JPH04307880A - Picture output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the adaptability to program production or the like by dividing a semiconductor memory, which cooperates with one-frame memories, by respective play scripts and successively storing still pictures in parts remaining of the semiconductor memory after dividing the semiconductor mem ory. CONSTITUTION:Supplied still pictures are selected by a selector 13, and selected still pictures are written in one-frame memories 16a1, 16b1, 16a2, and 16b2 of output substrates 151 and 152 through a data bus 14. In a picture output device 1 where still pictures read out from memories 16 are selected by two-output selectors 181 and 182 and are outputted, a semiconductor memory 19 having a multiframe storage capacity is connected to the data bus 14. This memory 19 is divided with one frame as the unit and is used for each of substrates 151 and 152, and still pictures are successively stored in parts remaining by division of the memory 19 in parallel. Thus, the convenience is improved especially at the time of simultaneously using a system by plural users.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image output device used in broadcasting stations and the like.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art The applicant of the present application has previously proposed a still image file device suitable for use, for example, in the production of programs at broadcasting stations (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-285868, etc.).

However, in such a device, when a magneto-optical disk is used as a recording medium, for example,
Although it has a large capacity and can store an extremely large number of still images, it takes time to access, and it takes several seconds (about 2.5 seconds) to retrieve one still image. For this reason, the transmission of still images is limited by this access time, and cannot be transmitted at shorter intervals. This is especially true when a plurality of users are using the device at the same time, and if access to one device is concentrated, the access time becomes even longer.

0004

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] The problem to be solved is to enable such still image file devices to transmit data at shorter intervals, especially when multiple users are using the device at the same time. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image output device that is convenient for users and has excellent adaptability to program production, etc.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides at least one still image file device (2a, 2b, 2c) connected to at least a first and a second one frame memory (16a, 16).
b) is provided, in which the still image that is sent out first among the still images supplied from the still image file device according to the script is written into one of the first and second one-frame memories, and the still image is sent out next. The still image is the first and second one above.
The first one frame memory is read out and taken out to the output terminal (3) for sending out, and when this sending is finished, the other one frame memory is read out. In the image output device, a semiconductor memory (19) for storing a plurality of frames in cooperation with the one-frame memory is provided, and a plurality of sets of at least the first and second one-frame memories (suffix 1, 2) When these sets are controlled by different scripts, the semiconductor memory is divided and used for each script using the frame as a unit, and the semiconductor memory remaining after this division is used. This image output device is configured to sequentially store still images supplied from the still image file device in a memory.

[0006]

[Operation] According to this, the semiconductor memory that cooperates with one frame memory is divided and used for each script, and
By sequentially storing still images supplied from the still image file device in the semiconductor memory remaining after this division, it is especially convenient when used by multiple users at the same time, and adaptable to program production, etc. can be improved.

[0007]

[Embodiment] In FIG. 1, 1 indicates an image output device;
Reference numeral 1 denotes a central processing unit (CPU) that controls its operations. This CPU 11 has a memory (RAM) that stores playlists indicating the order in which still images are sent out according to a script.
12a, a memory (ROM) 12o in which protocols for operation of the device, etc. are stored is provided in association.

Further, 2a, 2b, and 2c are magneto-optical disks (
MO), etc., in which a remote control signal generated by the CPU 11 of the image output device 1 described above is supplied to these still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c, and is stored in the RAM 12a. Still images are taken out in order according to a playlist or the like. This extracted still image is supplied to the image output device 1.

Furthermore, in this image output device 1, the still images supplied from the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are selected by the selector 13, and the selected still images are sent to one frame of the output boards 151, 152 via the data bus 14. Memory 16 (a1, b1, a2, b2)
will be written to. Here, the selection with the selector 13, and
Writing to the 1-frame memory 16 is controlled by a signal supplied from the CPU 11 via the control bus 17.

In this case, different playlists are stored in the RAM 12a for each of the output boards 151 and 152, and according to these playlists, the still images (A1, A2) to be sent out first and the still images (A2) to be sent out next are displayed. Still images (B1, B2) are stored in one frame memories 16 (a1, a2) and (b1, b2), respectively.
) is written to. Furthermore, the still images read from these one frame memories 16 are sent to selectors 181 and 182 each having two outputs.
The still images selected for one output are taken out to the output terminals 31 and 32 for transmission, and are also supplied to the monitor receivers 41 and 42 during transmission, and the still images selected for the other output are output. Next, the output signal is supplied to monitor receivers 51 and 52.

On the other hand, 61 and 62 are operation key devices, and by operating these key devices 61 and 62, selection of a play list, control of sending out still images, etc. are performed.

That is, readout of the one frame memory 16 (a1, b1) and selection by the selector 181 are controlled by a control signal from the key device 61. In the initial state, the still image (A1) is sent out first.
is taken out to the output terminal 31 for transmission and is supplied to the monitor receiver 41 during transmission, and the still image (B1) to be transmitted next is supplied to the next transmission monitor receiver 51. Furthermore, when the transmission of the still image selected as one output of the selector 181 is completed, the still image read out from the selected one-frame memory 16 (a1, b1) is switched. At the same time, a transmission end display signal is supplied to the CPU 11 via the control bus 17,
Thereafter, under the control of the CPU 11, one frame memory 16 (on the side where the still image is not selected) is added to one of the above-mentioned outputs.
a1, b1), a still image (C1) to be transmitted next according to the playlist is written.

Similarly, the reading of the one frame memory 16 (a2, b2) and the selection by the selector 182 are controlled by a control signal from the key device 62.

[0014] As a result, the still images (A1, B1, . . . ) (A2,
B2...) are sequentially stored in one frame memory 16 (a1
, b1 ) (a2 , b2 ). Then, the still images (B1, C1, . . . ) (B2
, C2...) are the next sending monitor receivers 51, 52
supplied to

Furthermore, in this image output device 1, a semiconductor memory 19 having a storage capacity for a plurality of frames is connected to the data bus 14, and this semiconductor memory 19 has a CP
It is used in conjunction with one frame memory under the control of U11.

That is, in the ROM 12o of the CPU 11,
For example, a program for operations as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is provided. In the figure, A is the main routine, and when the operation is started, the playlist selected in step [1] is searched. Next step [2
], the first still image sent out according to the playlist and the next still image sent out are the still image file devices 2a, 2.
b, 2c and written into the one frame memory 16. Furthermore, in step [3], still images subsequent to the next still image to be transmitted according to the playlist are taken out from the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c and sequentially stored in the semiconductor memory 19. In step [4], it is determined whether the semiconductor memory 19 is full or not. If it is full (YES), step [4] is repeated, and if it is not full (YES), step [4] is repeated. NO), the process returns to step [3].

On the other hand, B in the figure is an interrupt subroutine, in which, for example, when the above-mentioned transmission end display signal is supplied, the main routine is interrupted. In this interrupt subroutine, it is determined in step [11] whether or not a still image is stored in the semiconductor memory 19, and if it is stored (YES), step [12] is performed.
], the still image stored in the semiconductor memory 19 is transferred to the one-frame memory 16. If the still image is not stored in step [11] (NO), the still image is taken out from the still image file device 2a, 2b, 2c and written into the one-frame memory 16 in step [13]. When these steps are completed, a free space is created in the semiconductor memory 19 in step [14], and the process returns to the main routine.

Therefore, in this device, if, for example, five frames of the semiconductor memory 19 are divided for one user, step [3] in the above-mentioned main routine is executed.
When the process is completed, still images "1" and "2" are written in the one-frame memory 16, and still images "3" to "7" are stored in the semiconductor memory 19, as shown in FIG. When the transmission of the first still image "1" is completed, the still image "3" is transferred from the semiconductor memory 19 to the transmitted 1-frame memory 16a, and the subsequent still image "3" is transferred to the empty space formed in the semiconductor memory 19. 8'' is stored as shown in B in the figure. Furthermore, the next still image “
When the transmission of "2" is completed, the still image "4" is transferred from the semiconductor memory 19 to the transmitted 1-frame memory 16b, and the subsequent still image "9" is stored in the empty space formed in the semiconductor memory 19. This is done as shown in C in the same figure.

In this manner, still images are sequentially transmitted. In this case, the still image can be transferred from the semiconductor memory 19 to the one-frame memory 16 using DMA, for example, within one frame period, and the still image can be sent at extremely short intervals. . Also,
When the semiconductor memory 19 runs out of storage, the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c can send the still image in the same manner as before. Note that a warning or the like may be displayed on the operation key device 6 when the semiconductor memory 19 runs out of memory.

Furthermore, in this device, when a plurality of output boards 151, 152 are provided and a plurality of operation key devices 61, 62 are used, the semiconductor memory 19 is provided for each of these operation key devices 61, 62. Frames can be divided and used as units. That is, FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for dividing the semiconductor memory 19, and in the diagram, A indicates the user's operation, B indicates the operation of the operation key device 6, and C indicates the operation of the image output device 1. has been done.

In this figure, when the power is turned on, the image output device 1 detects the storage capacity (the total number of images that can be stored in each frame) of the semiconductor memory 19. When the user presses the reservation button on the operation key device 6, the operation key device 6 inquires of the image output device 1 about the current number of reserved sheets. On the other hand, the image output device 1 stores the number of reserved images for each operation key device 6, and outputs the number of images to the operation key device 6. As a result, the number of reservations is displayed on the display section of the operation key device 6, and the number of reservations is displayed.
is displayed. If the user inputs 0 tickets here, all reservations are canceled.

[0022] Also, if the user inputs an arbitrary number of sheets,
The number of sheets input from the operation key device 6 is output to the image output device 1. As a result, the image output device 1 reserves the input number of images from the total number of images. Furthermore, the operation key device 6 inquires of the image output device 1 whether the reservation is complete or not. In response, the image output device 1 outputs a signal indicating the end of the reservation. Thereafter, the operation key device 6 inquires of the image output device 1 about the reserved number of sheets and the remaining number of sheets. On the other hand, the image output device 1 outputs these numbers. As a result, the number of reserved tickets and the number of remaining tickets are displayed on the display section of the operation key device 6. This completes the reservation work for the semiconductor memory 19.

Note that in the above-described device, the semiconductor memory 1
Reference numeral 9 is composed of a plurality of circuit boards, and by detecting the number of loaded circuit boards, the storage capacity (the total number of boards that can be stored in each frame) is detected. That is, if the storage capacity of one circuit board is N in units of frames, and if M circuit boards are loaded, the total number of circuit boards is NM. On the other hand, if P tickets are reserved from any operation key device 6, the remaining number of tickets that can be reserved with other operation key devices 6 is:
NM-P pieces (P≦NM).

Furthermore, another operation key device 6 can know the remaining number of reservations (NM-P tickets), and from this, it is possible to make a reservation within the range of NM-P tickets using this other operation key device 6. become. Furthermore, since each operation key device 6 has a function to cancel a reservation, the allocation of NM tickets can be easily and freely set using a plurality of operation key devices 6.

At the same time, in this device, for the portion of the semiconductor memory 19 (NM-ΣP sheets) left by the above-mentioned division (reservation) of the semiconductor memory 19, still images supplied from the still image file devices 2a, 2b, 2c are used. The image is
1 frame memory 16 (a1, b1) (a2, b
2) and the divided (reserved) portion of the semiconductor memory 19
At the same time, the data are stored in the remaining portion (NM-ΣP sheets) of the semiconductor memory 19 sequentially and in parallel. Note that when this remaining portion becomes full, the still images stored in this remaining portion are rewritten in order from the first stored still image.

That is, for example, if the total number of semiconductor memories 19 is 20 and 5 are reserved from each operation key device 61, 62, 10 semiconductor memories 19 are reserved.
9 is the remaining portion, and 10 still images supplied from the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c are stored in this portion.

[0027] By doing this, for example, when the same still image is requested from two operation key devices 61 and 62 one after the other, the still images supplied from the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c will be The data is stored in a reserved portion of the one-frame memory 16 or semiconductor memory 19 of the operation key device 6, and simultaneously stored in the remaining portion of the semiconductor memory 19. Then, the still image stored in the remaining portion of the semiconductor memory 19 is read out and stored in the reserved portion of the one-frame memory 16 or semiconductor memory 19 of the other operation key device 6. As a result, the number of accesses to the still image file devices 2a, 2b, and 2c can be reduced, and the operating speed of the entire device can be increased.

According to the above-mentioned apparatus, the semiconductor memory 19 associated with the one-frame memory 16 is divided and used for each script, and the semiconductor memory remaining after this division is supplied from the still image file device. By sequentially storing still images, it is possible to improve convenience, especially when multiple users are using the system at the same time (suffixes 1 and 2), and adaptability to program production, etc. .

Note that in the above-mentioned device, the number of output boards 15 is 2.
However, this number is arbitrary; for example, in the device implemented by the applicant of the present application, a maximum of six output boards are provided. Further, in the apparatus implemented by the applicant of the present invention, the above-mentioned value of N is 21, value of M is 4, and value of NM is 84.

[0030]

According to the present invention, the semiconductor memory used in one frame memory is divided and used for each script, and the remaining semiconductor memory is used for still images supplied from the still image file device. By storing images in sequence, it has become possible to improve convenience, especially when a plurality of users are using the system at the same time, and adaptability to program production, etc.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an image output device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart diagram for explaining the operation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining storage in a one-frame memory and a semiconductor memory.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for dividing a semiconductor memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image output device 11 Central processing unit 12a RAM 12o ROM 13 Selector 14 Data bus 15 Output board 16 1 frame memory 17 Control bus 18 Selector 19 Semiconductor memory 2a, 2b, 2c Still image file device 3 Output terminal 4 for sending out During sending Monitor receiver 5 Next sending monitor receiver 6 Operation key device

Claims (1)

[Claims] Claim 1: One or more still image file devices are connected, at least first and second one-frame memories are provided, and one or more still images supplied from the still image file device according to a script are sent out first. The still image shown above is
and a still image to be sent out next is written to the other of the first and second one-frame memories, and the one one-frame memory is first read out. In the image output device, the image is output to an output terminal for transmission, and when the transmission is finished, the other one frame memory is read out.
A semiconductor memory is provided that stores a plurality of frames in cooperation with the one-frame memory, and a plurality of sets of the at least first and second one-frame memories are provided, and each of these sets is controlled by a different script. In this case, the semiconductor memory is used by dividing the frame into units for each script, and the semiconductor memory remaining after the division sequentially stores still images supplied from the still image file device. image output device.