as a broadcast system of a program, material data such as a video, which is the content of a broadcast program, is replaced with a hard disk or the like instead of a linear access device such as a video tape recorder (VTR) which takes time to find. 2. Description of the Related Art A non-linear broadcasting system which stores a program in a randomly accessible recording medium and quickly edits and broadcasts a program using a so-called non-linear editing machine has been used. The non-linear broadcast system is particularly useful for editing and broadcasting news programs and sports relay programs that require quick reporting.

In the non-linear broadcasting system, unless material data is transferred at a fixed transfer rate from a hard disk or the like for broadcasting, a broadcasting accident such as dropped frames of a video is caused. Access to this hard disk etc. for storing the material data of the collected program, access for processing the once saved material data, access for extracting the material data at the time of broadcasting, etc. are performed, In order to prevent a broadcast accident, it is necessary to manage the bandwidth for accessing the hard disk or the like.

By the way, in order to realize a so-called picture-in-picture function or a function for switching video so that it changes smoothly, a non-linear broadcast system having the ability to mix and transmit two video data is compressed on a hard disk or the like. The two video data stored and retrieved from the hard disk etc. in parallel
The data is transferred to a DEC (coder-decoder) and decompressed, and both are mixed and transmitted for broadcasting.

In such a non-linear broadcasting system, it is necessary to secure a sufficient band for transferring two video data from the hard disk or the like to the CODEC in order to prevent a broadcasting accident. When a bandwidth of, for example, 60 Mbps is required to reproduce each video data in real time, it is necessary to secure a bandwidth of 120 Mbps from a hard disk or the like when transmitting a program.

As a conventional non-linear broadcasting system for managing hardware resources, there is a non-linear broadcasting system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication (JP-A-11-261510). This conventional non-linear broadcasting system is provided with an exclusive control mechanism in which when a user reserves a broadcasting device from one terminal, use of the broadcasting device by another terminal is prohibited.

[0007] By modifying the structure of the conventional non-linear broadcasting system, a band relating to access to a hard disk or the like is treated as a broadcasting device for each fixed amount, and band management is performed. User is 2
If a fixed reservation is made to secure a bandwidth of 120 Mbps for one video data, data transfer without causing a broadcast accident is realized. In this case, 120Mbps
Even if the bandwidth is secured, the surplus bandwidth can be allocated to less urgent data transfer such as importing material data to the hard disk or accessing the hard disk etc. for processing and editing of material data become.

[0008]

However, even in a non-linear broadcasting system having the ability to mix and transmit two video data, a maximum of two video data is usually simultaneously reproduced according to a predetermined video reproduction schedule in a program editing stage or the like. Video data is used so that at least one video data is always used, but two video data are not always used.

Therefore, for the purpose of preventing a broadcast accident, it is necessary to reserve and reserve a band sufficient for transferring video data from a hard disk or the like for broadcasting, that is, a band necessary for real-time reproduction of two video data. However, there may be times when some of the bands are not used despite the reservation. Since the bandwidth required for the transfer of video data is relatively large, allowing the existence of this reserved but unused bandwidth leads to a significant reduction in the utilization efficiency of hardware resources.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a non-linear broadcasting system that prevents a broadcasting accident and improves the utilization efficiency of hardware resources.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a non-linear broadcast system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of broadcast transfer processes which use material data as a transfer target and use the same hardware resource for at least one period. A non-linear broadcasting system that broadcasts material data by executing the material data, the material storing means storing the material data, and a period indicating a period during which the execution of each of the broadcast transfer processes is scheduled. A period information storage unit for storing information; and a first unit for allocating, in each of the periods indicated in the period information, an amount of hardware resources required for the corresponding broadcast transfer process to the corresponding broadcast transfer process. Allocating means, and calculating a surplus amount of the hardware resources remaining as a result of the allocation by the first allocating means for each of the broadcast transfer processes. The surplus amount calculating means and the hardware resources for the one or more background transfer processings other than the broadcast transfer processing within the range of the surplus amount calculated by the surplus amount calculating means. And performing the broadcast transfer process using the amount of hardware resources allocated by the first allocating unit, and using the amount of hardware resources allocated by the second allocating unit. Processing execution means for executing the background transfer processing.

With the above configuration, hardware resources are reserved for broadcast transfer processing, that is, for data transfer that is directly linked to broadcast in accordance with period information indicating a predetermined timing. Broadcast accidents can be prevented, and a surplus of hardware resources used for broadcasting can be allocated to a maximum amount of processing other than broadcasting, for example, for preparation for broadcasting. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of hardware resources is improved.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a non-linear broadcast system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The non-linear broadcasting system 1000 includes non-linear editing machines 1101 to 1103, a local HDD (h
ard disc drive) 1201-1203,
This system includes an AV switcher 1501, a material server 1401, a transmission device 1601, a network 1301, and the like, and has a function of immediately broadcasting video data and audio data edited by a non-linear editing machine by the transmission device.

Here, the material server 1401 is a large-capacity HDD storing video and audio material data recorded on site, that is, video data and audio data. The local HDDs 1201 to 1203 are connected to the non-linear editing machines 1101 to 1101 via the SCSI interface, respectively.
03 is used to accumulate material data to be processed and edited or broadcast.

The network 1301 has a Gigabit
Ethernet. Non-linear editing machine 1101
1103 to 1103 acquire the material data stored in the material server 1401 via the network 1301 and store them in the local HDDs 1201 to 1203 according to the instruction of the user, that is, the program editor.
It has a function of processing and editing material data stored in the DD 1201 or the like, reading processed material data or original material data from the local HDD 1201 or the like, and reproducing a video or the like based on the material data. By this reproduction, the material data stored in the local HDD 1201 or the like, that is, video data or audio data is transmitted to the transmission device 1601 via the AV switcher 1501 as broadcast data.

One non-linear editing machine accepts an operation by one program editor. AV switcher 1
Reference numeral 501 is for selectively selecting broadcast data sent from the non-linear editing machines 1101 to 1103 and sending it to the sending device 1601.

The transmitting device 1601 has a function of multiplexing and modulating the input video data and audio data and transmitting the multiplexed and modulated data as broadcast waves to each home. That is, the transmission device 1601 transmits data such as video to a specific format for broadcasting, for example, ISO / IEC13818-1 (MPEG2
This is a device that converts the data into the transport stream format specified in the system standard) and sends it out.

Hereinafter, the above-described nonlinear editing machine 1101 will be described.
Will be described in detail. FIG. 2 shows a non-linear editing machine 1
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer 101. FIG. 2 also shows devices connected to the non-linear editing machine 1101. The non-linear editing machine 1101 is a PCI bus 200
1, SCSI card 2012, network card 20
21, CODEC cards 2031 and 2032, RS-
422 control card 2041, VGA card 2101, C
A local HDD comprising a PU 2111, a memory 2112, and a human I / F (interface) 2121.
1201, network 1301, sending device 1601,
A keyboard 2122, a mouse 2123, a dedicated jog pad 2124, and a PC monitor 2102 are connected.
(Switcher) Video camera 207 via 2051
1, VTR 2061, and VTR monitor 2081.

Here, the memory 2112 stores an operating system (OS) and an application program (hereinafter, referred to as a "control program") for realizing functions such as editing and reproduction in the non-linear editing machine. It is used to store data when executing the control program. The PCI bus 2001 is
PU2111, memory 2112, SCSI card 201
This is a synchronous bus for transferring data between various cards such as the second card.

The human I / F 2121 is an interface mechanism for receiving an operation performed by the program editor via the keyboard 2122, the mouse 2123 or the dedicated jog pad 2124 and transmitting the operation to the CPU 2111. C
The PU 2111 receives an instruction from the program editor transmitted from the human I / F 2121, executes a control program stored in the memory 2112 in response to the instruction, and performs non-linear editing so as to realize functions such as editing and reproduction. It controls each part of the machine.

The SCSI card 2012 has a local HD
D1201 and a PCI bus based on the SCSI standard.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an interface card for connecting the network 1301 and a PCI bus. The CODEC cards 2031 and 2032 are VTs that are external video and audio devices.
R2061, video camera 2071 or sending device 16
01, for inputting and outputting video and audio data, encoding the input data into a format for storage in the local HDD 1201, and converting the video and audio data stored in the local HDD 1201 to external video and audio data. It has the function of performing decoding for transmission to devices and the like, and also has the function of adding effects (special effects) to data and the function of superimposing a plurality of video data. In FIG. 2, the AV switcher 1501 (FIG. 1)
Although not shown, the CODEC card 2032 is connected to the transmission device 1601 via the AV switcher 1501.

The RS-422 control card 2041 includes a VTR 2061 as an external video / audio device and a video camera 20.
It is used for sending control signals such as reproduction, recording, rewinding, and fast-forwarding to 71. SW2051
Selects one of a set of video / audio input / output terminals and control signal input terminals from a plurality of VTRs 2061 and video cameras 2071, and connects a video / audio input / output terminal of a CODEC card and a control output terminal of an RS-422 card. Connect.

The VTR monitor 2081 is a VTR 2061
Displays the currently reproduced or recorded video and audio. Also, the VGA card 2101 is
An image constituting a so-called graphical user interface (GUI) designated by the control program executed on the PC 11 is displayed on the PC monitor 2102.

The non-linear editing machines 1102 and 11
03 has the same configuration as the non-linear editing machine 1101. Hereinafter, the above-described CODEC card 2032 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the CODEC card 2032. CODEC card 2032
CODEC 4001 and 4002 and TitleDec
order (title decoder) 4011, SW (switcher) 4021, and DVE (Digital Vid)
eo Effect) 4031 and 4032, and Com
and a poster 4041. CODEC
As an interface from the card 2032 to the sending device 1601, for example, an analog component, an analog composite, SDI (Serial Digital)
Interface) and the like.

Here, CODECs 4001 and 4002
Expands (decodes) the video and audio data compressed and stored in the local HDD 1201,
It has a function of compressing (encoding) video and audio data output from the R2061 and the video camera 2071 into a data format that can be stored in the local HDD 1201. The format of the data stored in the local HDD 1201 is, for example, MPEG2, consumer DV, DVCPR.
O25, DVCPRO50, etc., and the format input / output to / from the VTR is, for example, NTSC, PAL or the like.

The TitleDecoder 4011 sends title video materials such as telops and rolls compressed and stored on the local HDD 1201 to the sending device 1601.
It is decompressed to a format for use. SW4
021 is a VTR 2061, a video camera 2071 and a C
ODEC4001, CODEC4002 and TitleD
This selects which of the input data from the encoder 4011 is passed through the DVE 4031 or the DVE 4032.

The DVEs 4031 and 4032 are connected to the SW 40
The video data output from the video data output unit 21 is subjected to effects such as picture-in-picture, mask, strobe, crop, mosaic, and color correction, and is a Composite 4041.
To be sent. In addition, Composite4
041 is SW4021, DVE4031 and 4032
Are superimposed as one video, and the input video and audio data are transmitted to the transmission device 1601.

The following description focuses on the function of hardware resource allocation control in the non-linear editor 1101 when performing each processing such as program editing and reproduction. Here, the hardware resources to be allocated in the hardware resource allocation control include a CODEC card,
There is an RS-422 control card and the like, and a hard disk which is accessed through a SCSI card and stores video data and the like. Note that the maximum value of the data transfer amount per unit time in writing data to the hard disk and reading data from the hard disk through the SCSI card is determined by the performance of the HDD and the like. Here, the indicated bandwidth is regarded as a kind of hardware resource.

FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram relating to the hardware resource allocation control of the nonlinear editing machine 1101.
FIG. 4 also shows the flow of messages and data between the functional units, and includes S1, S2, S3,.
Messages and the like are transmitted in the order of 1. As shown in the figure, the non-linear editing machine 1101 is functionally composed of an edit list DB (database) 3011, an edit list management unit 3021, and a hardware resource management unit 3031.
A hardware resource management DB 3041, a time measuring unit 3051, a hardware resource allocating unit 3061,
It has a monitor display controller 3081, an OS 3101, and a human I / F controller 3111. The functions of these functional components are basically realized by executing a control program by the memory 2112 or the CPU 2111.

Here, the edit list DB 3011 is a memory area for storing an edit list indicating a reproduction schedule of video data and the like of a program reproduced by the non-linear editor 1101 for each program. This edit list can be created and updated by the program editor by using the edit list management unit 3021 in advance. The edit list will be described later in detail.

An edit list management unit 3021 has a function of updating an edit list for program editing, and includes a keyboard,
When the CPU 2111 detects via the human I / F 2121 that an operation has been performed by the program editor through the mouse or the dedicated jog pad, the value to be set for each item of the edit list specified by the operation is determined by the human I / F 2121. / F control unit 3111 and OS 3101, and according to the designated contents, edit list DB3
Update the edit list at 011. When a program reproduction instruction is received from a program editor for broadcasting, that is, for sending video data of the program to the transmission device 1601, an edit list for the program is transmitted to the hardware resource management unit 3031. It also has functions.

The hardware resource management DB 3041 is a memory area for storing a hardware resource use schedule. The hardware resource use schedule will be described later in detail. The hardware resource management unit 3031 receives the edit list transmitted from the edit list management unit 3021, schedules necessary hardware resources in order to reproduce video data of the program, and stores the hardware resources in the hardware resource management DB 3041. It has a function of storing a resource use schedule and instructing the time measuring unit 3051 to start a timer according to the schedule. It also has a function of issuing a wear assignment instruction. Note that the timer activation refers to detecting arrival of a target time at a certain time and transmitting a timer activation notification message for notifying the detection.

Further, the hardware resource management unit 3031
Means that a control program executed based on an instruction of a program editor executes processing other than reproduction of a program, for example, fetching material data into a local HDD, accessing a local HDD for program editing, and the like. When a hardware resource is requested to perform
Referring to 3041, the hardware resources are allocated so that the hardware resources are allocated to the maximum within the surplus of the hardware resources, that is, the total amount of the hardware resources to the amount excluding the currently occupied amount. It controls the resource allocation unit 3061.

That is, the control program requests the hardware resource management unit 3031 for hardware resources as necessary when performing processing other than reproduction, and the hardware resource management unit 3031 For the processing of reproducing data, etc., hardware resources are allocated preferentially based on the edit list, and the hardware resources at the time when the control program requests the hardware resources to execute processing other than reproduction are given. The hardware resource allocating unit 3061 controls the hardware resource allocating unit 3061 to allocate as many hardware resources as possible in response to the request within a surplus after the priority allocation.

The processing other than the reproduction performed by the control program is basically processing for preparing for broadcasting, and is performed in the background during broadcasting. Also, the hardware resource management unit 3031 performs the calculation of the surplus each time the timer is started, and if the surplus fluctuates, the hardware resource management unit 3031 changes the amount already allocated to processes other than reproduction in accordance with the change. The hardware resource allocation unit 3061 is controlled.

The time measuring unit 3051 has a function of measuring time, receives a hardware resource allocation schedule from the hardware resource management unit 3031 and receives an instruction to start a timer, and designates a timer according to the hardware resource allocation schedule. At the specified time, a timer start notification message including information for specifying the hardware resource to be allocated and information indicating the occupation amount of the hardware resource is issued to the hardware resource management unit 3031 based on the hardware resource allocation schedule. Is what you do.

The hardware resource allocation unit 306
1 receives a hardware allocation instruction from the hardware resource management unit 3031 and, for example, sets a value necessary for use of the hardware resource, and thereby can use the specified amount of hardware resources. To Note that a driver for controlling access to a hard disk such as the local HDD 1201 is included in the OS, and controls the band of data transfer to the hard disk or data transfer from the hard disk. When an allocation instruction is given by designating the amount of bandwidth, thereafter, it has a function of performing data transfer while performing bandwidth control using the designated amount of bandwidth.

This driver classifies, for example, the passage of time into predetermined minute time units, and responds to an access request to the hard disk, that is, a request to write a certain amount of data,
In response to a data transfer request such as a read request for a certain amount of data, a request is made by using the specified amount of bandwidth by determining the use cycle of that time unit, such as how many time units are used. Data transfer is performed.

<Data Structure> Hereinafter, the edit list DB 30
Next, the edit list stored in 11 will be described. In the following, for the sake of convenience, description will be made focusing on video data constituting a program, but audio data is handled in accordance with video data. FIG. 5 shows an edit list DB 301.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data structure and an example of contents of an edit list stored in No. 1;

The edit list has an edit list number (No.)
6001, track 6002, material ID 6003, In
Point 6004, Out point 6005 and Duration6
006. Material ID in the figure
Each row having a different symbol indicates a separate data processing unit. Here, the edit list number 6001 is a number for identifying each edit list in the edit list DB, and the track 6002 is obtained from the material ID 6003 based on the Durati.
It shows which track the contents up to on 6006 are information about.

Here, it is assumed that there are two tracks, an A / B roll and a KEY, and in each track, two pieces of video data are partially overlapped and connected smoothly. Playback is possible, but it is assumed that only mixed playback of up to two video data can be performed using the entire two tracks. Note that the A / B roll track is basically a track used for video, and the KEY track is basically a track used for a special use such as a picture-in-picture function or a telop.

The material ID 6003 is an ID for identifying video data on the local HDD 1201 to be reproduced, and is, for example, a file name of the video data. Also, In
Point 6004, Out point 6005 and Duration6
Reference numeral 006 indicates the start time, the end time, and the playback time of the video data for each data processing unit.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an edit list corresponding to a certain program and having an edit list number 5001 (hereinafter referred to as "edit list 5001"). In the edit list 5001, video data of CUT1, CUT2, and CUT3 are sequentially reproduced in the A / B roll track while being overlapped in a partial period.
This shows that video data of CUT4 is reproduced on the EY track.

In the example of FIG. 5, the In point, Out point, D
Uration is represented by a time code consisting of hour: minute: second: frame. Note that this example is based on NTSC non-drop playback, and 30 frames correspond to one second. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the edit list 5001 shown in this example, that is, the concept of the reproduction schedule of the video data.

In FIG. 6, the horizontal axis is the time axis, and the reproduction schedule 5002 for the A / B roll track and the KEY
A reproduction schedule 5003 for a track is shown. The reproduction schedule 5002 indicates that the video data of CUT1 is from 18: 00: 00: 00 to 18:04:29.
The video data of CUT2 is reproduced from 18: 4: 0: 0 frame to 18: 8: 59: 29 frame, and the video data of CUT3 is reproduced at 18: 8.
This indicates that the frame is reproduced from the frame of 0:30 minutes to the frame of 18: 13: 59: 29. When switching from CUT1 to CUT2 or when switching from CUT2 to CUT3, there is an overlap of 30 seconds. During this time, mixed playback, such as wipe and dissolve, which changes little by little with time, so-called transition playback, is performed. I have.

The reproduction schedule 5003 indicates that the video data of the CUT 4 is reproduced from 18: 10: 30: 30 frames to 18: 11: 59: 29 frames. Hereinafter, the hardware resource use schedule stored in the hardware resource management DB 3041 will be described.

FIG. 7 shows the hardware resource management DB 304
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure and an example of contents of a hardware resource use schedule 7000 stored in No. 1; The hardware resource use schedule 7000 is generated by the hardware resource management unit 3031 based on the edit list and stored in the hardware resource management DB 3041, and includes a resource ID 7001, a maximum value 7002, and an edit list number (No.) 7003. , Material ID 7004, occupancy 7005, In point 7006, Out point 7007, Du
This is a set of data consisting of a relation 7008.

The resource ID 7001 is the non-linear editing machine 1
This is information for identifying hardware resources such as the local HDD 1201 and the CODEC card 2032 used by the PC 101. For the local HDD 1201, the band used for access through the SCSI card is a kind of hardware resource. The maximum value 7002 represents the maximum value of the amount of the hardware resource indicated by the resource ID 7001, and a value predetermined for each hardware resource is used. Here, regarding the hardware resource called the local HDD band, the maximum value of the usable band is 200M.
bps.

An edit list number 7003 indicates an edit list number of an edit list where hardware resources are to be used in reproducing video data. That is, the identification number of the edit list on which the hardware resource management unit 3031 creates the hardware resource use schedule. The material ID 7004 is a copy of the material ID of the corresponding edit list.

The occupancy 7005 is the amount of the band occupied for transferring the video data. Here, it is assumed that the video data is in the DVCPRO50 format, and the band required for the transfer is predetermined to be 60 Mbps. It should be noted that the maximum value and the occupation amount are represented in units of the number of hardware resources that can be represented by the number instead of the bandwidth.

In point 7006, Out point 7007, Du point
The translation 7008 is a copy of the In point, Out point, and Duration of the corresponding edit list. The example illustrated in FIG. 7 is an example of the content of the hardware resource use schedule generated by the hardware resource management unit 3031 for the bandwidth of the local HDD 1201 based on the edit list illustrated in FIG. The value is 200 Mbps, and the video data of the CUTs 1 to 4 correspond to the bandwidth of 60 Mbps,
Only the time indicated by the Out point from the n point is used. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the concept of the hardware resource use schedule shown in this example.

In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis indicates the time axis, and the vertical axis indicates the occupied band, and indicates the occupied band amount that changes with time. Note that the corresponding edit list 5001 is shown at the bottom of FIG.
Is added. FIG. 8 shows an edit list 500.
60Mbp to reproduce video data according to 1.
It has been revealed that there is a period in which a band of s needs to be secured and a period in which a band of 120 Mbps needs to be secured.

Hereinafter, the hardware resource management unit 3031
A hardware resource allocation schedule, which is information transmitted to instruct the time measuring unit 3051 to start a timer according to the schedule, will be described. FIG.
From the hardware resource management unit 3031 to the time measurement unit 305
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure and an example of contents of a hardware resource allocation schedule 8000 transmitted to the H. 1;

Hardware resource allocation schedule 800
0 is created by referring to the hardware resource use schedule already created by the hardware resource management unit 3031, and the start time 8001 and the resource ID 800
2, a data set including a timer ID 8003, an allocation type 8004, and a total occupation amount 8005. Here, the start time 8001 is a time at which the timer is started, and is set based on the In point or the Out point of the edit list. Note that when based on the Out point, the start time is one frame later. In other words, the time at which the amount of bandwidth used for the process of reproducing the program based on the edit list changes is set as the content of the activation time.

The resource ID 8002 is a copy of the resource ID in the hardware resource use schedule.
That is, it is information for specifying a hardware resource to be allocated. The timer ID 8003 is information for associating with a specific data processing unit in the hardware resource use schedule, and is a copy of the material ID in the hardware resource use schedule.

The assignment type 8004 is information for identifying whether the time at which the timer is started is the In point at which the reproduction of the corresponding video data starts or the Out point at which the reproduction ends. Takes a value meaning Out. The total occupancy 8005 indicates the total amount of all the bands occupied for reproducing the video data based on the corresponding edit list at the time when the timer is started based on the hardware resource use schedule. The wear resource management unit 3031 calculates and sets. This total occupancy is later included in the timer start notification message from the time measurement unit 3051 and notified, and is used to specify the amount of hardware resources to be allocated to the hardware resource allocation unit 3061.

The example of the contents shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the above-described edit list 5001 and the hardware resource use schedule for the band of the local HDD. <Operation> The operation of the non-linear broadcast system 1000 having the above configuration and handling the above data will be described.

When the program editor instructs the non-linear editor 1101 to reproduce a program, the non-linear editor 1101 allocates necessary hardware resources and executes the reproduction process in response to the instruction. In the system 1000, a program is broadcast as a reproduction result of the program. FIG. 10 illustrates a case in which the hardware resource management unit 3031 generates a hardware resource use schedule based on the edit list and reproduces the video data and instructs the time measurement unit 3051 to start the timer. It is a figure which shows the transmission / reception sequence of a message or data. Note that, in the figure, the reference numerals assigned to the respective transmission / reception sequences of messages and the like correspond to the reference numerals assigned in FIG.

The edit list management unit 3021 of the non-linear editor 1101 creates and updates an edit list in accordance with the operation of the program editor, and then issues a reproduction instruction of the program specifying the edit list number from the program editor. If done, an edit list acquisition request message is sent to the edit list DB 3011 by specifying the edit list number (S1), and the edit list D
An edit list is acquired from B3011 (S2: edit list notification). Here, an edit list 5 whose contents are shown in FIG.
The description is continued assuming that 001 has been acquired.

When the edit list is obtained, the edit list management unit 3021 passes the edit list to the hardware resource management unit 3031 and transmits a hardware resource use request message requesting scheduling for using hardware resources ( S3). Hardware resource management unit 30 requested to schedule hardware resources
A hardware resource management DB 304 generates a hardware resource use schedule based on the edit list.
1 and stored (S4: hardware resource use registration). As a result, a hardware resource use schedule 7000 whose content example is shown in FIG. 7 is created.

The hardware resource management unit 3031
When creating a hardware resource usage schedule based on an edit list, if it detects that there is time to occupy a bandwidth that exceeds the maximum value of hardware resources, The processing is stopped, and a hardware resource use success / failure notification message including an error message is transmitted to the edit list management unit 3021 (S7). In this case, the time notification request (S5) and the time notification request success / failure notification (S6) are omitted.

After registering the hardware resource use schedule in the hardware resource management DB 3041, (S
4), the hardware resource management unit 3031 creates a hardware resource allocation schedule and sets the time measurement unit 3051
(S5: Time notification request). Here, the hardware resource allocation schedule 8000 whose content example is shown in FIG.
Will be conveyed to.

When an instruction to start the timer is received, the time measuring unit 3
051 sets a timer for detecting the arrival of each activation time defined in the transmitted hardware resource allocation schedule, and then notifies the hardware resource management unit 3031 of the time notification request success / failure notification including the normal status. The message is returned (S6). If any error occurs, the time measuring unit 3051 returns a time notification request success / failure notification message including the error (S6).

When the hardware resource management unit 3031 obtains a message indicating normality from the time measurement unit 3051, it transmits a hardware resource use application success / failure notification message including the normality status to the edit list management unit 3021 (S
7). If any abnormality occurs, a hardware resource use application success / failure notification message including an error message is transmitted (S7).

The edit list management unit 3021 having received the hardware resource use application success / failure notification message (S7)
If the notification includes an error message, the occurrence of the error is notified to the program editor via the monitor display control unit 3081 or the like. Hereinafter, the hardware resource management unit 30
The creation of the hardware resource allocation schedule by the H.31 will be described in detail.

FIG. 11 shows the hardware resource management unit 303
2 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a hardware resource allocation schedule according to No. 1. The hardware resource management unit 3031 executes the hardware resource use schedule (FIG. 7).
(Refer to step S5).
1) The time of the In point for the focused material ID is set as the activation time in the hardware resource allocation schedule,
The material ID is used as the timer ID in the hardware resource allocation schedule, the value indicating “In” is used as the allocation type in the hardware resource allocation schedule, and the set of the start time, the timer ID, and the allocation type is used as the start time in the hardware resource allocation schedule. Insert them in order (step S52).

After step S52, the hardware resource management unit 3031 sets the time of the Out point for the focused material ID as the activation time in the hardware resource allocation schedule, and sets the material ID as the timer ID in the hardware resource allocation schedule. The value of “Out” is assigned as the assignment type in the hardware resource assignment schedule, and the set of the activation time, the timer ID, and the assignment type is inserted into the hardware resource assignment schedule in the order of the activation time (step S53). .

After step S53, the hardware resource management unit 3031 determines whether there is an uninterested material ID (step S54).
Focusing on the next material ID in the hardware resource use schedule (step S55), steps S52 to S54
Is repeated. If there is no unfocused material ID in step S54, the hardware resource management unit 303
1 sequentially sets the total occupancy corresponding to each activation time of the hardware resource allocation schedule formed in steps S52 and S53.

That is, the hardware resource management unit 3031
Is sequentially focused on each start time, and if the allocation type for the start time is a value indicating “In”, the total occupancy at the previous start time is calculated by the timer ID corresponding to the focused start time. A value obtained by adding a predetermined occupancy for the indicated material is set as a total occupancy corresponding to the noted start time, and if the allocation type for the start time is a value indicating “Out”, A value obtained by subtracting a predetermined occupancy for the material indicated by the timer ID corresponding to the noted start time from the total occupancy at the previous start time is set as the total occupancy corresponding to the noted start time. (Step S56).

By the above procedure, a hardware resource allocation schedule as shown in FIG. 9 is generated. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a message or data transmission / reception sequence between the respective functional units from the transmission of the timer activation notification message by the time measuring unit 3051 to the allocation of hardware resources. Note that, in the figure, the reference numerals assigned to the respective transmission / reception sequences of messages and the like correspond to the reference numerals assigned in FIG.

The time measurement unit 3051 uses the timer set according to the hardware resource allocation schedule transmitted from the hardware resource management unit 3031 in S5.
When any start time in the hardware resource allocation schedule arrives, the hardware resource management unit sends a timer start notification message including a resource ID, a timer ID, an allocation type, and a total occupancy determined according to the start time. 3031 (S8).

Therefore, when the current time reaches 18: 00: 00: 00, a timer activation notification message is transmitted to the hardware resource management unit 3031. Next, when the current time reaches 18: 00: 00: 00, then , The timer start notification message is sequentially transmitted, for example, at 18: 4: 30 (see FIG. 9). Upon receiving the timer activation notification message, the hardware resource management unit 3031 changes the hardware resource reservation state based on the transmitted resource ID, timer ID, allocation type and total occupancy, and the hardware resource use schedule. The hardware resource allocating unit 3061 requests the hardware resource allocating unit 3061 to allocate a hardware resource to the data processing unit by obtaining a required occupancy amount of the required data processing unit and transmitting the obtained occupancy amount together with the resource ID (S9: hardware). Ware resource allocation request). The processing performed by the hardware resource management unit 3031 when the timer start notification message is received (hereinafter, referred to as “timer corresponding processing”) will be described later in detail.

The hardware resource management unit 3031
Requests the hardware resource allocation unit 3061 to allocate the requested hardware resource when the control program requests the hardware resource for a process other than the reproduction. However, the amount of the hardware resource to be allocated is dynamically changed by executing a timer-corresponding process every time a timer activation notification message is received. That is, with respect to the hardware resources, every time the timer start notification message is received, priority is given to controlling the allocation of the hardware resources to the reproduction process, so that the remaining amount is obtained, that is, the calculation of the surplus amount is performed. Then, hardware resources are reallocated for processing other than reproduction within the range of the surplus amount.

The hardware resource allocating unit 3061 receiving the request to allocate the hardware resource specifies the hardware resource to be allocated by the received resource ID, sets the occupation amount and the like for the specified hardware resource, and responds. A certain amount of hardware resources is allocated to the data processing unit by obtaining a value or the like (S10:
Hardware resource allocation processing), and sends a hardware resource allocation request success / failure notification message including the content according to whether the allocation was performed normally or an error occurred to the hardware resource management unit 3031 (S11). In addition,
If the received allocation type is “Out”, the hardware resource allocation unit 3061 cancels the allocation of the hardware resource already allocated by “In”.

When the timer start message is received, the hardware resource management unit 3031 performs a timer corresponding process, which will be described in detail later, and when the allocation type in the received timer start message is “In”,
The hardware resource management unit 3031 having received the hardware resource allocation request success / failure notification message indicating that the allocation has been normally performed in S11 targets the material data such as the video specified by the timer ID in the timer activation notification message. A data processing unit according to the control program is executed. Thereby, the reproduction of the video data is performed by the control program. When the hardware resource management unit 3031 receives the timer start message including the same timer ID as the timer ID corresponding to the executed data processing unit and having the allocation type “Out”, the data processing unit Stop the execution of

As for the allocation of the data transfer band of the local HDD 1201, the material ID for specifying the data processing unit and the occupation amount indicating the allocated band are determined by the OS.
This is performed by making settings for the driver of the SCSI card 2012 included therein. In response to this setting, the driver executes the data processing unit of reading the video data specified by the material ID from the hard disk by the control program under the control of the hardware resource management unit 3031. Is allocated to the data processing unit. As a result, the video data is read from the hard disk and transmitted to the transmission device 1601 using the bandwidth corresponding to the occupation amount.

Local HD based on edit list 5001
More specifically, regarding the allocation of the data transfer band of D1201, the hardware resource allocating unit 3061 determines that the access to the file of the video data whose material ID is CUT1 at 18: 00: 00: 00, that is, the data transfer band, is 60 Mb.
The transfer is set to be performed using the bandwidth of ps. At 18:04:02, the material ID is further changed to CUT2.
Is set so as to perform the data transfer of the video data using the bandwidth of 60 Mbps. At 18:04:30, the setting for data transfer of video data whose material ID is CUT1 is released.

Note that the hardware resource management unit 3031 also determines the other hardware resources necessary for performing reproduction based on the edit list 5001 in the same manner as the data transfer band of the local HDD 1201 described above. Or a hardware resource allocation schedule, and upon receiving a timer activation notification message, requests the hardware resource allocation unit 3061 to allocate hardware resources.

In this way, the non-linear editing machine dynamically allocates the necessary minimum hardware resources based on the edit list 5001 and performs data transfer for reproduction in order to reproduce the program. Video data etc. are stored in a CODEC card 2032, AV switcher 150
1 to the transmission device 1601 and finally broadcast.

When a plurality of video data is read out from the local HDD 1201 in parallel and broadcast, each video data is used as an object constituting a screen.
Broadcasting may be performed after performing PEG4 visual encoding. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the timer handling process. Upon receiving the timer start notification message including the resource ID, the timer ID, the allocation type, and the total occupancy, the hardware resource management unit 3031 determines whether the allocation type is a value indicating “In” (step S21) If the value indicates “In”, the occupation amount of the hardware resource used to access the material data corresponding to the timer ID with reference to the hardware resource use schedule in the hardware resource management DB 3041 And assigns the hardware resource to the access to the material data identified by the timer ID by the occupied amount.
1 (step S22).

For example, upon receiving a timer start notification message of 18: 00: 00: 00, the hardware resource management unit 303
1 indicates to the hardware resource allocating unit 3061 to allocate a bandwidth of 60 Mbps indicated by the occupancy in the hardware resource use schedule to a data processing unit of data transfer of video data whose timer ID, that is, material ID is CUT1. Request.

If the type of assignment means Out in step S21, the timer ID
Is requested to release resources already allocated to a data processing unit of video data data transfer corresponding to (2) (step S23). After step S22 or S23, the hardware resource management unit 3031 obtains the surplus amount by subtracting the total occupancy from the maximum value in the hardware resource use schedule (step S2).
4). This surplus amount means the amount of resources remaining after hardware resources are allocated with priority to video data reproduction based on the edit list.

After obtaining the surplus, the hardware resource management unit 3031 determines whether the hardware resource is directly requested from the control program regardless of the edit list.
That is, when hardware resources are requested from the control program for processing other than reproduction, the hardware resource allocating unit 3061 is requested to perform the allocation corresponding to the request to the maximum within the surplus amount. (Step S25), the timer corresponding process ends.

The material ID is set to, for example, CUT10 by the editing control program in accordance with the instruction of the program editor.
When the video data is edited, the control program requests the hardware resource management unit 3031 directly to allocate hardware resources. On the other hand, the hardware resource management unit 3031 calculates the current surplus amount of the hardware resource with reference to the hardware resource use schedule, and allocates the hardware resource within the range of the surplus amount. Part 306
Request 1

In this way, the amount of hardware resources allocated in response to a request for direct hardware resource allocation once fluctuates based on the request in step S25. Therefore, processing other than reproduction,
In other words, in order to execute processing with low urgency, it is possible to use the maximum hardware resources within the range excluding the hardware resources required for the transmission processing of video data for broadcasting. Even low-level processing can be executed as quickly as possible, and the utilization efficiency of hardware resources can be improved.

<Consideration> The effect of the present embodiment on access to the local HDD 1201 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a temporal change in the band used for accessing the local HDD 1201 when video data transfer and network material transfer are performed in parallel in a reproduction process for broadcasting based on the edit list 5001. .

The network material transfer is performed by the material server 14
01 is a process of transferring video data and audio data as materials to the local HDD 1201. Here, the transfer of 20-minute video data by the DVCPRO 50 is used as an example. As shown in the figure, the network material transfer starts from 18: 00: 00: 00 and is performed using a bandwidth of 140 Mbps until 18: 4: 0.
From 8: 4: 30 to 18: 4: 30, the bandwidth of 80 Mbps is used, from 18: 4: 30 to 18: 8: 30, the bandwidth of 140 Mbps is used, and 18: 8: 30.
The processing from the second to 18: 09: 0 is performed using a band of 80 Mbps, and the processing is completed at 18: 9: 00: 0.

Therefore, after 18: 09: 0, it becomes possible to perform editing work of the material transferred to the network material, transfer of network material for another material, and the like. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a temporal change of a band used for access to the local HDD 1201 assuming that video data transfer for broadcast and network material transfer are transferred in parallel according to the related art. It is.

Network material transfer is performed in the same manner as in FIG.
The transfer of the video of 20 minutes of the VCPRO 50 is used as an example. Conventionally, in order to prevent a broadcast accident, a sufficient band for transferring two video data, that is, 120 Mbps, was previously secured. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the network material transfer was started at 18: 00: 00: 00, and the band of 80 Mbps was started. The process is performed until 18: 15: 0, and is completed at 18: 15: 0. Therefore, the hardware resource is occupied by 6 minutes more than in the case of the present embodiment.

That is, according to the present embodiment, the hardware resources can be effectively used, and the network material can be quickly transferred even during the data transfer for broadcasting. For example, it is possible to quickly start editing work or the like of a material transferred via a network material. <Supplement> Although the non-linear broadcasting system according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. That is, (1) In the present embodiment, the network 1301 is Gi
gabbit Ethernet, but S
DTI (Serial Digital Transp)
ort Interface), Fibre Chan
nel, ATM (Asynchronous Tran)
A network such as a transmission mode (small mode) may be used. In the present embodiment, a CODEC card for a VTR or a video camera and a CODEC card for a transmitting device are used.
Cards are provided separately, but one CODEC
A card may be used for both of these applications.

In this embodiment, the track is A / B
Although there are two roll tracks and a KEY track, each of these tracks may be plural, and there may be an Audio track. The edit list may include information such as the reproduction start time and the reproduction end time of the audio data as well as the video data. (2) In this embodiment, the video data to be broadcast is stored in the local HDD, but the recording medium for the video data to be broadcast is not limited to a hard disk, and may be a magneto-optical disk or the like. Any recording medium that can be randomly accessed may be used. (3) In the present embodiment, the hardware resource management unit 30
When a hardware resource is requested for processing other than reproduction from the control program, 31 is the maximum, that is, the surplus except for the amount required for data transfer in the reproduction processing for broadcasting, that is, Although hardware resources were allocated as much as possible according to the request, if there are a plurality of control programs that request hardware resources for processing other than this reproduction, within a surplus range, The hardware resources may be allocated according to a certain priority order, or the surplus may be equally divided and the hardware resources may be allocated so that the allocated amount becomes equal. Resources may be allocated.

The maximum allocation of the surplus by the hardware resource management unit 3031 is performed by a control program that directly requests hardware resources without depending on the edit list, that is, by using hardware resources to perform processing other than reproduction. If the requesting control program specifies the minimum required amount of hardware resources, hardware resources are allocated to the control program only during the period when the surplus exceeds the minimum required amount. It may be performed. As an example of this, the hardware resource management unit 3031
However, SDTI requiring a minimum bandwidth of 120 Mbps
A description will be given of hardware resource allocation when hardware resources are directly requested from a control program that performs transfer (double speed transfer of the DVCPRO 50) as a background job.

FIG. 16 shows transfer of video data for broadcasting based on the edit list 5001 and SDTI transfer (DVC
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a temporal change of a band used for access to the local HDD 1201 in a case where the transfer to the local HDD 1201 is performed in parallel with the transfer of the PRO 50 (double speed transfer of the PRO 50). In the SDTI transfer, it is necessary to secure a certain band for the transfer, and for the double speed transfer of the DVCPRO 50, a band of 120 Mbps is required. Therefore, the maximum bandwidth is 200 Mb as shown in FIG.
ps, 60Mbp for data transfer based on edit list
During the period using s, 120 Mbps within the surplus range is allocated for SDTI transfer, and 120 Mbps is used for data transfer for reproduction processing based on the edit list.
Since the surplus is insufficient during the period when bps is used, the band is not allocated to the SDTI transfer, so that even when broadcasting based on the edit list 5001, S
DTI transfer can be performed intermittently. (4) In the present embodiment, the material ID, which is one item in the edit list, is, for example, a file name of video data, but the material ID is information for specifying a certain range in a video data file. May be an identifier attached to That is, the material IDs of CUT1, CUT2, and the like simply identify data to be processed in a certain data processing unit such as reproduction processing.
Processing target specifying information indicating from which location in which video data file the data is may be separately associated. The processing target specifying information is referred to when the control program executes the data processing unit.

[0095] In the edit list, CUT1, CUT
If the processing targets indicated by a plurality of material IDs such as UT2 are in the same range of the same video data file, the driver of the SCSI card 2012 also holds the data read from the hard disk in the cache memory. In the case where the same data is read after the second time, the data in the cache memory may be read instead of the hard disk.
That is, a general disk cache technology may be applied. In this case, the hardware resource management unit 3031 prevents the schedule for the local HDD band in the hardware resource use schedule from including information on the material ID indicating the same range as the already-reproduced certain range of video data. The timer may be started or the surplus amount may be calculated based on the generated hardware resource use schedule. (5) The driver of the SCSI card 2012 described in the present embodiment may execute data transfer by allocating a predetermined band for each data processing unit by obtaining an identifier of the data processing unit. However, by obtaining an identifier for each file to be transferred, the data transfer may be performed by allocating a predetermined band for each access to the target specified based on the identifier. The control program may transmit the identifier of the data processing unit or the identifier of the data to be accessed at the time of a request for access to the hard disk, corresponding to the driver. (6) In the present embodiment, the time measurement unit 3051 sends the timer start notification message at the timing based on the hardware resource use schedule to the hardware resource management unit 303.
1 and the hardware resource management unit 3031
Calculates a surplus amount each time a timer start notification message is received, and reallocates hardware resources within a range of the surplus amount for processing other than reproduction. As for the timer activation corresponding to the above, the timer activation is performed in advance for a period including some allowance in the time required for preparation for accessing the video data in the hard disk, for example, a period of 0.2 seconds, that is, the timer activation A notification message may be transmitted. As a result, the calculation of the surplus amount is performed before the time of the In point, and the amount of the hardware resources allocated to the processing other than the reproduction is reviewed a little before the In point. Even when accessing a part of the hard disk for a short time in preparation for accessing video data, such as obtaining a video file, access during that period may be interrupted by processing other than playback. As a result, access to the video data based on the edit list can be reliably performed after the time of the In point. (7) For processing other than reproduction shown in the present embodiment, the hardware resource management unit 3031 allocates hardware resources within a surplus amount after the hardware resources are allocated to reproduction, and Based on the allocated amount, control may be performed so that information indicating when processing other than the reproduction is completed is displayed on the monitor. That is, if the hardware resource management unit 3031 requests the hardware resource management unit 3031 to access the hard disk by designating the amount of data transfer to be performed in the process other than the playback, the hardware resource management unit 3031 performs the process other than the playback. Based on the allocated amount, the time at which the specified amount of data transfer is completed can be calculated, and the time can be controlled to be displayed on the monitor.

In this case, it is necessary for the hardware resource management unit 3031 to update the information displayed on the monitor every time the surplus amount changes. (8) In the present embodiment, the CODEC card 2032 shown in FIG. 3 can be further configured to have a configuration shown in FIG. 17 by adding a CODEC. With this configuration, for example, the live video from the video camera 2071 is transmitted to the transmission device 16.
01 while transmitting to the local H through the CODEC 4003
The data can be recorded on the DD 1201. According to this, it is possible to edit a scene recorded on a local HDD while broadcasting a live video. For example, in a baseball program broadcast, a live video transmitted in real time from the spot is broadcasted as it is, It is possible to quickly edit a scene that a viewer wants to see, such as a home run scene, and broadcast it as appropriate.

The CODEC card 203 shown in FIG.
2, the effects at each time of the video data to be reproduced can be set in advance before reproduction, and the effects to be applied during reproduction can be set in real time (hereinafter, referred to as “on-the-fly editing”). Is possible, and the nonlinear editing machine 110
A control program for on-the-fly editing may be mounted on the first or the like.

FIG. 18 shows an on-the-fly editing GUI screen 900 displayed by the on-the-fly editing control program.
FIG. Here, a GUI screen when mosaic is selected as a type of effect applied to video data is taken as an example. On-the-fly editing GUI screen 900
Reference numeral 1 denotes a setting box 9002 for determining the type of effect to be edited on the fly, a slider bar 9003 for setting each attribute value of the effect, an input box 9004 for inputting the setting value, and effect attributes 9005 to 9.
010, an Apply button 9011 indicating execution of effect addition by on-the-fly editing, and a Cancel button 9012 indicating termination of on-the-fly editing.

In addition, X pixel size 9005
And Y pixel size 9006 are for setting the horizontal size and vertical size of one point of the mosaic, respectively. H position9007 and V p
The position 9008 is used to set the horizontal and vertical center points when mosaic is performed. The set value is 0 at the left end and the upper end, and 1 is the right end and the lower end. H
The size 9009 and the V size 9010 set the horizontal size and the vertical size of the entire mosaic, respectively, and 1 represents the same size as the original video. A
When the pply button 9011 is pressed by the program editor, the effect is added, and thereafter the Cancel button 9
The effect lasts until 012 is pressed. Further, once the Apply button 9011 is pressed, the change of the attribute value by the slider bar 9003 and the input box 9004 is immediately reflected on the effect to be added.

Therefore, by using such an on-the-fly editing application, it is possible to add an effect intended by a program editor in real time when a live image is directly broadcast in a news program. In other words, the program material after adding the effect is temporarily stored on the local HDD.
It is not necessary to take the procedure of broadcasting after storing the program in the program, etc., and the program can be broadcast while adding effects. (9) In the present embodiment, for transfer processing required for direct broadcasting, that is, processing such as reading material data from a recording medium, writing material data on a recording medium for editing purposes or recording medium recording Hardware resources are assigned with priority over processes such as accessing material data inside.

Such an allocation method can also be applied to assigning hardware resources with higher priority to streaming type distribution processing than to download type distribution processing. That is, a band used for access to the recording medium, a transmission band, and the like may be allocated to the streaming type distribution processing, and a maximum bandwidth within a surplus range may be allocated to the download type distribution processing. . Here, the streaming type distribution refers to a broadcast mode in which a plurality of material data such as audio and moving images are organized into an MPEG2 transport stream format or the like and broadcast so that the broadcast receiving apparatus can reproduce the data in real time upon reception. Delays or interruptions are not allowed. Also, download-type distribution means that a downloaded data is temporarily stored in a recording medium such as a hard disk and then transmitted to a broadcast receiving apparatus having a function of reproducing the data at an arbitrary time afterward, such as a plurality of voices and moving images. This is a broadcasting format in which material data is organized in a format suitable for download and stored in a distribution server, thereby distributing. (10) Nonlinear editing machine 110 shown in the present embodiment
1 for causing the computer to execute the processing procedures (such as the procedures shown in FIGS. 10 to 13) by the edit list management unit 3021, the hardware resource management unit 3031, the time measurement unit 3051, and the hardware resource allocation unit 3061 in FIG. The program may be recorded on a recording medium or distributed and distributed via various communication paths. Such a recording medium includes an IC card, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a ROM, and the like. The computer program distributed and distributed is provided for use by being installed in the computer, and the computer executes the computer program to implement the allocation control related to hardware resource management as described in the present embodiment.

[0102]

As is apparent from the above description, in the non-linear broadcasting system according to the present invention, a plurality of broadcast transfer processes using the same hardware resource for material data are executed in parallel for at least one period. This is a non-linear broadcasting system that broadcasts material data, and stores material storage means for storing material data and period information indicating a period during which each of the broadcast transfer processes is scheduled to be executed. A period information storage means,
In each of the periods indicated in the period information, a first allocating unit that allocates, to the corresponding broadcast transfer process, an amount of hardware resources required by the broadcast transfer process; Surplus amount calculating means for calculating the surplus amount of the hardware resources remaining as a result allocated to the broadcast transfer process, and one or more background transfer processes other than the broadcast transfer processes. The second allocating means for allocating hardware resources to the maximum within the range of the surplus amount calculated by the surplus amount calculating means, and the broadcast using the hardware resources of the amount allocated by the first allocating means. Executing the background transfer process using the hardware resources of the amount allocated by the second allocation unit. Characterized in that it comprises an execution unit.

Thus, for the broadcast transfer process, that is, for the data transfer directly linked to the broadcast, the broadcast is performed to secure the hardware resources in accordance with the period information indicating the predetermined timing. An accident can be prevented, and a surplus of hardware resources used for broadcasting can be allocated to a maximum extent to processing other than broadcasting, for example, preparation for broadcasting. Therefore, the utilization efficiency of hardware resources is improved. In other words, prioritizing data transfer for broadcasting to prevent broadcast accidents, and allocating surplus resources to fetching material data in preparation for broadcasting, etc., for example, smooth processing from material capturing to editing and broadcasting. Will be able to do it.

Here, the surplus amount calculating means may calculate the surplus amount each time the beginning and end of each period indicated in the period information has arrived. Accordingly, at the timing when the amount of hardware resources allocated to the processing for broadcasting changes, the amount of hardware resources remaining to be allocated for broadcasting, that is, the surplus amount is dynamically calculated, and the amount of hardware resources other than broadcasting, such as broadcast preparation, is calculated. Will be able to fully allocate the surplus to the processing for
The utilization efficiency of hardware resources is improved.

The material storage means is a readable and writable recording medium, the hardware resource is a band for accessing the recording medium, and the first allocating means is
To each of the broadcast transfer processes, a band of an amount required by the broadcast transfer process is allocated, and the surplus amount calculating unit determines that the first allocating unit determines the total amount of the band for accessing the recording medium from the total amount. The surplus amount of the band is calculated by subtracting all of the amount allocated to each broadcast transfer process, and the second allocating means calculates the surplus amount range for the one or more background transfer processes. And the processing execution unit executes the broadcast transfer process using the bandwidth of the amount allocated by the first allocation unit, and executes the transfer process for the broadcast by using the bandwidth of the amount allocated by the second allocation unit. The background transfer processing may be performed using a band.

As a result, a necessary minimum amount for the broadcast is allocated to the band used for data transfer performed by accessing the recording medium storing the broadcast material, and the remaining amount is used for another processing for accessing the recording medium. For the recording medium, the efficiency of use of the recording medium increases. Further, the background transfer process may be a process of writing material data to the recording medium, and the broadcast transfer process may be a process of reading material data from the recording medium.

As a result, in the process of storing the material data obtained by the news gathering on a recording medium such as a hard disk in preparation for broadcasting, the surplus resources allocated to data transfer for broadcasting can be allocated to the maximum. Therefore, it is possible to quickly prepare for broadcasting. The material data is video data, the recording medium is a hard disk, the non-linear broadcasting system is a transmission device that converts video data into a broadcast format and broadcasts, and a plurality of non-linear editing machines, Each nonlinear editing machine has one
And the CODEC, the first allocating means, the second allocating means, the surplus amount calculating means, and the video data read from the hard disk corresponding to the non-linear editor for broadcasting.
A plurality of non-linear editing machines including the processing executing means for performing the broadcast transfer processing to be output through the EC; and selecting one of video data output from the plurality of non-linear editing machines to the transmission device. It may have a switcher for communicating.

As a result, for the data transfer of each video data to be broadcast, the minimum necessary bandwidth is secured at the time indicated in the timing information, and the remaining bandwidth is changed from the material server to the material for broadcast preparation. Since it can be assigned to the process of transferring to the hard disk used for the work of the non-linear editing machine, the broadcast preparation such as processing the material taken from the material server into the hard disk can be performed quickly and smoothly.

Further, the non-linear editing machine may further include an effect adding means for adding an effect to the video data when outputting the video data through the CODEC. This makes it possible to broadcast video data while adding effects in real time.

Further, the nonlinear broadcast system further obtains the amount of data transferred by the background transfer processing, and completes the background transfer processing based on the amount of bandwidth allocated by the second allocating means. It is also possible to include a transfer completion time display unit that calculates and displays the time that will occur. As a result, the program editor or the like can know the completion time of the non-broadcasting process in which the data transfer of the material data for the broadcast is preferentially performed using the remaining band.

The broadcast transfer process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for streaming-type distribution, and performing streaming-type distribution. ,
It may be a process of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for download type distribution, and performing download type distribution.

As a result, streaming-type distribution in which the broadcast receiving apparatus is reproduced in real time and delay or interruption of the broadcast is not allowed, can be quickly and reliably performed. In addition, intermittent distribution is performed because the broadcast receiver uses the maximum of the remaining bandwidth after allocating the bandwidth for the streaming type distribution, and is temporarily stored in the recording medium on the broadcast receiver side and then reproduced at an arbitrary point in time. Since download-type distribution in which transmission is permitted is performed, band resources for distribution can be efficiently used.

Further, the surplus amount calculating means may calculate the surplus amount each time a predetermined period before the start and the end of each period indicated in the period information has arrived. This allows the amount of hardware resources remaining allocated for broadcasting, that is, the surplus amount, to be dynamically calculated at a timing slightly before the period in which hardware resources are to be allocated to processing for broadcasting, and for example, for broadcasting other than broadcasting. Since the surplus is allocated to the processing for preparation and the like, a broadcast accident can be prevented even when some hardware resources are used as preprocessing shortly before the processing for broadcasting.

As described above, according to the present invention, in a system in which material data is read from a recording medium such as a hard disk and broadcasted, the allocation of hardware resources to processing for broadcasting and processing for preparing for broadcasting is adjusted. Is a useful technique for doing so.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a non-linear broadcast system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the nonlinear editing machine 1101.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the CODEC card 2032.

FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the non-linear editing machine 1101 by software.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data structure and an example of contents of an edit list stored in an edit list DB 3011.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the concept of an edit list.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a data structure and an example of contents of a hardware resource use schedule 7000 stored in a hardware resource management DB 3041.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a concept of a hardware resource use schedule.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure and an example of contents of a hardware resource allocation schedule 8000 transmitted from the hardware resource management unit 3031 to the time measurement unit 3051.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a hardware resource management unit 3031 that generates a hardware resource use schedule based on an edit list and reproduces a video data, and instructs the timer unit 3051 to start a timer. It is a figure showing a sequence of a message etc.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for creating a hardware resource allocation schedule by a hardware resource management unit 3031;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sequence of messages and the like between the respective functional units from the transmission of a timer activation notification message by the time measuring unit 3051 to the allocation of hardware resources.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer corresponding process.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a temporal change in a band used for access to a local HDD 1201 when video data transfer for broadcasting based on an edit list 5001 and network material transfer are performed in parallel.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a temporal change in a band used for access to a local HDD 1201 when it is assumed that video data transfer for broadcasting and network material transfer are transferred in parallel according to the related art. It is.

FIG. 16 shows a local HDD 120 in which the transfer of video data for broadcasting based on the edit list 5001 and the SDTI transfer (double speed transfer of the DVCPRO 50) are performed in parallel.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a temporal change of a used band for access to No. 1;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of the CODEC card 2032 shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 shows an on-the-fly editing GUI screen 900 displayed by an on-the-fly editing application program.
FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1000 Non-linear broadcasting system 1101 to 1103 Non-linear editing machine 1201 to 1203 Local HDD 1301 Network 1401 Material server 1501 AV switcher 1601 Sending device 2001 PCI bus 2012 SCSI card 2021 Network card 2031, 2032 CODEC card 2041 RS-422 Control card 2051 Switcher (SW) 2061 VTR 2071 Video Camera 2081 VTR Monitor 2101 VGA Card 2102 PC Monitor 2111 CPU 2112 Memory 2121 Human I / F 2122 Keyboard 2123 Mouse 2124 Dedicated Jog Pad 3011 Edit List DB 3021 Edit List Management Unit 3031 Hardware Resource Management Unit 3041 Hardware Resource management Management DB 3051 Time measurement unit 3061 Hardware resource allocation unit 3081 Monitor display control unit 3101 Operating system (OS) 3111 Human I / F control unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/765 H04N 5/781 510Z 5/781 5/91 N 5/91

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A non-linear broadcast system for broadcasting material data by executing a plurality of broadcast transfer processes using the same hardware resources for material data as a transfer target for at least one period, Material storage means for storing material data; period information storage means for storing period information indicating a period during which the execution of each of the broadcast transfer processes is scheduled to be executed; and A first allocating means for allocating, to a corresponding broadcast transfer process, an amount of hardware resources required by the broadcast transfer process during the period; the first allocating means allocating the broadcast transfer process to each of the broadcast transfer processes; Surplus amount calculating means for calculating a surplus amount of the hardware resource as a result of the above, and one or a plurality of backs which are processes other than the respective broadcast transfer processes. A second allocating means for allocating hardware resources to the maximum amount within a range of the surplus amount calculated by the surplus amount calculating means for the round transfer processing; and a hardware resource of the amount allocated by the first allocating means. Processing execution means for performing the broadcast transfer processing by using the hardware resources of the amount allocated by the second allocating means. system. 2. The non-linear broadcast according to claim 1, wherein the surplus amount calculating means calculates the surplus amount each time the beginning and end of each period indicated in the period information has arrived. system. 3. The material storage means is a readable and writable recording medium; the hardware resource is a band for accessing the recording medium; Allocating the bandwidth of the amount required by the broadcast transfer process, the surplus amount calculating means, based on the total amount of the band for accessing the recording medium, the first allocating means for the respective broadcast transfer process Subtracting all of the allocated amounts to calculate the surplus amount of the band, the second allocating means sets a maximum band within the range of the surplus amount for the one or more background transfer processes. Allocation, the processing execution means executes the broadcast transfer processing using the amount of bandwidth allocated by the first allocation means, and uses the amount of bandwidth allocated by the second allocation means. Nonlinear broadcast system according to claim 2, wherein the performing the serial background transfer process. 4. The background transfer process is a process of writing material data to the recording medium, and the broadcast transfer process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium. The described non-linear broadcast system. 5. The non-linear broadcast system according to claim 5, wherein the material data is video data, the recording medium is a hard disk, and the non-linear broadcast system comprises: a transmission device that converts video data into a broadcast format and broadcasts the video data; Then, each nonlinear editing machine exists corresponding to one hard disk, and CODE
C, the first allocating means, the second allocating means, the surplus amount calculating means, and the broadcast transfer process of reading video data from a hard disk corresponding to the non-linear editor for broadcasting and outputting the video data through the CODEC. And a switcher for selecting one of video data output from the plurality of non-linear editing machines and transmitting the selected video data to the transmission device. The nonlinear broadcasting system according to claim 4. 6. The non-linear broadcasting system according to claim 5, wherein said non-linear editing machine further includes effect adding means for adding an effect to the video data when outputting the video data through a CODEC. 7. The non-linear broadcast system further obtains an amount of data transferred by the background transfer processing, and completes the background transfer processing based on an amount of a band allocated by the second allocating means. 5. The non-linear broadcast system according to claim 4, further comprising a transfer completion time display means for calculating and displaying a time at which the transmission is to be performed. 8. The broadcast transfer process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for streaming type distribution, and performing streaming type distribution. 4. The non-linear broadcast system according to claim 3, wherein the process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for download type distribution, and performing download type distribution. 9. The surplus amount calculating means, wherein the surplus amount is calculated each time a predetermined period of time before the start of each period indicated in the period information and the end of the period have arrived. Item 6. The non-linear broadcast system according to Item 1. 10. A non-linear broadcast system that broadcasts material data by executing a plurality of broadcast transfer processes in which material data is to be transferred and using the same hardware resource in parallel for at least one period. A hardware resource allocation method for allocating hardware resources, wherein the non-linear broadcast system includes a material storage unit storing material data, and a period indicating a period during which each of the broadcast transfer processes is scheduled to be executed. And a hardware resource allocation method, wherein during each of the periods indicated in the period information, the corresponding broadcast transfer process is performed by the corresponding broadcast transfer process. A first allocating step of allocating a required amount of hardware resources; and A surplus amount calculating step of calculating a surplus amount of the hardware resources remaining as a result allocated to the broadcast transfer process; and one or more background transfer processes that are processes other than the broadcast transfer processes. And a second allocating step of allocating hardware resources to the maximum within the range of the surplus amount calculated in the surplus amount calculating step. 11. The hardware according to claim 10, wherein the surplus amount calculation step calculates the surplus amount each time the beginning and end of each period indicated in the period information has arrived. Resource allocation method. 12. The non-linear broadcast system, wherein the material storage means is a readable and writable recording medium, the hardware resource is a band for accessing the recording medium, and the first allocating step includes: Assigning a bandwidth of an amount required by the broadcast transfer process to the transfer process for the broadcast, and calculating the surplus amount based on the total amount of the band for accessing the recording medium, Calculating a surplus amount of the band by subtracting all of the amount allocated to the transfer process; and the second allocating step includes: calculating a surplus amount within the range of the surplus amount for the one or more background transfer processes. The hardware resource allocation method according to claim 11, wherein a limited bandwidth is allocated. 13. The background transfer process is a process of writing material data to the recording medium, and the broadcast transfer process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium. The described hardware resource allocation method. 14. The broadcast transfer process is a process of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for streaming-type distribution, and performing streaming-type distribution. 13. The hardware resource allocation method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of reading material data from the recording medium, organizing the material data into a format for download type distribution, and performing download type distribution. 15. The surplus amount calculation step, wherein the surplus amount is calculated each time a time period and an end time that are a certain period before the start of each period indicated in the period information and the end come. Item 11. The hardware resource allocation method according to Item 10. 16. Broadcasting of material data by having a program execution function and executing a plurality of broadcast transfer processes using the same hardware resource for the material data in parallel for at least one period. A program for causing a non-linear broadcast system to perform a hardware resource allocation control procedure, wherein the non-linear broadcast system includes a material storage unit storing material data, and an execution of each of the broadcast transfer processes. And a period information storage unit that stores period information indicating a scheduled period, wherein the hardware resource allocation control procedure includes, during each period indicated in the period information, A first allocation step of allocating, to the transfer processing, an amount of hardware resources required by the broadcast transfer processing; One or more surplus amount calculation steps for calculating a surplus amount of the hardware resources remaining as a result of being allocated to each of the broadcast transfer processes by one allocation step; and one or more processes other than the respective broadcast transfer processes A second allocating step of allocating hardware resources to the background transfer process in a manner that maximizes hardware resources within a range of the surplus amount calculated in the surplus amount calculating step. 17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the surplus amount calculating step calculates the surplus amount each time the beginning and end of each period indicated in the period information has arrived. 18. The surplus amount calculating step, wherein the surplus amount is calculated each time a time period and an end time before a start period of each period indicated in the period information and a certain period end have come. Item 18. The program according to Item 16.