Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To achieve both ensuring continuity of broadcasting and reducing power consumption when reducing power consumption of a multiplexed broadcasting system.SOLUTION: A control device includes state determining means for determining the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled, and state processing means for causing the broadcasting system to perform video processing and check the operation at the time of program switching indicated by program switching timing information when it is determined that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] It is proposed to cut power to parts of the broadcasting or communications equipment. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of saving power by not supplying power to the various parts of a receiver that receives and plays back terrestrial digital broadcast signals multiplexed with emergency broadcast information, while supplying power to the circuitry of the signal receiving section to put it into standby mode for emergency broadcasts.

[0003] Patent document 2 also describes that in the event of a power outage, power supply to the backup system of a communication system that transmits broadcast signals is stopped depending on the circumstances of the power outage, and further, power consumption is reduced by degenerating the configuration of the transmission equipment. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes reducing power consumption by turning off the power amplifier of a standby transmission unit of a wireless communication device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-045830 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-259156 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-027173 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When reducing the power consumption of a multiplexed broadcasting system, it is preferable to ensure the continuity of broadcasting while reducing power consumption.

[0006] An example of an object of the present invention is to provide a control device, a control method, and a program that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a control device comprises a state determination means for determining the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled, and a state processing means for, if it is determined that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, causing the broadcasting system to perform video processing and perform operation confirmation at the time of program switching indicated in program switching timing information.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control method includes a computer determining the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled, and if it is determined that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, causing the broadcasting system to perform video processing and perform operation confirmation at the time of program switching indicated in program switching timing information.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the program causes a computer to determine the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled, and if it is determined that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, to have the broadcasting system perform video processing at the time of program switching indicated in program switching timing information to confirm operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when reducing the power consumption of a multiplexed broadcasting system, it is possible to ensure the continuity of broadcasting while also reducing the power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a master system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an output system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation timing of the master system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which an operational state processing device according to an embodiment controls power saving of a master system; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in which an operational status processing device according to an embodiment controls a health check of a master system. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in a control method according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a broadcasting system according to an embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the broadcasting system 1 includes a triplexed master system 11 and an output system 12.

[0013] The master system 11 receives input such as video, generates a broadcast signal, and outputs it to the output system 12 . The operational status of one of the three master systems is set to the operational system, another to the standby system, and yet another to the spare system.

[0014] The master system 11 in operation generates a broadcast signal and outputs it to the output system 12 as described above. The standby master system 11 operates in the same manner as the active master system 11 in hot standby mode.

[0015] Meanwhile, the standby master system 11 stops video processing. By stopping video processing while leaving the power of the standby master system 11 on, power consumption can be reduced and video processing can be quickly resumed when the operating state is switched. The standby master system 11 also performs an operation check (health check).

[0016] When distinguishing between the three master systems, they are referred to as master system 11-1, master system 11-2, and master system 11-3. The output system 12 selects and outputs the signal from the active master system 11 among the broadcast signals output from the triplicate master systems 11.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the master system 11. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the master system 11 includes a master switcher 110, an ancillary inserter (ANC / INS) 120, an HD encoder (HC ENC) 131, an SD encoder (SD ENC) 132, a 1-segment encoder (1-segment ENC) 133, a multiplexer (MUX) 140, a scrambler (SCR) 150, and an operation state processing device 160.

[0018] The master switcher 110 includes a multi-format matrix switcher (MTX) 111, a mixer / keyer, downstream keyer (MK / DSK) 112, and a net system 113.

[0019] The operational status processing device 160 includes an associated system recording unit 161 , an operational status detection unit 162 , and a status processing unit 163 . A synchronization signal is also input to the master system 11. This allows the master system 11 to operate in synchronization with other systems or devices.

[0020] The master switcher 110 and the ancillary inserter 120 process SDI (Serial Digital Interface) signals. The multi-format matrix switcher 111 switches between multiple signals. For example, the multi-format matrix switcher 111 receives input of program content from a content server, camera images from studio cameras and information cameras, and insert images such as text, weather icons, and emergency earthquake warning map images in the event of an earthquake, and switches between these images.

[0021] The mixer / keyer / downstream key 112 combines two or more images and superimposes breaking news or clock information during live television broadcasting. The network system 113 generates a signal for broadcasting on a nationwide network. The ancillary inserter 120 detects an inter-station control signal defined in the standard ARIB STD-B39.

[0022] The HD encoder 131, SD encoder 132, 1-segment encoder 133, multiplexer 140, and scrambler 150 process broadcast TS (Transport Stream) signals. The HD encoder 131, SD encoder 132, and 1-segment encoder 133 are all video encoders, and convert input video signals into signals conforming to the respective standards. The multiplexer 140 multiplexes the broadcast TS signals. The scrambler 150 encrypts the signal for broadcast.

[0023] The operational status processing device 160 detects whether the operational status of the master system 11 to which the operational status processing device 160 itself belongs is an operational system, a standby system, or a spare system, and performs processing according to the operational status. The belonging system recording unit 161 receives a setting as to which of the master systems 11-1, 11-2, and 11-3 the operation status processing device 160 belongs to, and stores the set information.

[0024] The operation status detection unit 162 detects whether the operation status of the master system 11 to which the operation status processing device 160 belongs is an operation system, a standby system, or a spare system. The operational state detection unit 162 is an example of a state determination means. The status processing unit 163 performs processing according to the operational status of the master system 11 to which the operational status processing unit 160 belongs.

[0025] For example, when the operational status of the master system 11 to which the operational status processing device 160 belongs is the standby system, the status processing unit 163 stops the video processing of the master system 11. By stopping the video processing while leaving the power of the standby master system 11 on, the status processing unit 163 reduces power consumption and allows the video processing to be quickly resumed when the operational status is switched.

[0026] When the master system 11 is in power saving mode, for example, the state processing unit 163 may stop image switching, image composition, image insertion, and other processes performed by the multi-format matrix switcher 111 and the mixer / keyer / downstream key 112.

[0027] In addition, when the master system 11 is in power saving mode, the state processing unit 163 may stop the video and audio compression processing, packetization (Packetized Elementary Stream; PES) processing, and broadcast TS signaling processing by the HD encoder 131, SD encoder 132, and 1-segment encoder 133. Furthermore, when the master system 11 is in power saving mode, the state processing unit 163 may stop the multiplexer 140 from multiplexing the broadcast TS signal.

[0028] Furthermore, when the operational status of the master system 11 to which the operational status processing device 160 belongs is the standby system, the status processing unit 163 causes an operation for a health check to be performed. The status processing unit 163 also receives an external command to forcibly turn on operation. When the status processing unit 163 detects a command to forcibly turn on operation, the status processing unit 163 resumes video processing and causes the master system 11 to which the operation status processing device 160 belongs to to perform the same operation as the master system 11 in the active system, even if the active system is in the standby system operating state.

[0029] Whether the forced operation is on or off is indicated, for example, by the value of a forced operation flag. The state processing unit 163 may cause the master system 11 to perform video processing while the value of the forced operation flag is "on." Furthermore, the status processing unit 163 causes the standby master system 11 to operate normally during an emergency broadcast. A forced operation flag may be set to ON during an emergency broadcast. Alternatively, the status processing unit 163 may acquire information indicating the time of an emergency broadcast separately from the forced operation flag. The state processing unit 163 is an example of a state processing means. The operational status processing device 160 is an example of a control device. The master system 11 is an example of a broadcasting system that is the object of control by the control device.

[0030] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the output system 12. In the configuration shown in FIG. The first switcher 210 selects a broadcast signal output from the active master system 11 among the broadcast signals output from the scrambler 150 of the master system 11. The first switcher 210 outputs the selected signal to an STL (Studio To Transmitter Link) line.

[0031] The second switcher 220 selects a broadcast signal output from the active master system 11 among the nationwide broadcast signals output from the network system 113 of the master system 11. The second switcher 220 outputs the selected signal to the downstream station.

[0032] The standby master system 11 may be configured to perform a health check operation under the control of the status processor 163 when a program is switched. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation timing of the master system 11. In the example of Fig. 4, the program is switched from a national network broadcast to local news at 6:45, and then from local news to a national network broadcast at 7:00.

[0033] Both the active master system 11 and the standby master system 11 constantly perform video processing to generate and output broadcast signals. On the other hand, the standby master system 11 performs video processing for a health check when a program is switched, and generates and outputs a broadcast signal. For example, the standby master system 11 switches from power-saving mode to normal mode a predetermined time before the program is switched, performs video processing, and generates and outputs a broadcast signal. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the program is switched, the standby master system 11 switches from normal mode to power-saving mode and stops video processing. It is expected that the master system 11 will perform more processing when switching between programs than when a program is being broadcast. By having the standby master system 11 perform a health check when switching between programs, it is expected that the operation of more functions can be checked.

[0034] The program switching timing is indicated in the program guide. The status processing unit 163 may acquire program guide data from a server device that manages the program guide, and cause the standby master system 11 to perform a health check operation in accordance with the program switching timing indicated in the program guide. This corresponds to an example of program change timing information.

[0035] It is possible that programs may be switched frequently during certain time periods. In this case, if the standby master system 11 performs a health check every time a program is switched, this will result in unnecessary power consumption. Therefore, the state processing unit 163 may be configured to suppress frequent health checks of the standby master system 11.

[0036] For example, the status processing unit 163 may be provided with a timer so that the standby master system 11 is not allowed to perform a health check again until a predetermined time has elapsed since the standby master system 11 performed a health check. Alternatively, the status processing unit 163 may select a program switching timing at which the standby master system 11 is allowed to perform a health check from among the program switching timings shown in the program guide. Alternatively, the status processor 163 may cause the standby master system 11 to perform a health check at regular intervals regardless of the timing of program switching.

[0037] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in which the operational status processing device 160 controls the power saving of the master system 11. The operational status processing device 160 periodically repeats the processing of FIG. In the process of FIG. 5, the operation state detection unit 162 determines whether the operation state of the master system 11 to which the operation state processing device 160 belongs is the standby system (step S101).

[0038] If the operation status detection unit 162 determines that the operating status of the master system 11 is not the standby system (step S101: NO), the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform normal operation (step S131). In particular, the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform video processing and output a broadcast signal. The state in which the master system 11 performs normal operation is also referred to as a video processing execution state. After step S131, the operational state processing device 160 ends the processing of FIG.

[0039] On the other hand, if the operation status detection unit 162 determines in step S101 that the operation status of the master system 11 is the standby system (step S101: YES), the status processing unit 163 determines whether the forced operation flag is on (step S111).If the status processing unit 163 determines that the forced operation flag is on (step S111: YES), the process proceeds to step S131.

[0040] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that the forced operation flag is not on (step S111: NO), the state processing unit 163 stops the video processing of the master system 11 (step S121). The state in which the master system 11 stops the video processing is also referred to as a power saving state. After step S121, the operational state processing device 160 ends the processing of FIG.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in which the operational status processing device 160 controls the health check of the master system 11. For example, when the operational status of the master system 11 to which the operational status processing device 160 itself belongs is the standby system, the operational status processing device 160 performs the processing of Fig. 6 at a predetermined time before program switching. In the processing of FIG. 6, the state processing unit 163 determines whether or not the forced operation flag is on (step S201).

[0042] If it is determined that the forced operation flag is not on (step S201: NO), the state processing unit 163 activates a health check timer (step S211). The health check timer is a timer for causing the master system 11 to continue a health check for a certain period of time.

[0043] Next, the state processing unit 163 sets the forced operation flag to ON (step S212). Then, the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform a health check (step S213). Specifically, the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform normal operation and determine whether or not there is an abnormality. In particular, the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform video processing and output a broadcast signal.

[0044] Next, the status processing unit 163 determines whether the health check timer has expired (step S221). If the status processing unit 163 determines that the health check timer has not expired (step S221: NO), the process returns to step S213. In this case, the status processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to continue performing the health check.

[0045] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S221 that the health check timer has expired (step S221: YES), the status processing unit 163 ends the health check of the master system 11 and determines whether the health check result is normal (step S231).If it is determined that the health check result is normal (step S231: YES), the status processing unit 163 sets the forced operation flag to OFF (step S251). After step S251, the operational state processing device 160 ends the processing of FIG.

[0046] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S231 that the health check result is not normal (step S231: YES), the status processing unit 163 leaves the forced operation flag on and causes the master system 11 to perform normal operation such as video processing (step S241). It is expected that by having the master system 11 perform normal operation, it will be possible to detect abnormalities such as the occurrence of an error. After step S241, the operational state processing device 160 ends the processing of FIG. On the other hand, if the state processing unit 163 determines that the forced flag is on in step S201 (step S201: YES), the process proceeds to step S241. In this case, the state processing unit 163 causes the master system 11 to perform normal operation in accordance with the forced operation flag.

[0047] As described above, the operation state detection unit 162 determines the operation state of the master system 11 to be controlled. If the state processing unit 163 determines that the operating state of the master system 11 is a state in which video processing is stopped, it causes the master system 11 to execute video processing and check its operation when a program is switched as shown in the program guide.

[0048] It is expected that the master system 11 will perform more processing when switching programs than when the program is being broadcast. By having the standby master system 11 perform a health check when switching programs, it is expected that the operation of more functions can be confirmed. In this respect, the operational status processing device 160 can ensure both the continuity of broadcasting and the reduction of power consumption when reducing the power consumption of the multiplexed master system 11.

[0049] Furthermore, after having the master system 11 perform an operation check, the state processing unit 163 stops the master system 11 from performing the operation check again for a predetermined time. This allows the operational status processing device 160 to avoid frequent checks of the operation of the master system 11, which would waste power.

[0050] Furthermore, the state processing unit 163 selects a program change timing from among the program change timings shown in the program guide at which the master system 11 is to execute video processing and check its operation. This allows the operational status processing device 160 to avoid frequent checks of the operation of the master system 11, which would waste power.

[0051] Furthermore, when the operating state of the master system 11 is a state in which video processing is stopped, the state processing unit 163 controls the master system 11 so that the power of the master system 11 remains on and video processing is stopped. As a result, the operating state processing device 160 can reduce the power consumption of the master system 11 and can quickly resume video processing when the operating state is switched.

[0052] 7 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. With this configuration, the state determination unit 611 determines the operating state of the broadcasting system to be controlled. If the state processing unit 612 determines that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, the state processing unit 612 causes the broadcasting system to execute video processing at the time of program switching indicated in the program switching timing information, thereby checking the operation. The state determination unit 611 is an example of a state determination means, and the state processing unit 612 is an example of a state processing means.

[0053] It is expected that the broadcasting system will perform more processing when switching between programs than when the program is still being broadcast. By having the broadcasting system perform a health check when switching between programs, it is expected that the operation of more functions can be confirmed. In this respect, the control device 610 can ensure both the continuity of broadcasting and the reduction of power consumption when reducing the power consumption of a multiplexed broadcasting system.

[0054] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a processing procedure in the control method according to the embodiment. The control method shown in FIG. 8 includes performing a state determination (step S611) and performing a state process (step S612). In performing state determination (step S611), the computer determines the operating state of the broadcasting system to be controlled. In performing state processing (step S612), if the computer determines that the operating state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, the computer causes the broadcasting system to execute video processing at the time of program switching indicated in the program switching timing information to check the operation.

[0055] It is expected that the broadcasting system will perform more processing when switching between programs than when the program is still being broadcast. By having the broadcasting system perform a health check when switching between programs, it is expected that the operation of more functions can be confirmed. In this respect, the control method shown in Figure 8 can ensure both the continuity of broadcasting and the reduction of power consumption when reducing the power consumption of a multiplexed broadcasting system.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9, a computer 700 includes a CPU 710, a main memory device 720, an auxiliary memory device 730, an interface 740, and a non-volatile recording medium 750.

[0057] One or more of the multi-format matrix switcher 111, mixer / keyer / downstream keyer 112, network system 113, ancillary inserter 120, HD encoder 131, SD encoder 132, 1-segment encoder 133, multiplexer 140, scrambler 150, and operational status processing device 160, or a portion thereof, may be implemented in a computer 700. In this case, the operations of these devices are stored in the auxiliary storage device 730 in the form of a program. The CPU 710 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 730, loads it into the main storage device 720, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The CPU 710 also allocates storage areas in the main storage device 720 for these devices to perform processing in accordance with the program. Communication between each device and other devices is performed by an interface 740 having a communication function and communicating under the control of the CPU 710. The interface 740 also has a port for a nonvolatile recording medium 750 , and reads information from the nonvolatile recording medium 750 and writes information to the nonvolatile recording medium 750 .

[0058] One or more of the above-described programs may be recorded on nonvolatile recording medium 750. In this case, interface 740 may read the programs from nonvolatile recording medium 750. CPU 710 may then directly execute the programs read by interface 740, or may temporarily store the programs in main storage device 720 or auxiliary storage device 730 and then execute them.

[0059] Note that the processing of each unit may be performed by recording a program on a computer-readable recording medium for executing all or part of the processing performed by the multi-format matrix switcher 111, mixer-keyer / downstream key 112, net system 113, ancillary inserter 120, HD encoder 131, SD encoder 132, 1-segment encoder 133, multiplexer 140, scrambler 150, and operational status processing device 160. The program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS (Operating System) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs (Read Only Memory), and CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be one that realizes part of the aforementioned functions, or may be one that can realize the aforementioned functions in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0060] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Broadcasting System 11 Master System 12 Output System 160 Operational status processing device 161 Affiliated System Records Department 162 Operational status detection unit 163, 612 State processing unit 610 Control device 611 Status determination unit

Claims

1. a state determination means for determining the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled; a status processing means for causing the broadcasting system to execute video processing and check its operation when a program change indicated by program change timing information occurs, when the operating status of the broadcasting system is determined to be a state in which video processing is stopped; A control device comprising:

2. the status processing means, after having caused the broadcasting system to perform an operation check, stops causing the broadcasting system to perform the operation check again for a predetermined time; The control device according to claim 1 .

3. the state processing means selects a program change timing at which the broadcasting system should execute video processing and check its operation from among the program change timings indicated in the program change timing information; The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the state processing means causes the broadcasting system to execute video processing to check its operation from a predetermined time before the program change to a predetermined time after the program change, and when the operating state of the broadcasting system is in a state where video processing is stopped other than from a predetermined time before the program change to a predetermined time after the program change, controls the broadcasting system to stop the video processing while keeping the power of the broadcasting system on. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The computer determining the operating state of the broadcasting system to be controlled; If it is determined that the operation state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, the broadcasting system is caused to execute video processing at the time of program switching indicated by the program switching timing information, thereby checking the operation. A control method comprising:

6. On the computer, Determining the operating state of a broadcasting system to be controlled; when it is determined that the operation state of the broadcasting system is a state in which video processing is stopped, making the broadcasting system execute video processing at the time of program switching indicated by program switching timing information to check the operation; A program to execute.

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