JP2007053547A - Automatic program delivery control facility and special service program delivery method thereof, and broadcast schedule managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide automatic broadcast delivery control facilities with which a special service can be broadcasted at a lower studio facility cost and a special service program delivery method thereof, and a broadcast schedule managing device. <P>SOLUTION: In an SCP 2, a CPU 21 writes and edits data of a program timetable and the special service input from a DS1 and an input section through a network and a communication I/F (interface) 22 in operation timetables 23a to 23n in a database 230 being as a storage device, edits data regarding the special service input from the input section to a table 23x, writes and stores a candidate for a broadcasting device to handle a program signal for the special service broadcast for the special service, reads those tables while referring to a timer 24, and transmits a control signal for broadcasting a program of the special service to a peripheral device through the network at prescribed time together with a program of a usual service. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital broadcast automatic program transmission control facility, a temporary service program transmission method thereof, and a broadcast schedule management apparatus.

  In a broadcasting station, a device that transmits a program material signal to be broadcast (on air) such as news, movies, and advertisements is set by a program timetable created in advance. An automatic program transmission control facility (hereinafter referred to as APC) performs control to output a program material signal from a device specified in the program timetable to the transmitter.

  This program timetable is supplied from an upper DS (data server) connected to the APC, and the operation time of a device that outputs each program material signal is set. However, when a device fails or maintenance is performed, it is necessary to change the device described in the program timetable supplied by the DS to a replacement device.

  Therefore, a status display set by the operator with a switch is written in the table so that it can be determined whether the device connected to the APC and controlled can be exchanged for each device number. The APC stores this table in the program timetable. There is a method of managing the exchange of the equipment by reading instead of outputting the program signal (for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, even with such a method, in digital broadcasting, program material signals, information, and equipment to be handled are combined in a complicated manner, and the above method has a problem that it is not quick and erroneous connection due to an operator's misconfiguration. there were.

  Digital broadcasting can switch between HD (high definition) and SD (standard) broadcast signals or combine them to send multiple programs at the same time on a single broadcast channel, and has the capability to broadcast up to three SD programs. ing.

  In addition to these regular services, broadcasting stations also have a special broadcasting service that broadcasts another program at the same time while continuing normal broadcasting. Service system broadcasting equipment must be provided.

FIG. 13 is a system diagram of a broadcasting facility for digital broadcasting installed in a studio of a conventional broadcasting station.
In FIG. 13, a conventional broadcasting facility for digital broadcasting includes a data server (hereinafter referred to as “DS”) 100, an SCP (schedule control processor) 200, an HD control unit 300, an SD2 control unit 310, and a temporary S (service) control unit 320. A plurality of peripheral devices 400, which are various broadcasting apparatuses, a multiplex transmission unit (hereinafter referred to as MUX) 500, a local clock 600, and a network 700 that connects the above components.

  The HD control unit 300, the SD2 control unit 310, and the extraordinary S (service) control unit 320 are input units for inputting control information of HD / SD1, SD2, and extra service programs, respectively, and the extraordinary S (service) control unit 320. The APC operator inputs commands and data related to program schedule changes and broadcast device operation changes necessary for setting the temporary service.

  In addition to the above, there are VTRs, cameras, sub-studios, etc. that supply digital broadcasting program material signals as broadcasting equipment corresponding to the peripheral device 400, and these are equipment common to each service. The processing operation of the handling APC will be described collectively.

  Here, the APC is composed of the SCP 200, the input unit 300, the network 700, the RTP (real-time processor) and the switcher swh shown in FIG.

  The data server 100 manages program editing and supplies operation setting data such as a program and a program timetable of peripheral devices to the SCP 200. Here, DS 100 and SCP 200 are connected by an independent system, but may be connected via network 700.

  The SCP 200 refers to the device operation allocation information based on the program timetable supplied from the DS 100 via the network 700 and the local clock 600, thereby selecting a predetermined peripheral device 400 and a predetermined time in the program timetable. Then, control for outputting a program material signal for on-air to the MUX 500 is performed.

  A plurality of peripheral devices 400 that input and output each program signal are grouped in a common material section with each HD / SD1, SD2, and the 3 + 1 group system of the temporary service system.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the peripheral devices 400 grouped in each service system.
In FIG. 14, the peripheral device 400 is assigned as a dedicated device for HD / SD1, SD2, and a temporary service.

  Each peripheral device 400 of each service system has, as a basic functional configuration, for example, a broadcasting device such as an encoding device, a down converter, and a CM bank, and a control signal transmitted from the SCP 200 prepared for each broadcasting device. It has an RTP (real-time processor) that controls the broadcasting device in real time, and a switcher that selectively connects between each broadcasting device or between each broadcasting device and the MUX 500 to input and output program material signals.

  As described above, each peripheral device 400 includes a coding device that processes a program material signal, a broadcasting device such as a down converter and a CM bank, a device in which a combination of RTP and a switcher is configured as one unit of equipment. I consider it.

  14 includes a broadcasting device (CM bank) 4h1, a broadcasting device (down converter) 4h2, and a broadcasting device (encoding device) 4hc that performs HD (fine video) encoding and an SD. There are a broadcasting device (encoding device) 4hs and a switcher swh that perform (standard video) encoding, and RTP (real-time processors) rh1, rh2, rhc, rs2, and rhs are connected to these broadcasting devices, respectively.

  The broadcaster 4h1, 4h2, 4hc, 4hs and the material unit 410 are connected to the switcher swh, and a control signal from the SCP 200 is input to each RTP via the network 700, and RTPrhs is the switcher swh. Is input with a control signal for performing real-time control as to which of the above-mentioned broadcasting devices performs signal input / output.

  In the HD and SD1 services, the material unit 410, that is, a common VTR or camera generates signals with different encoding speeds from the same material signal and outputs them as separate systems. Express. Among them, the SD1 service system inputs the signal supplied from the material unit 410 via the switcher swh to the down converter 4h2, and the speed-converted signal is again SD encoded via the switcher swh to the encoding device 4hs. Is output.

  On the other hand, in the HD service system, the material signal is input from the switcher swh to the HD encoding device 4hc without passing through the down converter 4h2. Then, the SD1 and HD encoded program (video) signal is output to the MUX 500 via the switcher swh, and when the SD2 service is broadcast, for example, after being multiplexed with the program signal of the SD2 service and the MUX 500, Sent to the transmitter.

  Further, in FIG. 14, a CM bank storing advertisement content is provided for each service system, and a program timetable is transmitted to a transmitter via a MUX 500 via a switcher swh at a predetermined timing of a program timetable. Is output. The functional configuration of the other SD2 and temporary service systems is the same as that of the SD1 service system, and the details of the configuration and the description of the processing outline in the case of normal operation can be easily inferred from the above descriptions, and will be omitted.

  When the temporary service is executed, the operator of the APC adds the program signal of the HD / SD1 service (when the SD2 service is broadcast) to the SCP 200 (or DS100) from the temporary S unit 320. Then, commands and data for adding program signals and changing schedules are input so as to select and output signals for special services.

  The SCP 200 receives a command from the temporary S unit 320 via the network 700. Then, the SCP 200 selects a broadcasting device corresponding to this command or the like, and transmits a control signal to be broadcast at the set on-air time of the temporary service to each RTP via the network 700.

  When the temporary service is started, the program signal from the material unit 410 and the broadcasting device (CM bank) 4r1 is transferred to the MUX 500 via the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4hs for the temporary service via the switcher swr in FIG. To be aired simultaneously with normal service.

In the conventional digital broadcasting system, although the broadcasting frequency is low, special services such as the broadcasting device (CM bank) 4r1 and the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4rs are dedicated so that the temporary service may be broadcast at any time. However, there is a problem that the cost of the studio apparatus is high.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-6963 (page 3, FIG. 1)

  In conventional digital broadcasting, although the frequency of broadcasting is low, it is necessary to provide peripheral equipment for temporary services so that the temporary services may be broadcast at any time, and there is a problem that the cost of studio equipment is high. there were.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide an automatic program transmission control facility capable of broadcasting a temporary service while reducing studio equipment costs, a temporary service program transmission method, and a broadcast schedule management device. And

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic program transmission control device according to the present invention receives information of a program timetable to be broadcast from a connected upper data server (DS) and selectively connects a plurality of broadcasting devices. In a digital broadcast automatic program transmission control apparatus that outputs a broadcast program signal to a transmitter by switching to a clock, a switcher that selectively switches connection between the plurality of broadcast apparatuses, editing the program timetable, Or, an input unit for inputting information related to the control of the machine broadcast program signal, and editing and creating a table of the operation timetable of each broadcasting device from the information of the input program timetable, and the edited Edit and create a table that lists candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs and outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time from the operation timetable, and the temporary service from the input unit When a command and data for broadcasting are input, a control signal for starting or ending operation at the broadcasting time of the temporary service is transmitted to the broadcasting device candidate with reference to the edited and created table and the clock. An automatic program comprising: a broadcast schedule management device for transmitting a control signal for connecting the switcher to a candidate for the broadcast device and outputting a broadcast program signal of the temporary service to the transmitter. Sending control device.

  The broadcast schedule management apparatus of the present invention also includes a clock, a switcher that selectively switches the connection between the plurality of broadcast apparatuses, information on editing the program timetable, or controlling the broadcast program signal. An input unit for inputting, and the switcher switches connections between a plurality of broadcasting devices according to information of a broadcast program timetable input from a connected upper data server (DS), and transmits a broadcast program signal. In the broadcast schedule management device of the automatic program transmission control device for digital broadcasting to be output to the mobile station, the operation timetable table of each broadcasting device is edited and created from the information of the input program timetable, and the edited An operation time list of all the broadcasting devices is created from the operation time table, and the broadcasting device in a standby state is searched for each time from the operation time list. As a result, a table that lists candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs / outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time is edited and created, and commands and data for broadcasting the temporary service are input from the input unit. In this case, with reference to the edited table and the clock, a control signal for starting or ending the operation at the broadcast time of the temporary service is transmitted to the broadcast device candidate, and the broadcast device candidate is transmitted to the switcher. And a control signal for transmitting the broadcast program signal of the temporary service to the transmitter is transmitted.

  Furthermore, the temporary service program transmission method of the present invention is the temporary service program transmission method of an automatic program transmission control device for digital broadcasting to which information of a program timetable to be broadcasted is input from a connected upper data server. The transmission control device includes: a broadcast schedule management device; a clock; a plurality of broadcasting devices that input and output broadcast program signals; a switcher that switches connections between the plurality of broadcasting devices; and the editing of the program timetable, The broadcast schedule management device receives information on the program timetable from the data server, and receives the information on the program timetable from the received information on the program timetable. Edit and create an operation timetable table for each broadcasting device, and create an operation time list for all broadcasting devices from the edited and created operation timetable. A table listing the candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs and outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time by searching for the broadcasting device in the standby state for each time from the created operation time list. When a command and data for editing and creating and broadcasting the temporary service are input from the input unit, the broadcasting time of the temporary service is referred to the broadcasting device candidate with reference to the edited and created table and the clock. Transmitting a control signal for starting or ending operation, and transmitting a control signal for connecting the broadcast device candidate to the switcher and outputting a broadcast program signal of the temporary service to the transmitter. Temporary service program transmission method characterized.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic program transmission control facility, a temporary service program transmission method, and a broadcast schedule management device capable of broadcasting a temporary service while reducing studio equipment costs.

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

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a digital broadcasting broadcasting facility installed in a studio of a broadcasting station according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a broadcasting facility for digital broadcasting includes a data server (hereinafter referred to as DS) 1, an SCP (broadcast schedule management device: Schedule Control Processor) 2, an HD control unit 30, an SD2 control unit 31, and a temporary S (service). A control unit 32, a plurality of peripheral devices 4 serving as various broadcasting apparatuses, a multiplex transmission unit (hereinafter referred to as MUX) 5, a local clock 6 and a network 7 for connecting the above components. .

  Here, the DS 1 and the SCP 2, and the HD control unit 30, the SD 2 control unit 31, the temporary S control unit 32, and the local clock 6 and the SCP 2 are connected by a system different from the network 7. It may be connected via the network 7.

  For normal broadcasts and special service broadcasts, broadcast program signals are output from each peripheral device to a transmitter at a predetermined time by an automatic program transmission control facility (hereinafter referred to as APC).

  Of the above configuration, the automatic program transmission control facility (hereinafter referred to as APC) includes the SCP2, HD control unit 30, SD2 control unit 31, temporary S (service) control unit 32, network 7, and later. It is assumed that the RTP (real-time processor) and the switcher shown in FIG.

  The data server 1 manages program editing and supplies a program timetable (operation information) of programs and devices to the SCP 2.

  The SCP 2 creates an operation timetable for each peripheral device 4 based on the supplied information, and manages the operation schedule of each peripheral device 4. That is, the SCP 2 transmits a control signal to each peripheral device 4 via the network 7 based on the created operation timetable, and integrally manages the start and end of the operation of each peripheral device 4.

  The HD control unit 30, SD2 control unit 31, and extraordinary S (service) control unit 32 are input units that control the on-air of programs for each service, and are composed of parts and equipment such as push button switches and touch panel displays, for example. .

  The temporary S (service) control unit 32 receives commands and data related to program schedule change and broadcast device operation change necessary for setting the temporary service by an APC operator.

  In addition to the above, peripheral devices corresponding to the peripheral device 4 include VTRs and cameras that supply digital broadcast program material signals, sub-studios not described, etc., but these are facilities common to each service. In the following, the handling APC processing operation will be described collectively with the material unit 41.

  The SCP 2 refers to the device operation allocation information based on the program timetable supplied from the DS 1 via the network 7 and the local clock 6 to select a predetermined peripheral device 4 and select a predetermined time in the program timetable. Control for outputting a program material signal for on-airing to MUX5 is performed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration in which the peripheral devices 4 are grouped into service systems.
In FIG. 2, the peripheral devices 4 are divided into two groups of HD / SD1 and SD2 service systems, and are mainly allocated to the equipment of each service system. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the temporary service reduces the cost of the studio apparatus by using peripheral devices of other service systems without preparing dedicated equipment unlike the conventional service.

  In FIG. 2, each peripheral device 4 of each service system includes, for example, a broadcasting device such as an encoding device, a down converter, and a CM bank, and the broadcasting device based on a control signal prepared for each broadcasting device and transmitted from the SCP 2. RTP (real-time processor) for controlling the broadcasting in real time, and a switcher for selectively connecting between each broadcasting device or between each broadcasting device and the MUX 5 to input / output a program material signal. A combination of a broadcasting device, its RTP, and a switcher in each service system is regarded as a peripheral device configured as one piece of equipment.

The CM bank outputs an advertisement broadcast program signal stored in advance in the internal storage device at a predetermined time of a predetermined broadcast program, so to speak, it can be considered as a video server. good. The program signal of the advertisement broadcast, in other words, the program signal from the CM bank, is switched to the program signal from the material unit 41 at a predetermined various timing by the switcher according to the program schedule for each service, and is output to the MUX 5 and broadcast. 2 includes a broadcasting device (CM bank) 4H1, a broadcasting device (down converter) 4H2, and a broadcasting device (encoding device) 4HC that performs HD (fine video) encoding. There are a broadcasting device (encoding device) 4HS and a switcher SWH that perform SD (standard video) encoding, and RTP (real-time processors) RH1, RH2, RHC, RS2, and RHS are connected to these broadcasting devices, respectively.

  The broadcaster 4H1, 4H2, 4HC, 4HS and the material unit 41 are connected to the switcher SWH, and a control signal from the SCP 2 is input to each RTP via the network 7, and the switcher SWH is connected to the RTPRHS. A control signal for performing real-time control as to which broadcasting device the SWH performs signal input / output is input.

  In this embodiment, the RTP is prepared for each broadcasting apparatus, and starts and ends the operation according to the timing instruction of the control signal received from the SCP 2 via the network 7 as described above. Management control of various operations set by the connection with the computer and a preset program.

  As shown in FIG. 1, each RTP is connected between itself and the broadcasting apparatus controlled by the network 7 or a dedicated cable, bus line, or the like. In the following, description of the RTP operation will be omitted unless otherwise required, and APC program transmission processing will be described using the name, code, etc. of each broadcasting device controlled by SCP2.

  In the HD / SD1 service, the material unit 41, that is, a common VTR or camera generates signals with different encoding speeds from the same material signal and outputs them as separate systems. That is, in the SD1 service system, a signal supplied from the material unit 41 via the switcher SWH is input to the down converter 4H2, and is output again to the encoding device 4HS that performs SD encoding via the switcher SWH.

  In the HD service system, the material signal is input from the switcher SWH to the HD encoding device 4HC without passing through the down converter 4H2. Then, both the SD1 and HD encoded video signals are output to the MUX5 via the switcher SWH, and when other services are broadcast, they are multiplexed with the program signal of the service and the MUX5 and then transmitted to the transmitter. Is done.

  In FIG. 2, a CM bank storing advertisement content is provided for each service system. For example, in the HD service, a program timetable is output to the MUX 5 via the switcher SWH at a predetermined timing of the program timetable. Is done. The functional configuration of other SD2 and temporary service systems is the same as that of the SD1 service system, and the details of the configuration and the description of the processing outline in the case of normal operation can be easily inferred from the above descriptions, and will be omitted.

  When the temporary service is executed, the APC operator adds the program signal of the HD / SD1 service (if the SD2 service is broadcast) to the SCP2 (or DS1) from the temporary S control unit 32. Then, commands and data for adding a program signal, setting a broadcast time, changing a schedule, etc. are input so that a program signal for a temporary service is selected and output.

  The SCP 2 receives a command or the like from the temporary S control unit 32 via the network 7. Then, the SCP 2 selects a broadcasting device corresponding to this command or the like, and transmits a control signal to be broadcast at the set on-air time of the temporary service to each RTP via the network 7.

  Next, an operation time table creation operation related to the temporary service operation in the embodiment will be described below. In the digital broadcasting, the peripheral device 4 is controlled according to the operation time table created by the SCP 2 from the device operation information for each time supplied from the DS 1 as described above, and a predetermined program or a special service program is broadcast.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of SCP2.
In FIG. 3, the SCP 2 is time information received from the local clock 6 via the CPU 21, communication I / F (interface) 22, and database 230 which is a storage device, for example, the network 7, which are connected by an internal bus or the like. And a clock 24 that operates in synchronization with each other.

  The SCP 2 CPU 21 that controls APC processing writes or reads various data to and from the database 230 via the internal bus in order to manage the broadcast schedule of the program. The communication I / F 22 inputs and outputs various information and control signals between the network 7 and the internal bus.

  The database 230 which is a storage device stores program information received from the DS 1 via the network 7 and the communication I / F 22. In addition, the database 230 is used (standby) as the operation timetables 23a to 23n of the broadcasting apparatus 4 for each service edited based on the program information received by the CPU 21 and the temporary service equipment as will be described later. A broadcast device candidate list 23x is stored as a table.

  From DS1, a broadcast program and a peripheral device 4 serving as a key used for the broadcast program are designated to SCP2. For example, from 19:00 to 21:00, information for performing a “professional baseball” broadcast using the relay car A is notified. The CPU 21 of the SCP 2 arranges the input information and edits it as the table 23a of the operation timetable of each broadcasting apparatus constituting the peripheral device 4 (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the tables 23a to 23n are the same as the table 23). Omitted.)

4 to 10 are examples of operation timetables of the peripheral devices (broadcast apparatuses) in FIG.
4A to 6A are operation time tables before a special broadcast is scheduled, and FIGS. 4B to 6B are an operation time table when the special broadcast is scheduled.

  FIG. 4 is an example of an operation time table of a broadcasting device (CM bank # 1) 4H1 (hereinafter abbreviated as CM bank # 1) broadcasting device (down converter) 4H2 mainly used in the HD / SD1 service system. is there.

  In FIG. 4 (a), CM bank # 1 is set to an advertising program in line with a predetermined program, and professional baseball is relayed from 19:00 to 21:00, The program signal of the advertisement of the sponsor (for example, spot of company A) described in the column “advertisement” is output via the switcher SWH. Similarly, there is a news program from 21:00, and advertisements from each company are also broadcast.

  The output timing of the advertising program is further finely set in another timetable, and the switcher SWH switches the video signal from the relay vehicle A and the video signal from the CM bank, which are program material signals, toward the MUX5. Although it is output, the detailed timetable of the advertising program will be omitted here because it becomes frequent.

  Similarly, in FIG. 4A, a broadcasting device (down converter) 4H2 is a program signal or advertisement of HD material input (for example, 19:00 to 21:00 is a relay car A) that is switched and inputted from the switcher SWH. Are converted into an SD bit rate video signal and output.

  Although one broadcasting device (CM bank) may be used for each program, broadcast programs of predetermined advertisements stored in one CM bank # 1 are sequentially output during the period displayed in FIG. Has been.

  Needless to say, in the table 23 in FIG. 4, broadcast programs using still another broadcast device are displayed in the same manner at times other than those described.

  FIG. 5 is an operation time table of the broadcasting apparatus (encoding processing apparatus) 4HC and 4HS that performs encoding for HD and SD1 service of the program signal (video signal) supplied from the broadcasting apparatus of FIG. 4 at the time. It is an example.

  In FIG. 5A, the SD1 service is used to simultaneously supply the broadcast content of the HD service. The HD / SD1 service is the same program signal source from the VTR and the material unit 41 such as a camera or the CM bank 1. Is used. And the program signal is output with the encoding speed corresponding to each service.

  Furthermore, the HD service broadcasting device (encoding processing device) 4HC is described as “10 Mbps” in the remarks column of “19: 00 to 19:30” and time “after 23:00”. It is slower than the encoding speed of 18 Mbps for “Full” at other times. From this, it can be seen that another service (SD2) having a speed of 8 Mbps is simultaneously broadcast together with the HD service at that time.

FIG. 6 is an operation time table of the switcher SWH and the switcher SWS. In the time column in the figure, the “●” mark is attached to the switcher SWS for SD2 service.
7 is an operation timetable of a broadcasting device (CM bank) 4S1 and a broadcasting device (down converter) 4S2 mainly used for the SD2 service system, and FIG. 8 is an operation timetable of the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4SS for the SD2 service. .
Here, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, there is a local news broadcast between “19:00 and 19:30”, and a “midnight movie” SD2 service broadcast after “23:00”. From the broadcasting device (sub studio A), it can be seen that in the latter case, the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4SS processes the program signal from the broadcasting device (VTR # 3) and outputs an SD signal of 8 Mbps. 7 and 8, it can be seen that the broadcasting apparatus of the SD2 service is in a standby state for most of the broadcasting time, and it is understood that the usage efficiency of the broadcasting apparatus is not high.

  Similarly, it can be seen from FIG. 6A that the switcher SWS for the SD2 service is also not used in the standby state for a long time.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral equipment for the SD2 service in the standby state is used for the temporary service in this way, thereby omitting the broadcasting apparatus dedicated to the temporary service and reducing the studio equipment cost.

  As described above, the operation time of each broadcasting device is transmitted from DS1 to SCP2. SCP2 creates a table 23n that can list the operation time information of all broadcasting devices, and sets a predetermined broadcasting device at the time of on-air. Control is performed to transmit control signals such as operation start and end to the RTP of the broadcast apparatus via the network 7.

FIG. 9 is a table 23n that lists the operation times of all broadcasting apparatuses.
In FIG. 9, broadcasting devices are listed by being classified into several functional groups such as a CM bank, a down converter, and an encoding device. In the table 23n, the column of “*” mark of each function group indicates that there are some broadcasting apparatuses that are not described in the table 23n but are used.

  Although not shown in FIG. 9, each broadcast device is identified as a broadcast device (apparatus) for which the HD, SD1, or SD2 service is used. The broadcast device ID (identification information, for example, , 4H1, 4SS, 4S1b, etc. of the codes of the broadcasting device) are recorded in the table 23. Note that “b” attached like 4S1b means backup equipment.

  In the table 23n of the database 230, the operation time of each broadcasting device is listed based on FIGS. 3 to 8, and all the broadcasting devices are registered and stored in advance. Therefore, the CPU 21 searches the broadcasting device 23 that is not in operation (standby equipment) from the table 23n read out from the database 230, so that the broadcasting device candidate applicable to the temporary service within a predetermined time range is obtained. Can be edited as a list.

FIG. 10 is a table 23x that lists a candidate list of broadcasting devices when the temporary service is executed.
The priority (priority order) of candidates when the standby device of the broadcasting apparatus is edited into the candidate list of the table 23X from the table 23n of FIG. 9 read by the CPU 21 is, for example, for the SD2 service that is used less frequently in the operation time list. Candidates first from the broadcasting device. In the same service group with the same function, multiple devices can be selected by setting priorities such as using devices that have a long standby time in the operation time list or devices that can be used continuously. You may choose as.

  If there is no standby equipment in the SD2 service broadcasting device at that time, other standby equipment in the SD1 or HD service system may be used for the temporary service. It is better to increase the priority of equipment set as a system.

  For example, an example in which CM bank, down converter, encoding device, and switcher candidates described in the table 23n to the table 23x are selected between 19:00 and 23:00 will be described.

  In the HD / SD1 and SD2 services, the broadcasting device is used as shown in FIGS. In the SD2 service, the broadcasting device (CM bank) 4S1 broadcasting device (down converter) 4S2, the encoding device 4SS, and the broadcasting device (switcher) SWS are scheduled to be used for broadcasting after 19:00 to 19:30 and 23:00. Otherwise, it is in a standby state.

  Accordingly, from 19:30 to 22:30, these SD2 service equipments are preferentially allocated for temporary services.

  On the other hand, looking at FIG. 10, it is CM bank 4S1b that is listed as the first candidate for the temporary service after 22:30, taking CM bank as an example. Although the CM bank 4S1 is not scheduled to broadcast between 22:30 and 23:00, the time is out of the candidates.

  This is because in the SD2 service, CM bank 4S1 is used from 23:00, so 30 minutes before that, it was removed from the candidates for preparation for the start of broadcasting, and at 22:30, CM bank 4S1b, which is backup equipment, was removed. This is due to the fact that is preferentially adopted. Similarly, other broadcast apparatus candidates for the temporary service are selected.

  Next, an outline of APC processing when executing a temporary service will be described. For example, it is assumed that the game continues even if the video broadcast of the sports program of the HD service scheduled to end at 21:00 is scheduled to end. The program schedule is a broadcast schedule that switches to a news program of the HD service, but it is assumed that a special service that continuously broadcasts a sports broadcast at the same time as the news program is performed.

  The operator of the APC broadcasts the camera signal of the relay vehicle A as a temporary service from the input unit 3 to the SCP 2 until 21:30, and sends a command or data for changing the schedule so as to prepare a CM bank for the temporary service. input. These commands and the like are transmitted to the SCP 2 via the network 7 or a connection cable.

  The SCP 2 receives commands and the like via the network 7 and the communication I / F 22 or the like. Then, the CPU 21 monitoring the internal bus reads the command and the like, and starts selection of a broadcasting device and correction of the operation time table for the temporary service so that the temporary service can be performed.

  The CPU 21 of the SCP 2 refers to the table 23x of FIG. 10 to select the temporary service broadcasting apparatus (CM bank) 4S1 and (down converter) 4S2. Also, when the temporary service is set, the news program is originally encoded at 18 Mbps, but the standard service (SD) signal of 8 Mbps is output in the temporary service, so that it can be accommodated in the band of 18 Mbps. The broadcast apparatus (encoding apparatus) 4H1 is corrected by reducing the encoding speed by 18 Mbps to 10 Mbps.

  In the table 23 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the program content itself of the HD / SD1 service does not change before and after the provision of the temporary service. However, in FIG. 5 (b), since the encoding speed of the HD service changes during the temporary service, in the broadcasting apparatus (encoding apparatus) 4HC for HD service, the encoding speed is changed to 10 Mbps from 21:00 for 30 minutes. ing.

  In FIG. 6B, it can be seen that the switcher SWS of the SD2 service, which is a standby candidate, is used to perform the temporary service as indicated by “◯”.

  4B to 6B are read out by the CPU 21 with reference to the clock 24 that always operates in synchronization with the local clock 6. Then, the CPU 21 transmits a control signal for performing the HD / SD1 service and the temporary service via the communication I / F 22 and the network 7 to the RTP for controlling the operation of the broadcasting device at a predetermined broadcast time. And temporary services.

FIG. 11 is an operation timetable of the broadcasting device created and edited by the CPU 21 as a temporary service.
11, the candidate equipment read from the table 23X of FIG. 10 is adopted, and the temporary service includes SD2 service broadcasting device (CM bank) 4S1, broadcasting device (downconverter) 4S2, and broadcasting device (encoding). Device) It can be seen that 4SS is used for broadcasting. And CPU21 outputs the control signal which inputs the signal output of the camera of the relay vehicle A, and the program signal of broadcast apparatus (CM bank) 4S1 toward the broadcast apparatus (switcher) SWS also employ | adopted.

  Although not omitted in FIG. 11, an instruction to output (connect) any of the input signals to the broadcasting device (down converter) 4S2 and the output of the video signal of the broadcasting device (down converter) 4S2. A control signal for connecting the input of the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4SS is also output.

  At the same time, the CPU 21 outputs a control signal for adding extra broadcasts to the switcher SWH and the switcher SWS.

  FIG. 6A shows the connection destination of the switcher SWH when there is no plan for the temporary service, and the left half of the table 23 shows the connection between the broadcasting devices called studio devices, so to speak from 21:00 to 30 minutes. In the figure, a signal from the broadcasting device CM bank 4H1 is input, and the input signal is distributed and output to the two broadcasting devices (encoding devices) 4HC and 4HS.

  The right half of the table 23 shows the broadcasting device connected to the input of the MUX 5 that multiplexes the signals from the broadcasting device toward the transmitter. Signals from two of 4HC and 4HS are input.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 6B showing the operation time table of the switcher when the temporary service is performed, the operation of the switcher SWS is added and output from the broadcasting device (encoding device) 4SS from 21:00 to 30 minutes. It is shown that the connected signal is additionally connected to MUX5. In MUX5, the program signals of the HD / SD1 service and the temporary service are multiplexed and output to the transmitter.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of the CPU 21 of the SPC 2.
Hereinafter, the processing time table of FIGS. 4 to 11 or the processing operation of the CPU 21 that creates and edits the table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The CPU 21 of the SCP 2 receives the data of the program timetable of each peripheral device 4 from the DS 1 via the network 7 and the communication interface 22 (step s1). Then, the table 23 of the operation time table (FIG. 4 (a), FIG. 5 (a), FIG. 6 (a), FIG. 7, FIG. 8) of the broadcasting device of each service constituting each peripheral device 4 is created (step). s2). The operation time list of all broadcasting devices and the table 23n in FIG. 9 are further edited and created from the created operation time table (step s3). The standby time of each broadcasting device is searched and the table 23x of the temporary service device candidate list (FIG. 10) is edited and created (step s4).

  The CPU 21 monitors the internal bus of the SCP 2, and when there is no input of a temporary service command or data (No in step s5), the operation time table of each broadcasting device (see FIG. 4A), FIG. The table 23 of 5 (a), FIG. 6 (a), FIG. 7, FIG. 8) is read. (Step s6). Then, a broadcasting device that handles a broadcast program signal of a normal service is selected (step s7). Then, control signals for connection, operation start and end are transmitted to each selected broadcasting device (step s8).

  On the other hand, if a temporary service command or data is input (Yes in step s5), the temporary service device is read from the temporary service device list in the table 23x of FIG. 10 (step s9). 11 is created (step s10) and, for example, the operation time table of each service broadcasting device such as RTP required for the temporary service (FIG. 5). (B), the table 23 in FIG. 6 (b) is modified (step s11).

  The CPU 21 refers to the clock 24 and uses the table 23 of the operation time table (FIG. 4 (b), FIG. 5 (b), FIG. 6 (b), FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 11) of each broadcasting device at that time. Read (step s6-1), and select a broadcasting apparatus that handles broadcast programs signals of normal service and temporary service (step s12). Then, a control signal for controlling the start and end of connection and operation is transmitted to each selected broadcasting device (step s8).

  Each broadcast device that receives this control signal inputs / outputs a broadcast program signal through a predetermined connection, and a broadcast program signal in which a normal service and a temporary service are multiplexed is transmitted to the transmitter via the MUX 5. The

  As described above, in the APC (automatic program transmission control facility) in the embodiment of the present invention, the operation time of the broadcasting apparatus that handles broadcast program signals is listed and managed in a table, so that a temporary service for digital broadcasting is provided. Since the temporary service is provided by using a standby broadcasting apparatus for normal service without installing a dedicated broadcasting apparatus, the cost of the studio apparatus can be reduced.

The equipment system diagram of the broadcasting facility of the digital broadcasting installed in the studio of a broadcasting station concerning the Example of this invention. The block diagram which shows the function structure which put together the peripheral device of the broadcasting equipment of the digital broadcasting which concerns on the Example of this invention for every broadcast service system. The block diagram which shows the function structure of SCP. Table of operation timetables of broadcasting apparatuses (down-conversion and CM bank) mainly used for HD / SD1 service system. The table of the operation time table of the broadcasting apparatus (encoding processing apparatus) mainly used for the HD / SD1 service system. Table of operation time table of switcher SWH. The table of the operation timetable of the broadcasting apparatus mainly used for the SD2 service system. The table of the operation timetable of the broadcasting apparatus (encoding apparatus) of SD2 service. A table listing the operating times of all broadcasting devices. A table of a list of candidates for broadcasting apparatuses that execute a temporary service. An operation timetable of the broadcasting device related to the temporary service. The flowchart explaining the processing operation of CPU of SPC. The equipment system diagram of the broadcasting equipment of the digital broadcasting installed in the studio of the conventional broadcasting station. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the peripheral equipment of the broadcasting installation grouped into each conventional service system | strain.

Explanation of symbols

1 DS (data server)
2 SCP (Broadcast Schedule Management Device: Schedule Control Processor)
21 CPU
22 Communication interface 23 Databases 23a to 23n Table 24 Clock 3 Input unit 4 Peripheral device 5 Multiplex transmission unit (MUX)
6 Local clock 7 Network

Claims (7)

Automatic digital broadcasting that receives information on a program timetable to be broadcast from a connected upper data server (DS) and selectively switches the connection between a plurality of broadcasting devices and outputs a broadcast program signal to a transmitter. In the program transmission control device,
Watch and
A switcher for selectively switching connection between the plurality of broadcasting devices;
An input unit for inputting information related to the editing of the program timetable or the control of the machine broadcast program signal;
Edit and create an operation timetable table for each broadcasting device from the input program timetable information, and input and output broadcast program signals for temporary services corresponding to times from the edited operation timetable. When editing and creating a table that lists candidates for the broadcasting device, and when a command and data for broadcasting the temporary service are input from the input unit, refer to the edited table and the clock A control signal that starts or ends the operation at the broadcast time of the temporary service is transmitted to the broadcast device candidate, and the broadcast program signal of the temporary service is connected to the transmitter by connecting between the broadcast device candidates to the switcher. An automatic program transmission control apparatus comprising: a broadcast schedule management apparatus that transmits a control signal to be output. In an automatic program transmission control device for digital broadcasting that receives information of a program timetable to be broadcast from a connected upper data server, selectively switches a plurality of broadcasting devices and outputs a broadcasting program signal to a transmitter,
Watch and
A switcher for selectively switching connection between the plurality of broadcasting devices;
An input unit for inputting information related to the editing of the program timetable or the control of the machine broadcast program signal;
Edit and create an operation timetable table of each broadcasting device from the input program timetable information, create an operation time list of all the broadcasting devices from the edited operation timetable, and By searching for the broadcasting device in the standby state for each time from the time list, a table that lists candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs and outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time is edited and created, When a command and data for broadcasting the temporary service is input from the input unit, the operation starts or ends at the broadcast time of the temporary service with reference to the edited and created table and the clock. A control signal to be transmitted, and the broadcaster signal of the temporary service is directed to the transmitter by connecting between the candidates for the broadcasting device to the switcher. Automatic program delivery control apparatus comprising: a broadcast schedule management apparatus for transmitting a control signal to be output. The operation time table of each broadcasting device and the operation time list of all the broadcasting devices are set for each service of HD, SD1, SD2 of digital broadcasting,
3. The automatic program transmission control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the list of broadcast service candidates for the temporary service listed is preferentially selected from broadcast apparatuses set for the SD2 service. A switch and a switcher for selectively switching connections between the plurality of broadcasting devices;
An input unit for inputting information related to the editing of the program timetable or the control of the machine broadcast program signal, and information on the program timetable to be broadcast input from a connected higher data server (DS) In the broadcast schedule management device of an automatic program transmission control device for digital broadcasting in which the switcher switches connections between a plurality of broadcast devices and outputs a broadcast program signal to a transmitter,
Edit and create an operation timetable table of each broadcasting device from the input program timetable information, create an operation time list of all the broadcasting devices from the edited operation timetable, and By searching for the broadcasting device in the standby state for each time from the time list, a table that lists candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs and outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time is edited and created, When a command and data for broadcasting the temporary service is input from the input unit, the operation starts or ends at the broadcast time of the temporary service with reference to the edited and created table and the clock. A control signal to be transmitted, and the broadcaster signal of the temporary service is directed to the transmitter by connecting between the candidates for the broadcasting device to the switcher. Broadcast schedule management apparatus and transmits a control signal to be output. The operation time table of each broadcasting device and the operation time list of all the broadcasting devices are set for each service of HD, SD1, SD2 of digital broadcasting,
5. The broadcast schedule management apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the list of broadcast service candidates for the temporary service listed is preferentially selected from broadcast apparatuses set for the SD2 service. In a temporary service program transmission method of an automatic program transmission control device for digital broadcasting, in which information of a program timetable to be broadcasted is input from a connected upper data server,
The automatic program transmission control device includes: a broadcast schedule management device; a clock; a plurality of broadcasting devices that input and output broadcast program signals; a switcher that switches connections between the plurality of broadcasting devices; and the program timetable Editing, or an input unit for inputting information related to the control of the machine broadcast program signal,
When the broadcast schedule management device receives the information of the program timetable from the data server, the broadcast schedule management device edits and creates the operation timetable table of each broadcast device from the received information of the program timetable,
Create an operation time list of all broadcasting devices from the edited operation time table,
A table listing the candidates for the broadcasting device that inputs and outputs the broadcast program signal of the temporary service corresponding to the time by searching for the broadcasting device in the standby state for each time from the created operation time list. Edit and create
When a command and data for broadcasting the temporary service are input from the input unit, an operation is started at the broadcast time of the temporary service to the broadcasting device candidate with reference to the edited table and the clock. A temporary control signal that transmits a control signal to the transmitter and outputs a broadcast program signal of the temporary service to the transmitter by connecting between the broadcast device candidates to the switcher. Service program transmission method. The operation time table of each broadcasting device and the operation time list of all the broadcasting devices are set for each service of HD, SD1, SD2 of digital broadcasting,
7. The temporary service program transmission method according to claim 6, wherein the list of broadcast device candidates for the temporary service listed is preferentially selected from the broadcast devices set for the SD2 service.

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