JP2002529947A - Automatic video signal sending device with large capacity optical disk record - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] An automatic video signal sending device provided with a large-capacity optical disk record has a role of recording a film to be broadcast, and has a DVD content (4), that is, an MPEG2 format for each DVD. An automated system (1) for processing a DVD (2) adapted to load the film into a DVD reader (3) which transports the film to an output module (5) consisting of a card; By using outlets, multiple MPEG flows can be multiplexed into one or more transport streams MPEG2, or each MPEG flow can be multiplexed into a standard analog outlet (complex, component or digital uncompressed), according to the specifications for digital video broadcasting. Signal D1), while the check system (6) has a different Adjust the operation of components, so as to realize the interface with other scheduling or check systems possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a video signal automatic sending device provided with a large-capacity optical disk record.

At present, all video servers are based on fixed disk technology,
It is well known that a structure including a computer having a high service BUS that enables a large amount of data communication is assumed. The storage unit is usually based on a high-speed hard disk system SCSI, and the information (in this special case, a film compiled according to the MPEG-2 standard) is stored in a "striping (
striping) technology. The video server is typically provided with an input / output interface to be compatible with other television broadcast equipment for a television broadcast environment (composite analog signal, component or uncompressed digital D1).

When using the video server system for realizing the NVOD-type service, many problems are exposed. Cost: First of all, storing large amounts of video film requires a lot of space, which makes this system using a hard disk as storage support extremely expensive.

Slow loading and updating of content: Costs need to be kept within reasonable limits, but this is done by sizing the video server to include only the film to be broadcast and all other It is required that the films be stored on tape and that loading only be performed when they are to be used. Loading film from tape takes a very long time, which will be comparable to the time required for film to be loaded. This is due to the storage technology in the hard disk, which must not conflict with the broadcast of the film stored in the same hard disk, and the speed of the tape support. Therefore, it must be read before the new film writing process. This last problem actually limits the number of films that can be loaded simultaneously to one or at most two. As a result, it will take several days to update the content on all servers.

[0005] Rigidity of use: The direct consequence of slow content updates is that N
Lack of flexibility in configuring a program for a VOD channel. This inevitably eliminates the possibility of responding more appropriately to user requests or proposing more effective commercial guidelines, forcing the same program to be offered again over a longer period of time. Is subject to such restrictions. Because of the slow loading and limited capacity of storage technology, NVOD-provided configurations need to allow for a rigid mix. Multiple copies of the film must be loaded because the server producing the 50 outlets cannot, for example, send the same requested film to all 50 outlets.
Similarly, due to the limited capacity of the video server, it is not possible to send each of the 50 different films to one of the 50 different outlets.

Analog Outlet: In a digital broadcasting environment where signals are sent in MPEG2 format, using a conventional video server requires a large number of multiplex transmissions depending on the number of channels to be broadcast. In addition, it has further disadvantages, such as requiring a real-time encoder MPEG2 for each outlet. These devices are extremely expensive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a predetermined number of video outlets (analog, digital, MPEG2) that are independent of one another and correspond to a large number of DVDs loaded on a reader.

[0008] The above objective is accomplished by an apparatus according to the present invention, which uses a DVD disk as a support for film storage. The different storage technologies used here are:
When they are used for the implementation of NVOD services, it enables to solve the above problems exposed by conventional video servers,

The device according to the present invention solves the problems of the conventional server and has the following advantages. Low cost: Using DVD technology to store the film to be broadcast allows significant cost savings over magnetic disks. This allows the system to achieve much higher capacities than hard disk based systems, and solves the problems arising from small capacities.

Fast loading of content: The capacity of automated records can reach 10,000 DVDs while maintaining a maximum DVD loading time of 7 seconds in the reader. However, even if the record does not reach such capacity, 10
It is possible to automatically update the content while simultaneously replacing the DVD of 0 within one hour.

[0011] Flexibility of use: the fact that it is possible to have a very large number of films in line compared to those used for broadcasting, the ability to update the contents of a record very quickly. Together, it enables extremely flexible programming to be achieved. When the number of users is not so large, V
Enable applications like OD. A mix of record configurations would be quickly adapted to the needs of the user by loading multiple copies of the most requested film.

Analog and / or digital outlets: The proposed system can provide standard analog or uncompressed digital outlets (depending on the environment of use) and (in the case of digital television) DVB standards In single or multiple program transport stream formats,
The compressed digital outlet MPEG-2 can be supplied directly to the outlet. This latter outlet is a real-time encoder MPEG
-2 can be eliminated, further saving costs.

[0013] Standard unit and scalable configuration: The structure of the proposed system is extremely modular and can be adapted from time to time to the needs of the user, the capacity of the record, The number of readers, the number and type of outlet cards can be selected. These parameters can also be modified accordingly to adapt to emerging requirements.

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown.

The accompanying drawings serve to record the film to be broadcast and transport the DVD contents 4 (MPEG-2 format film for each DVD) to an output module 5 consisting of a card. 1 shows a device based on an automated system 1 for managing a DVD 2, which can load them into a reader 3. Here, the use of outlets allows multiple MPEG flows to be multiplyed into one or more transport streams MPEG2 according to the specifications of digital video broadcasting, or each MPEG flow to be connected to a corresponding standard analog outlet (composite). To a compound, component or digital uncompressed signal D1). On the other hand, the checking system 6 coordinates the operation of the different components of the system and provides an interface with other possible scheduling or checking systems.

In the configurations shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the following items are shown in addition to the items already described. Robot 7 Mechanical transfer system 8 Outlet for high-speed video net data system 9 Control inlet from external system 10; Outlet of status signal Data net of TCP / IP type 11 System for managing high-speed signal 12 Transmission of signal Divider commutator 13 Converter 14 for converting the transmitted signal into a characteristic determined by the check unit

Unit 15 for signal recombination (MUX) Inlet 16 from DVD reader Outlet signal 17 to broadcast device; Digital video signal in MPEG-2 format Check signal coming from central control and Inlet / outlet 18 to be checked 18 Control data of system status sent to external monitoring system 19 Unit for decoding digital MPEG-2 signal 20 Analog outlet unit 21 Outlet signal 17 from broadcasting device

In the following, the function of the blocks making up the system will be explained in more detail. It has the role of recording the film to be broadcast, and the contents 4 of DVD
An automated system 1 for managing DVDs 2, which can load (MPEG-2 format films for each DVD) to a DVD reader 3 which transports them to an outlet module 5 consisting of a card. . here,
Through the use of outlets, multiple MPEG flows can be multiplexed into one or more transport streams MPEG2 according to the specifications of digital video broadcasting, or each MPEG flow can be multiplexed into a corresponding standard analog outlet (complex, component or digital uncompressed). Signal D1). On the other hand, the checking system 6 coordinates the operation of the different components of the system and provides an interface with other possible scheduling or checking systems.

[0019] The automated record DVD 1 is used to store a large number of DVD discs (up to 10,000).
Is stored and operated mechanically. The use of this system eliminates all manual loading operations from cassettes or tapes, thus saving time and money.

The DVD reader 3 automatically managed by the control system 6
D to read the content and transfer it to the outlet card. The film is recorded on a DVD in a single program transport stream format according to the DVB specification, so the outlet data flow is
It includes video in EG2 format, one or more audio channels linked to it, and possible teletext or data channels.

The outlet module 5 integrates cards for uncompressed analog / digital outlets and cards of the standard multiplex MPEG2 DVB type in a suitable manner.

Cards for uncompressed analog and digital outlets allow the flow coming from a DVD reader to be either PLA or NTSC, depending on the characteristics of the recorded video.
Is converted to a standard television signal. The outlet of the card may be synchronized with other video signal sources (genlockable) and is usually supplied in a complex, optionally a component, and uncompressed digital.

The card for the digital MPEG-2 outlet uses the flow M coming from the reader.
PEG-2 is not converted, but multiple flows containing a single film (single program transport stream) are combined into a single outlet flow (multiple program transport stream) containing all films. The outline of the card and the combination of flows are managed by the control system according to the user's request. Outlet flows are provided in an LVDS or ASI interface as specified by the DVB standard.

The control system 6 has a single external control interface to control and synchronize the functions of all components of the system. Thus, the entire system is operated locally via a graphic interface or via a control system by remote control of a serial or network-like interface. The control system has a record for storing the contents of the DVD currently existing in the system so that the control and adjustment functions can be performed. The record is updated automatically each time the DVD is canceled or loaded from the system. The record allows for searching for titles for broadcast. Once a title is selected, the corresponding DVD is loaded into the reader. From this point, the title can be broadcast to the outlet via the output card. In addition, fast forward, pause (pause
), Slow motion, fast reverse, alignment to a specific time code, etc.
More complex operations are also possible.

In view of the above facts, the purpose of the system is to provide a plurality of video outlets of different types, independent of one another and corresponding to a large number of DVDs loaded on a reader. The presence of additional peripheral functions may be necessary to achieve this particular function. And they are categorized by their single components as follows:

Automated DVD Record 1: It has an external interface and all processing and monitoring functions are operated by the control system. General outline and scale Communication of system status Loading of new DVD into automated record Canceling DVD from automated record List of existing DVD Status of existing DVD DVDX in reader Y Alignment Number of disks currently present Number of hours used Input statistics

The DVD reader 3 without an external interface has the following functions, and all processing and monitoring functions are managed by a control system. Play Stop Pause High speed forward / reverse Low speed operation Repeat Load wing opening operation Road wing closing operation Communication about system status With appropriate specifications, uncompressed analog / digital type and standard multiplex MPEG
2 Outlet module 5 for integrating DVB type outlet cards

The functions performed by the different types of cards are as follows. Cards for uncompressed analog and digital outlets Conversion of flow from reader X to composite outlet Conversion of flow from reader X to component outlets Conversion of flow from reader X to digital outlet Conversion Communication about system status Card for MPEG-2 outlet Selection of inlet flow Definition of parameters for inlet flow Definition of parameters for outlet flow Communication of system status

A control system 6 that manages and synchronizes the functions of all components of the system and has a single external interface;
The control system must be able to send all commands for the functions available in the different subsystems and to translate as possible external commands into commands which are clear to the subsystem. For example, the command coming from outside may be "You send film X to outlet Y." This instruction must be translated into the following control sequence:

Retrieve Film X Open Door of Reader Z Load Related DVD on Reader Z Close Door of Reader Z Play Reader Z Select Input Z to Outlet Y

To perform this complex function, the control system must also be able to perform processing and alert as much as possible of error conditions due to bad work or erroneous instructions. No.

The main functions of the control system are as follows. Search for titles Update record contents Outline of different subsystems Control and communicate on the status of different subsystems Control and communicate on its own status Interpreting commands from the local control interface Interpreting a series of commands from the remote control interface Interpretation of command from remote control interface by LAN network Execution of program for local interface

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for automatically supplying a video signal having a large-capacity optical disk record according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional diagram.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a digital outlet module.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an analog outlet module.

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Claims (7)

[Claims] An automatic sending device for a video signal provided with a large-capacity optical disc record, having a role of recording a film to be broadcast, and a DVD content (4).
D, adapted to load an MPEG2 film for each DVD into a DVD reader (3) which transports it to an output module (5) consisting of a card.
It has an automated system (1) for processing VD (2), and by using outlets, according to the specification of digital video broadcasting,
Multiplexing multiple MPEG flows into one or more transport streams MPEG2, or converting each MPEG flow to a standard analog outlet (composite, component or digital uncompressed signal D1) while checking system (6)
) Coordinates the operation of the different components of the system and provides an interface with other possible scheduling or checking systems. 2. An automated DVD record (1) for storing and mechanically processing a large number of DVD discs (up to 10000), wherein the use of said system comprises the manual operation of a cassette or tape. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading operation is eliminated, resulting in saving time and money. 3. A DVD reader (3) comprising: a plurality of DVD readers (3);
Automatically operated by 6), allowing to read the content of the DVD and transfer it to the outlet card, said film is stored on a DVD in a single program transport stream format according to the specification of DVB, 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the outlet data flow comprises MPEG2 format video with one or more audio channels and possible teletext or data channels linked thereto. apparatus. 4. The outlet module (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet card (5) suitably integrates an uncompressed analog / digital type outlet card and a standard multiplex MPEG2 DVB adaptive card. Equipment. 5. Cards for uncompressed analog and digital outlets convert the flow coming from the DVD reader into a standard television signal of the PAL or NTSC type according to the characteristics of the stored video. Characterized by the fact that the outlet of the card can be synchronized with other video signal sources (genlockable) and is usually supplied in complex, optional components and uncompressed digital The apparatus of claim 1. 6. The card for digital outlet MPEG-2 does not convert MPEG-2 flows coming from the reader, but combines multiple flows containing a single film (multiple program transport streams). Wherein the card outline and the flow linkability are processed by the control system according to the user's request, and the outlet flow is supplied to the LVDS interface or the ASI interface when specified in the DVB standard. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: 7. The control system (6) manages and synchronizes the functions of all components of the system and has a single external control interface, whereby the whole system is locally controlled by a graphic interface, And operated by the control system remotely by sending commands to a serial or network-like interface, for the control system to perform the control and coordination functions, to store the contents of the DVD currently present in the system. Wherein the record is automatically updated each time a DVD is loaded or canceled from the system, and further, the record allows searching for a title for broadcast, and once the title is If selected, the corresponding DVD is loaded into the reader, from which point the title can be sent to the outlet via the output card, and furthermore, fast forward, pause, slow motion, fast reverse, and fixed It is characterized in that more complicated operations such as positioning to a time code can be performed,
The device according to claim 1.