Broadcast request reception device, broadcast system, broadcast request reception method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate setting of time difference in a broadcasting system.SOLUTION: A broadcast request reception device includes: an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating an adjacency relation of a plurality of loudspeaker slave stations disposed at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including time difference set in the loudspeaker slave station; a check unit that refers to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information when receiving a broadcast request specifying loudspeaker content, the loudspeaker slave station of a broadcast destination, and a priority from a user, and checks whether or not time difference corresponding to the priority is set in the loudspeaker slave station adjacent to the loudspeaker slave station of the broadcast destination; and a registration processing unit that, as a result of the check, registers the broadcast request by setting the time difference corresponding to the priority when the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set in the loudspeaker slave station having an adjacency relation, and changes the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to a vacant frame when the time difference corresponding to the priority is set in the loudspeaker slave station having the adjacency relation and registers the broadcast request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a broadcast request receiving device, a broadcast system, a broadcast request receiving method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a broadcast system in which a plurality of slave stations equipped with loudspeakers are arranged in an area where broadcasting is desired, and broadcast content is sent from a master station to the slave stations to perform broadcasting. In this type of broadcast system, when performing simultaneous broadcasting, acoustic interference may occur in which the sounds of adjacent slave stations resonate or interfere with each other, making it difficult to hear. As a method of avoiding the occurrence of this acoustic interference, time difference broadcasting in which broadcasting is performed with a time difference between adjacent slave stations is known. As a method of realizing such time difference broadcasting, when setting broadcast content, an operator sets an appropriate time difference for each slave station.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses an outdoor loudspeaker of a regional disaster prevention radio system capable of performing time difference broadcasting by designating a time difference code during broadcasting.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent broadcast systems, the content to be broadcast is diverse, and an operator needs to change the broadcast area according to the content. Furthermore, the operator needs to set an appropriate time difference based on the adjacency relationship of slave stations within the broadcast area, and the work has become complicated. As a result, there may be acoustic interference due to setting errors and setting registration omissions where broadcasts are not made to necessary slave stations. This is the same in Patent Document 1, and on the operation console, acoustic interference and setting registration omissions occur if appropriate time difference codes are not set for each group according to the broadcast content.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a broadcast request reception device, a broadcast system, a broadcast request reception method, and a program that can facilitate the setting of time differences in a broadcast system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to a first aspect, an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of loudspeaker slave stations arranged at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including the time difference set for the loudspeaker slave stations, and when receiving a broadcast request specifying the loudspeaker content, the broadcast destination loudspeaker slave station, and the priority from a user, a confirmation unit that refers to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a loudspeaker slave station adjacent to the broadcast destination loudspeaker slave station; and as a result of the confirmation, when the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent loudspeaker slave station, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request, and when the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent loudspeaker slave station, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request. A broadcast request reception device including a registration processing unit is provided.

[0008] According to a second aspect, a broadcast system including the above-described loudspeaker slave station and the above-described broadcast request reception device is provided.

[0009] According to a third aspect, when a broadcast request receiving device including an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating an adjacency relationship of a plurality of amplified sound stations arranged at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the amplified sound station receives a broadcast request from a user that specifies amplified sound content, a broadcast destination amplified sound station, and a priority, it refers to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to check whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for an amplified sound station adjacent to the broadcast destination amplified sound station. As a result of the check, if the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent amplified sound station, the time difference corresponding to the priority is set and the broadcast request is registered. If the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent amplified sound station, the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request is changed to an available slot, and the broadcast request is registered. A broadcast request receiving method is provided.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, when a broadcast request receiving device including an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating an adjacency relationship of a plurality of amplified sound stations arranged at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the amplified sound station receives a broadcast request from a user that specifies amplified sound content, a broadcast destination amplified sound station, and a priority, it refers to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to check whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for an amplified sound station adjacent to the broadcast destination amplified sound station, and a process of registering the broadcast request by setting the time difference corresponding to the priority when the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent amplified sound station as a result of the check, and changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request when the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent amplified sound station. A program for executing the process is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to facilitate the setting of the time difference in the above-described broadcast system.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] First, an overview of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings appended to this overview are for convenience and are appended to each element as an example to assist understanding, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the illustrated mode. In addition, the connection lines between the blocks in the drawings and the like referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional ones. The one-way arrow schematically shows the flow of the main signal (data) and does not exclude bidirectionality. The program is executed via a computer device, and the computer device includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and a display device as necessary. In addition, this computer device is configured to be communicable with devices inside or outside the device (including computers) via a communication interface, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. Also, ports or interfaces are provided at the input / output connection points of each block in the figure, but the illustration is omitted.

[0014] In one embodiment, the present disclosure can be implemented by a broadcast request receiving device 10 including an information acquisition unit 11, a confirmation unit 12, and a registration processing unit 13 as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the information acquisition unit 11 can access sub-station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of voice amplifying sub-stations 20a to 20f arranged at a predetermined position, and broadcast destination setting information including the time difference (also referred to as broadcast time difference) set for the voice amplifying sub-stations 20a to 20f. Here, the "time difference" is a time difference provided to broadcast with a predetermined time delay from the previous broadcast in order to avoid the occurrence of acoustic interference. This time difference may be a fixed time, but it can also be a variable length according to the length of the broadcast content.

[0015] When the confirmation unit 12 receives a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a voice amplifying sub-station as the broadcast destination, and a priority, it checks whether the same priority is set for the voice amplifying sub-stations adjacent to the voice amplifying sub-station as the broadcast destination. Here, the "priority" is information referred to when determining the time difference. By using such a priority, when the priority is high, among a plurality of time difference frames, it can be set to an earlier time difference, and when the priority is low, among a plurality of time difference frames, it can be set to a later time difference for operation.

[0016] When, as a result of the above confirmation, the same priority is not set for the voice amplifying sub-stations in the adjacency relationship, the registration processing unit 13 registers the broadcast request as new broadcast content. On the other hand, when, as a result of the above confirmation, the same priority is set for the voice amplifying sub-stations in the adjacency relationship, the registration processing unit 13 changes the priority set for the voice amplifying sub-station of the broadcast request and registers it as new broadcast content.

[0017] The broadcast request receiving device 10 configured as described above operates as follows. First, the broadcast request receiving device 10 receives a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a voice amplifying sub-station as the broadcast destination, and a priority (step S01 in FIG. 2).

[0018] The broadcast request receiving device 10 checks whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the extender sub-station adjacent to the broadcast destination extender sub-station with reference to the sub-station information and the broadcast destination setting information (step S02 in FIG. 2).

[0019] As a result of the check, if a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent extender sub-stations (No in step S02 of FIG. 2), the broadcast request receiving device 10 sets the time difference corresponding to the priority and registers the broadcast request (step S04 in FIG. 2).

[0020] On the other hand, as a result of the check, if a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent extender sub-stations (Yes in step S02 of FIG. 2), the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request is changed to an empty slot (step S03 in FIG. 2). Then, the broadcast request receiving device 10 registers the broadcast request after changing the priority as new broadcast content (step S04 in FIG. 2).

[0021] The operation of the broadcast request receiving device 10 described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 to 5. In FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, the extender sub-stations 20a to 20f are assumed to be adjacent to each other vertically and horizontally. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, when broadcast requests for the broadcast content Msg with the priority Pr1 are received by the extender sub-station 20a and the extender sub-station 20e, as shown on the right side of FIG. 4, the broadcast content with the time difference Pr1 corresponding to the priority Pr1 is registered in the extender sub-station 20a and the extender sub-station 20e. As shown in FIG. 4, since the extender sub-station 20a and the extender sub-station 20e are not adjacent to each other, there is no problem even if the time difference is the same Pr1.

[0022] After that, as shown on the left side of FIG. 4, it is assumed that a broadcast request for an amplified voice content Msg with a priority Pr1 is newly input to the amplified voice station 20b. In this case, the broadcast request receiving device 10 checks whether a time difference Pr1 corresponding to the priority is set in the amplified voice stations 20a, 20e, and 20c adjacent to the amplified voice station 20b. In the example of FIG. 4, since the broadcast contents with the time difference Pr1 are already set in the amplified voice stations 20a and 20e, the broadcast request receiving device 10 changes the time difference of the newly received broadcast request from Pr1 to Pr2 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] By repeating the above processing, as shown in FIG. 6, it becomes possible to register the broadcast contents with set time differences so that adjacent amplified voice stations do not have the same time difference. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of acoustic interference between the amplified voice stations without any special consideration by the user (operator).

[0024] [First Embodiment] Subsequently, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a first configuration of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, a broadcast system including an operation console 100, a master station 110, a slave station information management server 120, and an amplified voice station group 200 is shown.

[0025] The operation console 100 is a device for setting broadcast contents to the amplified voice station group 200 via the master station 110, and corresponds to the above-described broadcast request receiving device 10. Specifically, the operation console 100 includes an information acquisition unit 101, a confirmation unit 102, a registration processing unit 103, and a broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104.

[0026] The information acquisition unit 101 can acquire slave station information and broadcast destination setting information from the slave station information management server 120 that stores slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of the amplified voice stations constituting the amplified voice station group 200 and the broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104, respectively.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the slave station information held in the slave station information management server 120. The upper part (a) of FIG. 8 shows a table defining the adjacency relationship between the loudspeaker slave stations. The lower part (b) of FIG. 8 shows the adjacency relationship between the loudspeaker slave stations represented as a graph. In the example of FIG. 8, it shows that the nodes connected by the edges are in an adjacency relationship. Note that it is desirable that such slave station information be appropriately corrected at the timing of the installation, movement, change, or abolition of the loudspeaker slave stations. More desirably, as a function of the operation console 100, an editing function for the slave station information is provided. By doing so, it becomes possible to realize the setting of the broadcast content based on the latest arrangement of the loudspeaker slave stations. Further, it is desirable that this editing function be provided in a form that can visually grasp the adjacency relationship and the relationship of the registered time difference groups, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, for example.

[0028] When the confirmation unit 102 receives a broadcast request in which the operator (user) of the operation console 100 designates the broadcast content, the broadcast destination loudspeaker slave station, and the time difference priority, the confirmation unit 102 checks whether a time difference corresponding to the time difference priority is set for the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the broadcast destination loudspeaker slave station. For example, since the loudspeaker slave station with the slave station ID = A in FIG. 8 and the loudspeaker slave station with the slave station ID = B are not in an adjacency relationship, a broadcast with a time difference is not necessary. On the other hand, since the loudspeaker slave station with the slave station ID = A and the loudspeaker slave station with the slave station ID = C are in an adjacency relationship, a broadcast with a time difference will be performed.

[0029] The registration processing unit 103 registers the broadcast content in the broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104 and the loudspeaker slave station group 200 according to the confirmation result by the confirmation unit 102. Specifically, when the registration processing unit 103 does not set a time difference corresponding to the designated time difference priority for the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the loudspeaker slave station that is the target of the broadcast request, the registration processing unit 103 registers the broadcast request as new broadcast content. On the other hand, when a time difference corresponding to the designated time difference priority is set for the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the loudspeaker slave station that is the target of the broadcast request, the time difference is decremented by one and registered as new broadcast content.

[0030] The broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104 stores broadcast destination setting information indicating the broadcast content with time difference priority set for each loudspeaker slave station. This broadcast destination setting information is referred to when the confirmation unit 102 confirms whether the broadcast content has already been set at a specific time difference as described above.

[0031] The master station 110 is connected to the loudspeaker slave station group 200 via a digital radio line or the like, and transmits broadcast content to the loudspeaker slave station group 200. Note that the timing at which the master station 110 transmits the broadcast content to the loudspeaker slave station group 200 may be each time of the broadcast, or a method of transmitting the broadcast content to the loudspeaker slave station group 200 in advance as in Patent Document 1 can also be adopted. Further, as a connection method between the master station 110 and the loudspeaker slave station group 200, a local 5G method capable of constructing a 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication system) network in a limited area can also be used.

[0032] In the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the slave station information management server 120 is arranged on the network, but the operation console 100 or the master station 110 may hold the slave station information. In this case, the information acquisition unit 101 acquires the slave station information from these devices. Further, in the example of FIG. 7, it is assumed that the broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104 is arranged on the operation console 100, but a node corresponding to the broadcast destination setting information storage unit 104 may be arranged on the network. In this case, the information acquisition unit 101 acquires the setting destination information from the device arranged on the network. Further, in the example of FIG. 7, the operation console 100 and the master station 110 are configured as separate devices, but the operation console 100 and the master station 110 may be integrated.

[0033] Subsequently, the operation of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the following description, the time difference priority has up to 6 levels (maximum 6 time differences), and the smaller the value, the higher the priority. Note that the reason for setting the number of levels of the time difference priority to 6 levels (6 time differences) is that it is defined by the Association of Radio Industries and Businesses (ARIB), and it is not necessarily limited to 6 levels (6 time differences).

[0034] As shown in the upper left of FIG. 9, when the console 100 receives a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = A, since there is no data registered in the broadcast destination setting information, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 9, the received broadcast request is registered in the frame with a time difference of 1.

[0035] Next, when the console 100 receives a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = B, the console 100 checks the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = B. In the slave station information of FIG. 8, since there is no slave station ID = A among the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = B, the console 100 registers the received broadcast request in the frame with a time difference of 1 as shown in the lower center of FIG. 9.

[0036] Next, when the console 100 receives a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = C, the console 100 checks the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = C. In the slave station information of FIG. 8, the slave station ID = A exists among the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = C. Further, referring to the broadcast destination setting information, the extension slave station with slave station ID = A has the broadcast content set at a time difference of 1. In this case, the console 100 registers the received broadcast request designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = C in the frame with a time difference of 2 as shown in the lower right of FIG. 9.

[0037] Next, when the console 100 receives a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = D, the console 100 checks the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = D. In the slave station information of FIG. 8, the slave station ID = B exists among the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = D. Further, referring to the broadcast destination setting information, the extension slave station with slave station ID = B has the broadcast content set at a time difference of 1. In this case, the console 100 checks whether the received broadcast request designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = D can be registered in the frame with a time difference of 2. Therefore, referring to the broadcast destination setting information, as shown in the lower right of FIG. 9, the extension slave stations set in the frame with a time difference of 2 are only the slave station ID = C which has no adjacent relationship with the extension slave station with slave station ID = D. In this case, the console 100 registers the broadcast request designating the extension slave station with slave station ID = D in the frame with a time difference of 2 as shown in the lower left of FIG. 10.

[0038] Next, when the operation console 100 receives a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 specifying the extension slave station with the slave station ID = E, the operation console 100 checks the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = E. In the slave station information of FIG. 8, since there are no slave stations with the slave station IDs = A and B among the adjacent slave stations of the slave station ID = E, the operation console 100 registers the broadcast request specifying the extension slave station of the slave station ID = E in the frame with a time difference of 1 as shown in the lower right of FIG. 10.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagram in which the slave stations shown in the slave station information of FIG. 8 are grouped by time difference. As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, each time a broadcast request is received, it is checked whether the same time difference broadcast content is registered in the adjacent slave stations, and if necessary, the time difference priority is changed. As a result, it becomes possible to easily perform a broadcast setting in which acoustic interference does not occur.

[0040] In actual operation, the number of extension slave stations to be broadcast may be large, and in order to avoid conflicts with the already registered broadcast content, it may happen that the time difference priority is insufficient. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the broadcast request of the slave station ID = P is received, there may be a case where the slave station of the slave station ID = P cannot be registered in the available time difference priority frame. In this case, the operation console 100 may return an error notifying the operator (user) that it cannot be divided by 6 time differences. The operator (user) who receives the error will cancel the already registered broadcast request and take measures such as making the frame for the slave station ID = P available. As another measure, the broadcast request of the slave station ID = P can also be registered in the existing frame. In this case, acoustic interference will occur between the extension slave stations in the corresponding time difference group, but such a broadcast may be allowed if the urgency of the broadcast content is high.

[0041] [Second Embodiment] Subsequently, a second embodiment in which a function for interrupt registration of a high-priority broadcast is added to the operation console 100 will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the present disclosure. The difference from the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 is that the function of the confirmation unit 102a of the operation console 100a has been changed. Since the other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 7, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0042] The confirmation unit 102a of the operation console 100a includes an interruption setting unit 1021. When the interruption setting unit 1021 refers to the broadcast destination setting information and the broadcast content is registered at the time difference corresponding to the time difference priority set for the newly received broadcast request, the newly received broadcast request is registered at the corresponding time difference. Further, the interruption setting unit 1021 performs a process of shifting the time difference of the registered broadcast content. As the process of shifting the time difference, for example, a method of moving the time difference of the registered broadcast content to one or more later time differences can be adopted.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing operations added in parallel in the present embodiment. In the following description, the time difference priority indicates the priority in setting the time difference, and it is recommended that the smaller the value, the higher the priority, and among the available time differences, it is registered in the earliest frame (time difference). Referring to FIG. 14, the operation console 100a receives a broadcast request specifying the amplified content, the amplified slave station of the broadcast destination, and a time difference priority equal to or higher than a predetermined value, from an operator (user) (step S001 in FIG. 14).

[0044] Next, the operation console 100a registers the broadcast request as new broadcast content (step S002 in FIG. 2).

[0045] Next, the operation console 100a refers to the broadcast destination setting information and checks whether there is registered broadcast content at the registered time difference (step S003 in FIG. 14).

[0046] As a result of the check, if there is registered broadcast content at the same time difference (Yes in step S003 in FIG. 14), the operation console 100a shifts the time difference of the set broadcast content to resolve the conflict with the newly registered broadcast content (step S004 in FIG. 14).

[0047] The operation of the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 15. As shown on the left side of FIG. 15, at a certain point in time, the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = A and the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = B are registered with a time difference of 1. In this situation, when a broadcast request with a time difference priority = 1 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = C is newly received, the operation console 100a registers the broadcast request with a time difference priority = 1 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = C in the frame with a time difference of 1.

[0048] After the above registration, in the frame with a time difference of 1, the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = A, the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = B, and the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 1 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = C are registered in a conflicting state. In this case, the operation console 100a moves the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = A and the broadcast content with a time difference priority = 2 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = B to a time difference of 2 to resolve the conflict. In the example of FIG. 15, the operation when a broadcast request with a time difference priority = 1 designating the loudspeaker slave station with slave station ID = C is received is shown, but it is also conceivable that a broadcast request with a higher priority is received later. In this case as well, the operation console 100a similarly preferentially registers the high-priority broadcast request, and when adjacent slave stations are registered repeatedly within the same time difference, it performs a process to resolve the conflict.

[0049] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to register a broadcast with a higher priority in a frame with an earlier time difference and broadcast it preferentially. In the description of the above operation, an example in which a broadcast request with a time difference priority = 1, which is the highest time difference priority, is received has been described, but the priority to be interrupted is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined threshold value (time difference priority = 2 or more) may be set, and a broadcast request having a time difference priority equal to or higher than this threshold value may be targeted for interruption.

[0050] Also, as can be understood from the above description, in this embodiment, it is possible to specify an amplified slave station to broadcast broadcast content with a high degree of urgency such as disaster information or broadcast content that is desired to be broadcast preferentially because of its wide broadcast range.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 14, a broadcast request with a predetermined time difference priority is registered first, and then a process of shifting the time difference of the existing broadcast content is performed. However, this order can be reversed. Specifically, it is also possible to adopt a form in which the time difference of the existing broadcast content is shifted to create a vacancy at the target time difference 1, and then a broadcast request with a predetermined time difference priority is registered at the corresponding time difference.

[0052] [Third Embodiment] Subsequently, a third embodiment in which a registration function in units of groups of amplified slave stations is added to the operation console 100 will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the present disclosure. The first difference from the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 is that the information acquisition unit 101b can acquire group information from the group information management server 121 arranged on the network. The second difference from the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 is that the confirmation unit 102b and the registration processing unit 103b of the operation console 100 can confirm and register broadcast content in units of groups. Since other configurations are the same as those in the configuration of FIG. 7, the differences will be mainly described below.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of group information managed by the group information management server 121. Referring to FIG. 17, a group 1 targeting slave station IDs = A and B and a group 2 targeting slave station IDs = C and D are set. In addition, it is possible to set a time difference priority as an initial value for each group. In the example of FIG. 17, both groups 1 and 2 are set as time difference priority 1. Such groups can be set according to, for example, the transmission of disaster prevention information in a specific area or the broadcast content such as the notice of the holding of a regular event. Of course, different time difference priorities may be set according to the content to be broadcast.

[0054] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the slave station information held in the slave station information management server 120. The upper part (a) of FIG. 18 shows a table defining the adjacency relationship between the loudspeaker slave stations. The lower part (b) of FIG. 18 shows the adjacency relationship between the loudspeaker slave stations represented as a graph.

[0055] Subsequently, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the operation console 100b receives a broadcast request specifying the loudspeaker content and the group from an operator (user) (step S101 in FIG. 19).

[0056] Next, the operation console 100b refers to the slave station information, the group information, and the broadcast destination setting information, and checks whether a time difference corresponding to the specified time difference priority is set for the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the loudspeaker slave stations belonging to the specified group (step S102 in FIG. 19).

[0057] As a result of the check, it is assumed that no time difference corresponding to the specified time difference priority is set for any of the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the loudspeaker slave stations belonging to the specified group. In this case (No in step S102 of FIG. 19), the operation console 100b registers the broadcast request in units of the group as new broadcast content (step S104 in FIG. 19).

[0058] On the other hand, as a result of the check, it is assumed that a time difference corresponding to the specified time difference priority is set for the loudspeaker slave stations adjacent to the loudspeaker slave stations belonging to the specified group. In this case (Yes in step S102 of FIG. 19), the operation console 100b changes the priority of the broadcast request specifying the group (step S103 in FIG. 19). Then, the operation console 100b registers the broadcast request in units of the group after changing the priority as new broadcast content (step S104 in FIG. 19).

[0059] The operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. As shown on the left side of FIG. 20, at a certain point in time, a broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating Group 1 is received, and the broadcast content targeted at the loudspeaker slave stations belonging to Group 1 is registered at a time difference of 1. In this situation, if a new broadcast request with a time difference priority of 1 designating Group 2 is received, the operation console 100b registers the broadcast request designating Group 2 at a time difference of 2, as shown on the right side of FIG. 20.

[0060] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the loudspeaker slave stations are grouped by time difference as a result of the above. As described with reference to FIG. 17, the loudspeaker slave stations having slave station IDs = A and B belong to Group 1, and the loudspeaker slave stations having slave station IDs = C and D belong to Group 2. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 21, by using this embodiment, even for a broadcast request designating a group, the time difference can be set so that acoustic interference does not occur.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as the first embodiment, the labor of the operator (user) can be further reduced. The reason is that it is possible to receive broadcast requests in units of groups, and furthermore, the complicated time difference setting has been automated. In particular, this embodiment can be suitably applied to cases where the broadcast destination and the broadcast content are determined, such as the transmission of disaster prevention information in a specific area and the announcement of the holding of regular events.

[0062] [Fourth Embodiment] Subsequently, a fourth embodiment in which a batch registration function for broadcast requests designating a plurality of loudspeaker slave stations is added to the operation console 100 will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the present disclosure. The difference from the configuration example shown in FIG. 7 is that the function of the confirmation unit 102c of the operation console 100c has been changed. Since the other configurations are the same as those in FIG. 7, the following description will focus on the differences.

[0063] The confirmation unit 102c of the operation console 100c includes a batch registration unit 1022. When the batch registration unit 1022 receives a broadcast request specifying a plurality of broadcast destinations, it performs a registration process in a predetermined order so that adjacent voice amplifying slave stations are not broadcast at the same time difference.

[0064] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the batch registration unit 1022. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 23, it is assumed that a broadcast request specifying voice amplifying slave stations with slave station IDs = A to N is received. The batch registration unit 1022 performs the same registration process as in the first embodiment in ascending order of the slave station ID. The lower part of FIG. 23 is an example of the processing result of the batch registration unit 1022. The registration process is performed in order from the voice amplifying slave station with the slave station ID = A. When the selected voice amplifying slave station has the same time difference as an adjacent voice amplifying slave station, it can be created by sending it to the next time difference and searching for a registrable time difference.

[0065] The grouping (time difference setting) of the voice amplifying slave stations so that adjacent voice amplifying slave stations are not broadcast at the same time difference in this batch registration unit 1022 can be realized by the sequential exhaustive method as in the first embodiment, but is not limited to this. For example, it can also be realized by using various algorithms known as algorithms for coloring problems (for example, greedy coloring).

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize the setting of the time difference in the case where there are a plurality of voice amplifying slave stations as broadcast destinations with a simpler operation.

[0067] Although each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and further modifications, substitutions, and adjustments can be made without departing from the basic technical idea of the present disclosure. For example, the network configuration shown in each drawing, the configuration of each element, and the data representation form are examples for helping the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not limited to the configurations shown in these drawings.

[0068] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, it has been described that the parent station 110 and the extension son stations 200 are connected via a digital radio line or the like. However, a part of the extension son stations 200 may be connected to the parent station 110 by wire.

[0069] Also, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, it has been described that the operation consoles 100 to 100c are configured as physical devices. However, the operation consoles 100 to 100c can also be arranged as functions on a network. In this case, the operator (user) will access the operation consoles 100 to 100c using a personal computer or a smartphone, input a broadcast request, and receive the result of the registration process.

[0070] (Regarding the hardware configuration) In each embodiment of the present disclosure, each component of each device represents a functional unit block. Some or all of the components of each device are realized by an arbitrary combination of an information processing device 900 and a program as shown in FIG. 24, for example. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 that realizes each component of each device. The information processing device 900 includes, as an example, the following configuration. ·CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901 ·ROM (Read Only Memory) 902 ·RAM (Random Access Memory) 903 ·Program 904 loaded into RAM 903 ·Storage device 905 that stores program 904 ·Drive device 907 that reads and writes to recording medium 906 ·Communication interface 908 that connects to communication network 909 ·Input / output interface 910 that performs input / output of data ·Bus 911 that connects each component

[0071] Each component of each device in each embodiment is realized by the CPU 901 acquiring and executing a program 904 that realizes these functions. That is, the CPU 901 in FIG. 24 may execute a time difference confirmation program for an adjacent sub-station and a registration process program, and perform an update process on each calculation parameter held in the RAM 903, the storage device 905, etc. The program 904 that realizes the functions of each component of each device is, for example, stored in advance in the storage device 905 or the ROM 902, and is read by the CPU 901 as needed. Note that the program 904 may be supplied to the CPU 901 via the communication network 909, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 906, and the drive device 907 may read the program and supply it to the CPU 901.

[0072] There are various modifications to the method of realizing each device. For example, each device may be realized by an arbitrary combination of a separate information processing device 900 and a program for each component. Also, a plurality of components included in each device may be realized by an arbitrary combination of one information processing device 900 and a program. That is, the operation desk (broadcast request reception device) shown in the first to fourth embodiments described above can be realized by a computer program that causes a processor mounted on these devices to execute each of the above-described processes using its hardware.

[0073] Also, some or all of the components of each device are realized by other general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc. and combinations thereof. These may be configured by a single chip, or may be configured by a plurality of chips connected via a bus.

[0074] Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the above-described circuits, etc. and a program.

[0075] When some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc., the plurality of information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be arranged centrally or distributedly. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc. may be realized in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client and server system, a cloud computing system, etc.

[0076] Note that each of the above-described embodiments is a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited only to the above embodiments. That is, those skilled in the art can make modifications and substitutions to the above embodiments and construct various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0077] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0078] [Appendix 1] An information acquisition unit capable of accessing sub-station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of extended sound stations arranged at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the extended sound stations, When receiving a broadcast request in which a user designates an extended sound content, a broadcast destination extended sound station, and a priority, referring to the sub-station information and the broadcast destination setting information, and checking whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for an extended sound station adjacent to the broadcast destination extended sound station; As a result of the check, when the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent extended sound station, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request, When the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent extended sound station, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request, a registration processing unit; A broadcast request reception device comprising: [Appendix 2] The above-described broadcast request receiving device may further adopt a configuration including an interrupt setting unit that, when there is registered broadcast content at a time difference corresponding to the priority of a newly received broadcast request, registers the newly received broadcast request and changes the time difference of the registered broadcast content. [Appendix 3] When the priority is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the interrupt setting unit of the above-described broadcast request receiving device may adopt a configuration that registers the newly received broadcast request and changes the time difference of the registered broadcast content to a later time difference. [Appendix 4] The above-described broadcast request receiving device is further capable of accessing group information for managing the group of the extension slave stations, and when the confirmation unit receives a broadcast request specifying a group, it refers to the slave station information, the broadcast destination setting information, and the group information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the extension slave stations adjacent to the extension slave stations belonging to the broadcast destination group. As a result of the confirmation, when the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the extension slave stations adjacent to the extension slave stations belonging to the broadcast destination group, the time difference corresponding to the priority is set and the broadcast request specifying the group is registered. When the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the extension slave stations adjacent to the extension slave stations belonging to the broadcast destination group, a configuration may be adopted in which the time difference corresponding to the priority is changed to an available slot and the broadcast request specifying the group is registered. [Appendix 5] The above-described broadcast request receiving device may further include a batch registration unit that receives broadcast requests specifying a plurality of broadcast destinations and performs registration processing in a predetermined order so that adjacent extension slave stations are not broadcast at the same time difference. [Appendix 6] The above-described broadcast request receiving device may adopt a configuration that returns an error when it is not possible to broadcast at a time difference different from that of the extension slave stations adjacent to the broadcast destination extension slave station. [Appendix 7] The above-described broadcast request receiving device may further adopt a configuration including an editing function for the slave station information. [Appendix 8] a plurality of voice amplifier slave stations arranged at predetermined positions, an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of the voice amplifier slave stations and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the voice amplifier slave stations, when receiving a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a broadcast destination voice amplifier slave station, and a priority, referring to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplifier slave station adjacent to the broadcast destination voice amplifier slave station; if, as a result of the confirmation, a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent voice amplifier slave station, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request, if, as a result of the confirmation, a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent voice amplifier slave station, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request, a broadcast request receiving device comprising a registration processing unit; a broadcast system including the same. [Appendix 9] a broadcast request receiving device including an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of voice amplifier slave stations arranged at predetermined positions and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the voice amplifier slave stations, when receiving a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a broadcast destination voice amplifier slave station, and a priority, referring to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplifier slave station adjacent to the broadcast destination voice amplifier slave station, if, as a result of the confirmation, a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the adjacent voice amplifier slave station, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request, if, as a result of the confirmation, a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the adjacent voice amplifier slave station, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request, a broadcast request receiving method. [Appendix 10] A broadcast request receiving device including an information acquisition unit capable of accessing sub-station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of extended phonon stations arranged at predetermined positions and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the extended phonon stations, When receiving a broadcast request specifying the extended voice content, the extended phonon station of the broadcast destination, and the priority from the user, referring to the sub-station information and the broadcast destination setting information, and checking whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for an extended phonon station adjacent to the extended phonon station of the broadcast destination; As a result of the check, if the time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the extended phonon station in the adjacency relationship, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request; If the time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the extended phonon station in the adjacency relationship, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request; A program for causing the above to be executed. In addition, the forms described in each of the above appendices can be combined with each other after performing necessary corrections. For example, a configuration having both the content described in Appendix 2 and the content described in Appendix 4 is also included in the disclosure scope of this specification. In addition, the forms of Appendices 8 to 10 can be expanded into the forms of Appendices 2 to 7 in the same manner as Appendix 1.

[0079] Note that each disclosure of the above patent documents is incorporated herein by reference and can be used as the basis or part of the present disclosure as necessary. Within the framework of the present disclosure (including the claims), modifications and adjustments of the embodiments or examples can be made based on the basic technical idea. Also, within the framework of the present disclosure, various combinations or selections (including partial deletion) of various disclosure elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. That is, the present disclosure naturally includes all disclosures including the claims, and various deformations and corrections that could be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the technical idea. In particular, regarding the numerical ranges described in this document, any numerical value or small range included within the range should be construed as specifically described even without separate description. Further, each disclosure item of the above-cited documents is, as necessary, incorporated into the present disclosure as part of the present disclosure and can be used in combination with the description items of this document, in accordance with the spirit of the present disclosure, considering part or all of them as included in the disclosure items of this application.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 10 Broadcast request reception device 11, 101, 101b Information acquisition unit 12, 102, 102a, 102b, 102c Confirmation unit 13, 103, 103b Registration processing unit 20a~20f Amplifying slave station 100, 100a~100c Operator console 104 Broadcast destination setting information storage unit 110 Master station 120 Sub-station information management server 121 Group information management server 200 Amplifying slave station group 1021 Interrupt setting unit 1022 Batch registration unit 900 Information processing device 901 CPU (Central Processing Unit) 902 ROM (Read Only Memory) 903 RAM (Random Access Memory) 904 Program 905 Storage device 906 Recording medium 907 Drive device 908 Communication interface 909 Communication network 910 Input / output interface 911 Bus

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit capable of accessing sub-station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of voice amplification stations arranged at predetermined positions and broadcast destination setting information including the time difference set for the voice amplification stations; When receiving a broadcast request specifying voice amplification content, a broadcast destination voice amplification station, and a priority from a user, referring to the sub-station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplification station adjacent to the broadcast destination voice amplification station; As a result of the confirmation, if a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the voice amplification station in the adjacent relationship, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request; If a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the voice amplification station in the adjacent relationship, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available frame and registering the broadcast request; a registration processing unit; A broadcast request receiving device comprising the above.

2. Furthermore, when there is registered broadcast content in the time difference corresponding to the priority of a newly received broadcast request, a interrupt setting unit that registers the newly received broadcast request and changes the time difference of the registered broadcast content is provided. The broadcast request receiving device according to Claim 1.

3. When the priority is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the interrupt setting unit registers the newly received broadcast request and changes the time difference of the registered broadcast content to a later time difference. The broadcast request receiving device according to Claim 2.

4. Furthermore, it is capable of accessing group information for managing groups of the voice amplification stations. When receiving a broadcast request specifying a group, the confirmation unit refers to the sub-station information, the broadcast destination setting information, and the group information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplification station adjacent to the voice amplification station belonging to the broadcast destination group. As a result of the confirmation, if a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the voice amplification station in the adjacent relationship with the voice amplification station belonging to the broadcast destination group, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request specifying the group. If a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the voice amplification station in the adjacent relationship with the voice amplification station belonging to the broadcast destination group, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority to an available frame and registering the broadcast request specifying the group. The broadcast request receiving device according to Claim 1.

5. Furthermore, there is provided the broadcast request receiving apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a batch registration unit that receives a broadcast request specifying a plurality of broadcast destinations and performs a registration process in a predetermined order so that adjacent voice amplifier slave stations are not broadcast at the same time difference.

6. The broadcast request receiving apparatus according to claim 1, which returns an error when it is not possible to broadcast at a time difference different from that of a voice amplifier slave station adjacent to the voice amplifier slave station of the broadcast destination.

7. The broadcast request receiving apparatus further comprises The broadcast request receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has an editing function for the slave station information.

8. A plurality of voice amplifier slave stations arranged at a predetermined position, An information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of the voice amplifier slave stations and broadcast destination setting information including the time difference set for the voice amplifier slave stations, and when receiving a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a voice amplifier slave station of the broadcast destination, and a priority, referring to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplifier slave station adjacent to the voice amplifier slave station of the broadcast destination; a confirmation unit; as a result of the confirmation, when a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the voice amplifier slave station in the adjacency relationship, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request; and when a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the voice amplifier slave station in the adjacency relationship, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an empty frame and registering the broadcast request, a broadcast request receiving apparatus comprising a registration processing unit; A broadcast system including

9. A broadcast request receiving apparatus having an information acquisition unit capable of accessing slave station information indicating the adjacency relationship of a plurality of voice amplifier slave stations arranged at a predetermined position and broadcast destination setting information including the time difference set for the voice amplifier slave stations, when receiving a broadcast request in which a user designates voice amplification content, a voice amplifier slave station of the broadcast destination, and a priority, referring to the slave station information and the broadcast destination setting information to confirm whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for a voice amplifier slave station adjacent to the voice amplifier slave station of the broadcast destination, as a result of the confirmation, when a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the voice amplifier slave station in the adjacency relationship, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request, when a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the voice amplifier slave station in the adjacency relationship, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an empty frame and registering the broadcast request, A broadcast request receiving method.

10. A broadcast request receiving device including an information acquisition unit capable of accessing sub-station information indicating an adjacency relationship of a plurality of extended sound stations arranged at predetermined positions and broadcast destination setting information including a time difference set for the extended sound stations. When receiving a broadcast request specifying extended sound content, a broadcast destination extended sound station, and a priority from a user, referring to the sub-station information and the broadcast destination setting information to check whether a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for an extended sound station adjacent to the broadcast destination extended sound station. If, as a result of the check, a time difference corresponding to the priority is not set for the extended sound station in the adjacency relationship, setting the time difference corresponding to the priority and registering the broadcast request. If a time difference corresponding to the priority is set for the extended sound station in the adjacency relationship, changing the time difference corresponding to the priority of the broadcast request to an available slot and registering the broadcast request. A program for executing the above.

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