Broadcast monitoring system and broadcast monitoring method

Abstract

To solve the problem that although a conventional broadcast transmission system is in operation while monitoring outputs after respective processes and also needs to output respective video and audio signals to outside a device as it is requested to monitor respective points even when the respective processes are aggregated to the one device, the broadcast transmission system uses a bandwidth of about 1.5 Gbps for each video, and the device therefore increases in the bandwidth of an external interface or the number of interfaces to increase in device cost when outputting all video signals at respective points.SOLUTION: An integrated playout server which serves as a broadcast transmission system with a broadcast transmission function and an effect processing function being aggregated, comprises: at least two intermediate storage units which temporarily store video data; a multi-screen generation unit which is connected to the intermediate storage unit, and generates multiple screens so that plural items of video data stored in the intermediate storage unit can be simultaneously monitored; and a multi-screen transmission unit which transmits multi-screen data generated by the multi-screen generation unit to the outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a broadcast monitoring system and a broadcast monitoring method.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional broadcast transmission system, materials input from a studio, a line center, etc., and materials input from a video server of a server system are automatically switched according to an operation system, and characters and logos are superimposed on the video in an effect processing unit, L-shaped video reduction processing, audio processing / synthesis, and superimposition of auxiliary data such as subtitles are performed.

[0003] Thereafter, in an encoding and multiplexing unit, video and audio are encoded, and additional information such as data broadcast and program guide is multiplexed and output to a transmission system.

[0004] In recent years, a video server that plays content from a file, and an integrated playout server that integrates input switching processing (switcher) and effect processing in a broadcast transmission system have been studied. This is also called an all-in-one playout server, and a compact broadcast transmission system can be expected by integrating the video server function and the effect processing function that were conventionally realized by separate devices. Furthermore, it has also been studied to be used in a cloudified form.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a conventional broadcast transmission system, the system is operated while monitoring the output of a video server, the output of a switcher, and the output after each process of an effect processing unit. Since it is required that each point can be monitored even if they are integrated into one device, it is necessary to output each video and audio outside the device for monitoring. However, in a broadcast transmission system, uncompressed video is handled, and a bandwidth of about 1.5 Gbps is used for each video in HDTV. Therefore, if all the videos at each point are output, there is a problem that the bandwidth or the number of interfaces of the external interface of the device increases, and the device cost increases.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a signal processing device that can suppress an increase in circuit scale and perform multi-screen split display even when the number of internal signals of a signal switching device increases. However, there is no description about a broadcast transmission system having a function in which a video server function and an effect processing function are integrated, such as an integrated playout server. Of course, there is also no description about a cloud-based integrated playout server.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a broadcast monitoring system according to an embodiment includes, in an integrated playout server which is a broadcast transmission system in which a broadcast transmission function and an effect processing function are integrated, at least two intermediate storage units for temporarily storing video data, a multi-screen generation unit connected to the intermediate storage units and generating a multi-screen so as to be able to simultaneously monitor a plurality of video data stored in the intermediate storage units, and a multi-screen transmission unit for transmitting the data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation unit to the outside. Further, a broadcast monitoring method according to an embodiment includes, in an integrated playout server which is a broadcast transmission system in which a broadcast transmission function and an effect processing function are integrated, temporarily storing video data in at least two intermediate storage units, a multi-screen generation unit connected to the intermediate storage units generating a multi-screen so as to be able to simultaneously monitor a plurality of video data stored in the intermediate storage units, and a multi-screen transmission unit transmitting the data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation unit to the outside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (First Embodiment) A block diagram of an integrated layout server including a broadcast monitoring system according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1, an example of a multi-screen is shown in FIG. 2, and a flowchart of a broadcast monitoring method according to the first embodiment in the integrated layout server is shown in FIG. 3. The broadcast monitoring system and the broadcast monitoring method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0012] The integrated layout server 10 is a broadcast transmission system in which a broadcast transmission function (video server function) and an effect processing function are integrated and is configured more compactly than in the past. The integrated layout server 10 includes a receiving unit 11 that receives RTP packets input from the outside, a storage unit 12 that stores MXF (Material Exchange Format) files and the like, a material playback unit 13 that reads out MXF files and the like from the storage unit 12 and performs processing to decode video and play back uncompressed video, an input switching processing unit 15 that is a so-called switch, and video processing units 16A and 16B. Further, it has a plurality of intermediate storage units 14A to 14E, and each of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E is connected to a multi-screen generation unit 17. The multi-screen generation unit 17 is set by the operation of the multi-screen setting unit 18 and outputs video data to the multi-screen transmission unit 19.

[0013] The receiving unit 11 receives RTP packets from the outside. Also, the receiving unit 11 extracts video data from the received RTP packets. The extracted video data is output to the intermediate storage unit 14A. Note that in this embodiment, the receiving unit 11 receives RTP packets, but it is not limited to this, and it may receive in other formats such as SDI signals.

[0014] The storage unit 12 is a so-called storage that stores video files such as MXF files transmitted from the outside.

[0015] The material playback unit 13 reads an MXF file or the like from the storage unit 12 and performs a process of decoding the video and playing back the uncompressed video.

[0016] The intermediate storage units 14A to 14E are so-called buffers that temporarily store the processed video data and the like. The intermediate storage units 14A to 14C store the video data received by the receiving unit 11, the video data played back by the material playback unit 13, and the video data switched and output by the input switching processing unit 15, respectively. Also, the intermediate storage units 14D and 14E store the video data processed by the video processing units 16A and 16B, respectively.

[0017] For example, by temporarily storing the video data in the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E, the data can be transmitted at a certain speed, and continuous transmission of the data becomes possible. Furthermore, it also plays a role in adjusting the timing of the data when the data is generated at different speeds or when network delays occur.

[0018] Note that the number of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E is not limited to the number in this embodiment, and it changes according to the number of the receiving unit 11, the material playback unit 13, the input switching processing unit 15, the video processing units 16A and 16B in the previous stage, and it may increase or decrease regardless of the state of the previous stage.

[0019] The input switching processing unit 15 is a so-called switcher. The input switching processing unit 15 selects one video from a plurality of input videos and outputs it to the subsequent video processing units 16A and 16B. Further, the input switching processing unit 15 also has functions such as adding overlays such as text information and logos, or adding effects and transitions in real time to improve the viewing experience.

[0020] The video processing units 16A and 16B improve the quality of videos to be recorded, edited, transmitted, or broadcast. The video processing units 16A and 16B perform processes such as superimposing a logo on the video and reducing the video in an L shape.

[0021] Also, the video processing units 16A and 16B perform operations such as cutting, transitions, effects, and adding text to the recorded video as necessary. Through such video processing, the flow of the video and the expression of the concept can be improved, and the message conveyed to the viewer can be emphasized.

[0022] The multi-screen generation unit 17 generates a multi-screen that arranges the processed video data temporarily stored in the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E side by side on one screen so that they can be viewed simultaneously. For example, it is a multi-screen as shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, there are five intermediate storage units, namely, intermediate storage units 14A to 14E, but the number of intermediate storage units is not limited to this, and it may be more or less than five. X in the intermediate storage unit X in FIG. 2 indicates a variable that changes according to an arbitrary quantity. Of course, the screen division is not limited to a screen in which the screen sizes are evenly divided as in FIG. 2, and the division method can be in any form.

[0023] As described above, the multi-screen generation unit 17 reduces the plurality of video data of each of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E in the multi-screen generation unit 17, forms them into a multi-screen, and outputs them as one uncompressed video to the outside, so that a plurality of videos in the device can be monitored with a small bandwidth. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bandwidth or the number of interfaces of the external interface of the device and prevent an increase in the device cost.

[0024] The multi-screen setting unit 18 can operate settings such as changing the number of screen divisions of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation unit 17 and the videos of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E arranged on each divided screen.

[0025] The multi-screen transmission unit 19 can transmit the video data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation unit 17 to the outside after being packetized or as an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signal.

[0026] The transmission unit 20 can packetize the video data processed by the video processing units 16A and 16B and transmit it to the outside. In this embodiment, it is packetized and transmitted to the outside, but it may be transmitted in other forms such as an SDI signal similar to the multi-screen transmission unit 19.

[0027] Next, the broadcast monitoring method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0028] First, the multi-screen generation unit 17 reads the settings set by the multi-screen setting unit 18 (S101).

[0029] Next, based on the settings read in S101, the multi-screen generation unit 17 reads the videos of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E to be monitored (S102).

[0030] Furthermore, based on the settings read in S101, the multi-screen generation unit 17 reduces the videos read in S102 and arranges them as shown in, for example, FIG. 2 to generate a multi-screen (S103).

[0031] The generated multi-screen is output to the multi-screen transmission unit 19 (S104), and the flow of the broadcast monitoring method in this embodiment ends.

[0032] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by reducing the images of each of the intermediate storage units 14A to 14E using the multi-screen generation unit 17, generating a multi-screen, and outputting it as one uncompressed video to the outside, it is possible to monitor a plurality of videos within the device with a small bandwidth. As a result, it is possible to reduce the bandwidth or the number of interfaces of the external interface of the device, and prevent an increase in the device cost.

[0033] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an integrated layout server including a broadcast monitoring system according to the second embodiment.

[0034] The integrated layout server, which is a broadcast transmission system according to the present embodiment, has a configuration that is partially different from that of the first embodiment. For configurations equivalent to those of the broadcast monitoring system according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0035] The broadcast monitoring system according to the present embodiment is provided with a video file conversion unit 21 and a shared storage 22 instead of the multi-screen transmission unit 19 in the broadcast monitoring system according to the first embodiment.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the video file conversion unit 21 converts the video data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation unit 17 into an image file. By converting it into an image file and monitoring the image as a so-called thumbnail still image, it is possible to further reduce the bandwidth. Further, the video file conversion unit 21 converts the video data into a playback file, and is not limited to an image file, and may be converted into other files such as a video file.

[0037] The shared storage 22 stores the image files converted by the video file conversion unit 21. The stored images can be accessed from the outside to view the images without being output to the outside as in the first embodiment. Also, when the video file is converted into a video file by the video file conversion unit 21, it may be accessed via a browser and the video may be viewed by streaming playback. This access may be via a wireless LAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or a wired LAN (Wired Local Area Network).

[0038] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to monitor a plurality of videos in the apparatus with a bandwidth smaller than that of the broadcast monitoring system according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, by allowing external access to the shared storage 22, an external interface is not required, and further cost reduction can be expected.

[0039] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0040] 10... Integrated layout server, 11... Receiver, 12... Storage unit, 13... Material playback unit, 14A to 14E... Intermediate storage units, 15... Input switching processing unit, 16A, 16B... Video processing units, 17... Multi-screen generation unit, 18... Multi-screen setting unit, 19... Multi-screen transmission unit, 20... Transmission unit, 21... Video file conversion unit, 22... Shared storage

Claims

1. In an integrated layout server which is a broadcast transmission system integrating a broadcast transmission function and an effect processing function, at least two intermediate storage parts for temporarily storing video data, a multi-screen generation part connected to the intermediate storage part and generating a multi-screen so as to be able to simultaneously monitor a plurality of video data stored in the intermediate storage part, a multi-screen transmission part for transmitting the data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation part to the outside, A broadcast monitoring system comprising:

2. a receiving part for receiving video data transmitted from the outside, a video processing part for performing video processing on the video data received by the receiving part and the video data stored in the intermediate storage part, and further comprising a storage part for storing video files, The multi-screen generation part generates a multi-screen from a plurality of video data stored in the intermediate storage part and video data read from the storage part, The broadcast monitoring system according to Claim 1.

3. The multi-screen transmission part is an IP multi-screen transmission part for packetizing and transmitting video data, The broadcast monitoring system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. a video file conversion part for converting the video data generated by the multi-screen generation part into a playback file, a shared storage for storing the video file converted by the video file conversion part, The broadcast monitoring system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising:

5. In an integrated layout server which is a broadcast transmission system integrating a broadcast transmission function and an effect processing function, temporarily store video data in at least two intermediate storage parts, a multi-screen generation part connected to the intermediate storage part generates a multi-screen so as to be able to simultaneously monitor a plurality of video data stored in the intermediate storage part, The multi-screen transmission part transmits the data of the multi-screen generated by the multi-screen generation part to the outside, A broadcast monitoring method.

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