JP4703664B2 - Program transmission system switching system and switching method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a program transmission system switching system and switching method in a broadcasting station.

  In commercial broadcasting, broadcast program materials are sent to a transmitter with a redundant configuration of devices and equipment related to program transmission. As a program material sending device installed in a studio, etc., a plurality of TV cameras, a large number of VTRs, video servers, etc. are operated, and operate on air (hereinafter abbreviated as OA) or stand by in preparation for OA ( (Standby) operation.

  These program transmission apparatuses generate an alarm when an abnormality occurs during OA by their respective self-inspection functions, and the operator who has received the alarm switches from the active apparatus to the standby apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a functional system diagram for explaining the operation of the program transmission system switching system in the conventional broadcasting station studio.
In FIG. 3, the program transmission system switching system includes active and standby material transmission apparatuses 1a1,..., Material transmission apparatus 1b1,..., Material switcher S1a, material switcher S1b, and a system switcher that selects an output from any of the material switchers. S2, supervisory control console 2, alarm collecting device 3, SCP (Schedule Control Processor) 4, distributors 5a1,..., 5b1,..., Control network CN, etc., and signals of required program material are multiplexed via system switcher S2. It is sent to the transmitting station via MP.

  Based on the program timetable, the SCP 4 controls the material sending timing to the material sending devices 1a1,..., 1b1... That send the program material scheduled to be broadcast, and is an active material switcher (here, the material switcher S1a). ) And the material signal of the required program is transmitted from the VTR, which is the material transmission device 1a1, to the multiplexing device MP, for example, via the system switcher S2.

  The material sending devices 1a1,..., 1b1,..., The material switchers S1a, S1b send self-inspection signals to the alarm collecting device 3 via the control network CN or signal lines. Further, each material sending device 1a1,..., 1b1... Distributes the material signal output by itself through the distributors 5a1,..., 5b1... To the material switchers S1a and S1b.

  Now, it is assumed that the current equipment is the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1a1, and the spare equipment corresponding thereto is the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1b1. The outputs of the material delivery devices 1a1 and 1b1 are connected to the respective contacts s1a and s1b of the matrix switches of the material switchers S1a and S1b.

  Under normal conditions, the material signal output from the VTR of the material sending device 1a1 is sent and OA to the multiplexing device MP via the contact s1a of the working system material switcher S1a and the system switcher S2. If an abnormality occurs in the VTR of the material sending device 1a1, the alarm signal is output to the alarm collecting device 3 via the control network CN.

  Since the alarm signal includes unique identification information that identifies the device that generated the alarm, the alarm collection device 3 that has received the alarm signal has a VTR of the material sending device 1a1 that has failed by means such as a display. To the operator. (The identification information indicating the failed device may be a means such as a lamp display corresponding to each device installed on the panel.)

  The operator controls the switcher S1a from the monitoring control console 2 so as to select a signal output by the VTR of the standby material transmission device 1b1 which is a spare material of the material transmission device 1a1, and the signal is output via the contact s1b. Control is performed to send a signal to the multiplexer MP via the system switcher S2.

  In this conventional system switching method, since an operator fails or an alarm is notified during OA, the operator identifies the failed device and switches the device from working to spare equipment. There was a problem that the hanging screen was abnormal.

  Furthermore, although the material sending device is switched when the program and content change conventionally, even if a failure occurs in the material sending device that sends out new content, the device to be switched next is identified and notified. There was no means. For this reason, there is a problem that a time delay occurs in switching an abnormal device since an alarm is notified to the operator after the program is automatically switched in accordance with the SCP 4 corresponding to the timetable.

As a method for searching for a failure generating device in advance and automatically switching the device to be placed, there is a method for detecting an abnormality by sending a test signal to each device (for example, Patent Document 1). However, this method has a problem that the program schedule must be taken out of, for example, the SCP 4 and tested at a timing that does not hinder OA, the test sequence and the switching control procedure are complicated, and the cost of the test apparatus is increased. .
JP 2000-287105 A (page 5, FIG. 1)

  The conventional system switching device has a problem that a delay occurs in the response when an abnormality occurs because an operator who detects an alarm from the device manually switches the system.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a low-cost program system switching system and switching method for automatically, promptly and proactively performing system switching in response to the occurrence of an abnormality in an apparatus for sending an OA program. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, the program transmission system switching system of the present invention comprises control information transmission means for transmitting information between devices and apparatuses, and the program material signal is switched according to the program transmission schedule managed by the SCP. In the program transmission system switching system that is used in the automatic program transmission facility that is output via the switch and switches the material transmission apparatus from which the alarm is transmitted from the active system to the standby system, the same program material signal is simultaneously transmitted in accordance with the program transmission schedule. A plurality of material sending devices and an SCP for sending information for controlling each switcher via the control information transmitting means so as to be outputted from the second switcher; Are connected to each other, and are controlled by the SCP and output program material signals that are currently OA (on air). The OA line that outputs the first selection information indicating the contact that has selected the material sending device that sends the program material signal, and the second that shows the contact that has selected the material sending device that sends the program material signal to be OA next. The first switcher of the first system and the second switcher of the second system, each having a next line for outputting the selection information of the first system, and the program material signal output from the OA line of each switcher are input. The third switcher that selects and outputs one of them as an active OA program material signal by the system switching signal, the identification information unique to each of the material transmission devices, and each material transmission device are connected. A list of data corresponding to the contact points of the first and second switchers is stored in an internal memory, and the list of the first and second switchers is stored. When the selection information input from the line and the next line is monitored and an alarm is received via the control information transmission means, the list includes the identification information of the material sending apparatus that has transmitted the alarm and the selection information. against the, OA line the alarm which is the first, or the second case are those received from the material delivery device shown in the selection information, the third switcher in the backup system current active system System switching control means for outputting a system switching signal for switching to the active system to the third switcher via the control information transmission means.

The switching method of the program transmission system switching system of the present invention comprises an SCP, a switcher, a plurality of material transmission devices, a system switching control means, and a control information transmission means for transmitting information between them, program material signal in accordance with program delivery schedule SCP is managed is used in the automatic program transmission equipment that will be output via the switcher, alarm switches the material delivery device sent to the backup system from the working of the program delivery system switching system in switching method, the SCP, the following program delivery schedule, the same program material signal controls the first, a plurality of the material delivery device and the respective switcher as output from the second of the switcher simultaneously, the first 1 switcher and the second switchers, first system, a plurality of said material delivery constituting the second system Location are respectively connected to the individual contacts, the are controlled to SCP outputs a first selection information indicating a contact selected materials delivery apparatus for delivering the program material signal and outputs the program material signal currently OA However, the second selection information indicating the point of contact for selecting the material sending device for sending the program material to be OA next is output, respectively , the system switching control means, the identification information unique to each material sending device, A list of data corresponding to the contact points of the first and second switchers to which each material sending device is connected is stored in an internal memory, and the selection information is input from the first and second switchers. When the alarm is received and the alarm is received, the identification information and the selection information of the material sending device that has transmitted the alarm are collated with the list, and the alarm is the active system 1, or those received from the material delivery device shown in the second selection information, said system switching signal for switching the lines are selected in the current standby system in the third the switcher of the active system 3 output to the switcher, the third switcher in accordance with the system switching signal is input, the first or the second input from the switcher said program material signal a program for OA of the working system currently in the standby system, It is characterized by being selected and output as a material signal .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the low-cost program system switching system and switching method which perform the system switching with respect to abnormality generation | occurrence | production of the OA program rapidly, proactively, and automatically can be provided.

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

FIG. 1 is a functional system diagram for explaining the operation of the program system switching system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a program transmission system switching system SX includes a material transmission apparatus 1a1,..., A material transmission apparatus 1b1,..., A material switcher S1A and a material switcher S1B corresponding to these systems. , System switcher S2, supervisory control console 2, system switching controller 6, SCP (Schedule Control Processor) 4, control network CN for connecting the above devices and transmitting monitor signals, and output of each material sending device And a distributor 5 etc. for branching and distributing to each material switcher.

  The monitoring control console, each switcher, and SCP 4 are devices that normally constitute an automatic program transmission facility. The SCP 4 controls the material sending device and each switcher in accordance with the program timetable, and controls to output the program material to be OA from the material switcher. The material signal output from the material sending device is sent to the transmitting station via the multiplexer MP or the like as a signal of a required program material via the system switcher S2. The output of each material delivery device is input to both material switchers via the distributor 5, but in FIG. 1, only the system related to the material delivery devices 1a1 and 1b1 is shown in FIG. Yes.

  The control network CN is a communication network that transmits various controls and monitor signals for studio equipment in a broadcasting station. The program transmission system switching system SX of the embodiment is a system provided with a conventional program transmission system switching system, a material switcher S1A, a material switcher S1B using a next line described later, and an automatic switching function instead of the alarm collecting device 3. Since it is the same except that the switching controller 6 is provided, the description of the same matters is omitted.

  The program transmission system switching device of this embodiment is that two systems, an active system and a standby system, are simultaneously operated in parallel, and the standby system is performing a hot standby operation. That is, if a failure occurs in the working equipment or device, the entire system is switched from the working system to the standby system instead of switching only the failed device as in the prior art.

  The system switching controller 6 is an information terminal such as a personal computer including a CPU, a memory, and an interface (not shown). The contact selection information of the system switcher 2 and the material switchers S1A and S1B is received via the control network CN, and a TCP interface by a LAN interface or a required interface such as a serial interface is transmitted from the control network CN or an input / output port. The alarm signal is received from each material sending device, switcher or the like.

  Then, the CPU reads each material sending device that outputs the material in OA and the material to be OA from the selection information, and when an alarm is received from the material sending device, a system switching signal for switching the system as described later is sent. It is sent to the system switcher S2.

  Based on the program timetable, the SCP 4 transmits a control signal to a required apparatus via the control network CN, and controls the connection destinations of the active and standby material switchers S1A and S1B. Then, the system switcher S2 selects the output of the active material switcher S1A for the material signal of the program to be OA, and transmits the material signal from the VTR which is the material transmission device 1a1 to the multiplexing device MP.

  Moreover, each material sending device 1a1,..., 1b1,..., And material switchers S1A and S1B send self-inspection signals and alarm signals to the system switching controller 6 via the control network CN or signal lines.

  That is, it is assumed that the current equipment in the OA is the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1a1, and the spare equipment corresponding thereto is the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1b1. The outputs of the material sending devices 1a1 and 1b1 are connected to the contacts s1a and s1b for selecting the material signal of the program to be OA of each of the matrix switches of the material switchers S1A and S1B, and the materials taken out by the contacts s1a and s1b are connected. An output signal is input to the system switcher S2. The system switcher S2 selects the material switcher S1A which is the active system, and sends the content signal output from the VTR of the material sending device 1a1 to the multiplexing device MP.

  At this time, the output from the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1a2 is also input to the system switcher S2 via the contact s1b of the material switcher S1B. However, since the OA line L1 output selected by the material switcher S1B is a spare system, it is multiplexed. It is not output to the device MP.

  Further, the matrix switch of the material switchers S1A and S1B is provided with a next line L2 in addition to the OA line L1, and a material for sending the content to be OA next in the OA by the control of the SCP 4 according to the program timetable. Selection information indicating that the contacts ns1a and ns1b to which the outputs of the sending devices 1a2 and 1b2 are connected is selected is output. Both material switchers transmit the selection information of the OA line L1 and the next line L2 to the system switching controller 6 via the control network CN or via a signal line.

  The system switching controller 6 stores in the internal memory a list of data associating the identification information of the material sending device that sends an alarm with the contact of each material switcher to which each material sending device is connected. .

  Then, from the selection information received via the control network CN or via the signal line, the material transmission device for transmitting the program material in OA and the selection information of the next line L2 are monitored, and the material transmission to be OA next is performed. Read the device. When an alarm is received, it is determined which material delivery device is in OA, in hot standby in preparation for the next OA, or in a state still in preparation for the previous OA.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a time sequence of contents selected by the contacts s1a and s1b of the OA line L1 for selecting the material signal for OA by each material switcher and the contacts ns1a and ns1b of the next line L2.
In FIG. 2A, the OA line L1 is the news material from the network line between 10:00 and 10:05. The 10:05 to 10:10 is the VTR (the material sending device 1a1 in FIG. 1). 10: 010 to 10:11 for selecting recorded program material from (equivalent)) indicates that a video server that outputs advertisement material is selected. FIG. 2B similarly shows the selection destination of the next line L2.

  If an abnormality occurs in the VTR of the material sending apparatus 1a1 during 10:05 to 10:10 OA, an alarm signal is then output to the system switching controller 6 via the control network CN. When the system switching controller 6 receives the alarm 6, the system switching controller 6 transmits a system switching signal to the system switcher S2 via the control network CN and automatically controls the system switcher S2.

  Then, by switching the input destination of the material signal from the material switcher S1A to the material switcher S1B, the OA system is switched to the standby system that is in hot standby.

  This switching in the entire system is particularly performed in a GOP (Group of Pictures) unit through the system when the system switcher S2 receives the system switching signal in a program transmission system that transmits digital broadcasting or a compression-encoded video signal. Since switching is performed, the screen is prevented from being interrupted even when system switching is performed.

  The system switching controller 6 has received alarm signals from all active and spare material delivery devices. Conventionally, the operator identifies the device from which the alarm collection device 3 has received the alarm signal, and further It is necessary to check whether the equipment is used for the OA of this program, determine the influence of the failure, and respond by sending a system switching command from the monitoring control console 2. In addition, there is a problem that the switching to the spare machine with only the faulty device cannot be performed quickly, but the synchronous control for switching with the GOP is complicated.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the system switching controller 6 inputs and interprets information on the device used for the next OA from the contact information of the next line L2. If an alarm is received from the video server of the material sending device 1a2, which is the active CM bank used for the next OA during the 10:05 to 10:10 OA, before switching to the next program. During the OA, the system switcher S2 is controlled to switch from the active system to the standby system or to switch from the active system to the standby system in accordance with the program switching timing to avoid a broadcast accident after the program switching.

  The next line L2 is provided for waiting for starting the material sending apparatus in advance in order to prevent a transient phenomenon of image display due to program switching and to perform timing management accurately. In this embodiment, since this selection information is used, it is not necessary for the system switching controller 6 to bother to acquire program transmission information from the SCP 4 and perform data processing for system switching.

  In the conventional program transmission system, there is a risk of switching the program to the device that generated the alarm. However, in the program transmission method of the present embodiment, the next line L2 is monitored and the material is transmitted next. Since it is determined whether or not it is an alarm of the device, it is possible to switch to the standby system in advance without switching to the faulty device, so that it is possible to prevent a broadcast accident.

The functional system diagram explaining operation | movement of the program system switching system concerning the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the time series of the content which each material switcher selects. The functional system diagram explaining operation | movement of the program transmission system switching system in the conventional broadcasting station.

Explanation of symbols

1 a 1, 1 b 1, 1 a 2, 1 b 2 Material sending apparatus 2 Monitoring control console 4 SCP (Schedule Control Processor)
5 Distributor 6 System switching controller S1A, S1B Material switcher S2 System switcher L1 OA line L2 Next line

Claims (2)

Control information transmission means for transmitting information between devices and devices, and used in an automatic program transmission facility in which program material signals are output via a switcher according to a program transmission schedule managed by the SCP, and an alarm is transmitted In the program transmission system switching system that switches the material transmission device from the active system to the standby system,
According to the program transmission schedule, a plurality of material transmission devices and information for controlling each switcher are transmitted via the control information transmission means so that the same program material signal is simultaneously output from the first and second switchers. SCP to
A plurality of the material sending devices are connected to individual contacts, respectively, and output a program material signal that is controlled by the SCP and currently OA (on-air) and a contact that selects a material sending device that sends the program material signal. The first system includes an OA line that outputs first selection information, and a next line that outputs second selection information indicating a contact point for selecting a material transmission device that transmits a program material signal to be OA next. A first switcher as well as a second switcher of a second system;
A third switcher that receives a program material signal output from the OA line of each switcher and selects and outputs one of them as a program material signal to be used for active OA by a system switching signal;
A list of data in which the identification information unique to each of the material sending devices and the contact points of the first and second switchers to which the material sending devices are connected are stored in an internal memory;
When each of the selection information input from the OA line and the next line of the first and second switchers is monitored and an alarm is received through the control information transmission means, identification of the material sending apparatus that has transmitted the alarm and information and the respective selection information against the said list, if the alarm is one that has been received from the material delivery device shown in the first or the second selection information of the working system, the third switcher And a system switching control means for outputting a system switching signal for switching the OA line currently used as a standby system to the active system to the third switcher via the control information transmission means. System switching system. An SCP, a switcher, a plurality of material transmission devices, a system switching control unit, and a control information transmission unit for transmitting information between them, and the program material signal is switched according to the program transmission schedule managed by the SCP. used in automatic program transmission equipment that will be output via, in the switching method of program delivery system switching system for switching the alarm the material delivery device sent to the backup system from the working,
The SCP, the following program delivery schedule, the same program material signal controls the first, a plurality of the material delivery device and the respective switcher as output from the second of the switcher simultaneously,
The first switcher and the second switchers,
A plurality of the material sending devices constituting the first system and the second system are respectively connected to individual contact points, and are controlled by the SCP to output a program material signal to be currently OA and send the program material signal. The first selection information indicating the contact point for selecting the material sending device is output, and the second selection information indicating the contact point for selecting the material sending device for sending the program material to be OA next is output, respectively .
The system switching control means is
A list of data in which the identification information unique to each of the material sending devices and the contact points of the first and second switchers to which the material sending devices are connected are stored in an internal memory;
When the selection information is input and monitored from the first and second switchers and the alarm is received, the identification information and the selection information of the material sending device that has transmitted the alarm are collated with the list, If the alarm is one that was received from the material delivery device shown in the first or the second selection information of the working system, it switches the system that has been selected currently standby system in the third the switcher of the active system A system switching signal is output to the third switcher,
The third switcher in accordance with the system switching signal is input,
Switching method for program transmission system switching system, characterized in that selects and outputs the program material signal in said first or said second current standby system is inputted from the switcher, the OA to program material signal of the primary system .

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