JPH10200791A - Program transmitter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the program transmitter by which switching to a new program and synthesis of information of a new program are attained in the case that a new news or wether forecast is prepared during the transmission of a program. SOLUTION: The transmitter is provided with VTRs 21, 22, 23,..., 31, 32, 33,..., 41, 42, 43,... and a program transmission controller 1 that indentifies source images to have similar contents and conduct transmission control of the source images. During the transmission of the source images, when transmission of a specific source image is prepared among a group of source images identified to have similar contents by a CPU 2, the program transmission controller 1 transmits the source image and transmission preparation information of a new news source generating image and an extra news source generating image as a specific source image.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a program transmission apparatus suitable for use in program transmission control for transmitting a program by synthesizing information on a new program, for example.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the transmission of a program in a broadcasting station or a CATV (cable television), a video tape recorder (VTR) or a video in a studio is reproduced based on a predetermined program table. The transmission image is selected from the images captured by the camera and transmitted.

However, in recent years, programs have been transmitted by CATV and the like by a transmission method called video on demand. As shown in FIG. 9A, the video-on-demand is a transmission method in which a scramble signal is individually released and transmitted when a program requested by a transmission destination (viewer) requests the program. That is, in FIG. 9A, among the transmission programs 90, the program A is first received as the reception program 91, and the program B is received in response to the request for the channel change 92 during the transmission of the program A. Further, the program C is received in response to the request of the channel change 93 during the transmission of the program B.

[0004] On the other hand, at present, among several programs that start at regular time intervals and repeat the same program, the scramble signal is individually released in response to a request and is closest to the head. Near video where the program is sent
There is a transmission method called on demand. In other words, as shown in FIG.
The program A-1 is received first, and the program B-3 is received in response to the request of the channel change 96 during the transmission of the program A-1. Further, program C is received in response to a request for channel change 97 during transmission of program B-3. Here, of the received programs 95, the programs A-1 and B
The space between -3 and the space between programs B-3 and C are generated because the channel is switched but the beginning of the program does not start. In the case of such a near video on demand transmission method, 1
A method is also used in which the same program is recorded a plurality of times on a video tape mounted on one VTR to reduce the number of VTRs used.

[0005] In the case of ordinary broadcasting, the content of a news program, a weather forecast program, and the like is updated according to the broadcast time. For example, morning news and daytime news often have different contents, including broadcast items. This is because, for example, an incident that occurred after the morning news was sent appears newly in the daytime news.

The above-mentioned video-on-demand and near-
When receiving a news program or a weather forecast program transmitted by the video-on-demand transmission method, once the program starts, basically, the program is received until the program ends.

[0007]

When receiving such a program transmitted by a conventional transmission device, for example,
As shown in FIG. 10A, among the broadcast programs 100, first, just before the broadcast time of the daytime news 102, the morning news 1
01, the daytime news 102
If you want to receive new news on,
At the time of the switch to the latest 104, the morning news 101
It is necessary to terminate the reception on the way and perform a channel switching operation so that the daytime news 102 is received. Also, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the morning news 106 of the broadcast program 105 is first received, and when the user wants to receive the extra news in the extra news 107 other than the regular news, the user switches to the extra news. At the time of 109, there is an operational inconvenience that it is necessary to end the reception of the morning news 106 on the way and perform a channel switching operation to receive the extra news 107.

In such a case, a method of automatically switching to the latest news or extraordinary news at the source of the news program can be considered. However, in this case, on the receiving side, the contents of the transmitted program are automatically switched for the sake of the transmitting side, so that the received program is not completed, which may cause a problem in the quality of the program.

[0009] When a major incident occurs, the broadcast time of a news program is often extended. Also, in a news program after a sports broadcast or the like, if the sports broadcast is extended, the start time often changes. Therefore, it is possible to predict an appropriate switching time based on the start time of the news, the length of the news, and the like. However, for the reasons described above, the predicted time is not always correct, and the relay time is not necessarily correct. Switching may occur in the middle of the program, and similarly, inconvenience in program quality may occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when a new news or weather forecast is prepared during transmission, switching to a new program or synthesis of information of a new program can be performed. It is intended to provide a program transmission device.

[0011]

According to the program transmitting apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of image supplying means for supplying material images of a program to be transmitted and the material images supplied from the image supplying means have similar contents. Identification means for identifying that, and transmission control means for performing transmission control of the material image, wherein during the transmission of the material image, among the groups of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means, When the transmission preparation of the specific material image is performed, the transmission control means transmits the transmission preparation information of the specific material image together with the transmission of the material image.

According to the program transmitting apparatus of the present invention, the following operations are performed. At the time of startup, the operator uses the program name, the initial start time, the program length indicating which time interval the same content is started, and the number of recordings indicating the number of times of recording the same program a plurality of times. And the number of the image supply means. In the case of inputting a program name, the transmission control means determines whether or not this program is in use. If the program is in use, the transmission control means performs control so that no entry can be made in the corresponding column. Control so that they can be transmitted simultaneously.

When the program name and the image supply means to be used are specified and before the program transmission start time, the transmission control means determines whether or not the designated image supply means is ready. To control. The transmission control means
These operations are performed for all the designated image supply units, and when the reproduction time comes, the image supply unit is instructed to reproduce.

If the reproduction of one image supply means is continued for the length of the program, the reproduction is temporarily stopped and rewinded for the next reproduction. However, a plurality of the same programs are recorded on one tape, and the number of times is determined in accordance with the above-mentioned designation of the number of recordings. Therefore, the actual rewinding is performed after the reproduction has been performed the number of times recorded. Similarly, when the start time of another program is reached while one program is being transmitted, new programs are sequentially reproduced, and for the previous program, reproduction of the image supply means is completed, and only rewinding is performed. The next, reproduction preparations are not performed. When the reproduction by all the image supply means corresponding to the previous program is completed, it is determined that those image supply means can be used for another program, and input of a program name is permitted. When a special program occurs, another image supply unit is used to
Reproduction is performed in the same manner.

The transmission destination management information created at the time of transmission includes an identification number for identifying the transmission destination transmitting the program, a line number indicating the transmission line transmitting the program, and the generation of a new program. Image supply means for judging which program is being transmitted and setting of a new program indicating the number of the operation designation when the temporary program has occurred, and setting of the temporary program indicating the number of the operation designation when the temporary program has occurred With numbers.

Each piece of information other than the image supply means number is determined at the time of contract for the program distribution itself, and the transmission control means stores the information on the holding means. The setting for the new program is to continue transmission as it is, to switch to a new program or temporary program during transmission, or to notify that a new program or temporary program has occurred while the video is unchanged during transmission. It is a setting to perform.

During program transmission, when the transmission destination desires transmission of a program of this program group, and when the transmission destination selects a channel of a program of this program group, the transmission control means selects the latest program. Control is performed so that the image signal and the audio signal supplied from the image supply means that performs transmission closest to the head are transmitted to the destination.

The transmission control means determines whether or not a new program or a temporary program has occurred during the transmission of the program, and when such a program has occurred, reads the contents of the management information of the transmission destination and controls the transmission.

When it is necessary to switch, a new program or a temporary program is transmitted to the corresponding destination.
When only display is performed on the screen without switching, the composite image is synthesized without switching.

[0020]

The present embodiment will be described below. The program transmitting apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of
In a program transmission device that transmits a program that is transmitted several times a day by a video-on-demand or near-video-on-demand transmission method, when a new program starts to be reproduced in the same group as news, an old program is output. Is reproduced as it is, and the fact that a new program has started is displayed on the screen by synthesis.

The gist of the program transmitting apparatus of the present embodiment is to group programs according to similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and to transmit the latest news and weather forecast when a program to be transmitted is requested. When new news and weather forecast images and sounds are prepared during the process, the control of whether to transmit a new program or to transmit an old program as it is is performed depending on the setting of the transmission destination. When new news and weather forecast images and sounds are prepared during transmission, the transmission destination is notified of the fact that a new program can be started by synthesizing this to a program image.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the program transmitting apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, this program transmission device has an input / output device 10 constituting input means and display means. Although not shown, the input / output device 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) as control means for performing input control and display control, a CRT (cathode ray tube) as display means, input / output display information and It has a memory as a work memory for storing other various information, and a general-purpose interface circuit for controlling external devices.

This program transmission device has a program transmission control device 1 connected to an input / output device 10 via an interface circuit and controlling the operation of program transmission. The program transmission control device 1 holds a CPU 2 composed of a microprocessor that controls the inside of the program transmission control device, and information necessary for the operation of the CPU 2, particularly program information notified from the input / output device 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, there is provided a memory 3 as a work memory for holding information as to whether a new news material exists and information on a set value of a transmission destination. Further, the program transmission control device 1 includes general-purpose interface circuits 4, 5, 6, for controlling external devices.
7 and 8. The interface circuits 4, 5, 6
Both are interface circuits of the RS-422 standard. The interface circuit 7 is an interface circuit of the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard. Here, the SCSI standard is an interface that enables high-speed access to a small-sized and large-capacity external storage device. Further, the program transmission control device 1 has a hard disk drive (HDD) 9 connected to the program transmission control device 1 via the SCSI interface circuit 7 and storing various information of the transmission destination. The interface circuit 8 is an interface circuit of the RS-232C standard. Here, RS-232
The C standard is an unbalanced communication line in which data transmission is performed by a transmission data signal, a reception data signal, a ground level signal, and some control signals. The communication distance and the communication speed are 15 m and 20 kbit / s. The -422 standard is a balanced communication line with a communication distance and communication speed of 100 kbi.
t / s (4 kft) to 10 Mbit / s (40 ft).

Further, the program transmitting apparatus is provided with a VT described later.
Multiplexer 1 that distributes image data and audio data of news for transmission supplied from R according to the destination
One. The multiplexer 11 is connected to the program transmission control device 1 via the interface circuit 5,
The CPU 2 controls the material to be sent to the signal line of the destination. Further, this program transmission device has a multiplexer 12 for supplying an image supplied from an image generation device described later to each signal line. This multiplexer 1
2 is connected to the program transmission control device 1 via the interface circuit 6, and the CPU 2 is instructed by the CPU 2 to send an image indicating that another news material is present during transmission or that an extra news has occurred. It is controlled to send to the previous signal line. The output of the multiplexer 12 is provided for each signal line, and a thick line is used to indicate that a plurality of outputs are provided.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus has an image generating apparatus 13 which generates an image indicating that new news is occurring during transmission. Specifically, the image generating device 13
Is an announcer 71 and a telop 7 as shown in FIG.
The new news material generation image 73 is displayed on the right side of the lower right of the screen 70 with respect to the screen 70 on which 2 is displayed. Further, the program transmission device has an image generation device 14 that generates an image indicating that extra news is occurring during transmission. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the image generation device 14 displays a temporary news material generation image 74 on the left lower right of the screen 70 with respect to the screen 70 on which the announcer 71 and the telop 72 are displayed. Let it. As described above, the image generators 13 and 14 display the new news material occurrence image 73 or the extraordinary news material occurrence image 74 during the transmission of the news program, so that the new news material occurrence or the extraordinary news material occurrence is sent to the transmission destination. It has a function to notify.

The program transmission control device 1 reproduces a video tape and supplies image data and audio data of news material to a multiplexer 11 to be described later.
(Video tape recorder) 21, 22, 23, ...
31, 32, 33,... 41, 42, 43,. VTRs 21, 22, 23, ... 31, 32, 3
, 41, 42, 43,... Are connected to the program transmission control device 1 through the interface circuit 4,
PU2 controls operations such as rewind, fast forward, playback, and stop. The VTRs 21, 22, and 23 are controlled so as to reproduce the same material at different times. Similarly, V
The TRs 31, 32, and 33 are also controlled so as to reproduce the same material at different times. Also, VTRs 41, 42,
43 is also controlled so as to reproduce the same material at different times, but is used for sending extra news.

Here, VTRs 21, 22, 23
Is the material of the morning news, for example, each VTR21,
When a new news material, for example, daytime news, occurs while each of the music materials 22 and 23 is being played, the new material is played using the VTRs 31, 32 and 33. And when new news material comes in,
This time, news is sequentially sent out using the VTRs 21, 22, and 23.

As described above, the VTRs 21, 22,
23 and the VTRs 31, 32, and 33 are used alternately, so that the CPU 2 outputs various information, in particular, the length of a news program,
I / O device 1 by processing the number of available VTRs, etc.
At the same time, the operation of starting reproduction and rewinding of each VTR is controlled via the interface circuit 4 according to the instruction of the operator.

In practice, for example, the VTRs 21 and 2
If the transmission has already been performed using only 2, 23, a rewinding VTR is required to start the next transmission. That is, two VTRs can be used for actual reproduction. Also,
The time interval of news, that is, the time difference between the start of reproduction of one VTR and the start of reproduction of another VTR, depends particularly on the rewind time.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus includes synthesizing apparatuses 51, 52, and 5 for synthesizing a news material image supplied from the multiplexer 11 and an image supplied from the multiplexer 12 and indicating the occurrence of a new news material program.
3, 54, 55,... That is, the synthesizing device 5
1, 52, 53, 54, 55,... Combine the image supplied from each VTR with the image of the occurrence of a new news material or the occurrence of a temporary news material supplied from the multiplexer 12. Specifically, the synthesis devices 51, 52, 5
3, 54, 55,... Combine the image of the occurrence of new news material or the occurrence of extraordinary news material supplied from the multiplexer 12 on the image supplied from each VTR.
Thereby, the synthesis devices 51, 52, 53, 54, 55,
.. Represent image and audio signals 61 and 6 after synthesis.
, 63, 64, 65,...
Image signals and audio signals 61, 62, 63, 64, 6
,... Are modulated by a modulator (not shown) and supplied to each home, which is each destination, via a cable.

The operation of the thus-configured program transmitting apparatus will be described below. When the operator operates the input / output device 10, the CPU of the input / output device 10 displays the input information on the CRT or stores the input information in the hard disk drive (HDD) 9 of the program transmission control device 1.
When the transmission of the news program is instructed, the transmission information is CR
Displayed on T, the program transmission control device 1 is notified of the transmission of the program according to the instruction.

In this embodiment, a start-up input screen 80 as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the CRT at the start-up. In the start-up input screen, the operator inputs a news program name, a program start time, a program length indicating the time interval at which the same content is started, and a record indicating the number of times of recording the same program a plurality of times. The number of times and the VTR number to be used are input.

In the case of inputting a program name, the CPU 2 of the program transmission control device 1 determines whether or not this program is being used. I do. For example, in the present embodiment, control is performed so that two pieces of normal news can be transmitted simultaneously. Therefore, when transmission of daytime news is controlled by inputting each item 81 in the upper row on the start-up input screen 80 of FIG. 3, when a program name of a nighttime news and a VTR to be used are designated, FIG. It is necessary to input each item 82 in the middle stage of the startup input screen 80. Similarly, when designating the program name of the special news and the VTR to be used, it is necessary to input the items 83 in the lower part of the startup input screen 80 in FIG.

The CPU 2 of the program transmission control device 1 specifies the program name and the VTR to be used, and when three minutes before the program transmission start time, checks whether a video cassette is inserted in the designated VTR. If not, control is performed to display an error on the CRT of the input / output device 10. If it is inserted, rewinding is performed to find the beginning of the transmission, and then the tape time at the beginning of the program, for example, 23:
By specifying 59:57 (23:59:57),
Performs cue-up of the tape.

These operations are performed for all designated VTRs. Based on the above time interval, the cue-up is performed again one minute before the reproduction start time of each VTR, and when the reproduction time (exactly, the calculated time minus 3 seconds) is reached,
The playback (PLAY) is instructed to the VTR. Actually, the VTR 21,
VT described later such as sense (inquiry) to 22 and 23
Transfer the R command. Further, it is determined whether or not a video cassette is inserted based on the notification of the sense result from the VTR.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing commands for the VTR. In FIG. 4A, this command includes an STX (start of text) 90, a BC (byte count) 9
1, VTR command CMD (command type) 92,
Various information 93 according to the command, CS (Checksum)
94. STX (Start of Text) 90
Indicates the beginning of text data. A BC (byte count) 91 is a CMD (command type) 92
This indicates the number of bytes from to (CS) 94. Command CMD for VTR (type of command)
92 is 0x01 is CUE UP (cue-up position information is added as additional information), 0x02 is PLAY (playback and speed information is added as additional information), 0x03 is REC (recording), ..., 0x60 is SENSE ST
ATUS (status inquiry), 0x61 is SEN
SETC (time code TC inquiry). C
S (checksum) 94 is BC (byte count) 9
The lower one byte of the sum of each byte from 1 to CS (checksum) 94 is a value that becomes 0.

In FIG. 4B, similarly, the protocol of this command is STX (start of text).
100, a BC (byte count) 101, a VTR command CMD (command type) 102, additional information 103 corresponding to the command, and a CS (checksum) 104. STX (start of text) 100 indicates the start of text data. A BC (byte count) 101 indicates the number of bytes from a CMD (command type) 102 to a CS (checksum) 104. VTR command CMD (command type) 1
02 is for returning a result in response to the inquiry (SENSE) shown in FIG. 4A, 0x70 is a status notification (adding detailed information), and 0x71 is a TC notification (T
C value is added). CS (Checksum) 104 is
This is a value in which the lower one byte of the sum of the bytes from the BC (byte count) 101 to the CS (checksum) 104 is 0.

Here, STX (start of text) 90, 100, BC (byte count) 91, 1
01, CMD (command type) 92, 102, CS
(Checksum) 94 and 104 are each 1 byte. Also, the two-digit number after 0x
Indicates that it is a hexadecimal notation. For example, 0x0A is 10 in decimal.

If the reproduction of one VTR is continued for the length of the program, the VTR is temporarily stopped and rewinded for the next reproduction. However, a plurality of the same programs are recorded on one tape, and the number of times is determined in accordance with the above-mentioned designation of the number of recordings. Therefore, the actual rewinding is performed after the reproduction has been performed the number of times recorded.

Similarly, when the start time of another news is reached during transmission of one news, new news is sequentially reproduced, and the previous news whose VTR reproduction has been completed is only rewinded. And do not prepare for the next regeneration. When reproduction on all VTRs corresponding to the previous news is completed, it is determined that those VTRs can be used for other news, and input of a program name and the like are permitted. When extra news occurs, VTRs 41, 42, 43,.
, And the reproduction is performed in the same manner.

FIG. 5 shows the work memory 3 when transmitting news.
This is a destination management table created above. This management table includes a user ID 110 for identifying a transmission destination transmitting news, a line number 111 indicating a transmission line transmitting the news, and a new news indicating an operation designation number when a new news occurs. , A special news setting 113 indicating the number of the operation designation when the special news occurs, and a VTR number 114 for determining which program is being transmitted.
And

In FIG. 5, each piece of information other than the VTR number 114 is determined at the time of contract for the program distribution itself, and the CPU 2 of the program transmission control device 1 stores the information on a hard disk drive (HDD) 9. deep. The user ID 110 is a unique name set at the time of contract. The line number 111 defines the number of a signal line to be sent to each destination, and includes image signals and audio signals 61 and 6.
2, 63, 64, 65,... As shown in FIG. 6, the setting 112 for new news is a setting for continuing transmission as it is.
“1” is a setting for switching to new news or extraordinary news even during transmission. “2” is a setting for notifying that a new news or extra news has occurred while the video is being sent during the transmission.

During news transmission, when the transmission destination desires to transmit news, specifically, when the user selects a news channel, the C of the program transmission control device 1
The PU 2 controls the multiplexer 11 via the interface circuit 5 so that the image signal and the audio signal supplied from the VTR that transmits the latest news in the direction closest to the head of the latest news are put on the signal of the transmission destination.

The CPU 2 of the program transmission control device 1 determines whether new news or extraordinary news has occurred during the news transmission, and when they have occurred, the CPU 2 of the transmission destination management table shown in FIG. Is read, and the multiplexers 11 and 12 are controlled via the interface circuits 4 and 5.

When switching is necessary, switching is performed by the multiplexer 11, and new news or extra news is sent to the corresponding destination. When only display is performed on the screen without switching, the composite image supplied from the multiplexer 12 is composited without performing the switching in the multiplexer 11. Specifically, the new news material generated image is generated by the image generating device 13, and the extraordinary news material generated image is generated by the image generating device 14. The synthesized image and the signal line to be synthesized are determined. And the multiplexer 12. In this manner, the signals passing through the multiplexer 12 are combined with the synthesizing devices 51, 52, 5
Are combined at 3, 54, 55,... And reach the destination.

For example, if new news and extraordinary news occur, and the synthesizing units 52 and 54 display only new news and display only extraordinary news, respectively, the multiplexer 12 sets the synthesizing unit 5
2 is controlled to connect only the image generating device 13, and the synthesizing device 54 is controlled to connect only the image generating device 14.

FIG. 7 is a program management table that is updated at the time of input on the start-up input screen shown in FIG. 2 or when the operation status of each VTR changes. This program management table is created based on the input items on the startup input screen shown in FIG. 2 and the status of each VTR. This table includes, for example, a program name 120 capable of distinguishing between morning news and daytime news, a VTR number 121 being transmitted, and a status 122 of the VTR.
, The scheduled start time 123 of the program, the next scheduled start time 124, and the program length 125 are recorded. Since the same content is recorded multiple times on one tape,
These pieces of information change with reproduction.

For example, the program name 1 of the first program shown in FIG.
20 is “NEWS-962214M”, the end of which is “M” (short for Morning), is morning news, and VT
The R number 121 is “0001” (corresponding to the VTR 21), and the scheduled start time 123 is “11: 45: 0”.
0 "(11:45). Here, the scheduled start time 123 is next, and the next scheduled start time 124 is the next schedule. That is, the first program “NEWS-9612”
"14M" indicates that, when transmitted from 11:45, there is no next schedule and the process ends. In contrast, the program name 120 of the fourth program is “NEWS-
9612114A "ends with" A "(Afternoo
n, which is about to be transmitted in the daytime news, and the VTR number 121 is “0010” (V
The schedule start time 123 is “12: 00: 0” (12:00), and the next next schedule start time 124 is the program length 125 of “00: 15: 0”.
"0:" (after 15 minutes) "12:15:00" (12:15)
Minutes).

The CPU 2 of the program transmission control device 1 performs processing for searching for the newest news and controls the VTR and the multiplexer 11 according to the information based on the information.

FIG. 8 shows the C of the program transmission control unit 1 during transmission of news or when transmission of new news is requested.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of PU2. Start,
In step S101, it is determined whether or not the news is selected. If it is in the news selection state, the process proceeds to step S104 to perform a process of generating a new news. If not, the process proceeds to step S102 to determine whether a new news selection operation is performed. In other words, if a news channel has already been selected at the transmission destination and transmission of the news has been requested and the news is being transmitted, the newly generated news is processed, and the news channel is still selected at the transmission destination. If not, the multiplexer 11 is controlled so as to perform news transmission processing.

In step S102, if transmission of news is selected, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not selected, the process ends.

In step S103, the news closest to the head is transferred and the table is updated. That is, at the time of the transmission request, the news closest to the head of the program management table shown in FIG. 7 is transferred, for example, the state 122 of the program management table is set to “PLAY” and the scheduled start time 12
3 and the next scheduled start time 124 are respectively updated to the next start time. Also, each item of the destination management table shown in FIG. 5, the user ID 110, the line number 111,
New News Settings 112, Extra News Settings 1
13. The VTR number 114 is updated.

Next, a process when a new news is generated will be described. In step S104, it is determined whether new news has started. If a new news has started, the process proceeds to step S105. Step S
At 105, the corresponding user ID 110 for which news selection is requested in the destination management table shown in FIG.
Search each item for.

In step S106, it is determined whether or not the new news setting 112 is "0" (the operation is continued without doing anything). If nothing is done, the process proceeds to the next special news. In step S107, it is determined whether the new news setting 112 is "1" (switch to new news). If the switching is performed in step S107, the process proceeds to step S108. In step S108, the table is changed to the new news, and the multiplexer 11 is controlled so as to transfer the new news. That is, the new news of the program management table shown in FIG. 7 is transferred, and for example, the state 122 of the program management table is set to “PLAY”,
The scheduled start time 123 and the next scheduled start time 124 are respectively updated to the next start time.

If it is not switched in step S107, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the image generating device 13 and the multiplexer 12 and the synthesizing device are controlled so as to instruct to synthesize a new news mark. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the new news material generation image 73 is displayed on the screen 70 on which the announcer 71 and the telop 72 are displayed on the image generator 13 on the lower right side of the screen.

Next, the processing when extra news has occurred will be described. In step S110, it is determined whether or not extraordinary news has started. If the extra news has started, the process proceeds to step S111. Step S111
In FIG. 5, each item for the corresponding user ID 110 for which news selection is requested in the destination management table shown in FIG. 5 is searched.

In step S112, it is determined whether or not the new news setting 112 is "0" (the operation is continued without doing anything). If nothing is done, the process ends. In step S113, it is determined whether the special news setting 112 is “1” (switch to special news). If the switching is performed in step S113, the process proceeds to step S114. In step S114, the table is changed to special news, and the multiplexer 11 is controlled so that the special news is transferred. That is, the special news in the program management table shown in FIG. 7 is transferred, and the state 122 of the program management table is set to “PLAY” and the scheduled start time 12
3 and the next scheduled start time 124 are respectively updated to the next start time.

If it is not switched at step S113, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the image generating device 14 multiplexer 12 and the corresponding synthesizing device are controlled so as to give an instruction to synthesize a new news mark. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the temporary news material generation image 74 is displayed on the right side of the lower right of the screen 70 on which the announcer 71 and the telop 72 are displayed.

In this way, when a new news transmission is requested, the multiplexer 11 is determined based on the information in the program management table shown in FIG. 7 to determine the news near the head and transmit the program. Control and creates the destination management table shown in FIG. Further, it is determined whether or not a new news program has occurred, and switching is performed based on the information in the destination management table shown in FIG. 5, or a mark such as a new news material occurrence image 73 or a temporary news material occurrence image 74 is displayed. A compositing instruction is given. In the same manner, it is determined that extraordinary news has occurred, and after step S111, processing based on the information in the destination management table shown in FIG. 5 is performed.

It should be noted that the new news and the extra news may occur simultaneously at the same time, so that the actual
Based on the result of both the determination of the occurrence of the new news in 104 and the determination of the occurrence of the extraordinary news in step S110, the processing when the new news has occurred in step S105 and thereafter and the extra news in step S111 and later have Perform processing when it occurs. Such processing is performed during a period in which news is selected. Although not described in detail, actually, when the news is ended in the news selection state, processing is performed so that the transmission destination screen returns to the channel selection screen.

The program transmitting apparatus of this embodiment has a plurality of VTRs 21, 22, 23,... 31, 32, 3 serving as a plurality of image supplying means for supplying material images of a transmitted program.
, 41, 42, 43,... And VTRs 21, 22, 23,.
, 41, 42, 43,..., A program transmission control device 1 (CPU2) as identification means for identifying that the material images supplied have similar contents;
A program transmission control device 1 as transmission control means for performing transmission control of a material image, wherein the program transmission control device 1 (CPU2) as identification means identifies similar contents during the transmission of the material image. When the preparation of transmission of the specific material image of the group of the selected material images is performed, the program transmission control device 1 as the transmission control means transmits the material image and the new news material generation image 73 as the specific material image or the temporary Since the transmission preparation information of the news material generation image 74 is transmitted, the programs are grouped based on similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and when transmission of a new program in the same group is prepared during transmission, the fact is notified. By notifying the destination, the destination can easily obtain the latest information as needed.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus of this embodiment
In the above description, the specific material image is the latest material image that has been input and instructed, and the program transmission control device 1 as identification means.
(CPU2) has the program transmission control device 1 (CPU2) as a search means for searching for the latest material image in the group of material images identified as having similar contents, so that similar contents such as news and weather forecast are used. If programs are grouped and the latest material image in the same group is prepared for transmission during transmission, this is notified to the destination so that the destination can easily obtain the latest information as necessary. can do.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus of this embodiment
In the above description, the specific material image is the latest material image that has been input and instructed, and the program transmission control device 1 as identification means.
The latest material images in the group of material images identified as having similar contents by the (CPU 2) are VTRs 21, 22, 23,.
, 41, 42, 43,..., The program transmission control device 1 (CPU 2) as a second search means for searching for a location of a plurality of material images supplied from Grouping programs according to similar content, such as news and weather forecasts, and when the transmission of the latest material image in the same group is prepared during transmission, the transmission destination is notified as necessary. To make it easier to obtain the latest information.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus of this embodiment
In the above description, the specific material image is the latest material image that has been input and instructed, and the program transmission control device 1 as identification means.
The latest material images in the group of material images identified as having similar contents by the (CPU 2) are VTRs 21, 22, 23,.
, 41, 42, 43,..., A program transmission control device 1 (CPU2) as a second search means for searching for a location of a plurality of material images supplied from Program transmission control device 1 (CPU 2) as search means
A synthesizing device 51 as synthesizing means for synthesizing the material image transmitted in accordance with the search result of and the latest material image information,
52, 53, 54, 55,..., Programs are grouped according to similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and when transmission of the latest material image in the same group is prepared during transmission, By combining the information of the latest material image with the material image being sent, the sending destination can easily recognize the information of the latest material image, and can easily obtain the latest information as needed.

Also, the program transmitting apparatus of this embodiment
In the above description, there is provided a hard disk drive (HDD) 9 as holding means for information relating to transmission for each transmission destination for transmitting a material image, and whether or not an image is synthesized with the material image transmitted to this information. Since information is included, programs are grouped according to similar content such as news and weather forecast, and if a new program in the same group is prepared for transmission during transmission, based on the information on transmission corresponding to the transmission destination By combining the latest information with an image, the transmission destination can easily obtain the latest information as needed.

In this embodiment, only the transmission of news has been described. However, the present embodiment can be similarly applied to a program that is transmitted a plurality of times a day, such as a weather forecast. it can. Further, in the present embodiment, the program transmitting apparatus that handles only news programs has been described. However, the program transmitting apparatus has an identification unit for identifying a program group, and a new program (material) is generated in the group. A plurality of programs may be transmitted by identifying this.

In this embodiment, the near video
Although the description has been given on the assumption of on-demand, a first determination unit for determining that the CPU 2 has started transmission of a new program, and a second determination unit for determining whether a program is being transmitted to a transmission destination are provided. Switching may be performed at the start of transmission of a new program by the first determination means, and the second determination means may detect that a new program is being transmitted, and may be applied to video-on-demand. .

Also, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the identification of a transmission destination and its signal line correspond one-to-one, but in the case of near video on demand, the same signal is transmitted. One transmission line may be used, and the plurality of lines may be switched at the transmission destination, for example, the channel of the television receiver. in this case,
New news material occurrence image 73 and extraordinary news material occurrence image 74 indicating that new news and extraordinary news have entered
May be separately provided to a signal line for synthesizing the news screen during transmission of the message and another signal line not to be combined with the news screen.

Also, in the present embodiment, a new news material generated image 7 indicating that new news or extraordinary news has been entered.
3 and the extraordinary news material generation image 74 are synthesized on the news screen being transmitted. However, in consideration of that the viewer at the transmission destination is a visually impaired person, the synthesis is performed not only by image synthesis but also by voice synthesis. Alternatively, a combination of the two may be performed.

[0070]

According to the present invention, a plurality of image supply means for supplying material images of a program to be transmitted and a material image supplied from the image supply means have similar contents. Identification means, and transmission control means for performing transmission control of the material image, wherein a specific material image of a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means during the transmission of the material image When the transmission preparation is performed, the transmission control means transmits the material image and the transmission preparation information of the specific material image. Therefore, the programs are grouped according to similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and transmitted. When a new program in the same group is prepared for transmission during that time, the transmission destination is notified of this fact, so that the transmission destination can easily obtain the latest information as necessary. There is an effect that it is Rukoto.

Further, in the program transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above, the specific material image is the latest material image instructed to be input, and is a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means. Since there is a search means to search for the latest material image, programs are grouped according to similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and if transmission of the latest material image in the same group is prepared during transmission, Is notified to the transmission destination, so that the transmission destination can easily obtain the latest information as needed.

Further, in the program transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above, the specific material image is the latest material image instructed to be input, and is a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means. It has a second search means for searching where the latest material image is among a plurality of material images supplied from the image supply means, so that programs are grouped by similar contents such as news and weather forecast, If the latest material image in the same group is prepared to be transmitted during the transmission, by notifying the destination to that effect, the destination can easily obtain the latest information as necessary. It works.

Further, in the program transmitting apparatus of the present invention, in the above, the specific material image is the latest material image instructed to be input, and is a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means. Second search means for searching for the latest material image among the plurality of material images supplied from the image supply means; and
Synthesizing means for synthesizing the material image transmitted according to the search result of the search means and information of the latest material image,
Therefore, if programs are grouped based on similar contents such as news and weather forecast, and if the transmission of the latest material image in the same group is prepared during transmission, the information of the latest material image is added to the material image being transmitted. By combining, it becomes easier for the sending destination to recognize the information of the latest material image,
This has an effect that the latest information can be easily obtained as needed.

Further, the program transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in the above, has a holding means for information relating to transmission of each of the transmission destinations for transmitting the material image, and the image is synthesized with the material image transmitted to the information. Since information on whether or not the program is to be included is included, programs are grouped according to similar content such as news and weather forecast, and if a new program in the same group is prepared for transmission during transmission, transmission corresponding to the transmission destination This makes it possible to combine the latest information into an image on the basis of the information related to the destination, thereby facilitating the transmission destination to obtain the latest information as needed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a program transmission device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the image generation device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a startup input screen according to the embodiment;

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating commands for a VTR according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4A illustrates a VTR command, and FIG. 4B illustrates a VTR command such as a notification;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a destination management table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing operation setting numbers in a destination management table according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a program management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conventional video-on-demand and near-video-on-demand transmission method.
A is video on demand, FIG. 9B is near video
It is a figure showing on demand.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a reception operation by a conventional transmission method, FIG. 10A is a diagram showing switching to latest news, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing switching to extraordinary news.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Program transmission control device, 2 CPU, 3 memory, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8 interface circuit, 9 HDD,
Reference Signs List 10 input / output device, 11 multiplexer, 12 multiplexer, 13 image generator, 14 image generator,
21, 22, 23, ..., 31, 32, 33, ...
, 41, 42, 43, ... VTR, 51, 52,
53, 54, 55 synthesis device, 61, 62, 63, 6
4,65 Image and audio signals, 70 screens, 71
Announcer, 72 Telop, 73 New news material generated image, 74 Extraordinary news material generated image, 80
Start-up input screen, 81 upper line item, 82 middle line item, 8
3 Lower items, 90 STX, 91 BC, 92 VT
R command CMD, 93 Various information, 94 CS, 1
00 STX, 101 BC, 102 Command CMD for VTR, 103 Additional information, 104 CS, 110
User ID, 111 Line number, 112 New news settings, 113 Extraordinary news settings, 1
14 VTR number, 120 program name, 121 VT
R number, 122 state, 123 Scheduled start time, 1
24 Next scheduled start time, 125 program length

Claims (5)

[Claims] A plurality of image supply means for supplying material images of a program to be transmitted; an identification means for identifying that the material images supplied from the image supply means have similar contents; Transmission control means for performing transmission control, wherein, during transmission of the material image, preparation for transmission of a specific material image of a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means is performed. A program transmission apparatus, wherein the transmission control means transmits transmission preparation information of the specific material image together with transmission of the material image. 2. The program transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific material image is a latest material image that is input and instructed, and is selected from a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification unit. A program transmission device having a search means for searching for the latest material image. 3. The program transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific material image is a latest material image input and instructed, and the specific material image is a group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification means. And a second search unit for searching where the latest material image is located among the plurality of material images supplied from the image supply unit. 4. The program transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific material image is a latest material image that is input and instructed, and is selected from the group of material images identified as having similar contents by the identification unit. A second search unit for searching where the latest material image of the plurality of material images is supplied from the image supply unit; and the second search unit that is transmitted according to a search result of the second search unit. A program transmitting apparatus comprising: a synthesizing unit that synthesizes a material image and information of the latest material image. 5. The program transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing information relating to transmission of each of the transmission destinations for transmitting the material image, wherein an image is synthesized with the material image transmitted to the information. A program transmission device characterized in that information on whether or not the program is to be transmitted is included.