JP6904273B2 - Inspection equipment, broadcast retransmission system, inspection method and delivery inspection method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection device, a broadcast retransmission system, an inspection method, and a delivery inspection method.

Conventionally, a technique for transmitting content using an MMTP (MPEG Media Transport Protocol) packet has been developed.

For example, Non-Patent Document 1 (ARIB STD-B32 3.4 version, "Video coding, audio coding and multiplexing method in digital broadcasting", Association of Radio Industries and Businesses, September 30, 2015) A broadcasting system using the MMT method is disclosed.

In this broadcasting system, an MMT packet containing program information such as audio information and video information is stored in the payload of the IP packet. The IP packet is stored in the payload of the TLV (Type Length Value) packet.

Further, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-175949) discloses the following techniques. That is, it is a transmission device that multiplex-transmits variable-length packets in a frame consisting of a plurality of packet placement slots for allocating TS (Transport Stream) packets and one slot for header information, and has the same size as the TS packet to be transmitted. A predetermined variable-length packet division unit that generates a third packet of packet length, divides the variable-length packet to be transmitted, and sequentially allocates the data of the divided variable-length packet to the third packet. An arrangement position for indicating a relative arrangement position in a frame for the TS packet and the third packet in order to transmit the TS packet and the third packet in a frame having a plurality of packet placement slots. A multiple frame header generation unit that generates multiple frame header information including information and start position information for indicating the start position of the variable length packet, and one slot for the multiple frame header information are arranged in one frame. The TS packet and the third packet are arranged and multiplexed for each packet arrangement slot of the one frame, and the multiplexing unit configured as a plurality of TS multiplex frames and the multiplexing signal of the plurality of TS multiplex frames are externally arranged. It is provided with a transmission unit for transmitting to.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-175949

ARIB STD-B32 3.4 version, "Video coding, audio coding and multiplexing method in digital broadcasting", Association of Radio Industries and Businesses, September 30, 2015 International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector, "Recommunication ITU-R BT.1869", March 2010, [online], [Search on December 28, 2017], Internet <URL: http: // www. itu. int / dms_pubrec / itu-r / rec / bt / R-REC-BT. 1869-0-201003-I! !! PDF-E. pdf> "JCTEA STD-002-6.1 Digital Cable Television Broadcasting Multiplexer", Japan CATV Technology Association, February 13, 2017

For example, when an IP retransmission service for transmitting an advanced broadband satellite digital broadcast to a subscriber's home via an IP (Internet Protocol) TV transmission network is performed, a broadcast wave including an MMT packet is received and the received MMT packet is IP. A configuration is conceivable in which the packet is stored and retransmitted to the home device at the subscriber's home.

If there is something wrong with such a configuration, incorrect data may be delivered to each subscriber. A technology that can detect such a defect on the business side is desired.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to detect a defect in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device. It is to provide an inspection device, a broadcast retransmission system, an inspection method and a delivery inspection method capable of realizing the function.

(1) In order to solve the above problems, the inspection device according to a certain aspect of the present invention is an inspection device used for satellite broadcasting, and includes a packet acquisition unit that acquires a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and the broadcast wave. The packet generation using the packet generation unit that receives the transmission packet storing the data of the included broadcast packet and generates the broadcast packet from the received transmission packet and the broadcast packet acquired by the packet acquisition unit as a reference packet. It is provided with a comparison unit that performs comparison processing for comparison with the broadcast packet generated by the unit.

(6) In order to solve the above problems, the broadcast retransmission system according to a certain aspect of the present invention is a broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting, and one or one obtained by acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave. A broadcast retransmission device that generates and transmits a transmission packet that stores data of a plurality of the broadcast packets, acquires a broadcast packet from the broadcast wave, receives the transmission packet, and transmits a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet. It is provided with an inspection device that performs comparison processing by comparing the generated and acquired broadcast packet with the generated broadcast packet as a reference packet.

(7) In order to solve the above problems, the inspection method according to a certain aspect of the present invention is an inspection method in an inspection device used for satellite broadcasting, which includes a step of acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and the broadcast wave. A step of receiving a transmission packet storing data of a broadcast packet included in the above and generating a broadcast packet from the received transmitted packet, and a comparison process of comparing the acquired broadcast packet with the generated broadcast packet as a reference packet. Includes steps to do.

(8) In order to solve the above problems, the distribution inspection method according to a certain aspect of the present invention is a distribution inspection method in a broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting, and a process of acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave is performed. A step of performing a process of acquiring a broadcast packet from the broadcast wave and generating and transmitting a transmission packet storing the data of the acquired one or a plurality of the broadcast packets, and a step of receiving the transmission packet and transmitting the transmission packet. It includes a step of generating a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet and a step of performing a comparison process in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

The present invention can be realized not only as an inspection apparatus provided with such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such a characteristic processing step. Further, the present invention can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of the inspection device.

The present invention can be realized not only as a broadcast retransmission system provided with such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such a characteristic processing step. Further, the present invention can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or all of a broadcast retransmission system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an excellent function for detecting a defect in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast retransmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol stack of data transmitted by broadcast waves in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a TLV packet transmitted by a broadcast wave in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a protocol stack of data transmitted by a broadcast wave. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a TS packet transmitted by a broadcast wave. FIG. 5 shows the format of the TS packet. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast retransmission device in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a TLV packet division method performed in the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the TS packet format shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for processing a TLV null packet by the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an IP packet transmitted by the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inspection device in a broadcast retransmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a comparison unit in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing normal / abnormal flags in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the broadcast retransmission device in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention retransmits a broadcast wave. FIG. 15 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a comparison process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the comparison unit in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention compares a reference packet and a target packet.

First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

(1) The inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention is an inspection device used for satellite broadcasting, and obtains a packet acquisition unit for acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and data of a broadcast packet included in the broadcast wave. The broadcast generated by the packet generation unit using the packet generation unit that receives the stored transmission packet and generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet and the broadcast packet acquired by the packet acquisition unit as a reference packet. It is provided with a comparison unit that performs comparison processing for comparing with packets.

In this way, by comparing with the transmission packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device based on the broadcast packet acquired from the broadcast wave, a defect such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device can be caused on the distribution side of the business operator or the like. Can be accurately detected in. Therefore, in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device, an excellent function for detecting a defect can be realized.

(2) Preferably, the comparison unit temporally selects an NTP (Network Time Protocol) packet acquired as the broadcast packet by the packet acquisition unit and an NTP packet generated as the broadcast packet by the packet generation unit. The comparison process is performed as a reference.

In this way, by focusing on the NTP data that is periodically transmitted by the broadcast wave and using it as the time reference for the comparison processing, the reference in the inspection device that is required due to the delay time in the broadcast retransmission device. Synchronous processing of packets and target packets can be performed with a simple configuration.

(3) Preferably, the comparison unit excludes at least null packets from the comparison processing.

With such a configuration, broadcast retransmission is performed in order to reduce communication traffic on the communication line and to suppress fluctuations in stream transmission delay and transmission delay time in the broadcast retransmission device due to deletion of null packets. Even when null data is adjusted in the device, the transmission packet can be inspected correctly.

(4) Preferably, the comparison unit excludes the EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) packet from the target of the comparison process by using at least the PID (Packet ID) included in the broadcast packet.

With such a configuration, even when the data of the EMM packet is rewritten in the broadcast retransmission device, the inspection of the transmitted packet can be performed correctly.

(5) Preferably, the comparison unit stops the comparison process until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the mismatch in the comparison process, and notifies the mismatch until the predetermined time elapses. Perform the processing for.

With such a configuration, the time required for outputting the inspection information indicating the inconsistency is secured, and for example, in a situation where the inconsistency occurs continuously, it is prevented that a large amount of the inspection information is continuously output. be able to.

(6) The broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention is a broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting, which acquires a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and acquires data of one or a plurality of the broadcast packets. A broadcast retransmission device that generates and transmits a transmission packet containing the above, and a broadcast packet that is acquired from the broadcast wave, receives the transmission packet, generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet, and acquires the broadcast. It is provided with an inspection device that performs comparison processing by comparing the generated broadcast packet with the packet as a reference packet.

In this way, by comparing with the transmission packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device based on the broadcast packet acquired from the broadcast wave, a defect such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device can be caused on the distribution side of the business operator or the like. Can be accurately detected in. Therefore, in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device, an excellent function for detecting a defect can be realized.

(7) The inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is an inspection method in an inspection device used for satellite broadcasting, in which a step of acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and data of a broadcast packet included in the broadcast wave are included. The present invention includes a step of receiving a transmission packet in which the data is stored and generating a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet, and a step of performing a comparison process in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

In this way, by comparing with the transmission packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device based on the broadcast packet acquired from the broadcast wave, a defect such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device can be caused on the distribution side of the business operator or the like. Can be accurately detected in. Therefore, in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device, an excellent function for detecting a defect can be realized.

(8) The distribution inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a distribution inspection method in a broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting, which includes a step of acquiring a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and the broadcast wave. A step of acquiring a broadcast packet from and generating and transmitting a transmission packet storing the data of the acquired broadcast packet, and receiving the transmission packet and broadcasting from the received transmission packet. It includes a step of generating a packet and a step of performing a comparison process in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

In this way, by comparing with the transmission packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device based on the broadcast packet acquired from the broadcast wave, a defect such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device can be caused on the distribution side of the business operator or the like. Can be accurately detected in. Therefore, in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device, an excellent function for detecting a defect can be realized.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, at least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast retransmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the broadcast retransmission system 301 includes a broadcast retransmission device 101, an inspection device 151, and a plurality of IP broadcast receiving devices 202.

The broadcast retransmission system 301 is not limited to the configuration including a plurality of IP broadcast receiving devices 202, and may be configured to include one IP broadcast receiving device 202.

The broadcast retransmission device 101, the inspection device 151, and the router 121 are provided in, for example, the IPTV center 251.

The ONU (Optical Network Unit) 122, STB131, TV receiver 132, and TV monitor 133 are provided in the subscriber's home. The STB 131 and the TV receiver 132 include an IP broadcast receiver 202.

For example, an external antenna 81 is connected to the broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151. The broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 receive, for example, a broadcast wave including a stream.

The stream contains program information and the like. The program information includes, for example, audio information, video information, EPG (Electronic Program Guide) information, SI information (Service Information), subtitle information, and the like.

The audio information and the video information are compressed and encrypted according to a predetermined method, for example.

The broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 are used for satellite broadcasting. Specifically, for example, the broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 use an external antenna 81 to transmit broadcast waves transmitted from a broadcast satellite for advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting (not shown) for relaying a stream from a broadcast station. Receive via.

The broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 may, for example, receive the broadcast wave transmitted from the radio tower via the external antenna 81. Further, the broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 may receive broadcast waves from different antennas.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol stack of data transmitted by broadcast waves in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a protocol stack using TLV packets.

With reference to FIG. 2, TLV packets are often used for transmission such as 4K UHDTV (Ultra High Definition Television) or 8K UHDTV according to standards such as 2160p or 4320p.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the broadcast wave includes, for example, TMCC information, AC information and TLV packets.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a TLV packet transmitted by a broadcast wave in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example of a packet having a header in which information indicating a data type is stored, Non-Patent Document 2 (International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector, “Recommunication ITU-R BT.1869”, March 2010, [ online], [Searched on December 28, 2017], Internet <URL: http: //www.itu.int/dms_pubrec/itu-r/rec/bt/R-REC-BT.1869-0-201003- The format of the TLV packet according to the standard of I !! PDF-E. Pdf>) is shown.

The TLV packet includes a TLV header and a TLV payload. The TLV header includes a "start code" field containing a value of "01", a "future reservation" field, a "packet type" field, and a "length" field, and the lengths of these fields. Are 2 bits, 6 bits, 8 bits and 16 bits, respectively.

Values such as "0x01", "0x02", "0x03", and "0xFF" are stored in the "packet type" field. Here, the numbers starting with "0x" mean that the numbers after "0x" are represented by hexadecimal numbers.

When "0x01" is stored in the "packet type" field, the TLV packet 61 includes an IPv4 packet that is the total data length of the values stored in the "length" field in the TLV payload.

Further, when "0x02" is stored in the "packet type" field, the TLV packet 62 includes an IPv6 packet which is the total data length of the value stored in the "length" field in the TLV payload.

Further, when "0x03" is stored in the "packet type" field, the TLV packet 63 includes an IP packet which is the total data length of the value stored in the "length" field in the TLV payload. The compressed IP packet is, for example, an IP packet in which the IP header is compressed.

Further, when "0xFF" is stored in the "packet type" field, the TLV packet 64 includes null data which is the total data length of the values stored in the "length" field in the TLV payload. Hereinafter, a TLV packet containing null data in the TLV payload is also referred to as a TLV null packet.

With reference to FIG. 2 again, for example, NTP (Network Time Protocol) data for time synchronization, IP-SI data, time information, MMT packet, or data transmission method is stored in UDP (User Datagram Protocol) / IP packet. Will be done. Video information, audio information, MMT-SI data, and other information are stored in the MMT packet.

The TLV packets 61 to 63 (hereinafter, also referred to as TLV information packets) store such UDP / IP packets.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a protocol stack of data transmitted by a broadcast wave. FIG. 4 shows a protocol stack using TS (Transport Stream) packets.

With reference to FIG. 4, TS packets are often used for transmission such as HDTV or SDTV (Standard Definition Television) according to standards such as 1080i, 720p or 480p. The TS packet may be used for transmission of 4K UHDTV, 8K UHDTV, or the like.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the broadcast wave includes, for example, TMCC information, AC information and TS packets.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a TS packet transmitted by a broadcast wave. FIG. 5 shows the format of the TS packet.

The TS packet includes a TS header and a TS payload. The TS header includes a field for "synchronous bytes" in which the value of "0x47" is stored and a field for storing "PID (Packet ID), etc.", and the lengths of these fields are, for example, 1 octet and It is 3 octets. The TS payload includes, for example, a "payload" field for storing all or part of the PES (Packetized Elementary Stream) or all or part of the section. The length of this field is, for example, 184 octets.

With reference to FIG. 4 again, the PCR (Program Lock Reference) data is stored in, for example, a TS packet. Further, for example, video information, audio information, subtitle information, and timeline are stored in the PES packet.

In addition, for example, PSI-SI data and a part of AIT (Application Information Table) are included in the section. Also, the rest of the AIT, application HTML and content downloads transmitted in the data carousel format are included in the section.

With reference to FIG. 1 again, the broadcast retransmission device 101 acquires a TLV packet, which is an example of a broadcast packet, from a broadcast wave, generates a transmission packet containing data of the acquired one or a plurality of TLV packets, and transmits the TLV packet. To do.

More specifically, for example, the broadcast retransmission device 101 acquires program information from a broadcast wave and stores the acquired program information in an IP packet. Then, the broadcast retransmission device 101 transmits an IP packet containing program information (hereinafter, also referred to as a distribution IP packet) as a transmission packet to each subscriber's home.

Here, the broadcast retransmission device 101 sets, for example, the destination of the distribution IP packet to an IP multicast address that reaches a plurality of subscribers' homes, and transmits the IP packet to the router 121 and the inspection device 151.

The inspection device 151 inspects the distribution IP packet, which is an example of the transmission packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101.

More specifically, the inspection device 151 acquires a TLV packet, which is an example of a broadcast packet, from a broadcast wave. The inspection device 151 receives the distribution IP packet from the broadcast retransmission device 101, and generates a TLV packet from the received distribution IP packet. Then, the inspection device 151 uses the acquired TLV packet as a reference packet and performs comparison processing for comparison with the generated TLV packet.

The router 121 is, for example, an IP multicast router, and when a distribution IP packet is received from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the received distribution IP packet is transmitted to an IPTV transmission network (CDN: Content Delivery Network) which is an example of a communication line. Send to 451. In the IPTV transmission network 451 for example, distribution IP packets are transmitted according to the IP protocol. The communication line may be another communication line such as the Internet.

Further, the IPTV center 251 may be provided with an OLT (Optical Line Thermal) instead of the router 121.

The ONU 122 receives, for example, a distribution IP packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101 by a communication service of FTTH (Fiber To The Home).

More specifically, the ONU 122 is a home-side device in, for example, GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) and GE-PON (Gigabit Ethernet®-PON).

When the ONU 122 receives a distribution IP packet from the IPTV transmission network 451 via an optical communication line, the ONU 122 transmits the received distribution IP packet to the STB 131 and the TV receiver 132.

When the IP broadcast receiving device 202 in the STB 131 receives the distribution IP packet from the ONU 122, it acquires program information from the received distribution IP packet, decodes audio information and video information based on the acquired program information, and then decodes the audio information and video information. The decoded audio information and video information are transmitted to the TV monitor 133.

The TV monitor 133 reproduces the program based on the audio information and the video information received from the STB 131.

Further, the IP broadcast receiving device 202 of the TV receiver 132 reproduces a program in the speaker module and the display module of its own TV receiver 132 by using the similarly decoded audio information and video information.

Here, in the broadcast wave, a TLV null packet (see FIG. 3) for adjusting the bit rate is inserted in order to set the fixed bit rate according to the transmission device of the broadcast wave. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted by the TLV packet in the broadcast wave is larger than the amount of data of the program information.

Unlike broadcast waves, the IP retransmission service cannot occupy a band, so it is required that the amount of data to be transmitted is small.

Therefore, in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the above problem is solved by the following configuration and operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of a broadcast retransmission device in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 6, the broadcast retransmission device 101 includes a demodulation unit 11, a TLV division unit 12, an IP conversion unit 13, a high-accuracy oscillator 15, a counter 16, an NTP data acquisition unit 17, and a conversion unit. It is provided with 18. The TLV division unit 12 includes a deletion unit 21 and a TS conversion unit 22. The IP conversion unit 13 includes a TTS conversion unit 23, a blocking unit 24, an IP packetization unit 25, and an IP transmission unit 26.

The TLV division unit 12 and the IP conversion unit 13 divide and generate a plurality of TS packets in which the data of one or a plurality of TLV packets included in the stream acquired by the demodulation unit 11 is divided and stored as a packet processing unit. Processing is performed to generate and transmit an IP packet containing a predetermined number of TS packets, which is an IP packet containing the generated TS packet.

That is, the TLV division unit 12 performs a division process for generating a plurality of TS packets in which the data of one or a plurality of TLV packets included in the broadcast wave is divided and stored.

The IP conversion unit 13 generates and transmits an IP packet containing a predetermined number of TS packets divided by the TLV division unit 12. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the IP conversion unit 13 stores the TTS packet based on the TS packet in the IP packet and transmits the TTS packet.

In the broadcast retransmission device 101, the high-accuracy oscillator 15 generates, for example, a transmission-side reference clock. More specifically, the high-accuracy oscillator 15 is, for example, an oscillator that generates a high-precision clock pulse of 27 MHz synchronized with time information included in radio waves transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite. The high-accuracy oscillator 15 outputs the generated clock pulse to the counter 16.

The high-accuracy oscillator 15 may be configured to generate a high-precision clock pulse by using an OCXO (Oven Control Oscillator), a rubidium oscillator, or the like.

The counter 16 updates the transmitting side count value according to the timing of the transmitting side reference clock generated in the high accuracy oscillator 15, for example.

More specifically, the counter 16 counts the clock pulses from the high-accuracy oscillator 15 and holds the transmitted-side count value, which is the counted value.

The sender count can represent, for example, Coordinated Universal Time with an accuracy of 27 MHz.

The broadcast wave in the broadcast retransmission system 301 is, for example, the above-mentioned TLV null packet, a TLV program packet which is a TLV packet including program information, and time adjustment information for performing time adjustment between devices using Coordinated Universal Time. Etc., and follow the MMT method. The NTP data is an example of time adjustment information.

The demodulation unit 11 acquires a stream included in the broadcast wave. More specifically, the demodulation unit 11 receives the broadcast wave and demodulates the received broadcast wave to generate a stream including a TLV null packet, a TLV program packet, time adjustment information, and the like.

More specifically, the demodulation unit 11 receives the broadcast wave via the external antenna 81 and demodulates the received broadcast wave to generate a stream composed of a plurality of TLV packets, and the TLV division unit 12 and the demodulation unit 11 and the demodulation unit 11 generate a stream composed of a plurality of TLV packets. Output to the NTP data acquisition unit 17. In the stream, for example, NTP data is transmitted every 33 milliseconds.

The TLV division unit 12 divides the TLV packet included in the stream received from the demodulation unit 11 to generate a plurality of fixed-length divided packets.

The NTP data acquisition unit 17 receives a stream from the demodulation unit 11, acquires the NTP data stored in the IP packet from the received stream, and outputs the acquired NTP data to the conversion unit 18.

The conversion unit 18 adjusts the time to the counter 16 by using, for example, the NTP data included in the broadcast wave.

More specifically, the conversion unit 18 receives NTP data from the NTP data acquisition unit 17, and acquires Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in NTP length format from the received NTP data.

The NTP length format has a 32-bit field indicating seconds and a 32-bit field indicating 1 second or less.

The conversion unit 18 holds a formula for converting Coordinated Universal Time in NTP length format into a transmission side count value (hereinafter, also referred to as a transmission side conversion formula).

The difference between the time based on the transmission side count value and Coordinated Universal Time is acceptable up to, for example, about 500 nanoseconds. Since one count of the transmission side count value corresponds to about 37 nanoseconds, even if the transmission side count value fluctuates by about 10 counts, it falls within the permissible range.

For example, when the frequency accuracy of the high-accuracy oscillator 15 is 1 ppm, it is considered that the transmitting side count value deviates by 1 count about every 37 milliseconds, so that the transmitting side count value is deviated by 10 NTP data, that is, every 330 milliseconds. By calibrating, the time based on the sender count value can be synchronized with the agreed world time with sufficient accuracy.

In this example, the conversion unit 18 converts the coordinated universal time to the transmission side count value using the transmission side conversion formula every time the NTP data is received from the NTP data acquisition unit 17, that is, every 33 milliseconds, and after conversion. The sender count value of is set in the counter 16.

In the TLV division unit 12, the deletion unit 21 deletes the TLV null packet from the stream generated by the demodulation unit 11.

More specifically, the deletion unit 21 monitors the stream received from the demodulation unit 11 and attempts to detect the start code in the TLV header (see FIG. 3).

When the deletion unit 21 detects the start code, the deletion unit 21 confirms the value stored in the packet type field after the start code.

When the value stored in the above field is 0xFF, the deletion unit 21 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is a TLV null packet, and deletes the TLV packet from the stream.

On the other hand, when the value stored in the above field is a value other than 0xFF, the deletion unit 21 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is not a TLV null packet, and outputs the TLV packet to the TS conversion unit 22. ..

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a TLV packet division method performed in the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, a TLV packet described in Non-Patent Document 3 (“JCTEA STD-002-6.0 Digital Cable Television Broadcast Multiplexing Device”, Japan CATV Technology Association) is converted into a plurality of TS packets. The method of storing is shown.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the TS packet format shown in FIG. 7.

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the TS conversion unit 22 generates a plurality of fixed packets having a predetermined size, each including divided data of the TLV packets included in the stream. Here, the TS packet has a size of 188 bytes and is an example of a fixed packet.

More specifically, the TS conversion unit 22 has, for example, a buffer for holding unstored data.

When the TS conversion unit 22 receives the TLV packet 1 (see FIG. 7) from the deletion unit 21, for example, when the unstored data is not stored in the buffer, the TS conversion unit 22 receives, for example, from the beginning of the received TLV packet 1 to 184 bytes. Data is acquired as divided data.

The TS conversion unit 22 adds a 3-byte TS header and, if a TLV header, a 1-byte head TLV instruction to the acquired divided data, so that the divided data is stored in the payload of the TS packet. (Hereinafter, also referred to as a TLV-stored TS packet) is generated, and the generated TLV-stored TS packet is output to the TTS conversion unit 23.

Similarly, each time the TS conversion unit 22 acquires 185 bytes of data from the beginning of the remaining data of the TLV packet 1 as divided data, the TS conversion unit 22 generates a TLV storage TS packet and outputs the data to the TTS conversion unit 23.

Further, when the size of the acquired data is less than 185 bytes, the TS conversion unit 22 stores the acquired data as unstored data in the buffer.

Then, when the TS conversion unit 22 receives the subsequent TLV packet 2 (see FIG. 7) from the deletion unit 21, the unstored data is stored in the buffer, so the size obtained by subtracting the size of the unstored data from 184 bytes. Data is acquired from the beginning of the TLV packet 2.

The TS conversion unit 22 adds unstored data to the beginning of the acquired data, arranges the head TLV instruction and the data of the TLV packet 2 to generate divided data, and then discards the unstored data in the buffer.

The TS conversion unit 22 adds a TS header to the generated divided data to generate a TLV storage TS packet, and outputs the generated TLV storage TS packet to the TTS conversion unit 23.

In this way, with the configuration using TS packets, the TSoverIP recording device, measuring device, monitoring device, and the like utilized in the MPEG2-TS technical system can be used.

With reference to FIG. 6, the TTS conversion unit 23 adds, for example, transmission time information indicating the transmission timing of the TLV-stored TS packet to the TLV-stored TS packet.

Specifically, the TTS conversion unit 23 adds transmission time information indicating the transmission timing of the TLV-stored TS packet by the transmission side count value to the TLV-stored TS packet.

More specifically, when the TTS conversion unit 23 receives the TLV storage TS packet from the TS conversion unit 22, the transmission side count value is acquired from the counter 16, and the acquired transmission side count value is used as the TS of the TLV storage TS packet. Prepend it as a time stamp before the header.

Hereinafter, the TLV-stored TS packet to which the time stamp is added is also referred to as a TLV-stored TTS (Time-stopped TS) packet.

The size of the time stamp is a predetermined size, for example, 4 bytes. Therefore, the size of the TLV-stored TTS packet is a fixed length of 192 bytes.

The TTS conversion unit 23 outputs the generated TLV storage TTS packet to the blocking unit 24.

The blocking unit 24 accumulates a predetermined number of TLV-stored TTS packets received from the TTS-forming unit 23. The blocking unit 24 waits until a predetermined number of TLV-stored TTS packets are accumulated.

More specifically, for example, 1500 bytes is often used as the MTU size. In this case, if seven TLV-stored TTS packets are collectively transmitted as one IP packet, the transmission efficiency in the IPTV transmission network 451 can be improved. ..

In this example, the blocking unit 24 accumulates seven TLV-stored TTS packets and then outputs these seven TLV-stored TTS packets as one block data to the IP packetizing unit 25. Due to the configuration in which the TTS packets are stored, even if a plurality of TS packets are stored in one IP packet, the timing of each TS packet can be easily recognized on the receiving side of the IP packet.

Based on the block data, the blocking unit 24 performs FEC processing for adding an FEC (Forward Error Correction) packet for forward error correction as additional block data, for example, in accordance with the SMPTE 2022 standard (pro MPEG COP3). You may.

Upon receiving the block data from the blocking unit 24, the IP packetizing unit 25 adds, for example, an RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) header, a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) header, and an IP header to the received block data. Generates an IP packet, that is, an IP packet for distribution.

The IP multicast address of the destination in the IP header and the destination port number in the UDP header can be set to arbitrary values by the operator. The IP packetization unit 25 outputs the generated distribution IP packet to the IP transmission unit 26.

The IP transmission unit 26 transmits a stream from which the TLV null packet has been deleted by the deletion unit 21 to the IP broadcast receiving device 202 via the IPTV transmission network 451.

More specifically, the IP transmission unit 26 transmits the distribution IP packet received from the IP packetization unit 25 to the router 121 and the inspection device 151.

Here, the TLV division unit 12 and the IP conversion unit 13 perform null data processing that suppresses the storage of the TLV null packet data in the TS packet when the TLV packet is a TLV null packet having a predetermined length or more in the division processing. Do.

Then, the TLV division unit 12 and the IP conversion unit 13 add a null packet to the TS packet generated before the null data processing so that the fluctuation of the delay time in the broadcast retransmission device 101 of the stream data becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. One or a plurality of TS packets are added to generate and transmit an IP packet having the above-mentioned predetermined number.

Specifically, when the stream received from the demodulation unit 11 does not include the TLV null packet, the broadcast retransmission device 101 divides the TLV packet by the method described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 and divides the TLV packet into TLV. A stored TS packet is generated, and a TLV stored TTS packet based on the stored TS packet is generated. Then, the broadcast retransmission device 101 generates a distribution IP packet in which seven TLV-stored TTS packets are stored, and transmits the IP broadcast reception device 202 via the IPTV transmission network 451.

On the other hand, when the stream received from the demodulation unit 11 contains a TLV null packet, the broadcast retransmission device 101 generates a distribution IP packet by the following method in addition to the above method.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for processing a TLV null packet by the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the time axes of the input stream and the output stream are not aligned, and an image of processing focusing on the data correspondence is shown.

In the division process, the TLV division unit 12 performs null data processing in which a part or all of the TLV null packet is not stored in the TS packet when the TLV packet is a TLV null packet having a predetermined length or more. For example, the TLV division unit 12 performs null data processing in which a part or all of the data of the TLV null packet is discarded without being stored in the TS packet.

Further, for example, in the division process, the TLV division unit 12 stores a part or all of the TLV null packet at the end of the TS packet in which the data of the TLV packet before the TLV null packet having the predetermined length or more is stored. ..

Further, for example, in the division process, the TLV division unit 12 deletes the TLV null packet when the TLV packet is a TLV null packet having a length less than the predetermined length.

That is, in the broadcast retransmission system 301, when the data of one TLV packet is divided into a plurality of TS packets and stored, the insertion of null data between the divided data is not allowed, and the TS packet is not allowed. Null data is allowed to be stored at the end of.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, the TLV division unit 12 obtains, for example, a normal TLV packet A, a TLV null packet 1, a normal TLV packet B, a TLV null packet 2, and a normal TLV packet C. It is assumed that the streams included in order are received from the demodulation unit 11. The normal TLV packet is, for example, the above-mentioned TLV information packet.

For example, the data length of a normal TLV packet is about 1.5 kbytes at the maximum, and the data length of a TLV null packet is about 5 kbytes at the maximum.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the deletion unit 21 in the broadcast retransmission device 101 deletes the TLV null packets 1 and 2 from the stream received from the demodulation unit 11, and outputs the deleted stream to the TS conversion unit 22.

Here, since the data length of the TLV null packet 2 is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the deletion unit 21 outputs a deletion notification to the TS conversion unit 22 and the blocking unit 24.

As described above, the TS conversion unit 22 acquires 184 bytes or 185 bytes of data from the TLV packet as divided data depending on whether or not the TLV header is included, and the acquired divided data is stored in the payload. Generate a packet.

On the other hand, as described above, when the size of the data acquired from the TLV packet is less than 184 bytes or 185 bytes, the TS conversion unit 22 adds the data acquired from the subsequent TLV packet after the data. Generates divided data and generates TS packets.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, the TS conversion unit 22 receives the stream from the deletion unit 21 and generates the TS packet A1 in which the data A1 acquired from the TLV packet A is stored, and the remaining data A2 of the TLV packet A, And the TS packet (A2 + B1) in which the data B1 acquired from the TLV packet B is stored is generated, and the TS packet B2 in which the data B2 which is a part of the remaining data of the TLV packet B is stored is generated.

Next, the TS conversion unit 22 receives a deletion notification from the deletion unit 21 for the next TLV null packet 2 of the TLV packet B in a situation where the data B3, which is the remaining data of the TLV packet B, is less than 185 bytes. Therefore, TS termination processing is performed.

That is, in the division process, when the remaining area of the TS packet in which the data of the TLV null packet having the predetermined length or more is stored is equal to or less than the header length of the TLV null packet, the TLV division unit 12 sets the TS packet next to the TS packet. The TS packet containing the null data of the TLV null packet is added as.

More specifically, the TS conversion unit 22 determines the remaining data when the remaining data length of the payload of the TS packet in which the data B3 is stored is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, that is, a value capable of storing data in the form of a TLV null packet. A long TLV null packet is added after the data B3 to generate divided data, and a TS packet B3 is generated. Specifically, for example, when the data length of the TLV header is 4 bytes as described above, the threshold value is 5 bytes.

On the other hand, when the remaining data length of the payload of the TS packet in which the data B3 is stored is insufficient and the data in the form of the TLV null packet cannot be saved, the TS conversion unit 22 data a part or all of the header of the TLV null packet. It is added after B3 to generate divided data, and TS packet B3 is generated. Further, the TS conversion unit 22 generates the divided data composed of the rest of the header of the TLV null packet and the null data, or only the null data, and generates the TS packet N1.

As described above, by storing the data in the form of the TLV null packet in a maximum of two TS packets, it is possible to prevent an error from occurring because the IP broadcast receiving device 202 cannot recognize the TLV null packet.

Next, the TS conversion unit 22 receives a stream from the deletion unit 21, generates a TS packet C1 in which the data C1 acquired from the TLV packet C is stored, and should store the TS packet C1 together with the remaining data C2 of the TLV packet C. Wait for the TLV packet.

When null data processing is performed, the IP conversion unit 13 adds one or a plurality of TS packets, which are null packets, to the TS packets divided by the TLV division unit 12 before the null data processing to obtain the predetermined number of IPs. Generate and send packets.

Specifically, the blocking unit 24 has received the TTS packet A1, the TTS packet (A2 + B1), the TTS packet B2, and the TTS packet B3 from the TTS packet 23, for example, in a situation where new block data is generated. When the TTS packet N1 is received in addition to these, the IP forced transmission process is performed because the deletion notification is received from the deletion unit 21 for the TLV null packet 2 next to the TLV packet B.

That is, the blocking unit 24 does not wait until the seven TLV-stored TTS packets are accumulated, and the TLV null packets are stored so that the total of the accumulated TLV-stored TTS packets becomes seven packets1. Alternatively, a plurality of TLV-stored TTS packets are generated. Then, the blocking unit 24 outputs seven TLV-stored TTS packets including the generated TTS packet to the IP packetizing unit 25 as one block data.

The blocking unit 24 is not limited to a configuration in which a TLV null packet is newly generated. For example, the deleting unit 21 selectively outputs a TLV packet other than the TLV null packet to the TS unit 22, and the blocking unit 24 , The TLV null packet skipped by the deletion unit 21 may be acquired from the deletion unit 21 and used.

Then, the blocking unit 24 receives the TTS packet C1 from the TTS processing unit 23, and stores the TTS packet C1 as the beginning of new block data, that is, the beginning packet stored in the next IP packet.

That is, the IP conversion unit 13 sets the data of the TLV packet after the TLV null packet having the predetermined length or more as the data of the TS packet to be stored first in the next IP packet.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an IP packet transmitted by the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 10, the IP packetization unit 25 includes a TTS packet A1, a TTS packet (A2 + B1), a TTS packet B2, a TTS packet B3, and a blocking unit based on each TS packet generated by the TS packetization unit 22. The TTS packets N11 to N13 generated by 24 are stored in the payload, and an IP packet to which an IP header, a UDP header and an RTP header are added is generated.

The TTS packet N11 is a packet newly created by the blocking unit 24 or created from the above-mentioned TS packet N1.

As described above, the broadcast retransmission device 101 deletes the TLV null packet having a small data length, and for the TLV null packet having a large data length, the data in the generation of the divided data by using a part of the null data including the TLV header. When the shortage of the above is supplemented, the remaining null data is deleted, and the transmission of the IP packet waits for the next normal TLV packet, the number of TTS packets stored in the IP packet is calculated as the number of TTS packets stored. By adding TTS packets, the number of IP packets is reduced to seven and IP packets are transmitted.

In this way, the configuration for deleting the TLV null packet can reduce the amount of transmission data as compared with the case where the TLV packet in the broadcast wave is transmitted as it is via a communication line such as the Internet, so that communication on the communication line can be performed. Traffic can be reduced.

Further, when a TLV null packet having a large data length is deleted, a TTS packet in which the TLV null packet is stored is added, and an IP packet is transmitted at an early stage without waiting for the next normal TLV packet. It is possible to suppress the delay of stream transmission due to the deletion of packets and the fluctuation of the transmission delay time in the broadcast retransmission device 101. Thereby, for example, the amount of buffer in the IP broadcast receiving device 202, which is the device on the receiving side, can be reduced.

In addition, for TLV null packets with a small data length, the processing load is reduced, stream transmission is delayed, and broadcasting is performed by simply deleting the TTS packet containing the TLV null packet without performing TS termination processing and adding the TTS packet containing the TLV null packet. It is possible to achieve a good balance with the suppression of fluctuations in the transmission delay time in the retransmission device 101.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inspection device in a broadcast retransmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 11, the inspection device 151 includes a demodulation unit (packet acquisition unit) 31, a packet generation unit 32, and a comparison unit 33.

The demodulation unit 31 acquires a broadcast packet from the broadcast wave, that is, acquires a stream included in the broadcast wave. More specifically, the demodulation unit 31 receives the broadcast wave via the external antenna 81 and demodulates the received broadcast wave to generate a TLV null packet, a TLV program packet, a stream including time adjustment information, and the like. Output to the comparison unit 33.

The packet generation unit 32 receives a transmission packet from the broadcast retransmission device 101, and generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet.

More specifically, for example, the packet generation unit 32 receives a distribution IP packet from the broadcast retransmission device 101, and acquires seven TLV-stored TTS packets from the received distribution IP packet. Then, the packet generation unit 32 generates a TLV packet in which the data in the TS payload of the acquired plurality of TLV-stored TTS packets is stored in the TLV payload and outputs the TLV packet to the comparison unit 33.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a comparison unit in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The comparison unit 33 uses the broadcast packet acquired by the demodulation unit 31 as a reference packet and performs comparison processing for comparison with the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit 32.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 12, the comparison unit 33 in the inspection device 151 includes a null packet deletion unit 42, a PID filter unit 43, an NTP packet detection unit 44, a counter 45, and a reference packet configuration unit 46. , Buffer 47, null packet deletion unit 52, PID filter unit 53, NTP packet detection unit 54, counter 55, target packet configuration unit 56, buffer 57, comparison circuit 71, and buffer control unit 72. And the notification processing unit 73.

The comparison unit 33 excludes null packets from the comparison processing, for example. Further, for example, the comparison unit 33 uses the PID included in the broadcast packet to exclude the EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) packet from the target of the comparison process.

More specifically, in the path from the external antenna 81, the null packet deletion unit 42 monitors the stream output from the demodulation unit 31 and attempts to detect the start code in the TLV header (see FIG. 3). When the null packet deletion unit 42 detects the start code, the null packet deletion unit 42 confirms the value stored in the packet type field after the start code.

When the value stored in the above field is 0xFF, the null packet deletion unit 42 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is a TLV null packet, and deletes the TLV packet from the stream.

On the other hand, when the value stored in the above field is a value other than 0xFF, the null packet deletion unit 42 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is not a TLV null packet, and sends the TLV packet to the PID filter unit 43. Output.

The PID filter unit 43 monitors the PID of the TS packet stored in the TLV packet output from the null packet deletion unit 42, and among the TLV packets received from the null packet deletion unit 42, the TLV including the EMM packet as the TS packet. The packet is deleted, and another TLV packet is output to the reference packet component 46.

The counter 45 counts the number of TLV packets that pass through the PID filter unit 43, and outputs the count value to the reference packet configuration unit 46.

The reference packet configuration unit 46 generates a reference packet including the count value received from the counter 45 as the section packet number, the packet length, and the TLV packet received from the PID filter unit 43, and outputs the reference packet to the buffer 47. The packet length is, for example, the interval packet number, the packet length, and the data length of the packet composed of the TLV packet.

When the NTP packet detection unit 44 detects a TLV packet containing NTP data (hereinafter, also referred to as an NTP packet) from the stream received from the demodulation unit 31, it outputs a zero clear signal to the counter 45, thereby outputting the count value of the counter 45. To zero. That is, the section packet number of the reference packet including the NTP data becomes zero.

In the route from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the null packet deletion unit 52 monitors the TLV packet output from the packet generation unit 32, and attempts to detect the start code in the TLV header (see FIG. 3). When the null packet deletion unit 52 detects the start code, the null packet deletion unit 52 confirms the value stored in the packet type field after the start code.

When the value stored in the above field is 0xFF, the null packet deletion unit 52 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is a TLV null packet, and deletes the TLV packet from the stream.

On the other hand, when the value stored in the above field is a value other than 0xFF, the null packet deletion unit 52 determines that the TLV packet including the start code is not a TLV null packet, and sends the TLV packet to the PID filter unit 53. Output.

The PID filter unit 53 monitors the PID of the TS packet stored in the TLV packet output from the null packet deletion unit 52, and among the TLV packets received from the null packet deletion unit 52, the TLV including the EMM packet as the TS packet. The packet is deleted, and another TLV packet is output to the target packet component 56. The EMM packet data is rewritten in, for example, the broadcast retransmission device 101.

The counter 55 counts the number of TLV packets that pass through the PID filter unit 53, and outputs the count value to the target packet configuration unit 56.

The target packet configuration unit 56 generates a target packet including a count value received from the counter 55 as an interval packet number, a packet length, and a TLV packet received from the PID filter unit 53, and outputs the target packet to the buffer 57.

When the NTP packet detection unit 54 detects the NTP packet output from the packet generation unit 32, the NTP packet detection unit 54 resets the count value of the counter 55 to zero by outputting a zero clear signal to the counter 55. That is, the section packet number of the target packet including the NTP data becomes zero.

The buffers 47 and 57 are, for example, FIFO (First In First Out), and store reference packets and target packets received from reference packet components 46 and 56, respectively. For example, the amount of data in buffer 47 is greater than the amount of data in buffer 57.

The comparison unit 33 performs comparison processing using the NTP packet acquired as a broadcast packet by the demodulation unit 31 and the NTP packet generated as a broadcast packet by the packet generation unit 32 as a temporal reference.

More specifically, the comparison unit 33 performs comparison processing with the NTP packet or the next packet as the first packet in the unit interval of the comparison processing. For example, the comparison unit 33 buffers 47 in order from the NTP packet acquired as a broadcast packet by the demodulator 31 and the NTP packet generated as a broadcast packet by the packet generation unit 32 in the unit section defined by the NTP packet. And 57 get each packet and compare.

In the comparison unit 33, the buffer control unit 72 extracts a reference packet from the buffer 47 and outputs the reference packet to the comparison circuit 71 and the notification processing unit 73. Further, the buffer control unit 72 takes out the target packet from the buffer 57 and outputs it to the comparison circuit 71 and the notification processing unit 73.

The buffer control unit 72 performs synchronous processing of the reference packet and the target packet. That is, when the buffer control unit 72 detects the section NTP packet which is the reference packet including the NTP packet by referring to the section packet number in the reference packet fetched from the buffer 47, the buffer control unit 72 fetches the reference packet from the buffer 47. Stop. Then, when the buffer control unit 72 detects the section NTP packet which is the target packet including the NTP packet by referring to the section packet number in the target packet taken out from the buffer 57, the buffer control unit 72 outputs a start trigger to the notification processing unit 73. To do. As a result, the synchronization process is completed.

For example, the notification processing unit 73 holds the section NTP packets from the buffers 47 and 57 taken out by the buffer control unit 72.

The comparison circuit 71 includes, for example, an EXOR circuit (Exclusive OR Circuit), and when the target packet from the buffer 57 does not match the reference packet from the buffer 47, the mismatch trigger is output to the buffer control unit 72 and the notification processing unit 73. The comparison circuit 71 may be configured to only compare the part of the TLV packet in the reference packet with the part of the TLV packet in the target packet.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing normal / abnormal flags in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 13, the notification processing unit 73 receives the start trigger to turn on the normal / abnormal flag, and receives the mismatch trigger to turn off the normal / abnormal flag. The notification processing unit 73 outputs, for example, a normal / abnormal flag.

With reference to FIG. 12 again, the comparison unit 33 stops the comparison process until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the mismatch in the comparison process, and notifies the mismatch until the predetermined time elapses. Is processed.

More specifically, the notification processing unit 73 receives a mismatch trigger and performs a notification process for notifying the mismatch in the comparison process. For example, among the reference packet from the buffer 47 and the target packet from the buffer 57, the notification processing unit 73 determines the reference packet and the target packet corresponding to the mismatch trigger, that is, the reference packet and the target packet determined to be inconsistent in the comparison circuit 71. In addition, each section NTP packet from the buffers 47 and 57 corresponding to the latest start trigger is output as inspection information.

The buffer control unit 72 receives a mismatch trigger from the comparison circuit 71, stops the input of the buffers 47 and 57, clears the stored data, and stops the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57 until a predetermined blind time elapses. Perform initialization processing. Then, when the blind time elapses, the buffer control unit 72 restarts the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57, and restarts the synchronization processing.

The broadcast retransmission device 101 may be configured not to adjust null data such as deleting a TLV null packet. In this case, the inspection device 151 may be configured not to include the null packet deletion units 42 and 52.

Further, the broadcast retransmission device 101 may be configured so as not to rewrite the data of the EMM packet. In this case, the inspection device 151 may be configured not to include the PID filter units 43 and 53.

Further, the processing time of the broadcast wave in the broadcast retransmission device 101 is such that the time from the detection of the section NTP packet which is the reference packet to the detection of the section NTP packet which is the target packet is less than 33 milliseconds. In the case of length, it is not necessary to compare the interval NTP packets in the comparison circuit 71.

Further, the inspection device 151 is not limited to the TLV null packet and the EMM packet, and may be configured to delete other specific packets from each of the output of the demodulation unit 31 and the output of the packet generation unit 32.

Further, the inspection device 151 is not limited to a configuration in which the comparison processing is performed using the NTP packet as a time reference, and may be a configuration in which the comparison processing is performed using another specific packet as a time reference. The comparison process may be performed without using a specific packet, such as using a fixed value.

Further, the inspection device 151 performs an initialization process of stopping the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57 until a predetermined blind time elapses, and when the blind time elapses, restarts the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57 and performs a synchronous process. However, the configuration is not limited to this. The inspection device 151 may be configured to start the synchronization process in the next unit interval in parallel with the output of the inspection information without using the blind time.

[Operation flow]
Each device in the broadcast retransmission system 301 includes a computer, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads a program including a part or all of each step of the following sequence diagram or flowchart from a memory (not shown). Execute. The programs of these plurality of devices can be installed from the outside. The programs of these plurality of devices are distributed in a state of being stored in a recording medium.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the broadcast retransmission device in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention retransmits a broadcast wave.

With reference to FIG. 14, first, the broadcast retransmission device 101 receives the broadcast wave and acquires a variable-length TLV packet included in the received broadcast wave (step S1).

Next, the broadcast retransmission device 101 divides the acquired TLV packet to generate a plurality of fixed-length divided packets. That is, the broadcast retransmission device 101 generates a plurality of fixed-length divided packets in which the data of one or a plurality of TLV packets included in the broadcast wave is divided and stored (step S2).

Next, the broadcast retransmission device 101 generates and transmits an IP packet storing the data of the TLV packet. More specifically, the broadcast retransmission device 101 generates an IP packet containing a predetermined number of generated divided packets (step S3), and transmits the IP packet to the IPTV transmission network 451 and the inspection device 151 (step S4).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs a comparison process.

With reference to FIG. 15, first, the inspection device 151 acquires the TLV packet from the broadcast wave, generates the reference packet, and deletes the TLV null packet and the EMM packet (step S11).

Next, the inspection device 151 receives the distribution IP packet from the broadcast retransmission device 101 (step S12).

Next, the inspection device 151 generates a TLV packet from the received distribution IP packet to generate a target packet, and deletes the TLV null packet and the EMM packet (step S13).

Next, the inspection device 151 acquires the section NTP packet from both routes, that is, the route from the external antenna 81 and the route from the broadcast retransmission device 101 (step S14).

Next, the inspection device 151 performs a comparison process of comparing the target packet with the reference packet using each section NTP packet as a time reference (step S15).

Next, when the inspection device 151 detects a mismatch between the target packet and the reference packet (step S16), the inspection device 151 outputs inspection information (step S17).

Next, the inspection device 151 restarts the comparison process after the lapse of the blind time (step S18).

The operation of step S11 and the operations of steps S12 and S13 are performed in parallel as described above, and the order shown in FIG. 15 is not limited.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart defining an operation procedure when the comparison unit in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention compares a reference packet and a target packet.

With reference to FIG. 16, first, the comparison unit 33 performs initialization processing and synchronization processing of the buffers 47 and 57. More specifically, the buffer control unit 72 stops the input of the buffers 47 and 57, clears the stored data, and performs an initialization process of stopping the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57 until a predetermined blind time elapses. .. Then, when the blind time elapses, the buffer control unit 72 restarts the input / output of the buffers 47 and 57 and starts the synchronization process (step S21).

Next, when the buffer control unit 72 detects an interval NTP packet in the reference packet taken out from the buffer 47, the buffer control unit 72 stops taking out the reference packet from the buffer 47. Then, when the buffer control unit 72 detects the section NTP packet in the target packet taken out from the buffer 57, the buffer control unit 72 outputs a start trigger to the notification processing unit 73. As a result, the synchronization process is completed (step S22).

Next, the buffer control unit 72 sequentially acquires the reference packet from the buffer 47 and the target packet from the buffer 57 and gives them to the comparison circuit 71 and the notification processing unit 73 (step S23).

Next, the notification processing unit 73 saves each section NTP packet from the buffers 47 and 57 taken out by the buffer control unit 72 (step S24).

Next, the comparison circuit 71 performs a mismatch detection process of the target packet from the buffer 57 with respect to the reference packet from the buffer 47 (step S25).

When the target packet and the reference packet match (NO in step S26), the buffer control unit 72 sequentially acquires the next target packet and the reference packet and gives them to the comparison circuit 71 and the notification processing unit 73 (step S23).

On the other hand, when the target packet does not match the reference packet (YES in step S26), the comparison circuit 71 outputs a mismatch trigger to the buffer control unit 72 and the notification processing unit 73 (step S27).

Next, the notification processing unit 73 receives the mismatch trigger and saves the mismatch data, that is, the reference packet and the target packet that did not match (step S28).

Next, the notification processing unit 73 outputs the saved mismatch data and the corresponding section NTP packet as inspection information (step S29).

Further, the buffer control unit 72 receives the mismatch trigger and performs the initialization processing and the synchronization processing of the buffers 47 and 57 according to the blind time (step S21).

The broadcast retransmission system 301 is not limited to the configuration used for advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting, and may have a configuration used for other satellite broadcasting.

Further, in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast retransmission device 101 is configured to transmit an IP packet as a transmission packet to each subscriber's home, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. The broadcast retransmission device 101 may be configured to transmit a transmission packet of a type different from the IP packet to each subscriber's home.

Further, in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 are configured to acquire TLV packets as broadcast packets from the broadcast wave, but the present invention is limited to this. is not it. The broadcast retransmission device 101 and the inspection device 151 may be configured to acquire a broadcast packet of a type different from the TLV packet from the broadcast wave.

Further, when the remaining data length of the TS packet corresponding to the data of the TLV packet immediately before the TLV null packet whose data length is larger than the predetermined threshold value is zero, the TS conversion unit 22 specifically, for example, Assuming that the remaining data length of the payload of the TS packet in which the data B3 shown in FIG. 9 is stored is zero, the TS termination process is not performed because it is not necessary. In this case, all the data of the TLV null packet is deleted.

Further, in the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the deletion unit 21 is configured to delete the TLV null packet regardless of the data length of the TLV null packet, but the present invention is not limited to this. .. The deletion unit 21 may be configured not to delete the TLV null packet when the data length of the TLV null packet is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Further, the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention is said to have a configuration including a demodulation unit 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The demodulation unit 11 may be provided outside the broadcast retransmission device 101, and the broadcast retransmission device 101 may include an acquisition unit that acquires the stream from the external demodulation unit 11.

Further, the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention is said to have a configuration in which a time stamp is added to the TLV stored TS packet, but the present invention is not limited to this. The broadcast retransmission device 101 may be configured to include the TLV-stored TS packet in the IP packet and transmit it without adding a time stamp.

Further, the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a pair of a high-accuracy oscillator 15 of 27 MHz and a counter 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. The broadcast retransmission device 101 may be configured to include an oscillator that generates a clock pulse having a frequency other than 27 MHz, for example, a 2 ^ n Hertz VCO described in Non-Patent Document 1, and a counter. Here, "a ^ b" means a to the power of b. However, while broadcast retransmission devices equipped with a pair of a 2 ^ n hertz VCO and a corresponding counter are not widely distributed, a pair of a 27 MHz oscillator and a counter 16 is used for the MPEG2-TS system. It is modularized and widely distributed. For this reason, a configuration including a pair of a 27 MHz high-accuracy oscillator 15 and a counter 16 is preferable.

Further, in the broadcast retransmission device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the high-accuracy oscillator 15 is configured to synchronize with the time information included in the radio waves transmitted from the GPS satellites, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. The high-accuracy oscillator 15 may be configured to synchronize the high-accuracy oscillator 15 to 27 megahertz by feeding back the difference between Coordinated Universal Time and the transmission side count value to the high-accuracy oscillator 15 using NTP data. .. For this feedback, for example, control of an analog PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit and various digital clock synthesizers is used.

By the way, for example, if there is some problem in the configuration of receiving a broadcast wave including an MMT packet, storing the received MMT packet in an IP packet, and retransmitting it to a home device at the subscriber's home, incorrect data will be sent to each subscriber. It may be delivered to. A technology that can detect such a defect on the business side is desired.

Therefore, in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the demodulation unit 31 acquires a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet from the broadcast wave. The packet generation unit 32 receives a transmission packet, for example, a distribution IP packet, which stores data of a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet included in the broadcast wave, and generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet. Then, the comparison unit 33 performs a comparison process in which the broadcast packet acquired by the demodulation unit 31 is used as a reference packet and compared with the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit 32.

In this way, with the configuration in which the TLV packet acquired from the broadcast wave is compared with the distribution IP packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the operator has a problem such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device 101. Etc. can be accurately detected on the distribution side.

Therefore, the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize an excellent function for detecting a defect in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device. ..

Further, in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the comparison unit 33 temporally selects the NTP packet acquired as a broadcast packet by the demodulation unit 31 and the NTP packet generated as a broadcast packet by the packet generation unit 32. Perform comparison processing as a reference.

As described above, the inspection device 151 is required due to the delay time in the broadcast retransmission device 101 due to the configuration in which the NTP data periodically transmitted by the broadcast wave is used as the time reference for the comparison processing. Synchronous processing of the reference packet and the target packet in the above can be performed with a simple configuration.

Further, in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the comparison unit 33 excludes at least null packets from the target of comparison processing.

With such a configuration, in order to reduce the communication traffic in the communication line, and to suppress the delay of stream transmission and the fluctuation of the transmission delay time in the broadcast retransmission device 101 due to the deletion of null packets, the broadcast re-broadcast is performed. Even when the null data is adjusted in the transmission device 101, the inspection of the distribution IP packet can be performed correctly.

Further, in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the comparison unit 33 excludes the EMM packet from the target of the comparison process by using at least the PID included in the broadcast packet.

With such a configuration, even when the data of the EMM packet is rewritten in the broadcast retransmission device 101, the inspection of the distribution IP packet can be performed correctly.

Further, in the inspection device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the comparison unit 33 stops the comparison process until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the discrepancy in the comparison process, and the comparison process is stopped until the predetermined time elapses. Process for notifying the discrepancy.

With such a configuration, the time required for outputting the inspection information indicating the inconsistency is secured, and for example, in a situation where the inconsistency occurs continuously, it is prevented that a large amount of the inspection information is continuously output. be able to.

Further, in the inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet is acquired from a broadcast wave. Next, a transmission packet containing data of a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet included in the broadcast wave, for example, an IP packet for distribution is received, and a broadcast packet is generated from the received transmission packet. Next, a comparison process is performed in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

In this way, with the configuration in which the TLV packet acquired from the broadcast wave is compared with the distribution IP packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the operator has a problem such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device 101. Etc. can be accurately detected on the distribution side.

Therefore, in the inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize an excellent function for detecting a defect in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device. ..

Further, in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the broadcast retransmission device 101 acquires a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet from the broadcast wave, and stores the data of the acquired one or a plurality of broadcast packets. For example, a distribution IP packet is generated and transmitted. Then, the inspection device 151 acquires a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet from the broadcast wave, receives the transmission packet, generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet, and uses the acquired broadcast packet as a reference packet to generate a broadcast packet. Perform comparison processing for comparison.

In this way, with the configuration in which the TLV packet acquired from the broadcast wave is compared with the distribution IP packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the operator has a problem such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device 101. Etc. can be accurately detected on the distribution side.

Therefore, in the broadcast retransmission system according to the embodiment of the present invention, in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device, an excellent function for detecting a defect is realized. Can be done.

Further, in the distribution inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention, first, a process of acquiring a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet from a broadcast wave is performed. Next, a process is performed in which a broadcast packet, for example, a TLV packet is acquired from the broadcast wave, and a transmission packet, for example, a distribution IP packet, which stores the data of the acquired one or a plurality of broadcast packets, is generated and transmitted. Next, the transmission packet is received, and a broadcast packet is generated from the received transmission packet. Next, a comparison process is performed in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

In this way, with the configuration in which the TLV packet acquired from the broadcast wave is compared with the distribution IP packet transmitted from the broadcast retransmission device 101, the operator has a problem such as processing in the broadcast retransmission device 101. Etc. can be accurately detected on the distribution side.

Therefore, in the distribution inspection method according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to realize an excellent function for detecting a defect in a configuration in which a broadcast wave including program information is received and retransmitted to another device. it can.

It should be considered that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The above description includes the features described below.
[Appendix 1]
An inspection device used for satellite broadcasting
A packet acquisition unit that acquires broadcast packets from broadcast waves,
A packet generation unit that receives a transmission packet storing data of a broadcast packet included in the broadcast wave and generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet.
A comparison unit that performs comparison processing with the broadcast packet acquired by the packet acquisition unit as a reference packet and compared with the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit is provided.
The inspection device further
A buffer for accumulating the broadcast packet acquired by the packet acquisition unit and the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit is provided.
The comparison unit acquires each of the broadcast packets from the buffer in order from the NTP packet acquired as the broadcast packet by the packet acquisition unit and the NTP packet generated as the broadcast packet by the packet generation unit. Compare and
The inspection device is used for advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting.
The broadcast packet is a TLV packet and is
An inspection device in which the transmitted packet is an IP packet.

[Appendix 2]
A broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting.
A broadcast retransmission device that acquires a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and generates and transmits a transmission packet that stores the data of the acquired one or more broadcast packets.
A comparison process is performed in which a broadcast packet is acquired from the broadcast wave, the transmission packet is received, a broadcast packet is generated from the received transmission packet, and the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet. Equipped with an inspection device to perform
The inspection device includes a buffer for accumulating the acquired broadcast packet and the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit, and is derived from the NTP packet acquired as the broadcast packet and the NTP packet generated as the broadcast packet. In turn, each said broadcast packet is obtained from the buffer and compared.
The broadcast retransmission system is used for advanced broadband satellite digital broadcasting.
The broadcast packet is a TLV packet and is
A broadcast retransmission system in which the transmitted packet is an IP packet.

11 Demodition unit 12 TLV division unit 13 IP conversion unit 15 High-accuracy oscillator 16 Counter 17 NTP data acquisition unit 18 Conversion unit 21 Deletion unit 22 TS conversion unit 23 TTS conversion unit 24 Blocking unit 25 IP packetization unit 26 IP transmission unit 31 Demodition unit (packet acquisition unit)
32 Packet generator 33 Comparison unit 42 Null packet deletion unit 43 PID filter unit 44 NTP packet detection unit 45 Counter 46 Reference packet configuration unit 47 Buffer 52 Null packet deletion unit 53 PID filter unit 54 NTP packet detection unit 55 Counter 56 Target packet configuration Unit 57 Buffer 71 Comparison circuit 72 Buffer control unit 73 Notification processing unit 101 Broadcast retransmission device 151 Inspection device 202 IP broadcast receiver 301 Broadcast retransmission system

Claims (8)

An inspection device used for satellite broadcasting
A packet acquisition unit that acquires broadcast packets from broadcast waves,
A packet generation unit that receives a transmission packet storing data of a broadcast packet included in the broadcast wave and generates a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet.
An inspection device including a comparison unit that performs comparison processing with the broadcast packet acquired by the packet acquisition unit as a reference packet and compared with the broadcast packet generated by the packet generation unit. The comparison unit performs the comparison process using the NTP (Network Time Protocol) packet acquired as the broadcast packet by the packet acquisition unit and the NTP packet generated as the broadcast packet by the packet generation unit as a temporal reference. The inspection device according to claim 1. The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the comparison unit excludes at least null packets from the target of the comparison processing. Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comparison unit excludes an EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) packet from the target of the comparison process by using at least a PID (Packet ID) included in the broadcast packet. The inspection device described in the section. The comparison unit stops the comparison process until a predetermined time elapses after detecting the mismatch in the comparison process, and performs a process for notifying the mismatch until the predetermined time elapses. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting.
A broadcast retransmission device that acquires a broadcast packet from a broadcast wave and generates and transmits a transmission packet that stores the data of the acquired one or more broadcast packets.
A comparison process is performed in which a broadcast packet is acquired from the broadcast wave, the transmission packet is received, a broadcast packet is generated from the received transmission packet, and the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet. Broadcast retransmission system with inspection equipment to perform. It is an inspection method in the inspection equipment used for satellite broadcasting.
Steps to get broadcast packets from broadcast waves,
A step of receiving a transmission packet storing data of a broadcast packet included in the broadcast wave and generating a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet.
An inspection method including a step of performing a comparison process in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet. It is a distribution inspection method in the broadcast retransmission system used for satellite broadcasting.
Steps to acquire broadcast packets from broadcast waves and
A step of acquiring a broadcast packet from the broadcast wave and generating and transmitting a transmission packet storing the data of the acquired one or a plurality of the broadcast packets.
A step of receiving the transmission packet and generating a broadcast packet from the received transmission packet,
A delivery inspection method including a step of performing a comparison process in which the acquired broadcast packet is used as a reference packet and compared with the generated broadcast packet.

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