JP7052478B2 - Transformer module unit, cable TV broadcasting device using it, control method, and cable TV broadcasting method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transformer module unit, a cable television broadcasting device using the transformer module unit, a control method, and a cable television broadcasting method.

Digital television broadcasting (BS broadcasting and CS broadcasting) is performed by transponders mounted on artificial satellites. Currently, regarding BS broadcasting, standard television broadcasting (hereinafter also referred to as 2K broadcasting) is being performed as practical broadcasting, and high-definition television broadcasting (hereinafter also referred to as 4K broadcasting) and ultra-high-definition broadcasting are being conducted as test broadcasting. Television broadcasting (hereinafter also referred to as 8K broadcasting) is also carried out. Practical broadcasting of 4K and 8K broadcasting is planned after December 2018. Along with this, the current BS broadcast program is scheduled to be reorganized.

1 and 2 show the channel arrangement of the planned BS broadcast television program (see Non-Patent Document 1 below). Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 are reproductions of the channel sequence diagram disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 as faithfully as possible in order to accurately show the background technology, and include a registered trademark. FIG. 1 is broadcast by a transponder that outputs a radio wave whose plane of polarization rotates to the right (hereinafter referred to as right-handed) among the 23 transponders mounted on the satellite. FIG. 2 is broadcast by a transponder that outputs a radio wave whose plane of polarization rotates counterclockwise (hereinafter referred to as counterclockwise rotation). Each channel of 1ch to 23ch corresponds to a transponder and outputs a radio wave having a predetermined frequency. An odd-numbered channel (hereinafter referred to as an odd-numbered channel) shown in FIG. 1 is assigned to a transponder that uses a right-handed radio wave. An even-numbered channel (hereinafter referred to as an even-numbered channel) shown in FIG. 2 is assigned to a transponder that uses a left-handed radio wave.

For example, one channel (1ch) in FIG. 1 is assigned three programs provided by different broadcasting stations. That is, one transponder provides three programs. Two programs provided by one broadcasting station are assigned to the five channels (5 channels) in FIG. 1. That is, one transponder provides two programs. In the present specification, the "channel" is for specifying a transponder (frequency), and the "program" corresponds to a so-called television broadcasting channel, and the video / video is set in a predetermined time zone. It does not mean a so-called program that provides sound.

Of the channel arrangement diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2, those with a shaded background are planned for 4K or 8K broadcasting. Those without a shaded background are broadcasts with the same resolution as the current digital broadcasts. For example, for 7 channels (7ch) and 17 channels (17ch) in FIG. 1, one transponder provides three programs of 4K broadcasting. The same applies to the 8 channels (8 channels) in FIG. 2. For the 14 channels (14 channels) in FIG. 2, one program of 8K broadcasting is provided by one transponder.

Therefore, in cable TV stations (hereinafter, also referred to as CATV stations) that provide cable TV broadcasting (hereinafter, also referred to as CATV broadcasting) services, these channels are reorganized and different resolutions of 2K, 4K, and 8K (that is, that is). It is necessary to deal with the mixture of broadcasts (with different data formats).

The following Non-Patent Document 2 proposes two types of units (1 slot type and 2 slot type) capable of receiving 4K and 8K broadcasts corresponding to each program and capable of CATV distribution. These units are used by being mounted in slots of a rack mount housing (hereinafter, also referred to as sub-black). The 1-slot type unit can receive one 4K broadcast program, rewrite the TLV stream of BS-IF, and output it after 256QAM modulation. It is possible to receive 8K broadcasts using a 1-slot type unit, but it is necessary that the output frequency of 256QAM is continuous for 3QAM (or the output frequency of 64QAM is 4QAM). If it is a 2-slot type unit, one unit can receive 8K broadcasting even if the frequencies are not continuous.

"Current status of satellite broadcasting [4th quarter of 2017]", [online] January 1, 2018, Satellite and Regional Broadcasting Division, Information Distribution Administration Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, [Search on March 19, 2018], Internet <URL: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/eisei/eisei.pdf> "Lineup of new products for" 4K / 8K practical broadcasting "Proposing" equipment to prevent wave stoppage "with RF / IP redundancy", Monthly New Media, New Media Co., Ltd., December 1, 2017, January 2018 issue , Pp.34-37 "Digital Wired Television Broadcasting" Proposal for Advanced Transmission Methods for Introduction of Ultra-High-Definition Television Broadcasting in Cable Television "Interim Report (Draft)", [online] (One Company) Japan CATV Technology Association Standards and Standardization Committee , [Search on March 19, 2018], Internet <URL: http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000317625.pdf>

In the unit proposed in Non-Patent Document 2, one unit is required for each program, and a large number of units are required in order to be able to support all programs broadcast on BS. .. Further, the 1-slot type unit has a limitation in receiving the 8K broadcast, and in order to receive the 8K broadcast without limitation, a different type of 2-slot type unit is required. Therefore, it is necessary to use a large rack or multiple racks in order to accommodate these units in a plurality of sub-blacks and mount them in a rack, resulting in a large-scale facility and a large space in the CATV station. There is a problem to occupy.

Therefore, the present invention can receive satellite broadcasts of different resolutions of 2K, 4K and 8K in one unit, and can receive a plurality of programs provided by one transponder in one unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a module unit, a cable television broadcasting device using the module unit, a control method, and a cable television broadcasting method.

The trans module unit according to a certain aspect of the present invention is a unit corresponding to one transponder for satellite broadcasting, and a signal transmitted from the transponder for satellite broadcasting is input as an input signal and included in the input signal. A receiver that extracts data from multiple programs and outputs them, a converter that converts the output data of the receiver into data for cable TV distribution, and a frequency that corresponds to each program from the data converted by the converter. Includes an output unit that generates and outputs an RF signal having.

In the control method according to another aspect of the present invention, a signal that is a satellite broadcast signal and includes data of a plurality of programs in one carrier is used as an input signal, and data of a plurality of programs are extracted from the input signal, respectively. From the reception step to be output, the conversion step to convert the output data from the reception step into data for cable TV distribution, and the data converted by the conversion step, an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to each program is generated and output. Includes output steps to be performed.

According to the present invention, one trans module unit can receive a plurality of programs provided by one transponder.

FIG. 1 is a channel arrangement diagram of a planned BS broadcast (right-handed, odd-numbered channel) television program. FIG. 2 is a channel arrangement diagram of a planned BS broadcast (left-handed, even-numbered channel) television program. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a transformer module unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the first selector of FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the second selector of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an operation example of CATV distribution using the transformer module unit of FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an operation example different from that of FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an operation example different from FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an operation example different from FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an operation example different from FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a sub-black containing a plurality of transformer module units.

[Explanation of Embodiment of the present invention]
First, the contents of the embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. At least a part of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

(1) The trans module unit according to the first aspect of the present invention is a unit corresponding to one transponder for satellite broadcasting, and a signal transmitted from the transponder for satellite broadcasting is input as an input signal. A program from a receiving unit that extracts data of a plurality of programs included in an input signal and outputs each, a conversion unit that converts the output data of the receiving unit into data for cable TV distribution, and data converted by the conversion unit. It includes an output unit that generates and outputs an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to each. As a result, one trans module unit can receive a plurality of programs provided by one transponder and distribute them by CATV.

(2) The transformer module unit according to the second aspect of the present invention has a tuner section in which a signal of satellite broadcasting and a signal including data of a plurality of programs in one carrier thereof is input, and an output from the tuner section. A separation unit that separates and outputs the data of each of a plurality of programs from the signal, a rewriting unit that rewrites the NIT included in the output data of the separation unit, and a TSMF data or an extended TSMF from the data rewritten by the rewriting unit. A TSMF generation unit that generates and outputs data, a modulation unit that QAM-modulates the output data of the TSMF generation unit, and an RF output unit that outputs QAM-modulated data by the modulation unit using a carrier with a frequency corresponding to each program. And include. As a result, one type of transformer module unit can support 2K, 4K, and 8K satellite broadcasting with different resolutions.

(3) The transformer module unit according to the third aspect of the present invention has a tuner section in which a signal of satellite broadcasting and a signal including data of a plurality of programs in one carrier thereof is input, and an output signal of the tuner section. The output data of one separation unit, three TSMF generation units, four modulation units, and a modulation unit that separate and output the data of each of a plurality of programs is output by a carrier having a frequency corresponding to each program. Each of the three TSMF generation units including the RF output unit generates and outputs TSMF data or extended TSMF data from the data separated by the separation unit, and each of the four modulation units is a TSMF generation unit. The output data of is QAM-modulated and output. As a result, the transformer module unit can be configured compactly.

(4) The cable television broadcasting apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention may be equipped with the same number of transponders as the number of transponders that transmit right-handed radio waves for satellite broadcasting. As a result, the cable television broadcasting device can be compactly configured.

(5) Preferably, the number of a plurality of programs is 3 or more, and the modulation unit included in the output unit selects and executes either 64QAM modulation or 256QAM modulation. This makes it possible to flexibly support 2K, 4K, and 8K satellite broadcasting with different resolutions.

(6) The control method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention uses a satellite broadcast signal containing data of a plurality of programs in one carrier as an input signal, and data of a plurality of programs from the input signal. From the reception step that takes out and outputs each, the conversion step that converts the output data from the reception step into data for cable TV distribution, and the data that is converted by the conversion step, an RF signal with a frequency corresponding to each program is output. Includes output steps to generate and output. This makes it possible to receive a plurality of programs provided by one transponder.

(7) Preferably, the receiving step includes a tuning step that generates and outputs digital data from the input signal, and a separation step that separates and outputs the data of each of a plurality of programs from the digital data output by the tuning step. The conversion step includes a rewriting step for rewriting the NIT included in the data after being separated by the separation step, and a TSMF that generates and outputs TSMF data or extended TSMF data from the data after being separated by the separation step. The output step includes a generation step, and the output step includes a modulation step in which the output data by the TSMF generation step is QAM-modulated, and an RF output step in which the QAM-modulated data by the modulation step is output by a carrier having a frequency corresponding to each program. include. This makes it possible to support 2K, 4K, and 8K satellite broadcasts with different resolutions.

(8) More preferably, three or less TSMF generation steps are executed in parallel for one separation step, and four or less modulation steps are executed in parallel. This makes it possible to realize a compact control method.

(9) The cable television broadcasting method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a method of inputting transmission signals from a plurality of transponders for satellite broadcasting and generating and outputting RF signals having a frequency corresponding to the program. Then, the above control method is executed for the transmission signal of the transponder in units of the transponder. This makes it possible to realize a compact cable television broadcasting method.

(10) Preferably, the number of a plurality of programs is 3 or more, and in the modulation step included in the output step, either 64QAM modulation or 256QAM modulation is selected and executed. This makes it possible to flexibly support 2K, 4K, and 8K satellite broadcasting with different resolutions.

[Details of Embodiments of the present invention]
In the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numbers. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed explanations about them will not be repeated.

(Embodiment)
[overall structure]
With reference to FIG. 3, the transformer module unit 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a tuner unit 102 to which a BS-IF signal is input, an analysis separation unit 104, a NIT rewriting unit 110, and a first selector 120. A TSMF generation unit 130, a second selector 140, a QAM modulation unit 150, and an RF output unit 160 are included. The NIT rewriting unit 110 includes a first NIT rewriting unit 112, a second NIT rewriting unit 114, and a third NIT rewriting unit 116 that rewrite the NIT included in the input data (packet data). The TSMF generation unit 130 includes a first TSMF generation unit 132, a second TSMF generation unit 134, and a third TSMF generation unit 136 that generate TSMF data from input data. The QAM modulation unit 150 includes a first QAM modulation unit 152, a second QAM modulation unit 154, a third QAM modulation unit 156, and a fourth QAM modulation unit 158 that perform QAM modulation on the input data and output the data. The RF output unit 160 includes a first RF output unit 162, a second RF output unit 164, a third RF output unit 166, and a fourth RF output unit 168 that put input data on a predetermined carrier wave to generate and output an RF signal. ..

An intermediate frequency BS-IF signal obtained by down-converting the signal (about 12 GHz) received by the BS antenna is input to the tuner unit 102. The tuner unit 102 receives TMCC (Transmission and Multiplexing) from the input signal.
Generates and outputs data including Configuration Control) and TLV (Type-length Value) format data (or TS format data). In BS broadcasting, data such as video and audio are converted into TS packets, information such as TMCC is added, encoded, modulated, and time-division-multiplexed, and transmitted as radio waves.

The analysis separation unit 104 refers to the TMCC and generates TLV data (or TS data) for each program from the input data, and the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT of the NIT rewriting unit 110. Input to the rewriting unit 116. Data of one program is input to each of the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT rewriting unit 116.

Since the data input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112 includes the NIT (Network Information Table) for BS broadcasting, the first NIT rewriting unit 112 rewrites the NIT included in the input data for CATV distribution. .. The NIT contains information that identifies transponders, programs (corresponding to so-called channels), and the like. The data output from the first NIT rewriting unit 112 is the same as the input data except that the NIT has been rewritten. Similarly, the second NIT rewriting unit 114 and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 rewrite the NIT included in the input data for CATV distribution and output it. The outputs of the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 are input to the first selector 120.

The first selector 120 distributes a plurality of input data and inputs them to the first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 included in the TSMF generation unit 130. As will be described later, the first selector 120 converts each input signal into the first TSMF generation unit 132, the first TSMF generation unit 132, according to the number of programs included in the signal received by the tuner unit 102 and the image resolution (2K, 4K or 8K). It is determined whether to input to the 2TSMF generation unit 134 or the 3rd TSMF generation unit 136.

The first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 multiplex the input data to generate and output known TSMF (Transport Streams Multiplexing Frame) data. The first TSMF generation unit 132 can generate extended TSMF (Extended TSMF) data by multiplexing the input data in addition to the function of TSMF generation. The extended TSMF data format is, for example, the one proposed in Non-Patent Document 3. The extended TSMF is for performing 8K broadcasting using a plurality of carrier waves at intervals of 6 MHz for CATV broadcasting, and has a frame structure in which extended information is added to the TSMF.

The second selector 140 distributes a plurality of input data and inputs them to the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156, and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 included in the QAM modulation unit 150. As will be described later, the second selector 140 sets each input signal to the first QAM modulation unit 152, the first QAM modulation unit 152, according to the number of programs included in the signal received by the tuner unit 102 and the image resolution (2K, 4K or 8K). It is determined whether to input to the 2QAM modulation unit 154, the 3rd QAM modulation unit 156, or the 4th QAM modulation unit 158.

The first QAM modulation unit 152 outputs the input data after 256QAM modulation or 64QAM modulation. The first QAM modulation unit 152 has the functions of 256QAM modulation and 64QAM modulation, but receives external control (or is set in terms of hardware) and executes only one of them. The second QAM modulation unit 154 and the third QAM modulation unit 156 also perform 256QAM modulation or 64QAM modulation in the same manner. The 4th QAM modulation unit 158 performs 64QAM modulation. The data QAM-modulated by the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156, and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 are the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, and third RF output unit, respectively. It is input to 166 and the 4th RF output unit 168.

The first RF output unit 162, the second RF output unit 164, the third RF output unit 166, and the fourth RF output unit 168 each generate and output an RF signal for transmitting input data on a carrier wave having a predetermined frequency. The frequencies of the RF signals output by the first RF output unit 162, the second RF output unit 164, the third RF output unit 166, and the fourth RF output unit 168 are different from each other. All RF signals output from the 1st RF output unit 162, the 2nd RF output unit 164, the 3rd RF output unit 166, and the 4th RF output unit 168 are combined (RFout), amplified, and distributed via the CATV cable. ..

[Selector configuration]
The function of the first selector 120 will be described with reference to FIG. The first selector 120 includes a first switch unit 122, a second switch unit 124, and a third switch unit 126. The output data of the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 are input to each of the first switch unit 122, the second switch unit 124, and the third switch unit 126. The first switch unit 122 has a function of turning on / off each of the three input signals under an external control (or set in terms of hardware). When it is ON, the input signal is output as it is, and when it is OFF, the input signal is not output. Therefore, all the outputs of the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 may be input to the first TSMF generation unit 132. The second switch unit 124 and the third switch unit 126 each have a function of selecting one of three input signals under external control (or set in terms of hardware) and a selected signal. Has a function to turn on / off. The selected signal is output when it is ON, but not when it is OFF.

The function of the second selector 140 will be described with reference to FIG. The second selector 140 includes a fourth switch unit 142, a fifth switch unit 144, a sixth switch unit 146, and a seventh switch unit 148. The fourth switch unit 142 has a function of inputting a maximum of four outputs from the first TSMF generation unit 132, receiving external control (or being set in terms of hardware), and outputting any one of them. .. The fifth switch unit 144 and the sixth switch unit 146 each have a function of receiving an external control (or being set in terms of hardware) and outputting one of the two inputs. The seventh switch unit 148 has a function of receiving an external control (or being set by hardware) to turn on / off an input.

Each element of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be realized by using a semiconductor IC including an ASIC, FPGA, and the like. Each element can be configured by one semiconductor IC, or a plurality of elements can be collectively configured by one semiconductor IC. For example, the transformer module unit 100 can be formed in a form that can be mounted in one slot of a rack mount for rack mounting.

The functions of each element of FIGS. 3 to 5 may be realized by a software program using a CPU and a semiconductor memory. Further, it may be realized by a combination of a semiconductor IC and a software program. It can be said that what is realized by FPGA can be realized by software program. A form in which a plurality of software programs (for example, the same number as the number of transponders) are executed in parallel to generate data for CATV distribution from a transmission signal of one transponder corresponding to a configuration in which a plurality of transponder units are mounted on a subrack. Is possible.

With this configuration, the transformer module unit 100 can correspond to various program configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. An operation example of the transformer module unit 100 is specifically shown below.

[Operation example 1]
A case where three programs (standard television broadcasting) provided on channel 1 of FIG. 1 are received and RF output as CATV data will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the solid line arrow means that data exists (significant signal flows on the wiring), and the broken line arrow means that data does not exist (wiring exists but significant signal does not flow). Means that. This shows the signal selection and ON / OFF control in each switch section. Further, the type of QAM modulation selected for each of the four modulation units of the QAM modulation unit 150 is shown in parentheses.

The three programs provided on one channel are separated into data of each program by the analysis separation unit 104, the data of one program is input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112, and the data of another one program is the second NIT rewriting unit. It is input to 114, and the data of the remaining one program is input to the third NIT rewriting unit 116. In this case, the output data from the first NIT rewriting unit 112 is input to the first TSMF generation unit 132 by the first switch unit 122, and the output data from the second NIT rewriting unit 114 is input to the second TSMF generation unit by the second switch unit 124. The output data is output to 134, and the output data from the third NIT rewriting unit 116 is input to the third TSMF generation unit 136 by the third switch unit 126. The first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 each generate and output TSMF data from the input data.

The output data of the first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 are the first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM by the fourth switch unit 142, the fifth switch unit 144, and the sixth switch unit 146, respectively. It is input to the modulation unit 154 and the third QAM modulation unit 156. The first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 each output the input data after 64QAM modulation. In this case, the 4th QAM modulation unit 158 is not used. The outputs of the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 are input to the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, and third RF output unit 166, and the RF signals of the three carrier waves are input. Is generated.

[Operation example 2]
A case where one program (8K broadcast) provided on channel 14 of FIG. 2 is received and RF output as CATV data will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The meanings of the solid line arrow and the broken line arrow are the same as those in FIG. This shows the signal selection and ON / OFF control in each switch section. Further, the type of QAM modulation selected for each of the four modulation units of the QAM modulation unit 150 is shown in parentheses. Regarding the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156, 256QAM modulation may be selected or 64QAM modulation may be selected.

Since only one program is provided on 14ch, the data separated by the analysis separation unit 104 is input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112. No data is input to the second NIT rewriting unit 114 and the third NIT rewriting unit 116. In this case, the output data from the first NIT rewriting unit 112 is input to the first TSMF generation unit 132 by the first switch unit 122. The first TSMF generation unit 132 generates extended TSMF data from the input data, distributes the extended TSMF data to four output lines or three output lines in packet units, and outputs the extended TSMF data.

256QAM modulation and 64QAM modulation can be used to transmit 8K data. In the case of 256QAM modulation, 8-bit data can be sent in one modulation, and in the case of 64QAM modulation, 6-bit data can be sent in one modulation. Since the ratio of the data transmission rate is 4: 3, when 256QAM modulation is used, it is transmitted by a 3-wave RF signal, and when 64QAM modulation is used, it is transmitted by a 4-wave RF signal.

When using 256QAM modulation, the 1st QAM modulation unit 152, the 2nd QAM modulation unit 154 and the 3rd QAM modulation unit 156 are set to perform 256QAM modulation, and the 1st TSMF generation unit 132 outputs the extended TSMF data in three output lines. The output is input to the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 via the fourth switch unit 142, the fifth switch unit 144, and the sixth switch unit 146, respectively. In this case, the 4th QAM modulation unit 158 is not used. The outputs of the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 are input to the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, and third RF output unit 166, and the RF signals of the three carrier waves are input. Is generated. As described above, in the case of 256QAM modulation, it is possible to provide 8K CATV broadcasting using three waves.

On the other hand, when 64QAM modulation is used, the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156 and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 are set to perform 64QAM modulation, and the first TSMF generation unit 132 is expanded. The TSMF data is output from four output lines, and the first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM modulation unit 154 are output via the fourth switch unit 142, the fifth switch unit 144, the sixth switch unit 146, and the seventh switch unit 148, respectively. , Is input to the 3rd QAM modulation unit 156 and the 4th QAM modulation unit 158. The outputs of the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156, and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 are the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, third RF output unit 166, and fourth RF output. It is input to the unit 168, and RF signals of four carrier waves are generated. As described above, in the case of 64QAM modulation, 8K CATV broadcasting can be provided using four waves.

[Operation example 3]
A case will be described in which one of the three programs (4K broadcast) provided on channel 17 of FIG. 1 is received and provided as CATV data by two-wave RF output with reference to FIG. 8. The meanings of the solid line arrow and the broken line arrow are the same as those in FIGS. 6 and 7. This shows the signal selection and ON / OFF control in each switch section. The type of QAM modulation selected for each of the four modulation units of the QAM modulation unit 150 is shown in parentheses.

The three programs provided on 17ch are separated into data of each program by the analysis separation unit 104, the data of one program is input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112, and the data of another one program is the second NIT rewriting unit. It is input to 114, and the data of the remaining one program is input to the third NIT rewriting unit 116. Here, the output data from the first NIT rewriting unit 112 is input to the first TSMF generation unit 132 by the first switch unit 122, but the output data from the second NIT rewriting unit 114 and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 is the second. It is turned off by the switch unit 124 and the third switch unit 126 and is not output. The first TSMF generation unit 132 generates extended TSMF data from the input data, distributes the extended TSMF data to two output lines in packet units, and outputs the extended TSMF data. The output of the first TSMF generation unit 132 is input to the first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM modulation unit 154 via the fourth switch unit 142 and the fifth switch unit 144, respectively.

The first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM modulation unit 154 each execute 64QAM modulation on the input data. The output data of the first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM modulation unit 154 are input to the corresponding first RF output unit 162 and the second RF output unit 164, respectively, and RF signals of two carrier waves are generated.

In this operation mode, three transformer module units 100 are required to receive all three programs (4K broadcast) of 17 channels and provide each as CATV data with two-wave RF output.

[Operation example 4]
A case where three programs (4K broadcast) provided on channel 17 of FIG. 1 are received and RF output as CATV data will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In this operation example, unlike the operation example 3, one transformer module unit 100 can provide all three programs. The meanings of the solid line arrow and the broken line arrow are the same as those in FIGS. 6 to 8. This shows the signal selection and ON / OFF control in each switch section. The type of QAM modulation selected for each of the four modulation units of the QAM modulation unit 150 is shown in parentheses.

The three programs provided on 17ch are separated into data of each program by the analysis separation unit 104, the data of one program is input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112, and the data of another one program is the second NIT rewriting unit. It is input to 114, and the data of the remaining one program is input to the third NIT rewriting unit 116. All the output data from the first NIT rewriting unit 112, the second NIT rewriting unit 114, and the third NIT rewriting unit 116 are input to the first TSMF generation unit 132 by the first switch unit 122. The first TSMF generation unit 132 generates extended TSMF data from the data input from all three input lines, distributes the extended TSMF data in packet units to the four output lines, and outputs the data.

Subsequent signal processing is the same as when 64QAM modulation is used in Operation Example 2 relating to 8K broadcasting. That is, the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156, and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 are set to execute 64QAM modulation, and the first TSMF generation unit 132 outputs the extended TSMF data to four output lines. Output with. The output data of the four lines are the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation via the fourth switch unit 142, the fifth switch unit 144, the sixth switch unit 146, and the seventh switch unit 148, respectively. It is input to the unit 156 and the 4th QAM modulation unit 158. The outputs of the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, the third QAM modulation unit 156, and the fourth QAM modulation unit 158 are the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, third RF output unit 166, and fourth RF output. It is input to the unit 168, and RF signals of four carrier waves are generated. As described above, in the case of 64QAM modulation, 3 programs of 4K can be provided as CATV broadcasting using 4 waves.

[Operation example 5]
A case where three programs (4K broadcast) provided on channel 17 of FIG. 1 are received and RF output as CATV data will be described with reference to FIG. 10. In this operation example, unlike the operation example 3, one transformer module unit 100 can provide all three programs, and unlike the operation example 4, each program can be provided in one wave. The meanings of the solid line arrow and the broken line arrow are the same as those in FIGS. 6 to 9. This shows the signal selection and ON / OFF control in each switch section. The type of QAM modulation selected for each of the four modulation units of the QAM modulation unit 150 is shown in parentheses.

The three programs provided on 17ch are separated into data of each program by the analysis separation unit 104, the data of one program is input to the first NIT rewriting unit 112, and the data of another one program is the second NIT rewriting unit. It is input to 114, and the data of the remaining one program is input to the third NIT rewriting unit 116. The output data from the first NIT rewriting unit 112 is input to the first TSMF generation unit 132 by the first switch unit 122, and the output data from the second NIT rewriting unit 114 is output to the second TSMF generation unit 134 by the second switch unit 124. Then, the output data from the third NIT rewriting unit 116 is input to the third TSMF generation unit 136 by the third switch unit 126. The first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 each generate and output TSMF data from the input data.

The output data of the first TSMF generation unit 132, the second TSMF generation unit 134, and the third TSMF generation unit 136 are the first QAM modulation unit 152 and the second QAM by the fourth switch unit 142, the fifth switch unit 144, and the sixth switch unit 146, respectively. It is input to the modulation unit 154 and the third QAM modulation unit 156. The first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 each transmit the input data by 256QAM modulation. The 4th QAM modulation unit 158 is not used. The outputs of the first QAM modulation unit 152, the second QAM modulation unit 154, and the third QAM modulation unit 156 are input to the corresponding first RF output unit 162, second RF output unit 164, and third RF output unit 166, and the RF signals of the three carrier waves are input. Is generated. As described above, in the case of 256QAM modulation, each of the three 4K programs can be provided as a CATV broadcast using one wave (three waves in total).

Each channel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be supported by any of the above operation examples 1, 2, 4 and 5. For example, with respect to 7ch and 8ch, since 3 programs of 4K broadcasting are provided as in 17ch, operation example 4 or operation example 5 can be used. Further, regarding the channels provided with 3 programs of standard television broadcasting such as 3ch, 13ch, and 15ch, the operation example 1 can be used in the same manner as 1ch. Operation example 1 can also be used for 5 channels that provide two programs. As for 14ch that provides 8K broadcasting, operation example 2 can be used as described above.

Regarding 12ch, in the situation where one program is provided, any of operation examples 2 to 4 can be supported, and if three programs of 4K broadcasting are provided as in 17ch, operation example 4 or operation example It can be dealt with in 5. Regarding unused 2ch, 4ch, etc., if the provision with any of the above resolutions and the number of programs is started, it will be similarly handled by any of Operation Examples 1, 2, 4 and 5. Can be done.

When a plurality of transformer module units 100 are provided, the combined RF signal output from each transformer module unit 100 is further combined with the combined RF signal output from the other transformer module units 100. Obtained by being supplied to a CATV cable.

[effect]
A plurality of programs provided by one transponder can be received by one trans module unit and distributed by CATV. In particular, one type of trans module unit can be used for each channel (transponder) of BS broadcasting in which 2K, 4K and 8K broadcasting having different resolutions are scheduled after December 2018.

The trans module unit can be compactly configured by configuring one separation unit to include three TSMF generation units and four modulation units.

If the same number of transponder units as the transponder for BS broadcasting are prepared as shown in FIG. 11, for example, all BS broadcasting can be supported, and compared with the case where one unit is provided for each program of BS broadcasting. Therefore, the CATV broadcasting equipment can be configured remarkably compactly. With reference to FIG. 11, the sub-black 202 can accommodate a plurality of transformer module units 200. For example, a power supply or the like is arranged in the units 204 and 206. The sub-black 202 is, for example, 3U in height and can be mounted in a 19-inch rack. Each transformer module unit 200 is formed in a practical form that can be mounted in the slot of the sub-black 202. As described above, in the case of the Sablack 202 that can be mounted in the industry standard 19-inch rack, the number that can accommodate the practically designed transformer module unit 200 is “12”. This is strangely the same as the number of transponders (transponders that transmit the right-handed radio waves of BS broadcasting) to which the odd-numbered channels of BS broadcasting are assigned as shown in FIG. That is, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 11, all the programs transmitted by the 12 transponders to which the odd-numbered channels of BS broadcasting scheduled to be broadcast after December 2018 are assigned are received and used for CATV distribution. Data can be generated.

Even if the number of a plurality of programs included in the transmission signal from each transponder is 3 or more, the resolution differs depending on the configuration in which the modulation unit is configured to select and execute either 64QAM modulation or 256QAM modulation. It can flexibly support 2K, 4K and 8K satellite broadcasting.

In the above, the case where the TSMF data or the extended TSMF data is generated from the data after the NIT is rewritten by the configuration shown in FIG. 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rewriting of NIT and the generation of TSMF data or extended TSMF data may be performed before QAM modulation, and the order thereof is arbitrary.

In the above, the case where one transponder for one transponder for BS broadcasting receives BS broadcasting and distributes it on CATV has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Similarly for CS broadcasting, one trans module unit for one transponder can be realized.

Although the present invention has been described above by explaining the embodiments, the above-described embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each claim of the scope of claims, taking into consideration the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are made. include.

100, 200 Transformer module unit 102 Tuner unit 104 Analysis separation unit 110 NIT rewriting unit 112 1st NIT rewriting unit 114 2nd NIT rewriting unit 116 3rd NIT rewriting unit 120 1st selector 122 1st switch unit 124 2nd switch unit 126 3rd switch Unit 130 TSMF generation unit 132 1st TSMF generation unit 134 2nd TSMF generation unit 136 3rd TSMF generation unit 140 2nd selector 142 4th switch unit 144 5th switch unit 146 6th switch unit 148 7th switch unit 150 QAM modulation unit 152 1 QAM modulation unit 154 2nd QAM modulation unit 156 3rd QAM modulation unit 158 4th QAM modulation unit 160 RF output unit 162 1st RF output unit 164 2nd RF output unit 166 3rd RF output unit 168 4th RF output unit 202 Subrack 204, 206 units

Claims (7)

A tuner unit to which a satellite broadcast signal containing data of one or more programs on one carrier wave is input.
One separation unit that generates and outputs data for each of the one or more programs from the output signal of the tuner unit, and
Three TSMF generators and
4 modulators and
An RF output unit that outputs the output data of the modulation unit by a carrier wave having a frequency corresponding to each of the modulation units.
A first selector located between the separation unit and the three TSMF generation units,
It includes a second selector located between the three TSMF generators and the four modulators.
The first selector selects the output data of the separation unit and gives it to the TSMF generation unit.
The second selector selects the output data of the TSMF generation unit and gives it to the modulation unit.
The TSMF generation unit generates and outputs TSMF data or extended TSMF data from the output data given from the first selector, and outputs the data.
The modulation unit is a transformer module unit that QAM-modulates and outputs the output data given from the second selector. The first selector is
The first switch unit connected to the first TSMF generation unit among the three TSMF generation units, and
A second switch unit connected to a second TSMF generation unit among the three TSMF generation units, and a second switch unit.
A third switch unit connected to a third TSMF generation unit among the three TSMF generation units is included.
The separation unit includes three output units.
Each of the above three output units outputs the data of one program,
The three output units are connected to the first switch unit, the second switch unit, and the third switch unit.
The first switch unit has a function of turning on / off each of the data of the three programs output from the three output units.
Each of the second switch unit and the third switch unit has a function of selecting the data of one of the three program data output from the three output units and turning on the selected data. The transformer module unit according to claim 1, which has a function of turning on / off. The second selector is
A fourth switch unit connected to the first modulation unit of the four modulation units, and
A fifth switch unit connected to the second modulation unit of the four modulation units, and
A sixth switch unit connected to the third modulation unit of the four modulation units, and
The 7th switch section connected to the 4th modulation section of the 4 modulation sections is included.
The first TSMF generation unit among the three TSMF generation units is
The first output unit connected to the fourth switch unit and
A second output unit connected to the fourth switch unit and the fifth switch unit, and
A third output unit connected to the fourth switch unit and the sixth switch unit, and
Including the fourth switch section and the fourth output section connected to the seventh switch section.
The fourth switch unit selects and outputs one output data from the output data of the first output unit, the second output unit, the third output unit, and the fourth output unit. Has a function and
The fifth switch unit has a function of selecting and outputting one output data from the output data of the second output unit and the second TSMF generation unit of the three TSMF generation units. ,
The sixth switch unit has a function of selecting and outputting one output data from the output data of the third output unit and the third TSMF generation unit of the three TSMF generation units . ,
The transformer module unit according to claim 1 , wherein the seventh switch unit has a function of turning on / off the output data of the fourth output unit. The transformer module unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a rewriting unit for rewriting the NIT included in the output data of the separation unit. A cable television broadcasting device capable of mounting the same number of transponder units according to any one of claims 1 to 4 as the number of transponders that transmit right-handed radio waves for satellite broadcasting. A reception step in which a signal that is a satellite broadcast signal and includes data of one or more programs on one carrier wave is used as an input signal, and data of the one or more programs is taken out from the input signal and output, respectively.
Including an output step of generating and outputting an RF signal from the data output by the reception step.
The receiving step is
A tuning step that generates and outputs digital data from the input signal,
It includes a separation step of generating and outputting data of each of the one or a plurality of programs from the digital data output by the tuning step.
A TSMF generation step that generates and outputs T SMF data or extended TSMF data, and
The first selection step, in which the data output by the separation step is selected and given to the TSMF generation step,
The data output by the TSMF generation step is selected and further includes a second selection step to give to the output step.
The TSMF generation step generates the TSMF data or the extended TSMF data from the data given by the first selection step.
The output step is
A modulation step that QAM-modulates the data given by the second selection step,
The QAM-modulated data includes an RF output step of outputting the QAM-modulated data by a carrier wave having a frequency corresponding to each of the data given by the second selection step.
A control method in which three or less TSMF generation steps are executed in parallel with one separation step, and four or less modulation steps are executed in parallel. It is a method of inputting transmission signals from multiple transponders for satellite broadcasting, generating RF signals, and outputting them.
The control method according to claim 6 is executed for the transmission signal of the transponder with the transponder as a unit.
The control method further includes a conversion step of converting the data output by the reception step into data for cable television distribution.
The cable television broadcasting method in which the RF signal is generated from the data after being converted by the conversion step.

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