Display control device, display control method, and display control program

Abstract

To reduce the burden on a user when broadcast materials are replaced in simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.SOLUTION: Display means is caused to display a screen including a screen item for a replacement control instruction for instructing the start or stop of a replacement process for replacing a broadcast material being distributed with a replacement broadcast material, a video based on the broadcast material before the replacement process is performed, and a video based on the broadcast material after the replacement processing, when the replacement control instruction is input, a request for controlling the replacement process is transmitted to a replacement processing device that executes the replacement process in accordance with the replacement control instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program.

Background Art

[0002] There is a service called simultaneous distribution that distributes a broadcast program via the Internet or the like simultaneously with the broadcast.

[0003] Broadcast programs may include broadcast materials that can be broadcast by radio waves but cannot be distributed by simultaneous distribution due to reasons such as profitability as a business and rights relationships such as copyrights. Therefore, in a simultaneous distribution system, it is necessary to prevent the undistributable parts of the broadcast materials from being distributed. Note that the broadcast materials are information corresponding to broadcast content including, for example, video, audio, and auxiliary data.

[0004] In the case of a pre-recorded broadcast program, it is possible to create a distribution program by editing the broadcast program and replacing the undistributable parts of the broadcast materials with other materials (Patent Document 1). However, it is difficult to apply this method to live broadcast programs such as news programs.

[0005] Also, regarding the provided credit and CM (Commercial Message), there is a method of automatically replacing the broadcast material based on the information indicating the start position of the provided credit and CM multiplexed on the broadcast material (Patent Document 2). This method can also be applied to live broadcast programs.

[0006] When replacing the broadcast material included in a program for broadcast with another broadcast material, the broadcast master transmission system performs the replacement. In this method, the user operates the data server so that the replacement broadcast material is transmitted from the data server. And when it is possible to perform the replacement automatically, the automatic program transmission device replaces the broadcast material to be broadcast from the broadcast material before replacement with the replacement broadcast material. When performing the replacement manually, the user operates the control console of the broadcast master transmission system to give a replacement instruction, thereby replacing the broadcast material to be broadcast.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Broadcast programs may include broadcast materials that cannot be distributed in parts other than the provided credits and commercials. However, the broadcast materials included in parts other than the provided credits and commercials do not include information indicating the start position of the undistributable broadcast materials. Therefore, the replacement method for the provided credits and commercials cannot be applied to the broadcast materials included in parts other than the provided credits and commercials.

[0009] Also, when the same method as the broadcast master transmission system is applied to simulcast to enable manual replacement of broadcast materials, the user performs the setting of the replacement material, the replacement instruction, and the confirmation of the broadcast materials before and after replacement on different devices respectively. However, in the case of simulcast, the frequency of manual replacement is higher than that in the case of broadcast by radio waves. Therefore, when the same replacement method as the broadcast master transmission system is applied to simulcast, the burden on the user may increase.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program that can reduce the burden on a user when replacing broadcast materials in simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, a display control device includes a screen item for a switching control instruction that instructs start or stop of a switching process for switching a broadcast material being distributed to a replacement broadcast material, an image based on the broadcast material before the switching process, and a display control unit that causes a display means to display a screen including an image based on the broadcast material after the switching process, and a transmission unit that, when the switching control instruction is input, transmits a request for control of the switching process to a switching processing device that executes the switching process in response to the switching control instruction.

[0012] Further, in another aspect of the present invention, a display control method causes a display means to display a screen including a screen item for a switching control instruction that instructs start or stop of a switching process for switching a broadcast material being distributed to a replacement broadcast material, an image based on the broadcast material before the switching process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the switching process, and when the switching control instruction is input, transmits a request for control of the switching process to a switching processing device that executes the switching process in response to the switching control instruction.

[0013] Further, in another aspect of the present invention, a display control program causes a computer to realize a display control function that causes a display means to display a screen including a screen item for a switching control instruction that instructs start or stop of a switching process for switching a broadcast material being distributed to a replacement broadcast material, an image based on the broadcast material before the switching process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the switching process, and a transmission function that, when the switching control instruction is input, transmits a request for control of the switching process to a switching processing device that executes the switching process in response to the switching control instruction.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to reduce the burden on users when replacing broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows a configuration example of the display control device 10 according to the present embodiment. The display control device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display control unit 11 and a transmission unit 12.

[0018] The display control unit 11 causes a display means to display a screen including a screen item for a substitution control instruction, an image based on a broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on a broadcast material after the substitution process. The substitution control instruction instructs the start or stop of a substitution process for substituting a currently distributed broadcast material with a broadcast material for substitution.

[0019] When a substitution control instruction is input, the transmission unit 12 transmits a request for controlling the substitution process to a substitution processing device that executes the substitution process according to the substitution control instruction.

[0020] By configuring the display control device 10 in this way, the display control device 10 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for a substitution control instruction, an image based on a broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on a broadcast material after the substitution process. Further, when a substitution control instruction is input, the display control device 10 transmits a request for controlling the substitution process to the substitution processing device according to the substitution control instruction. As a result, the display control device 10 enables the user to perform an operation for a substitution control instruction while checking images based on the broadcast materials before and after the substitution process, so that the user can easily check the image as a result of the substitution control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when substituting broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0021] Next, Fig. 2 shows an example of the operation of the display control device 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0022] The display control unit 11 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for a substitution control instruction, an image based on a broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on a broadcast material after the substitution process (step S101).

[0023] When a replacement control instruction is input, the transmission unit 12 transmits a request for control of the replacement process to a replacement processing device that executes the replacement process according to the replacement control instruction (step S102).

[0024] By operating in this way, the display control device 10 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for the replacement control instruction, an image based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the replacement process. Further, when a replacement control instruction is input, the display control device 10 transmits a request for control of the replacement process to the replacement processing device according to the replacement control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when replacing broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0025] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the display control device 10 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for the replacement control instruction, an image based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the replacement process. Further, when a replacement control instruction is input, the display control device 10 transmits a request for control of the replacement process to the replacement processing device according to the replacement control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when replacing broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0026] [Second Embodiment] Next, the display control device 20 in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0027] First, FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a system including the display control device 20 of this embodiment. The display control device 20 is connected to a replacement processing device 60-1 and a replacement processing device 60-2. Further, a display means 40 is connected to the display control device 20. An input source device 50 is connected to the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2. The replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 are connected to a distribution platform 70.

[0028] The input source device 50 is a device that can be the input source of broadcast materials. In this embodiment, assuming simultaneous distribution that distributes broadcast materials simultaneously with the broadcast, the broadcast materials input by the input source device 50 are the broadcast materials that are broadcast by radio waves and serve as the source of simultaneous distribution. The input source device 50 is, for example, a device that transmits broadcast materials in a broadcast master transmission system.

[0029] The distribution platform 70 distributes broadcast materials to receiving terminals such as smartphones and PCs (Personal Computers). In addition, the distribution platform 70 may replace the CM included in the broadcast materials according to the attributes of viewers using the receiving terminals. Also, the distribution performed by the distribution platform 70 may be Internet distribution, or may be distribution via a path other than the Internet, for example, a broadcast other than the broadcast that is the source of simultaneous distribution, or distribution via a network other than the Internet.

[0030] The replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 encode the broadcast materials input from the input source device 50 and transmit them to the distribution platform 70. The replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 are, for example, encoders for live distribution.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the replacement processing device is redundant. In this example, one of the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 is the active system, and the other is the standby system. Therefore, the same broadcast materials are input to the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2. Note that the replacement processing device may be a single unit without being redundant.

[0032] In addition, the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 perform a replacement process of replacing the broadcast materials input from the input source device 50 with replacement broadcast materials before encoding in response to a replacement control request input from the display control device 20. Hereinafter, controlling the start or stop of the replacement process will be referred to as replacement control. Also, the request for replacement control input from the display control device 20 to the replacement processing device will be referred to as a replacement control request.

[0033] When the replacement control request indicates a request to start the replacement process, the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 start the replacement process. Also, when the replacement control request indicates a request to stop the replacement process, the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 stop the replacement process. When performing the replacement process, the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 replace the input broadcast material with the replacement broadcast material, encode the replaced broadcast material, and transmit the encoded broadcast material to the distribution platform 70.

[0034] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the replacement broadcast material is set in advance in the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2. When the broadcast material to be replaced is video, the replacement broadcast material may be, for example, a still image or a repeating video. Also, when the broadcast material to be replaced is audio, the replacement broadcast material may be, for example, silent or a repeating specific audio.

[0035] Also, the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 of this embodiment have an automatic CM replacement function. The automatic CM replacement function is a function that detects a CM and automatically replaces the CM part with the replacement broadcast material. Note that the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 do not necessarily need to have the automatic CM replacement function.

[0036] The display control device 20 requests replacement control from the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 according to the user's operation. The display control device 20 is, for example, a PC, which is a device capable of communicating with the replacement processing device 60-2 or the replacement processing device 60-2.

[0037] The display means 40 displays a screen according to the information from the display control device 20. Note that the display means 40 may include a display or the like as an output device, or may include a touch panel or the like as an input / output device.

[0038] Next, the display control device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The display control device 20 of the present embodiment includes a display control unit 21 and a transmission unit 22.

[0039] The display control unit 21 causes a display means 40 to display a screen including a screen item for a replacement control instruction, a video based on a broadcast material before the replacement process, and a video based on a broadcast material after the replacement process. The replacement control instruction instructs the start or stop of a replacement process for replacing a currently distributed broadcast material with a replacement broadcast material. Further, the display control unit 21 may output an audio based on a broadcast material before the replacement process and an audio based on a broadcast material after the replacement process to an audio output means (not shown).

[0040] When a replacement control instruction is input, the transmission unit 22 transmits a replacement control request to a replacement processing device that executes a replacement process in accordance with the replacement control instruction.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen that the display control device 20 causes the display means 40 to display. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the screen includes a replacement control image 81, a pre-replacement video 82, a post-replacement video 83, a menu image 84, an alarm image 85, and a status display image 86.

[0042] The replacement control image 81 includes a screen item for a replacement control instruction that instructs the start or stop of the replacement process.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the replacement control image 81 includes a screen item ("video + audio cover") for a replacement control instruction for both video and audio, a screen item ("video only cover") for a replacement control instruction for video, and a screen item ("audio only cover") for a replacement control instruction for audio.

[0044] These three screen items are displayed in a display form indicating that the replacement process is being performed when the replacement process is being performed on the target broadcast material, and are displayed in a display form indicating that the replacement process is not being performed when the replacement process is not being performed.

[0045] Also, when a user selects the screen item while the substitution process is not performed on the target broadcast material of the screen item, a substitution control instruction indicating an instruction to start the substitution of the target broadcast material is input to the transmission unit 22. Further, when a user selects the screen item while the substitution process is being performed on the target broadcast material of the screen item, a substitution control instruction indicating an instruction to stop the substitution of the target broadcast material is input to the transmission unit 22.

[0046] For example, assume that all of the three screen items are in a display form indicating that the substitution process is not performed, for example, the background color is displayed in gray. In this state, assume that a substitution control instruction indicating an instruction to start the substitution process for the video is input to the transmission unit 22 in response to an operation in which the user selects a screen item ("video only cover") for the substitution control instruction for the video. In this case, the transmission unit 22 transmits a substitution control request indicating a request to start the substitution process for the video to the substitution processing device 60-1 and the substitution processing device 60-2. Then, when the display control unit 21 receives a response indicating that the request has been normally received, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen item ("video only cover") for the substitution control instruction for the video in a display form indicating that the substitution process is being performed, for example, a screen with a red background color.

[0047] Also, assume that a substitution control instruction indicating an instruction to start the substitution process for the video and the audio is input to the transmission unit 22 in response to an operation in which the user selects a screen item ("video + audio cover") for the substitution control instruction for the video and the audio. In this case, the transmission unit 22 transmits a substitution control request indicating a request to start the substitution process for the video and the audio to the substitution processing device 60-1 and the substitution processing device 60-2. Then, when the display control unit 21 receives a response indicating that the request has been normally received, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display all of the three screen items in a display form indicating that the substitution process is being performed, for example, a screen with a red background color.

[0048] In addition, the replacement control image 81 shown in FIG. 5 indicates that the same replacement control is performed on the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 (control target: "LiveENC1+2"). Basically, the display control device 20 sends the same request to the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2, but it is also possible to set the control target to either one. The method for setting the control target will be described later.

[0049] The pre-replacement video 82 is a video based on the broadcast material before replacement, that is, a video based on the input material to the replacement processing device. Also, the post-replacement video 83 is a video based on the output material output by the replacement processing device, and when the replacement process is performed, it is a video based on the broadcast material after replacement. The example shown in FIG. 5 is an example where a screen including the pre-replacement video 82 and the post-replacement video 83 for the replacement processing device 60-1 is displayed on the display means 40. The display control unit 21 may display on the display means 40 a screen including a video based on the input material and a video based on the output material of the replacement processing device 60-2. Also, the display control unit 21 may display on the display means 40 a screen including a video based on the input material and a video based on the output material for each of the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2.

[0050] Note that the display control device 20 can acquire the input material input to the replacement processing device (60-1, 60-2) and the output material output by the replacement processing device from the replacement processing device, for example, by RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol). In this case, the display control device 20 can acquire the input material and the output material by specifying the IP (Internet Protocol) address and port number of the input material and the output material.

[0051] The display control device 20 causes a screen including the pre-replacement video 82 and the post-replacement video 83 to be displayed on the display means 40 when, for example, the display control device 20 is activated. Further, the display control device 20 may cause a screen including the pre-replacement video 82 or the post-replacement video 83 to be displayed on the display means 40 when, for example, a video display instruction for instructing the display of the pre-replacement video 82 or the post-replacement video 83 is input. The video display instruction is input to the display control device 20, for example, in response to an operation in which a video playback application installed in the display control device 20 is activated by a user after specifying input material and output material. Further, the video display instruction may be input to the display control device 20, for example, in response to an operation in which a user selects a shortcut to the video playback application displayed on the screen being displayed by the display means 40.

[0052] The menu image 84 includes screen items for an image display instruction for instructing the display of each image. In the case of the example in FIG. 5, the menu image 84 includes a screen item (“Video / Audio Cover Control”) for a replacement control image display instruction for instructing the display of the replacement control image 81. Further, the menu image 84 includes a screen item (“LiveENC Status”) for a status display image display instruction for instructing the display of the status display image 86. Further, the menu image 84 includes a screen item (“LiveENC Settings”) for a setting image display instruction for instructing the display of the setting image 87. Further, the menu image 84 includes a screen item (“Alarm Display”) for an alarm image display instruction for instructing the display of the alarm image 85.

[0053] The replacement control image display instruction is input to the display control unit 21 in response to an operation in which a user selects a screen item for the replacement control image display instruction. When the replacement control image display instruction is input, the display control unit 21 causes an image including the replacement control image 81 to be displayed on the display means 40.

[0054] The alarm image display instruction is input to the display control unit 21 in response to an operation in which the user selects a screen item for the alarm image display instruction. When the alarm image display instruction is input, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including the alarm image 85.

[0055] The alarm image 85 includes alarm information regarding replacement control. Specifically, the alarm information includes information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the display control device 20 and the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2). Further, the alarm information may include information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2).

[0056] The information indicating an abnormality in communication includes, for example, information indicating that the response to a request (replacement control request or other request) transmitted from the display control device 20 to the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2) is abnormal. The case where the response is abnormal is, for example, when a response indicating that the request has been normally received cannot be received even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the request, or when a response indicating that the request has not been normally received is received.

[0057] When an abnormality occurs in the communication between the display control unit 21 and the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2) or in the replacement processing devices, the display control unit 21 may display a screen item for the alarm image display instruction included in the menu image 84 in a display form different from normal. For example, the display control unit 21 may change (blink) the background color of the screen item for the alarm image display instruction at predetermined intervals. Further, the display control unit 21 may perform the display in a display form different from normal on the display means 40 when the alarm image 85 is not being displayed.

[0058] The status display image display instruction is input to the display control unit 21 in response to an operation in which the user selects a screen item for the status display image display instruction. When the status display image display instruction is input, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including the status display image 86.

[0059] The status display image 86 includes information acquired from the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2). In the case of the example in FIG. 5, the status display image 86 includes, for each of the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2, information indicating whether replacement processing for video is being executed ("video cover") and information indicating whether replacement processing for audio is being executed ("audio cover").

[0060] In addition, the status display image 86 includes, for each of the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2, information indicating whether the automatic CM replacement function is enabled ("automatic CM cover"). Further, the status display image 86 may include information indicating whether a CM is being replaced by the automatic CM replacement function.

[0061] The display control device 20 requests the information included in the status display image 86 from the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2) at predetermined intervals, and causes the information obtained from the replacement processing devices to be displayed on the status display image 86.

[0062] The setting image display instruction is input to the display control unit 21 in response to an operation in which the user selects a screen item for the setting image display instruction. When the setting image display instruction is input, the display control unit 21 causes a screen including the setting image 87 to be displayed on the display means 40. The setting image 87 is an image for settings related to replacement control.

[0063] An example of the setting image 87 is shown in FIG. 6. The setting image 87 shown in FIG. 6 includes radio buttons for selecting the replacement processing device to be controlled by the display control device 20. The setting image 87 shown in FIG. 6 includes radio buttons ("1+2") for controlling both the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2, radio buttons ("1 only") for controlling only the replacement processing device 60-1, and radio buttons ("2 only") for controlling only the replacement processing device 60-2.

[0064] In addition, the setting image 87 includes radio buttons for selecting whether to enable the automatic CM replacement function. The setting image 87 shown in FIG. 6 includes a radio button ( "ON") for enabling the automatic CM replacement function and a radio button ( "OFF") for disabling the automatic CM replacement function.

[0065] In addition, the setting image 87 includes a screen item ( "Change") for reflecting the settings. When a setting reflection instruction for instructing the reflection of the settings is input, the display control device 20 reflects the setting content shown in the setting image 87 on the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2) and the display control device 20. The setting reflection instruction is input to the display control device 20 in response to an operation of the user selecting a screen item for reflecting the settings.

[0066] When a setting reflection instruction is input, the transmission unit 22 sets the replacement processing device that is the transmission destination of the replacement control request as the replacement control device of the control target selected in the setting image 87. In addition, the display control unit 21 reflects the information of the selected control target on the replacement control image 81.

[0067] In addition, when a setting reflection instruction is input, the transmission unit 22 requests the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 to enable or disable the automatic CM replacement function according to the content selected in the setting image 87. More specifically, if the radio button for enabling the automatic CM replacement function is selected in the setting image 87, the transmission unit 22 requests the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 to enable the automatic CM replacement function. Also, if the radio button for disabling the automatic CM replacement function is selected in the setting image 87, the transmission unit 22 requests the replacement processing device 60-1 and the replacement processing device 60-2 to disable the automatic CM replacement function.

[0068] By configuring the display control device 20 in this manner, the display control device 20 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for replacement control instruction, an image based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the replacement process. Further, when a replacement control instruction is input, the display control device 20 transmits a request for controlling the replacement process to the replacement processing device according to the replacement control instruction. Thereby, the display control device 20 enables the user to perform an operation for the replacement control instruction while checking the images based on the broadcast materials before and after the replacement process, so that the user can easily check the image as a result of the replacement control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when replacing broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0069] Moreover, with the configuration of the display control device 20 of the present embodiment, if there is a communication line connectable to the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2) and the display control device 20, the user can perform an operation regarding replacement and check the image of the replacement result. Therefore, the user can perform a replacement operation using the display control device 20 at various locations such as the monitoring room of the broadcast master transmission system, the program production studio, and the dedicated booth for simultaneous distribution.

[0070] Next, an operation example of the display control device 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation example regarding the replacement control image 81, the pre-replacement video 82, and the post-replacement video 83. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation example regarding the menu image 84. Further, FIG. 9 is an operation example regarding the alarm image 85. Moreover, FIG. 10 is an operation example regarding the status display image 86.

[0071] The display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including screen items for replacement control instructions, an image based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the replacement process (step S201 in FIG. 7). In the case of the example in FIG. 5, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including the replacement control image 81, the pre-replacement video 82, and the post-replacement video 83. Further, the screen to be displayed on the display means 40 includes the menu image 84. Also, the screen to be displayed on the display means 40 may include an alarm image 85 and a status display image 86.

[0072] When a replacement control instruction is input according to the user's operation on the replacement control image 81, the transmission unit 22 transmits a replacement control request to the replacement processing device to be controlled according to the replacement control instruction (step S202).

[0073] Also, when a display instruction for instructing the display of the replacement control image 81, the alarm image 85, the status display image 86, or the setting image 87 is input (step S301 in FIG. 8), the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including the image for which the display is instructed (step S302).

[0074] Also, when an abnormality occurs (step S401 in FIG. 9), the display control unit 21 updates the alarm image 85 (step S402). The abnormality is an abnormality in communication between the display control device 20 and the replacement processing devices (60-1, 60-2), or an abnormality in the replacement processing device. Then, the display means 40 is caused to display a screen including the updated alarm image 85 (step S403).

[0075] Also, the display control unit 21 acquires information regarding replacement control from the replacement processing device 60-1 or the replacement processing device 60-2 at regular intervals (step S501 in FIG. 10), and updates the status display image 86 (step S502). Then, the display control unit 21 causes the display means 40 to display a screen including the updated status display image 86 (step S503).

[0076] By operating in this manner, the display control device 20 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for the substitution control instruction, an image based on the broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the substitution process. Further, when a substitution control instruction is input, the display control device 20 transmits a request for controlling the substitution process to the substitution processing device according to the substitution control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when performing substitution of broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0077] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the display control device 20 causes the display means to display a screen including a screen item for the substitution control instruction, an image based on the broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the substitution process. Further, when a substitution control instruction is input, the display control device 20 transmits a request for controlling the substitution process to the substitution processing device according to the substitution control instruction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when performing substitution of broadcast materials in the simultaneous distribution of broadcast programs.

[0078] [Hardware Configuration Example] A configuration example of the hardware resources for realizing the display control devices (10, 20) in each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention using a single information processing device (computer) will be described. Note that the display control device may be realized by using at least two or more physical or functional information processing devices. Further, the display control device may be realized as a dedicated device or a general-purpose device may be used. Also, only some functions of the display control device may be realized using an information processing device.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a hardware configuration example of an information processing device capable of realizing the display control device of each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, an arithmetic device 93, a storage device 94, a non-volatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

[0080] For example, the display control unit 11 in FIG. 1 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 93. Also, the transmission unit 12 in FIG. 1 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 93 and the communication interface 91.

[0081] The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the display control device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device by at least one of wired and wireless means. When the display control device is realized using at least two information processing devices, they may be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication interface 91.

[0082] The input / output interface 92 is a man-machine interface such as a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

[0083] The arithmetic unit 93 is realized by, for example, an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, or a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic unit 93 can, for example, read various programs stored in the non-volatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and execute processing according to the read programs.

[0084] The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be referred to by the arithmetic unit 93, and stores programs and various data. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

[0085] The non-volatile storage device 95 is a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and can store various programs and data.

[0086] The drive device 96 is a device that processes, for example, reading and writing of data recorded on a recording medium 97 described later.

[0087] The recording medium 97 is an arbitrary recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor flash memory, or the like.

[0088] Each embodiment of the present invention may be implemented, for example, by configuring a display control device with the information processing device 90 illustrated in FIG. 11 and supplying a program capable of realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments to this display control device.

[0089] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by the arithmetic unit 93 executing the program supplied to the display control device. Also, it is possible to configure not all but some of the functions of the display control device with the information processing device 90.

[0090] Furthermore, the above program may be recorded on the recording medium 97 and configured such that the above program is appropriately stored in the nonvolatile storage device 95 at the shipping stage or the operation stage of the display control device. In this case, as the method for supplying the above program, a method of installing it into the display control device using an appropriate jig may be adopted at the manufacturing stage before shipping or the operation stage. Also, as the method for supplying the above program, a general procedure such as a method of downloading from the outside via a communication line such as the Internet may be adopted.

[0091] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0092] (Appended Claim 1) A screen item for a substitution control instruction for instructing start or stop of a substitution process for substituting a broadcast material being distributed with a broadcast material for substitution, an image based on the broadcast material before the substitution process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the substitution process, a display control unit that causes a display means to display a screen including the above, A transmission unit that, when the substitution control instruction is input, transmits a request for control of the substitution process to a substitution processing device that executes the substitution process in accordance with the substitution control instruction A display control device comprising

[0093] (Appendix 2) The screen further includes an alarm image that displays alarm information including information indicating communication with the replacement processing device or an abnormality occurring in the replacement processing device. The display control device according to Appendix 1.

[0094] (Appendix 3) The screen includes a menu image including a screen item for an alarm image display instruction that instructs the display of the alarm image. When communication with the replacement processing device or an abnormality occurs in the replacement processing device, the display control unit causes the display means to display the screen item for the alarm image display instruction in a display form different from normal. The display control device according to Appendix 2.

[0095] (Appendix 4) The screen includes a status display image including information indicating whether the replacement processing device is executing the replacement processing. The display control unit acquires the information included in the status display image from the replacement processing device and reflects the obtained information in the status display image. The display control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3.

[0096] (Appendix 5) The status display image further includes at least one of information indicating whether the automatic CM replacement function is valid and information indicating whether the CM is being replaced by the automatic CM replacement function. The display control device according to Appendix 4.

[0097] (Appendix 6) The screen includes a setting image for selecting the replacement processing device to be controlled. The transmission unit sets the replacement processing device that is the transmission destination of the control request for the replacement processing as the replacement processing device to be controlled selected by the setting image. The display control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0098] (Supplementary Note 7) The substitution processing device is an encoder for live distribution in simultaneous distribution with broadcasting. The display control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0099] (Supplementary Note 8) A screen item for a substitution control instruction for instructing the start or stop of substitution processing for substituting a broadcast material being distributed with a broadcast material for substitution, a video based on the broadcast material before the substitution processing, and a video based on the broadcast material after the substitution processing are displayed on a display means. When the substitution control instruction is input, a request for control of the substitution processing is transmitted to a substitution processing device that executes the substitution processing according to the substitution control instruction. Display control method.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 9) The screen further includes an alarm image for displaying alarm information including information indicating communication with the substitution processing device or an abnormality occurring in the substitution processing device. The display control method according to Supplementary Note 8.

[0101] (Supplementary Note 10) The screen includes a menu image including a screen item for an alarm image display instruction for instructing the display of the alarm image. When an abnormality occurs in communication with the substitution processing device or in the substitution processing device, the screen item for the alarm image display instruction is displayed on the display means in a display form different from normal. The display control method according to Supplementary Note 9.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 11) The screen includes a status display image including information indicating whether the substitution processing device is executing the substitution processing. Information included in the status display image is acquired from the substitution processing device, and the acquired information is reflected in the status display image. The display control method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 10.

[0103] (Supplementary Note 12) The status display image further includes at least one of information indicating whether the automatic CM replacement function is valid and information indicating whether a CM is being replaced by the automatic CM replacement function. The display control method described in Supplementary Note 11.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 13) The screen includes a setting image for selecting the replacement processing device to be controlled, The replacement processing device that is the destination of the request for control of the replacement processing is set as the replacement processing device to be controlled selected by the setting image. The display control method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 12.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 14) The replacement processing device is an encoder for live distribution in simultaneous distribution with broadcasting. The display control method described in any one of Supplementary Notes 8 to 13.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 15) To a computer, A screen item for a replacement control instruction for instructing the start or stop of a replacement process for replacing a broadcast material being distributed with a broadcast material for replacement, an image based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and an image based on the broadcast material after the replacement process are displayed on a display means by a display control function; When the replacement control instruction is input, a transmission function for transmitting a request for control of the replacement process to a replacement processing device that executes the replacement process according to the replacement control instruction A display control program for realizing.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 16) The screen further includes an alarm image that displays alarm information including communication with the replacement processing device or information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the replacement processing device. The display control program according to Supplementary Note 15.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 17) The screen includes a menu image including a screen item for an alarm image display instruction that instructs the display of the alarm image. When communication with the replacement processing device or an abnormality occurs in the replacement processing device, the display control function causes the screen item for the alarm image display instruction to be displayed on the display means in a display form different from normal. The display control program according to Supplementary Note 16.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 18) The screen includes a status display image including information indicating whether the replacement processing device is executing the replacement process. The display control function acquires the information included in the status display image from the replacement processing device and reflects the obtained information in the status display image. The display control program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 17.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 19) The status display image further includes at least one of information indicating whether the automatic CM replacement function is valid and information indicating whether the CM is being replaced by the automatic CM replacement function. The display control program according to Supplementary Note 18.

[0111] (Supplementary Note 20) The screen includes a setting image for selecting the replacement processing device to be controlled. The transmission function sets the replacement processing device that is the transmission destination of the control request for the replacement process as the replacement processing device to be controlled selected in the setting image. The display control program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 19.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 21) The substitution processing device is an encoder for live distribution in simultaneous distribution with a broadcast. The display control program according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 20.

[0113] As described above, the invention of the present application has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the invention of the present application is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the invention of the present application within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0114] 10, 20 Display control device 11, 21 Display control unit 12, 22 Transmission unit 40 Display means 50 Input source device 60-1, 60-2 Substitution processing device 70 Distribution platform 90 Information processing device 91 Communication interface 92 Input / output interface 93 Arithmetic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile storage device 96 Drive device 97 Recording medium

Claims

1. A screen item for instructing start or stop of replacement control for replacing a currently distributed broadcast material with a replacement broadcast material, a video based on the broadcast material before the replacement process, and a video based on the broadcast material after the replacement process, and a display control unit that causes a display means to display a screen including the same; A transmission unit that, when the replacement control instruction is input, transmits a request for control of the replacement process to a replacement processing device that executes the replacement process according to the replacement control instruction A display control device comprising:

2. The screen further includes an alarm image that displays alarm information including communication with the replacement processing device or information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the replacement processing device The display control device according to claim 1.

3. The screen includes a menu image including a screen item for an alarm image display instruction for instructing display of the alarm image, The display control unit changes a background color of the screen item for the alarm image display instruction at predetermined intervals when communication with the replacement processing device or an abnormality occurs in the replacement processing device The display control device according to claim 2.

4. The screen includes a status display image including information indicating whether the replacement processing device is executing the replacement process, The display control unit acquires information included in the status display image from the replacement processing device and reflects the obtained information in the status display image The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The status display image further includes at least one of information indicating whether the automatic CM replacement function is valid and information indicating whether a CM is being replaced by the automatic CM replacement function The display control device according to claim 4.

6. The screen includes a setting image for selecting the replacement processing device to be controlled, The transmission unit sets the replacement processing device that is the transmission destination of the request for control of the replacement process as the replacement processing device to be controlled selected by the setting image The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The replacement processing device is an encoder for live distribution in simultaneous distribution with a broadcast The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A screen item for a substitution control instruction for instructing start or stop of a substitution process for substituting a currently distributed broadcast material with a broadcast material for substitution, a video based on the broadcast material before the substitution process, and a video based on the broadcast material after the substitution process are displayed on a display means. When the substitution control instruction is input, a request for control of the substitution process is transmitted to a substitution processing device that executes the substitution process in response to the substitution control instruction. A display control method.

9. The screen further includes an alarm image that displays alarm information including communication with the substitution processing device or information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the substitution processing device. The display control method according to claim 8.

10. On a computer, A display control function for causing a display means to display a screen item for a substitution control instruction for instructing start or stop of a substitution process for substituting a currently distributed broadcast material with a broadcast material for substitution, a video based on the broadcast material before the substitution process, and a video based on the broadcast material after the substitution process, A transmission function for transmitting a request for control of the substitution process to a substitution processing device that executes the substitution process in response to the substitution control instruction when the substitution control instruction is input A display control program for realizing.

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