JP3109517B2 - Transmitter, receiver, and transmission system using them - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus that handle digital signals for transmitting digital video and audio signals, and a transmission system including these apparatuses.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting signals such as digital video and audio have been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-270430. FIG. 31 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a transmission system using a conventional digital signal transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus. In FIG. 31, reference numeral 103 denotes a synthesizing circuit, which is supplied to a digital audio signal input terminal 101.
Bit length data and control signal input terminal 102
Are rearranged in a predetermined order for each bit data of a plurality of control signals supplied to the control signals. Reference numeral 104 denotes an encoding circuit. The encoding circuit 104 generates an 8-bit error detection and correction code for a total of 17 bits of data, and adds it to a predetermined area to generate 25-bit serial data.
Reference numeral 105 denotes a modulation / synchronization adding circuit. The 25-bit serial data is input. In the modulation / synchronization adding circuit 105, first, a parity check bit P is generated and added, and then bi-phase mark modulation is performed. Further, a preamble SYNC as a synchronizing signal is added and the data is output as formatted data. The terminals 101 and 102 and the circuits 103 and 1
The digital signal transmitting apparatus A is constituted by the elements 04 and 105.

A transmission line 106 uses a coaxial cable or an optical fiber cable. Reference numeral 107 denotes a synchronization detection / demodulation circuit to which data transmitted via the transmission path 106 is input. Here, the synchronization preamble signal SYN
When C is detected, a clock is extracted, and demodulation is performed using this clock. The demodulated data is subjected to error detection using the parity check bit P. 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes a decoding circuit. The decoding circuit 108 corrects errors occurring on the transmission path 106 by using an error correction code check, and interpolates, as necessary, errors that can be detected but cannot be corrected. Output a flag for performing such processing.

Reference numeral 109 denotes a separation circuit which separates a digital audio sample from a control signal.
Output from the respective output terminals 110 and 111. Each of the above circuits 107, 108, 109 and terminal 110,
The digital signal receiving device B is constituted by 111.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional transmission system, a large number of information signals cannot be included in one set information unit, and the information signals cannot be transmitted efficiently. Therefore, the transmission apparatus or the transmission method, the reception apparatus or the reception method, and the transmission system or the transmission method including the same according to the present invention can include a large number of information signals in one aggregate information unit, and efficiently transmit the information signals. The purpose is to:

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a transmitting apparatus according to the present invention compresses an information amount of an input information signal and outputs the information signal in a fixed information unit. A synchronizing signal adding means for collecting a plurality of output signals and adding one synchronizing signal thereto is provided, and the output signal of the synchronizing signal adding means is transmitted.

On the other hand, a receiving apparatus according to the present invention receives a synchronization signal and a plurality of units of compressed information signals as one aggregate information unit, and removes synchronization signals from the received signals. And a decompression means for decompressing the compressed video signal of the output signal of the synchronization signal removal means for each unit. A transmission system was constructed with such a transmitting device and a receiving device.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a discrete cosine, which is a kind of orthogonal transform, for each input digital video input signal in a fixed information unit of one block (one block = 77 bytes in the present embodiment). Discrete cosine transform means (DCT) for transforming (converting spatial coordinate values to frequency) and outputting the result
(Discrete Cosine Transform) means, which uses the property that pixel values (eg, luminance values) of video signals that were randomly distributed before conversion by the means are converted into large terms in low-frequency terms after conversion. Then, an information compression operation can be performed by an operation of removing a high-frequency term later.
Reference numeral 2 denotes an input output signal of the discrete cosine transform means 1
This is quantization means for performing quantization (terminating the word length) for each block, and performing an operation of dividing each coefficient of the output signal of the discrete cosine transform means 1 by a certain divisor (quantization step) and rounding the remainder. is there. 3 is the input quantizing means 2
Is a variable-length encoding means for converting the output signal of the quantization means 2 into a variable-length code. The output signal of the quantization means 2 is determined in advance on the basis of an appearance probability or the like. Convert. A compression means 4 for compressing the information amount of the digital video signal input by the discrete cosine transform means 1, the quantization means 2, and the variable length coding means 3 and outputting the compressed information amount for each block which is a constant information unit. I have. Reference numeral 5 denotes a synchronizing signal adding means for collecting input blocks of output signals of the variable length coding means for a plurality of blocks and adding a synchronizing signal thereto. The information is output (transmitted) to the coaxial cable 6, which is a transmission path, as an aggregate information unit.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a synchronizing signal removing means for removing a synchronizing signal from the input (received) signal of one set information unit. Reference numeral 8 denotes a variable-length decoding unit that decodes the input output signal (variable-length code) of the synchronization signal removing unit 7 into a digital signal before being subjected to variable-length encoding. (Long code) is decoded into a digital video signal before being subjected to variable-length coding according to a rule determined in advance based on an appearance probability or the like.

Reference numeral 9 denotes an inverse quantization of the input output signal of the variable length decoding means 8 for each block (returning the word length to the original value).
, And applies a quantization step to each coefficient of the output signal of the variable length decoding means 8 for each block. Reference numeral 10 denotes a discrete cosine inverse transform unit (IDCT (Inverse Discrete Discrete Unit) that outputs the input output signal of the inverse quantization unit 9 by performing a discrete cosine inverse transform (converting a frequency to a spatial coordinate value) and outputting the result.
rete Cosine Transform). The variable length decoding means 8, the inverse quantization means 9, and the inverse discrete cosine transform means 10 constitute a decompression means 11.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method of the present invention, one synchronizing signal and a plurality of video signals which are information signals of one block which is a fixed information unit are collected.
This is output (transmitted) as one set information unit. In the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method according to the present embodiment, a digital video signal is used as an information signal, and the information amount of the digital video signal is compressed.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention, one synchronization signal and one information unit which is a fixed information unit are used.
A plurality of video signals, which are block information signals, are collected and input (received) as one set information unit. In the receiving apparatus or the receiving method according to the present embodiment, a digital video signal is used as an information signal, and the digital video signal is expanded.

A transmission system or a transmission method is constituted by such a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method via a transmission line. The transmission system or the transmission method as described above, and the data format transmitted and received by the transmission device or the transmission method and the reception device or the reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit. In FIG. 2A, the information signal a (video signal a), the information signal b (video signal b), the information signal c (video signal c), and the information signal d (video signal d) represent the information amount of the video input signal. Compressed and blocked,
It represents an information signal of one block. A plurality of information signals of one block are collected, and one synchronizing signal is added thereto to form a signal of one set information unit. Note that FIG.
In FIG. 2A, the synchronization signal and the information signal do not occupy all of one set information unit, but as shown in FIG. 2B, the synchronization signal and the information signal occupy all of one set information unit. It may be. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), a synchronization signal, an information signal, and other necessary information other than the video signal itself are included as auxiliary data signals in one set information unit, and transmission / reception is performed for each set information unit. It doesn't matter.

With such a configuration, a large number of information signals can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. In the present embodiment, the compression means 4 is constituted by the discrete cosine transform means 1, the quantization means 2, and the variable length coding means 3, but any other means may be used as long as it can compress the information signal.

In the present embodiment, a coaxial cable is used as the transmission path. However, the transmission path may be another cable such as an optical fiber, a parallel feeder, another conductor, or a wireless cable such as a communication. In the present embodiment,
Although a video signal is used as an information signal, similar effects can be obtained with other information signals.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. is there. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 12 denotes an error correction code for a video signal for each block which is a constant information unit of the input output signal of the variable length coding means 3.
This is an ECC (error correction code) encoder that adds e), and the receiving apparatus detects or corrects a code error based on the error correction code. In this embodiment, a Reed-Solomon code is used as an error correction code. 1
Reference numeral 3 denotes a synchronizing signal adding unit that collects the input output signals of the ECC encoder 12 for a plurality of blocks and adds a synchronizing signal to the collected signals. The data is output (transmitted) to the coaxial cable 6, which is a transmission path, as a unit.

An ECC (error correction) 14 detects and corrects an error in the coded video signal based on an error correction code for each block, which is a constant information unit of the input output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7. code) decoder. Reference numeral 15 denotes a variable-length decoding unit that decodes the input output signal (variable-length code) of the ECC decoder 14 into a digital signal before being subjected to variable-length coding.
4 is decoded into a digital video signal before being subjected to variable-length coding in accordance with a rule determined in advance based on an appearance probability or the like.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method of the present invention, the compression means 4 for compressing the information amount of the video signal which is the input information signal and outputting the compressed information amount for each fixed information unit.
An ECC encoder 12 that collects output units of the compression means 4 in units of n (n is a natural number of 1 or more and n = 1 in this embodiment) and adds an error correction code;
A synchronizing signal adding means 13 for collecting a plurality of output signals of the C encoder 12 and adding one synchronizing signal thereto;
And transmitting the output signal of the synchronization signal adding means 13. In further summary, a predetermined unit of information signal (in this embodiment, one block of video signal) is represented by n
Unit (n is a natural number of 1 or more, and in this embodiment, n
= 1), an error correction signal is added to each of them to form a small set information unit, and one synchronization signal and a plurality of information signals of this small set information unit are transmitted as one set information unit. And

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention, one synchronizing signal and a video signal which is a plurality of units of compressed information signals are received as one aggregate information unit, and among the received signals, A synchronizing signal removing unit for removing the synchronizing signal, and an ECC for correcting an error of the video signal based on the error correcting code for each small information unit of the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing unit to which the error correcting code is added. The decoder includes a decoder 14 and a decompression unit 11 that decompresses a compressed video signal among output signals of the ECC decoder 14 in units of one unit. In more detail, a signal obtained by collecting one synchronization signal and a plurality of information signals of a certain information unit is received as one aggregate information unit, and an information signal of a predetermined unit (in this embodiment, one block of one block) is received. The video signal) is configured to perform signal error correction based on the error correction code for each unit to which the error correction signal is added (in this embodiment, for each block).

The transmission system or the transmission method is constituted by the transmission device or the transmission method and the reception device or the reception method via the transmission path. The data format transmitted and received by the transmission system or the transmission method as described above and the transmission device or the transmission method and the reception device or the reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit. In FIG. 4A, the information signal a (video signal a), the information signal b (video signal b), the information signal c (video signal c), and the information signal d (video signal d) represent the information amount of the video input signal. Compressed and blocked,
It represents an information signal of one block. A plurality of signals obtained by adding an error correction signal (error correction code) to each of the information signals of one block are collected, and one synchronizing signal is added thereto to form a signal of one aggregate information unit. In FIG. 4A, the signal information signal obtained by adding the synchronization signal and the error correction signal does not occupy all of one set information unit, but as shown in FIG. May be made to occupy all of one set information unit. Further, as shown in FIG.
A synchronization signal, an information signal, an error correction signal, and other necessary information other than the video signal itself may be included and transmitted as an auxiliary data signal in one set of information units.

With such a configuration, when the frequency of occurrence of errors is reduced and a signal is output (transmitted) without compressing the information signal (hereinafter referred to as an uncompressed system), some errors are visually recognized. Although it is difficult to notice, when outputting (transmitting) a signal by compressing an information signal (hereinafter referred to as a compression system),
The frequency of occurrence of errors that cannot be ignored can be reduced.

For example, if an error occurs in one location in one area, the error location is one point in the uncompressed system as shown in FIG. 5A, and this error is hardly noticeable visually.
In the compression system, as shown in FIG. 5B to FIG. 5D, an error location extends over the entire area, and the error cannot be ignored.
FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram showing a case where an error occurs in one place in the non-compression system, and FIG. 5B shows a case where an error occurs in one place in the compression system. FIG. 5C is a conceptual diagram showing a case where a square area is treated as one area. FIG. 5C shows a case where an error occurs in one place in the compression system, and an area of one line of pixels is regarded as one area. FIG. 5D is a conceptual diagram showing a case where an error has occurred at one place in the compression system, and a case where the entire screen area is treated as one area. In each case, the sunspot indicates where the error occurred,
The shaded area represents the area affected by the image due to the error (black spot).

In particular, in a coaxial cable or an optical cable representing a system for transmitting a signal by wire (hereinafter, referred to as a wire system), the frequency of occurrence of an error in a transmission path is generally 1 ×.
In the past, it has been considered that no error occurs visually in an uncompressed system (error-free). In consideration of the fact that one error affects other areas, the frequency of occurrence of errors can be further reduced, and such an effect can be substantially ignored.

In this embodiment, the error correction code is added to the video signal for each block.
The information signal 2 blocks (2 units, that is, n =
A similar effect can be obtained by adding an error correction code to a video signal of a plurality of units, such as adding an error correction signal every 2). (Embodiment 3) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 6, 1a, 1b and 1c are discrete cosine transform means, 2a, 2b and 2c are quantization means, 3a, 3b and 3c are variable length coding means,
These constitute the compression means 4a to 4c. Numeral 16 temporarily stores the input output signals of the variable length coding means 3a, 3b, 3c and sequentially stores the variable length coding means 3a, 3b, 3c.
This is a synthesizing means for selecting the output signal of c and outputting it in series. Reference numeral 17 denotes an error correction code (er
ECC (error corre) to add ror correction code
ction code) encoder, and the receiving device detects or corrects a code error based on the error correction code. In addition,
In the present embodiment, a Reed-Solomon code is used as an error correction code.

Reference numerals 19a, 19b, and 19c denote variable length decoding means, and 9a, 9b, and 9c denote inverse quantization means.
Reference numerals 0a, 10b, and 10c denote inverse discrete cosine transform means, and these constitute expansion means 11a to 11c. Reference numeral 18 denotes a distribution unit that distributes the input output signal of the ECC decoder 14 to each expansion unit according to the rule selected by the synthesis unit 16. Reference numerals 19a to 19c denote variable-length decoding means for decoding the input output signals (variable-length codes) of the distribution means 18 into digital signals before being subjected to the variable-length coding. Long code)
Is decoded into a digital video signal before being subjected to variable-length coding in accordance with a rule determined in advance based on an appearance probability or the like.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method of the present invention, the compressing means 4 for compressing the information amount of the input video signal and outputting it for each block which is a constant information unit.
a plurality of compression means 4a to 4c, each of which selects an output signal of each of the plurality of compression means 4a to 4c for each block and outputs the signals in series, and outputs the output signal of the synthesis means in n units (n is 1 or more) ECC that collects and adds an error correction signal
A transmitting apparatus or a transmitting method comprising: an encoder; and a synchronizing signal adding unit that collects a plurality of units of output signals of the ECC encoder and adds one synchronizing signal thereto, and transmits the output signal of the synchronizing signal adding unit. Thus, there are a plurality of types of video signals as information signals.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention, one synchronizing signal and a plurality of units of compressed video signals are received as one aggregate information unit, and the synchronizing signal is removed from the received signals. Synchronizing signal removing means 7, an ECC decoder 14 for performing error correction of the signal based on the error correcting signal for each unit to which the error correcting signal is added among the output signals of the synchronizing signal removing means 7, and an output of the ECC decoder 14. A receiving device comprising: a distributing unit 18 for distributing signals according to a synthesized rule; and decompressing units 11a to 11c for decompressing a video signal of which information amount is compressed among output signals of the distributing unit 18 for each information unit. This is a receiving method in which there are a plurality of types of information signals which are information signals.

A transmission system or a transmission method is constituted by such a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method via a transmission path. The operation of the above-described transmission system or transmission method will be described below. That is, in the transmission apparatus or transmission method of the present invention, the digital video input signals a to c are input to the compression units 4a to 4c in parallel, respectively, and the information amount is compressed and output for each block. The output signals of the compression units 4a to 4c are temporarily stored by the synthesizing unit 16, sequentially selected for each block, and output to the ECC encoder 17 in series. The output signal of the synthesizing means 16 is an ECC encoder 17
, An error correction code is assigned to each block of n units, and a synchronization signal is added by the synchronization signal adding means 13.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention, the synchronous signal is removed by the synchronous signal removing means 7 from the received signal, and the ECC decoder 14 corrects the error of the signal based on the error correction code. The output signal of the ECC decoder 14 is distributed by the distributing means 18 to each decompressing means in accordance with the rule selected by the synthesizing means 16, and is input to the decompressing means 11a to 11c in parallel. Thereby, the distribution means 1
8 are expanded to obtain digital video output signals a to c.
Becomes

The data format transmitted / received by the above-described transmission system or transmission method and the transmission device or transmission method and the reception device or reception method constituting the transmission system or method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit. In FIG. 7A, the information signal a (video signal a), the information signal b (video signal b), and the information signal c (video signal c) are information of the video input signal a, the video input signal b, and the video input signal c. It is a signal obtained by compressing the amount and blocking, and represents an information signal of one block. A plurality of signals obtained by adding an error correction signal (error correction code) to each of the information signals of one block are collected, and one synchronizing signal is added thereto to form a signal of one aggregate information unit. In FIG. 7A, the information signal to which the synchronization signal and the error correction signal are added does not occupy all of one set information unit, but as shown in FIG. The added information signal may occupy all of one set information unit. Further FIG.
As shown in (c), a synchronization signal, an information signal, an error correction signal, and other necessary information other than the video signal itself may be transmitted and received in one set information unit as an auxiliary data signal.

With such a configuration, a plurality of information (signal) sources can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. Note that the synthesizing unit 16 is configured to attach an identification signal for identifying which video input signal of the digital video input signals a to c corresponds to each block, which is a predetermined unit. The video signals a to c may be distributed based on the attached identification signal.

In this embodiment, the error correction code is added to the video signal for each block.
Similar effects can be obtained by adding an error correction code to a video signal for each of a plurality of units, such as adding an error correction signal for every two blocks (two units) of an information signal. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which an error correction code is used based on (Embodiment 2) has been described. However, a similar effect can be obtained by using an error correction code (Embodiment 1).

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. is there. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 8, reference numeral 20 denotes a shuffling means for outputting a digital audio input signal per frame unit by replacing the time-series arrangement in the frame unit and outputting the digital audio input signal. ing. Reference numeral 21 denotes a synthesizing unit that temporarily stores the output signal of the variable length encoding unit 3 and the output signal of the shuffling unit 20 that are input, sequentially selects the serial signals, and outputs the signals in series.

Numeral 23 denotes a distribution means for distributing the input output signal of the ECC decoder 14 to the deshuffling means 24 or the expansion means 11 in accordance with the rule selected by the synthesizing means 21. Numeral 24 denotes an input output signal of the distribution means 23, which is a deshuffling means for restoring audio data in which a digital audio input signal per frame has been replaced with a time-series arrangement in the frame unit. This constitutes the non-expansion means 27.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the compressing means 4 for compressing the information amount of the video signal which is the input information signal and outputting the information signal in fixed units of information, and the audio signal which is the input information signal , And outputs the output signals of the compression means 4 and the non-compression means 26 for each block, which is a fixed information unit, and outputs the signals in series. Synthetic means 2
1, an ECC encoder 22 for collecting the output signal of the synthesizing unit 21 in n units (n is a natural number of 1 or more) and adding an error correction signal, and collecting a plurality of blocks of the output signal of the ECC encoder 22 and adding one synchronizing signal thereto. And a synchronizing signal adding unit 13 for adding an output signal. The characteristic feature is that the information signal is a compressed information signal of a block which is a fixed information unit whose information amount is compressed. And an uncompressed information signal of a block which is a fixed information unit whose information amount is not compressed.

On the other hand, in a receiving apparatus or a receiving method, a synchronization signal for receiving one synchronization signal and a plurality of blocks of compressed information signals as one aggregate information unit and removing the synchronization signal from the received signals. Removing means 7, an ECC decoder 14 for performing error correction of the signal based on the error correction signal for each unit to which the error correction signal is added among the output signals of the synchronization signal removing means 7, and combining the output signals of the ECC decoder 14 Distributing means 23 for distributing according to the set rules, and decompressing means 11 for decompressing the information signal of which the information amount has been compressed among the output signals of distributing means 23 for each unit.
And a non-expansion means 27 for outputting an audio signal whose information amount is not compressed among the output signals of the distribution means 23. It consists of an information signal and an uncompressed information signal of a constant information unit in which the amount of information is not compressed.

A transmission system or a transmission method is constituted by such a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method via a transmission path. The operation of the above-described transmission system or transmission method will be described below. That is, in the transmission device or the transmission method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression unit 4 to compress the information amount. On the other hand, the digital audio input signal is output from the shuffling means without compressing the information amount. The output signals of the compression means 4 and the shuffling means 20 are temporarily stored by the synthesizing means 21, sequentially selected, and serially
Output to the CC encoder 22. An error correction code is added to the output signal of the synthesizing unit 21 by the ECC encoder 22, and a synchronizing signal is added by the synchronizing signal adding unit 13.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, the synchronizing signal of the received signal is removed by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, and the ECC decoder 14 performs error correction of the signal based on the error correction code. The output signal of the ECC decoder 14 is distributed by the distribution means 23 to the expansion means 11 or the deshuffling means 24 according to the rule selected by the synthesizing means 21, and is input to the expansion means 11 or the deshuffling means 24 in parallel. Thereby, the video signal among the output signals of the distribution means 23 is expanded to become a digital video output signal,
The audio signal becomes a digital audio output signal without being expanded.

The data format transmitted and received by the above-described transmission system or transmission method and the transmission device or transmission method and the reception device or reception method that constitute the transmission system or transmission method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit. In FIG. 9A, a compressed information signal a (video signal a), a compressed information signal b
The (video signal b) and the compressed information signal c (video signal c) are signals obtained by compressing the information amount of the video input signal into blocks.
An uncompressed information signal (audio signal) is a signal obtained by blocking an audio input signal by uncompression, and represents one block of an information signal. A plurality of signals obtained by adding an error correction signal (error correction code) to each of the information signals of one block are collected, and one synchronization signal is added thereto to form a signal of one aggregate information unit. In FIG. 9A, the information signal obtained by adding the synchronization signal and the error correction signal does not occupy all of one set information unit, but as shown in FIG. The added information signal may occupy all of one set information unit. Further FIG.
As shown in (c), a synchronization signal, an information signal, an error correction signal, and other necessary information other than the video signal itself may be transmitted and received in one set information unit as an auxiliary data signal.

With such a configuration, a plurality of information (signal) sources can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. Note that the synthesizing unit 21 is configured to attach an identification signal for identifying which video input signal of the digital video input signals a to c corresponds to each block, which is a predetermined unit. The video signals a to c may be distributed based on the attached identification signal.

In this embodiment, the error correction code is added to the video signal for each block.
Similar effects can be obtained by adding an error correction code to a video signal or audio signal for each of a plurality of units, such as adding an error correction signal for every two blocks (two units) of an information signal. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which an error correction code is used based on (Embodiment 2) has been described. However, a similar effect can be obtained by using an error correction code (Embodiment 1).

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. is there. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 28 denotes information indicating the time when the input signal to the ECC encoder 12 was input to the ECC encoder 12 (hereinafter referred to as time information (Time Stamp)).
p) (hereinafter, abbreviated as TS)) is a time information adding means for recognizing and adding each fixed information unit (hereinafter, referred to as a block), and adding time information to the input signal of the ECC encoder 12 for each block. ECC encoder 12
To enter. Here, the ECC encoder 12 adds time information to each block of the input signal of the ECC encoder 12, and outputs a signal to which an error correction code is added to each block to which the time information is added, to the buffer 29. 29 is E
A buffer is provided between the CC encoder 12 and the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and is provided for temporarily storing the output signal of the ECC encoder 12.
The output signal of the CC encoder 12 is accumulated, and the information accumulated within a fixed time is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13 as one set unit. In the present embodiment, the fixed time is one line cycle. It should be noted that the buffer 29 may be configured such that, when an amount of information corresponding to one aggregate information unit is accumulated, the aggregate information unit is collected and output to the synchronization signal adding unit 13.

On the other hand, when the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding means 28 is configured to recognize, for each block, the time information (TS) from which the output signal of the compression means 4 is output. Is added to the time information for each block and output to the buffer 29. The buffer 29 is provided between the compression means 4 and the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and temporarily stores the output signal of the compression means 4. The buffer 29 stores the output signal of the buffer 29 and stores the information stored within a predetermined time. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which outputs to the synchronous signal addition means 13 as one set unit.

Reference numeral 30 denotes time information reproducing means for recognizing the time information added by the time information adding means 28 for each block. In accordance with the instruction from the time information reproducing means 30, the buffer 31 outputs the stored information signal to the expansion means 11 at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block.
Reference numeral 31 denotes a buffer provided between the ECC decoder 14 and the decompression means 11 for temporarily storing the output signal of the ECC decoder 14.

On the other hand, when the ECC decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 30 recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 28 for each block. In accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing means 30, the synchronizing signal removing means 7
The buffer 31 in which the output signal is stored outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. The buffer 31 may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 and may temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the time when the signal is output from the compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) in the above (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2) Alternatively, information indicating the time at which the signal was input to the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) is recognized for each block, and the output signal of the compression unit 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (ECC encoder 12) is used.
The configuration is such that time information is added to the input signal of the encoder 12) for each block, and the most characteristic feature is that the time information is added for each block.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (ECC decoder 14) described in (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2) described above.
) Or the information indicating the time included in the output signal of the ECC decoder 14 (when the ECC decoder 14 is used) is recognized for each block, and the synchronization signal removing means 7 (using the ECC decoder 14) is based on the time information. ) Or ECC decoder 14 (ECC decoder 14
Is used to delay the output signal for each block, the most characteristic of which is that the synchronization signal removing means 7 is based on time information added for each block.
The configuration is such that the output signal of the ECC decoder 14 (when the ECC decoder 14 is not used) or the output signal of the ECC decoder 14 (when the ECC decoder 14 is used) is delayed and output for each block.

A transmission system or a transmission method is constituted by such a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method via a transmission path. The operation of the above transmission system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the amount of information, and is output after being blocked in a fixed information unit. The output signal of the compression means 4 (see FIG. 11A) is input to the ECC encoder 12. The time information adding means 28 adds time information (TS) at that time, that is, the time when the input signal of the ECC encoder 12 is input, for each block (FIG. 11B). Here, time information 1 (TS1) to time information 3 are assigned to each of information signal 1 to information signal 3.
(TS3) are added.

Next, in the ECC encoder 12, the information signals 1 to 3 and the time information 1 (TS1) to
An error correction code is added to the time information 3 (TS3). EC
The output signal of the C encoder 12 (see FIG. 11C) is accumulated in the buffer 29, and the information accumulated within a fixed time (corresponding to one line cycle in this embodiment) is synchronized as one set unit. The signal is output to the signal adding means 13. The output signal of the buffer 29 (FIG. 11D) is output to the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and transmitted via the transmission path after the synchronizing signal is added.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronizing signal is removed from the received signal by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (FIG. 11 (e)).
The ECC decoder 14 performs signal error correction on the basis of the error correction code added for each block. The time information reproducing means 30 outputs an output signal of the ECC decoder 14 (FIG. 1).
1 (f)), time information 1 (TS1) to time information 3 (T
Based on S3), the information signals 1 to 3 are transferred to the buffer 3
Each block is transmitted by the ECC encoder 12 when transmitted.
Is output after being delayed so as to have the same time interval as that input to (FIG. 11 (g)). Thereafter, the output signal of the buffer 31 is expanded by the expansion means 11 to become a digital video output signal.

With such a configuration, the time interval at the position of the time information adding means 28 is reproduced from the information transmitted in a burst manner on the receiving side while the time interval is being reproduced.
It can be included in one set of information units, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. In the present embodiment, the time information adding means 2 is added to (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2).
8 is provided, but the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in other embodiments.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. is there. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 39 denotes time information adding means for recognizing and adding time information (TS) at which an output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is output for each predetermined information unit (hereinafter referred to as a block). The buffer 29 adds time information to each block of the output signal of the encoder 12 and
Output to Reference numeral 29 denotes a buffer provided between the ECC encoder 12 and the synchronization signal adding means 13 for temporarily storing the output signal of the ECC encoder 12, and the buffer 29 stores the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 and keeps the output signal within a predetermined time. Is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13 as one set unit. In the present embodiment, the fixed time is one line cycle. The buffer 29 is 1
When a certain amount of information corresponding to one set information unit is accumulated, the set information unit may be collected and output to the synchronization signal adding unit 13.

On the other hand, when the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding means 39 is configured to recognize the time information (TS) at which the output signal of the compression means 4 is output for each block. Is added to the time information for each block and output to the buffer 29. The buffer 29 may be provided between the compression means 4 and the synchronization signal adding means 13 to temporarily store the output signal of the compression means 4.

Reference numeral 40 denotes time information reproducing means for recognizing the time information added by the time information adding means 39 for each block. The buffer 31 storing the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing unit 7 in accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing unit 40 outputs the stored information signal to the ECC decoder 14 at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. 31
Is a buffer provided between the synchronization signal removal means 7 and the ECC decoder 14 for temporarily storing the output signal of the synchronization signal removal means 7.

On the other hand, when the ECC decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 40 recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 39 for each block. In accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing means 40, the synchronizing signal removing means 7
The buffer 31 in which the output signal is stored outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. The buffer 31 may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 to temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (the ECC encoder) in the above (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2) 12) is used for recognizing, for each block, information indicating the time at which the output signal was output.
The time information is added to the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used). The compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (the ECC encoder 12
Is used to add the time information output from the above.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 is delayed for each block based on the time information in the above-described (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2). In addition, information representing the time included in the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7 is recognized for each block. The most characteristic feature is that the synchronization signal removing means 7 is based on the time information added for each block. Is output with a delay for each block.

A transmission system or a transmission method is constituted by such a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method via a transmission path. The operation of the above transmission system or transmission method will be described below. In the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the amount of information, and is output after being blocked into a certain information unit. Compression means 4
(See FIG. 13 (a)) is the ECC encoder 1
2 is output. An error correction code is added to each of the information signals 1 to 3 in the output signal of the compression means 4 in the ECC encoder 12. Next, the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 (see FIG.
9, time information (TS) at which the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is output is added for each block (FIG. 13C) and input to the buffer 29. Here, time information 1 is assigned to each of information signals 1 to 3.
(TS1) to time information 3 (TS3) are added.

The output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is stored in the buffer 29, and the information stored within a fixed time (corresponding to one line cycle in this embodiment) is sent to the synchronization signal adding means 13 as one set unit. Output (Fig. 13
(D)). The output signal of the buffer 29 is output to the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and transmitted via the transmission path after the synchronizing signal is added.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronizing signal of the received signal is removed by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (FIG. 13 (e)).
Are based on the time information 1 (TS1) to time information 3 (TS3) in the output signal, and the information signals 1 to 3 are transmitted at the same time interval as when each block was output from the ECC encoder 12 at the time of transmission. The data is delayed by the buffer 31 and output. The output signal of the buffer 31 (FIG. 13)
(F) is input to the ECC decoder 14, where error correction of the signal is performed based on the error correction code. ECC
The output signal of the decoder 14 (FIG. 13 (g)) is
1 to be a digital video output signal.

With such a configuration, the time interval in the time information adding means 28 can be included in one set information unit while the time interval in the time information adding means 28 is reproduced from the information transmitted in a burst on the receiving side. Transmission can be performed efficiently. Further, since the time information is transmitted without being compressed, it can be used immediately after reception without performing the decompression operation.

In the present embodiment (Embodiment 1)
Alternatively, the time information adding means 28 is provided in (Embodiment 2), but the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in other embodiments. (Embodiment 7) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. This is a case where the time information when the signal is input to the ECC encoder 12 by the means 28 is added for each fixed information unit (hereinafter referred to as a block). The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In particular, the present embodiment (FIGS. 14 and 15)
Provides a more detailed embodiment of the time information adding means 28, the time information reproducing means 30, and the time information adding / reproducing method of (Embodiment 5). The time information adding unit 28 includes a predetermined unit counting unit 50a and a predetermined unit counting unit 51a. Here, the information signal handled by the transmission device or the reception device of the present invention according to the present embodiment is a video signal, and a plurality of pieces form a predetermined unit.

The predetermined unit counting means 50a counts the number of line cycles. The predetermined unit counting means 50a counts the number of line cycles at which a block input to the ECC encoder 12 is input from a predetermined reference. The value is output in N bits. Here, the predetermined criterion is a time criterion, and may have a configuration in which a clock is commonly used between transmission and reception, and may be based on a specific time, a block previously transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side, or A specific signal such as a synchronization signal may be used as a reference.

When the predetermined unit counting means 50a counts a frame, the predetermined unit counting means 50a can count the frame based on the head of the frame or the rise or fall of the vertical synchronization signal. When the predetermined unit counting unit 50a counts a field, the predetermined unit counting unit 50a can count the field based on the head of the field or the rising or falling of the vertical synchronization signal. Further, when the predetermined unit counting unit 50a counts the lines, the predetermined unit counting unit 50 can count the lines based on the head of the line or the rising or falling of the horizontal synchronization signal. That is, it is only necessary that a common time period between transmission and reception can be counted.

Here, a frame is a period during which an image is formed on one screen, and is a period during which two vertical scans are performed in the NTSC system, and a field is a period during which one vertical scan is performed in a television signal. , Line refers to one horizontal scanning period. Predetermined unit counting means 51a
Is to count the time from the position (timing) serving as the reference of the line cycle to the present, that is, the timing when the block of the video signal is input to the encoder 12.
The count value is output as time information in M bits.

When the predetermined unit counting means 50a counts a frame, a predetermined position (timing) is set as a fixed position (timing) at the beginning of the frame or at the rising or falling position (timing) of the vertical synchronization signal. The means 51a can count the time from the fixed position (timing) to the present, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the encoder 12. When the predetermined unit counting unit 50a counts a field, the predetermined unit counting unit 51a sets the head (field) of the field or the rising or falling position (timing) of the vertical synchronization signal as a fixed position (timing). The time from the fixed position (timing) to the present time, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the encoder 12 can be counted. Further, when the predetermined unit counting means 50a counts a line, the head of the line or the rising or falling position (timing) of the horizontal synchronizing signal is regarded as a fixed position (timing), and the predetermined unit counting means 51a is used.
“a” can count the time from the fixed position (timing) to the present time, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the encoder 12.

Therefore, as a whole, the N-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 50a is set as the high order, and the M-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 51a is set as the low order, so that the total (N + M) Bit time information is added to the input signal of the ECC encoder 12. On the other hand, when the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding unit 28 is configured to recognize and add the time information (TS) to which the output signal of the compression unit 4 is output for each block. Is added to the time information for each block and output to the buffer 29a. The buffer 29a is provided between the compression unit 4 and the synchronization signal addition unit 13, temporarily stores the output signal of the compression unit 4, and outputs the information accumulated within a certain time to the synchronization signal addition unit 13 as one set unit. The configuration may be such that

Next, the time information reproducing means 30 is constituted by a predetermined unit delay means 52a and a predetermined unit delay means 53a. The predetermined unit delay means 52a receives the N-bit predetermined unit time information supplied by the predetermined unit counting means 50a (when the block of the video signal input to the ECC encoder 12 is at what line cycle from a predetermined reference, Recognition).

The intra-unit delay unit 53a outputs the M-bit intra-unit time information (a position serving as a reference of the line period, for example, a line head position (timing) supplied from the predetermined unit counting unit 51a) from the video signal block. Is E
Recognize a time (a time until a position (timing)) input to the CC encoder 12. ECC decoder 14
The buffer 31a in which the output signal is stored is recognized by the predetermined unit delay unit 53a based on the time timing corresponding to the time information represented by the predetermined unit time information recognized by the predetermined unit delay unit 52a. The accumulated video signal is output with a delay for each block corresponding to the time information represented by the predetermined unit time information.

On the other hand, when the ECC decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 30 recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 28 for each block. In accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing means 30, the synchronizing signal removing means 7
The buffer 31a in which the output signal is stored outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. The buffer 31a may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 and may temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method according to the present invention employs a case where the line cycle of a video signal is a predetermined unit, and a block which is a constant information unit of the video signal as an information signal is generated in the line cycle. In the case of a line that is a predetermined unit,
The time information described in (Embodiment 5) is
(When the ECC encoder 12 is not used), an information signal (video signal) output from the ECC encoder 12 (E
When the information signal (video signal) input to the CC encoder 12 is a predetermined unit (line cycle) from a predetermined reference, the output from the compression unit 4 or E
Predetermined unit time information indicating whether the signal has been input to the CC encoder 12, and a fixed position (timing) at which the information signal (video signal) serves as a reference of a predetermined unit (line cycle)
And time information within a predetermined unit indicating the time from the head position (timing) of the line to the present position, that is, the position (timing) output from the compression means 4 or input to the ECC encoder 12.

On the other hand, the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention
In the case where the line period of the video signal is a predetermined unit, the number of blocks which are constant information units of the video signal which is an information signal is generated in the line period, that is, when a plurality of blocks form a predetermined unit. , (Embodiment 5) is input to the information signal (video signal) output from the compression unit 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used). Information signal (video signal)
Is predetermined unit time information indicating the number of a predetermined unit (line cycle) from a predetermined reference and output from the compression means 4 or input to the ECC encoder 12, and the information signal (video signal) From the head position (timing) of the line, which is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for the unit (line cycle),
And a predetermined unit of time information indicating the time from the output to the output or the position (timing) input to the ECC encoder 12, and is added to each information signal (video signal) of this fixed information unit (block). Time represented by the predetermined unit time information based on the time information (compression means 4 (EC
What number of line cycles from a predetermined reference the video signal block output from the C encoder 12) or input to the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) is input. (Time corresponding to the information indicating the time), a constant information unit (block) represented by the time information within the predetermined unit is delayed from the timing.

In the above transmission system, FIG.
The operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating operations of the transmission side and the reception side in one set information unit of the transmission system or the transmission method according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the transmission device or the transmission method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the information amount. The output signal (FIG. 15A) of the compression means 4 is ECC
The predetermined unit counting means 50a and the predetermined unit counting means 51 output to the encoder 12 and serving as the time information adding means 28.
“a” adds the time information (TS) at that time, that is, the time when the input signal is input to the ECC encoder 12, for each block (FIG. 15B). Here, the time information output from the time information adding means 28 is an N-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 50a (in FIG. 15, N is a line number: 2, 3
It is written as ... ) Are the upper bits, and an M-bit signal (M is described as T1, T2,... In FIG. 15) output from the predetermined unit counting means 51a is configured as the lower bits. The N-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 50a is predetermined unit time information indicating a line number indicating the number of a line cycle of the block from the predetermined reference and input to the ECC encoder 12. The M-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 51a is output from the head of a line which is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a line cycle to which a block input to the ECC encoder 12 belongs, Is EC
This is time information within a predetermined unit, which indicates the time until the position (timing) of the video signal input to the C encoder 12. Also, here, time information (TS2
1 to TS33, where TSnm is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 for both n and m, and n is a line number (in the predetermined unit time information, And m is the current EC number from the head of a line which is a fixed position (timing) which is a reference of the line cycle to which the block input to the ECC encoder 12 belongs.
It represents the time until the position (timing) of the video signal input to the C encoder 12, and represents the number of the in-line time (corresponding to the number of the information in the predetermined unit). ) Is added. Next, the ECC encoder 12
, Each video signal and time information (TS21 to TS3)
An error correction code is added to 3).

The output signal of the ECC encoder 12 (FIG. 15)
(See (c)) is temporarily stored in the buffer 29a, and the information stored within the fixed time is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13 as one set unit. The output signal of the buffer 29a is output to the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and is transmitted via the transmission line after the synchronizing signal is added (FIG. 15D).

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronizing signal of the received signal (FIG. 15 (e)) is removed by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (FIG. 15 (f) In ()), the ECC decoder 14 performs signal error correction based on the error correction code. Next, EC
Based on the time information (TS21 to TS33) in the output signal (FIG. 15 (g)) of the C decoder 14, the blocks of the video signal are set to have the same time interval as the video signal was input at the time of transmission for each block. The output is delayed by the buffer 31a (FIG. 15 (h)). That is, the predetermined unit delay unit 52a recognizes the line number, which is the predetermined unit time information (N bits) added by the predetermined unit counting unit 50a, and the predetermined unit delay unit 53a is supplied by the predetermined unit counting unit 51a. Recognized M-bit time information (information in a predetermined unit from the head of the line to the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the ECC encoder 12). This predetermined unit delay means 52
The block of the video signal stored in the buffer 31a in accordance with a and the instruction of the predetermined unit delay means 53a is N bits of predetermined unit time information (time information indicating to which line from a predetermined reference the line belongs). From the timing corresponding to the timing, the time information (T1 to T5) within the predetermined unit (T1 to T5) (fixed position (timing) of the line to which the block of the video signal belongs) (the beginning of the video signal) A time-dependent information unit (block) corresponding to the time (time information indicating the time until the position (timing) of the present video signal) is output with a delay. Thereafter, the output signal of the buffer 31a is expanded to become a digital video output signal.

With this configuration, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the time information adding means 28 is provided in (Embodiment 2), but the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in other embodiments.

Here, in this embodiment, a video signal is used as an information signal, and a predetermined unit of the video signal is one of the video signal.
Line. However, signals other than video signals may be used.
The predetermined unit may be a constant interval. Therefore, the predetermined unit is n frames of a video signal (n is a natural number of 1 or more).
Alternatively, the predetermined unit may be n fields and n lines (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of the video signal.

Further, in the present embodiment, one set information unit is constituted by a block which is a fixed information unit generated within one line cycle, but one set information unit is defined as n lines (n Can be composed of blocks that are constant information units generated within one or more natural number) periods, and one set of information units is composed of n fields of an image signal and n frames (n is a natural number of one or more) periods. May be constituted by blocks, which are constant information units generated in the above.

The fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for a predetermined unit of the video signal is a line, a field,
What is necessary is just to synchronize with any period of the frame. Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be the head of any of the line, field, and frame. For example, the same can be applied to the rising or falling portion of the vertical synchronizing signal or the horizontal synchronizing signal.

When the predetermined unit is one line, a line counter can be used as a predetermined unit counting means, and when it is one field, a field counter can be used as a predetermined unit, and when it is one frame, a frame counter can be used as a predetermined unit counting means. Since the counter can be used, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined identification number is provided for each predetermined unit (in the present embodiment, a line number given to each line, and in FIG. 18, identification numbers 1...
In the method of transmitting information by adding identification numbers n (where n is a natural number of 1 or more, 1 to n corresponding to a line number) in a synchronization signal or together with a synchronization signal, a predetermined unit count in this embodiment is used. Means 50a and predetermined unit delay means 5
2a can be made unnecessary.

That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the time information The adding means is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
It is constituted by a predetermined unit counting means for counting the time until the fixed time (timing) at which the time information (TS) becomes a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
This is configured by time information within a predetermined unit that indicates the time up to.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and each of the predetermined units has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the information signal is The information signal is constituted by time information within a predetermined unit, which represents a time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added, and an information signal of the predetermined information unit. A constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to each of the information signals. Indicates a time from a fixed position (timing) where the time information (TS) becomes a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to a position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added. Time-constant information which is constituted by time information within a unit, and which is represented by time information within a predetermined unit of an information signal for each information signal of a certain information unit according to the time information added to each information signal of the certain information unit It is configured to delay a unit (block).

When one set of information units is assumed to be information accumulated within a certain period of time, for example, the number of blocks that are a certain information unit generated within one line period of a video signal is collected to form one set of information. When a unit is used, the predetermined unit counting means 50a and the predetermined unit delay means 5 in the present embodiment are used.
2a can be made unnecessary. That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the time information adding unit sets the fixed unit serving as a reference of the predetermined unit of the information signal. It is constituted by a counting unit within a predetermined unit for counting the time from the set position (timing) to the position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added. This is configured from time information within a predetermined unit representing a time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the number of the certain information signal or the predetermined unit is counted. , The time information from a fixed position (timing), which is a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal obtained from the above, to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added. A configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each constant information unit information signal according to the time information added to each information signal of the information unit; The feature is that the time information (TS) is added from the fixed position (timing) as a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to the position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added. ), Which is constituted by time information within a predetermined unit indicating the time up to the predetermined time. The time within the predetermined unit of the information signal is determined for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by information is delayed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the same buffer 31a is used, and the buffer 31a simultaneously delays a block of the video signal by a time corresponding to (predetermined unit information + information in a predetermined unit). After delaying a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information, a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information may be delayed, or may correspond to the predetermined unit information. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which after a constant time information unit (block) is delayed, a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information is delayed.

(Eighth Embodiment) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. This is a case where the time information adding unit 39 adds the time information of the output signal output from the ECC encoder 12 for each block. In addition, what has already been described in the above embodiment uses the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

In particular, the present embodiment (FIGS. 16 and 17)
The third embodiment provides a further detailed embodiment of the time information adding means 39, the time information reproducing means 40, and the time information adding / reproducing method of (Embodiment 6). The time information adding means 39 includes a predetermined unit counting means 50b and a predetermined unit counting means 51b. Here, the information signal handled by the transmitting device or the receiving device of the present invention according to the present embodiment is a video signal, and a plurality of certain information units are collected to form a predetermined unit.

The predetermined unit counting means 50b counts the number of line cycles. The predetermined unit counting means 50b counts the number of line cycles at which a block output from the ECC encoder 12 is output from a predetermined reference. The value is output in N bits. Here, the predetermined criterion is a time criterion, and may have a configuration in which a clock is commonly used between transmission and reception, and may be based on a specific time, or may be a block previously transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side. Or a specific signal such as a synchronization signal.

When the predetermined unit counting means 50b counts a frame, the predetermined unit counting means 50b can count the frame based on the head of the frame or the rising or falling of the vertical synchronization signal. When the predetermined unit counting unit 50b counts a field, the predetermined unit counting unit 50b can count the field based on the head of the field or the rising or falling of the vertical synchronization signal. Further, when the predetermined unit counting means 50b counts the lines, the predetermined unit counting means 50 can count the lines based on the head of the line or the rising or falling of the horizontal synchronization signal. That is, it is only necessary that a common time period between transmission and reception can be counted.

Here, a frame is a period during which an image is formed on one screen, and a period during which two vertical scans are performed in the NTSC system, and a field is a period during which one vertical scan is performed in a television signal. , Line refers to one horizontal scanning period. Predetermined unit counting means 51b
Is to count the time from the position (timing) serving as the reference of the line cycle to the present, that is, the timing at which the block of the video signal is output from the encoder 12, and outputs this count value as time information in M bits. Things.

When the predetermined unit counting means 50b counts a frame, the start of the frame or the rising or falling position (timing) of the vertical synchronizing signal is regarded as a fixed position (timing), and the counting within the predetermined unit is performed. The means 51b can count the time from the fixed position (timing) to the present, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is output from the encoder 12. When the predetermined unit counting means 50b counts a field, the position (timing) of the head of the field or the rising or falling of the vertical synchronization signal
Is a fixed position (timing), the counting unit within predetermined unit 51b counts the time from the fixed position (timing) to the present time, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the encoder 12. be able to. Further, when the predetermined unit counting means 50b counts the lines, the predetermined unit counting means 51b sets the head of the line or the rising or falling position (timing) of the horizontal synchronization signal as a fixed position (timing). From that fixed position (timing),
That is, the time until the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is output from the encoder 12 can be counted.

Accordingly, as a whole, the N-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 50b is set as the high order, and the M-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 51b is set as the low order, so that the total (N + M) Bit time information is added to the output signal of the ECC encoder 12. On the other hand, when the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding means 39 is configured to recognize and add the time information (TS) to which the output signal of the compression means 4 is output for each block. Is added to the time information for each block, and is output to the buffer 29b. The buffer 29b is provided between the compression means 4 and the synchronizing signal adding means 13, temporarily stores the output signal of the compression means 4, and stores the stored information as 1
What is necessary is just to set it as the structure output to the synchronous signal addition means 13 as one set information unit.

Next, the time information reproducing means 30 comprises a predetermined unit delay means 52b and a predetermined unit delay means 53b. The predetermined unit delay unit 52b receives the N-bit predetermined unit time information supplied by the predetermined unit counting unit 50b (when the block of the video signal output from the ECC encoder 12 is at what line cycle from a predetermined reference) Recognition).

The intra-predetermined-unit delay means 53b outputs the M-bit intra-predetermined unit time information supplied from the pre-determined intra-unit counting means 51b. It recognizes information indicating the time until the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is output from the ECC encoder 12.

The buffer 31b in which the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 has been stored is used as a reference for the time timing corresponding to the time information represented by the predetermined unit time information recognized by the predetermined unit delay means 52b. The stored video signal is delayed and output for each block corresponding to the time information represented by the predetermined intra-unit time information recognized by the intra-unit delay means 53b.

On the other hand, when the ECC decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 40 recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 39 for each block. In accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing means 40, the synchronizing signal removing means 7
The buffer 31b in which the output signal is stored outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. The buffer 31b may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 and may temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method according to the present invention uses the line cycle of a video signal as a predetermined unit, and a block, which is a fixed information unit of a video signal as an information signal, is one block of the video signal. In the case where the number generated in the line cycle, that is, a plurality of units form a predetermined unit,
The time information described in (Embodiment 6) uses the compression means 4 (E
When an information signal (video signal) output from the CC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) is in a predetermined unit (line cycle) from a predetermined reference, compression is performed. Means 4
Or, a predetermined unit time information indicating whether the information has been output from the ECC encoder 12, and a head position of a line in which the information signal (video signal) is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit (line cycle) ( This information includes time information within a predetermined unit representing the time from the timing) to the current time, that is, the position (timing) of the information signal (video signal) output from the compression means 4 or the ECC encoder 12.

On the other hand, the receiving apparatus or receiving method of the present invention
In the case where the line cycle of the video signal is a predetermined unit, the number of blocks, which are constant information units of the video signal as the information signal, generated within one line cycle of the video signal, When making a unit,
The time information described in (Embodiment 6) uses the compression means 4 (E
When the information signal (video signal) output from the CC encoder 12 (when the CC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) is in a predetermined unit (line cycle) from a predetermined reference, the compression is performed. Means 4
Or, a predetermined unit time information indicating whether the information is output from the ECC encoder 12, and a head position of a line where the information signal (video signal) is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit (line cycle) ( From the current timing, that is, the time from the compression means 4 or the position (timing) outputted from the ECC encoder 12 to the information signal (video) of this fixed information unit (block). The time represented by the predetermined unit time information based on the time information added for each signal (compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used)
Alternatively, a timing corresponding to the time corresponding to the information indicating the number of line cycles of a video signal block output from the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) from a predetermined reference) , A constant time information unit (block) represented by the time information within the predetermined unit is delayed from the timing.

In the above transmission system, FIG.
The operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the transmission side and the reception side in one set information unit of the transmission system or the transmission method according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the transmission device or the transmission method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the information amount. The output signal (FIG. 17 (a)) of the compression means 4 is ECC
Output to the encoder 12, the ECC encoder 12 applies an error correction code to each video signal. Next, the predetermined unit counting means 50 as the time information adding means 39
b and the predetermined unit counting means 51b add the time information (TS) at that time, that is, the time when the output signal (see FIG. 17B) from the ECC encoder 12 is output, for each block (FIG. 17C). .

Here, the time information output by the time information adding means 39 is an N-bit signal output by the predetermined unit counting means 50b (in FIG. 17, N is described as a line number: 2, 3,...). Are the upper bits, and the counting unit 51
b outputs an M-bit signal (M is T1, T
2 ... ) Are configured as lower bits. The N-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 50b is predetermined unit time information indicating a line number indicating the number of a line cycle of the block from the ECC encoder 12 from a predetermined reference. The M-bit signal output from the predetermined unit counting means 51b is E
From the head of a line, which is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a line cycle to which a block output from the CC encoder 12 belongs, to the position (timing) of a video signal output from the ECC encoder 12 for the block Is time information within a predetermined unit representing the time of.
Here, time information (TS21 to TS21) is added to each of the video signals.
TS33, where TSnm is a natural number greater than or equal to 1 for both n and m, and n is a line number indicating the line cycle of the block output from the ECC encoder 12 (corresponding to predetermined unit time information) ), And m is E
From the head of a line which is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a line cycle to which a block output from the CC encoder 12 belongs, the block is set to the current EC.
It represents the time until the position (timing) of the video signal output from the C encoder 12, and represents the number of the in-line time (corresponding to the number of the information in the predetermined unit). ) Is added.

The output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is temporarily stored in the buffer 29b, and is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13 using the information stored within a certain time as one set unit. The output signal of the buffer 29b is supplied to the synchronization signal adding means 1
3 and a synchronization signal is added (FIG. 17)
(D)) is transmitted via the transmission path.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronizing signal of the received signal (FIG. 17 (e)) is removed by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (FIG. 17 (f) )) Is based on the time information (TS21 to TS33) in the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7 so that the blocks of the video signal are buffered so that each block has the same time interval as the video signal was input at the time of transmission. The output is further delayed by 31b (FIG. 17 (g)). Then, ECC
The error correction of the signal is performed by the decoder 14 based on the error correction code (FIG. 17 (h)). That is, the predetermined unit delay unit 52b recognizes the line number, which is the predetermined unit time information (N bits) added by the predetermined unit counting unit 50b, and the predetermined unit delay unit 53b is supplied by the predetermined unit counting unit 51b. Recognized M-bit time information (information within a predetermined unit from the head of the line to the current block, ie, the block at the position (timing) where the video signal is output from the ECC encoder 12). The block of the video signal stored in the buffer 31b in accordance with the instructions of the predetermined unit delay means 52b and the predetermined unit delay means 53b has N bits of predetermined unit time information (to which line from a predetermined reference the line belongs. From the timing corresponding to the timing corresponding to the time information (T1 to T5) (fixed position (timing) of the line to which the block of the video signal belongs) (head of the video signal) (Time information representing the time from the current video signal to the position (timing) of the currently input video signal), and is output with a delay of a constant information unit (block) corresponding to a time. Thereafter, the output signal of the buffer 31b is subjected to error correction of the signal based on the error correction code by the ECC decoder 14, and is further expanded to become a digital video output signal.

With this configuration, the same effect as that of the sixth embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment (Embodiment 2)
Although the time information adding means 28 is provided in the present embodiment, the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in another embodiment. Here, in the present embodiment, a video signal is used as the information signal, and a predetermined unit of the video signal is one line of the video signal. However, a signal other than the video signal may be used, and the predetermined unit may be a predetermined interval. Therefore, the predetermined unit may be n frames of the video signal (n is a natural number of 1 or more), or the predetermined unit may be n fields of the video signal and n lines (n is a natural number of 1 or more).

In this embodiment, one set of information units is constituted by blocks which are constant information units generated within one line period. It can be constituted by a block which is a constant information unit generated within the above (natural number) cycle, and the aggregate information unit is n fields, n
It may be constituted by blocks which are constant information units generated within a frame (n is one or more natural number) cycle.

The fixed position (timing) of the predetermined unit of the video signal may be any position as long as it is synchronized with any one of the line, field, and frame periods. Therefore,
It does not necessarily have to be the head of any of the line, field, and frame. For example, the same can be applied to the rising or falling part of the vertical synchronizing signal or the horizontal synchronizing signal, as long as it is a fixed position (timing) of a fixed cycle.

Further, when the predetermined unit is one line, a line counter can be used as a predetermined unit counting means, and when it is one field, a field counter can be used as one unit, and when it is one frame, a frame counter can be used as a predetermined unit counting means. Since the counter can be used, the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined identification number is provided for each predetermined unit (in the present embodiment, a line number given to each line, and in FIG. 18, identification numbers 1...
In the method of transmitting information by adding identification numbers n (where n is a natural number of 1 or more, 1 to n corresponding to a line number) in a synchronization signal or together with a synchronization signal, a predetermined unit count in this embodiment is used. Means 50b and predetermined unit delay means 5
2b can be made unnecessary.

That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the time information The adding means is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
It is constituted by a predetermined unit counting means for counting the time until the fixed time (timing) at which the time information (TS) becomes a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
This is configured by time information within a predetermined unit that indicates the time up to.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the information signal The information signal is constituted by time information within a predetermined unit, which represents a time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added, and an information signal of the predetermined information unit. A constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to each of the information signals. Indicates a time from a fixed position (timing) where the time information (TS) becomes a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to a position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added. Time-constant information which is constituted by time information within a unit, and which is represented by time information within a predetermined unit of an information signal for each information signal of a certain information unit according to the time information added to each information signal of the certain information unit It is configured to delay a unit (block).

When one set of information units is assumed to be information accumulated within a certain period of time, for example, the number of blocks that are a certain information unit generated within one line period of a video signal is collected to form one set of information units. In the case of a unit, the predetermined unit counting means 50a and the predetermined unit delay means 5 in this embodiment are used.
2a can be made unnecessary. That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the time information adding unit sets the fixed unit serving as a reference of the predetermined unit of the information signal. It is constituted by a counting unit within a predetermined unit for counting the time from the set position (timing) to the position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added. This is configured from time information within a predetermined unit representing a time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the number of the certain information signal or the predetermined unit is counted. , The time information from a fixed position (timing), which is a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal obtained by the above, to a position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added. A configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to each information signal of the information unit; The feature is that, from the fixed position (timing) where the time information (TS) is a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal, the position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added ), Which is constituted by time information within a predetermined unit indicating the time up to the predetermined time. The time within the predetermined unit of the information signal is determined for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by information is delayed.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the same buffer 31b is used, and the buffer 31b simultaneously delays the block of the video signal by the time corresponding to (predetermined unit information + predetermined unit information). After delaying a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information, a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information may be delayed, or may correspond to the predetermined unit information. A configuration may be adopted in which after a constant time information unit (block) is delayed, a constant time information unit (block) corresponding to the predetermined unit information is delayed.

(Embodiment 9) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. This is a case where the time information adding unit 28 adds the time information when the signal is input to the ECC encoder 12 for each block. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

This embodiment is particularly applicable to (Embodiment 5)
The time information adding means 28, the time information reproducing means 30, and the method for adding / reproducing the time information are provided in another embodiment. The time information adding unit 28 includes an N-bit counter 54a as a predetermined unit counting unit 50a and an M-bit counter 55a as a predetermined unit counting unit 51a.

Here, the information signal handled by the transmitting device or the receiving device of the present invention according to the present embodiment is a video signal whose time relationship needs to be preserved between transmission and reception, and the line cycle of the video signal. Is a predetermined unit. Therefore, the number of blocks, which are constant information units of the video signal, generated within one line cycle of the video signal, that is, a plurality of blocks form a predetermined unit.

The N-bit counter 54a counts the number of line periods in the input video signal.
It counts the number of line cycles of the block input to the C encoder 12 from a predetermined reference, and outputs the value in N bits. Here, the predetermined criterion is a time criterion, and may have a configuration in which a clock is commonly used between transmission and reception, and may be based on a specific time, or may be a block previously transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side. Or a specific signal such as a synchronization signal.

That is, the N-bit counter 54a sets Cl
The number of lines is counted based on the timing of the beginning of the line of the video signal input from the CE terminal in synchronization with the basic clock input to the ock terminal, and the timing at which the block of the video signal input from the OE terminal occurs , That is, an N-bit count value indicating the number of line cycles of a block input to the ECC encoder 12 from a predetermined reference.

The M-bit counter 55a determines whether a block of a video signal to which a signal is input to the ECC encoder 12 is present from a position serving as a reference of a line cycle, for example, a head position (timing) of a line to which the block belongs, that is, a block of the video signal. Is to count the time until the position (timing) input to the ECC encoder 12, and outputs the counted value as time information in M bits.

That is, the M-bit counter 55a sets Cl
synchronizes with the basic clock input to the
By resetting the count value at the start timing (reset start timing signal) of the line of the video signal input from the set terminal, the time from the head of the line to the present is continuously counted, and the video signal input from the OE terminal Count value, that is, a count value representing the time from the head position (timing) of the line to the present time, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is input to the ECC encoder 12. Is output in M bits.

In this embodiment, a basic clock of 27 MHz or 36 MHz is used as the basic clock. The information of the basic clock may be reproduced from the carrier transmitted from the transmitting device in the receiving device, or may be transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device on a transmission path different from the transmission path transmitting the video signal. Is also good. Similarly to the basic clock, the M-bit counter 55a reproduces a reset start timing signal (RST), which is a signal used as a reference when measuring time information (TS), from a video signal sent from the transmission side to the reception side. Alternatively, the video signal may be transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side via a transmission path different from the transmission path transmitting the video signal.

Accordingly, the time information adding means 28 as a whole has the N-bit signal output from the N-bit counter 54a as the upper bit, and the M-bit signal output from the M-bit counter 55a as the lower bit, so that a total of (N + M) bits Information is added to the input signal of the ECC encoder 12. on the other hand,
When the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding means 28 is configured to recognize the time information (TS) at which the output signal of the compression means 4 is output for each block.
Is added to the output signal for each block and output to the buffer 29a. The buffer 29a is provided between the compression means 4 and the synchronization signal addition means 13, and temporarily stores the output signal of the compression means 4. 13 may be used.

Next, in the time information reproducing means 30, the predetermined unit delay means 52a comprises a time information reading means 56a, a time information accumulating means 57a, an N-bit counter 58a as a first counter, and a comparing means 60a. The predetermined unit delay means 53a is composed of a time information reading means 56a, a time information accumulating means 57a, an M-bit counter 59a as a second counter, and a comparing means 60a.

The time information reading means 56a is means for extracting and outputting only the time information given for each block from the output signal of the ECC decoder 14. Time information storage means 5
Numeral 7a sequentially accumulates the value of the time information (TS) extracted by the time information reading means 56a every time the value is extracted with N bits being higher and M bits being lower. The value is output with N bits as upper bits and M bits as lower bits. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the time information comparing means 60a to be described later, the output signal of the time information comparing means 60a is input to the buffer 61a, and the buffer 61a
Each time the oldest block stored in the buffer 61a is output from the buffer 61a, the time information storage means 57a outputs the time information (TS) next to the currently output time information (TS).

The N-bit counter 58a calculates the value of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information (TS) of the block received first at the Load terminal of the N-bit counter 58a from K (K is a natural number of 1 or more). , Which is determined in advance by the time interval between blocks). Thereafter, each time the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmitting side is input to the CE terminal, the N-bit counter 58a synchronizes with the reference clock (F) supplied from the transmitting side to reset the (LK). It counts (counts up) one by one from the value and outputs the current count value.

The M-bit counter 59a outputs the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmitting side to R.
M-bit counter 59a each time it is input to the eset terminal
Of the M bit counter 5 in synchronization with the reference clock (F) supplied from the transmitting side.
9a counts (counts up) from the reset value (for example, “0”) and outputs the current count value.

The time information comparing means 60a outputs the value of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information (TS) which is the output signal of the time information storing means 57a, the output value of the N-bit counter 58a, and the output signal of the time information storing means 57a. The value of the lower bit (M bit) of the time information (TS) is compared with the output value of the M-bit counter 59a.
a signal for instructing to output the oldest block stored in the time information storage unit 57a.
, A signal instructing to output the oldest time information (TS) after the oldest accumulated time information (TS) is output.

The buffer 61a temporarily stores the output signal of the ECC decoder 14, and stores the oldest block stored in the buffer 61a in accordance with the output signal of the time information comparing means 60a, into the expanding means 11 (variable length decoding means). 15). The buffer 61a stores the oldest block stored in the buffer 61a in the expansion unit 1.
1 (variable-length decoding means 15), the next oldest block after the output block is treated as the oldest block. In this manner, the buffer 61a treats the next oldest block after the sequentially output block as the oldest block each time the oldest block is output.

In this embodiment, the time information storage means 57a
And a FIFO (First In F) in the buffer 61a.
First Out) memory is used. Meanwhile, ECC
When the decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 30
Recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 28 for each block. The buffer 31a in which the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7 is stored in accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing means 30 outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. Buffer 3
1a may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 and temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, according to the transmission apparatus or the transmission method of the present invention, when the line cycle of a video signal is a predetermined unit, a block which is a constant information unit of the video signal as an information signal is within one line cycle of the video signal. In the case where a predetermined unit is formed by collecting a plurality of
The time information described in (Embodiment 5) is stored in the compression unit 4 (E
The block of the information signal (video signal) output from the CC encoder 12 (when the CC encoder 12 is not used) or input to the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) is a predetermined unit ( A predetermined unit time information indicating whether the signal is output or input at the time of the cycle of (line), and a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit (line cycle) of the information signal (video signal)
From the head position (timing), ie, the information signal (video signal output from the compression unit 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or input to the ECC encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used)) ), And time information within a predetermined unit indicating the time until the position (timing) of ()).

On the other hand, the receiving apparatus or the receiving method according to the present invention, when the line cycle of a video signal is a predetermined unit,
The number described in (Embodiment 5) when the number of blocks that are constant information units of a video signal that is an information signal occurs within one line period of the video signal, that is, when a plurality of blocks form a predetermined unit. The information is output from the compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or
It indicates how many blocks (line cycle) of an information signal (video signal) input to the C encoder 12 (when the ECC encoder 12 is used) are output or input from a predetermined reference. From the head unit (timing), which is a fixed unit (line period) which is a reference of a predetermined unit (line period) of the information signal (video signal), from the predetermined unit time information,
(When the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or output from the ECC encoder 12 (ECC encoder 1
2) when the information signal (video signal) is input to the position (timing) of the input information signal (video signal). ) A configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit is delayed from the timing with reference to a timing corresponding to the time represented by the predetermined unit time information based on the time information added to each time. I have.

The operation of the above transmission system will be described below. In the transmission device or transmission method,
The digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the amount of information. Output signal of compression means 4 (FIG. 20 (a))
Is output to the ECC encoder 12 at that time, that is, time information (TS) at which the output signal is output from the compression means 4
Alternatively, time information (TS) at which an input signal is input to the ECC encoder 12 is added to each block as a fixed information unit (FIG. 20B). Here, the time information adding means 28
Is the N-bit signal output by the N-bit counter 54a, and the block of the video signal is output from the compression means 4 when the block is in what line cycle from a predetermined reference. Taka or EC
The predetermined unit time information (line numbers: 2, 3,... In FIG.
It is written. ) Is an upper bit, and is an M-bit signal output by the M-bit counter 55a, wherein a block of the video signal is output from the compression means 4 or is an EC signal.
From the head of a line which is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a line cycle to which a block input to the C encoder 12 belongs, the block is output from the compression unit 4 or input from the ECC encoder 12. Time information within a predetermined unit representing the time until the position (timing) of the video signal, that is, the time from the beginning to the position (timing) of the currently input video signal (indicated by T1, T2 in FIG. 20). ) Are configured as lower bits. Here, time information (TS21 to TS33, TS (line number)) is added to each of the video signals.
(Time in the line)). In the present embodiment, the basic clock and the reset start timing signal (RST) are transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side via another transmission line.

Next, an error correction code is added to each video signal and time information (TS21 to TS33) in the ECC encoder 12 (see FIG. 20 (c)). The output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is temporarily stored in the buffer 29a, and is output to the synchronization signal adding unit 13 using the information stored within a certain time as one set unit. Buffer 29a
Is output to the synchronizing signal adding means 13 and is transmitted via the transmission line after the synchronizing signal is added (FIG. 20 (d)).

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronizing signal of the received signal (FIG. 20 (e)) is removed by the synchronizing signal removing means 7, the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7 (FIG. 20 (f)). In ()), the ECC decoder 14 performs signal error correction based on the error correction code. Next, EC
Based on the time information (TS21 to TS33) in the output signal (FIG. 20 (g)) of the C decoder 14, the video signal has the same time interval as the video signal was input to the ECC encoder 12 at the time of transmission by the buffer 61a. (FIG. 20 (h)).

That is, the block which is the output signal of the ECC decoder 14 is stored in the buffer 61a. On the other hand, the time information (TS) assigned to the block is read by the time information reading means 56a, and the value is stored in the time information storage means 57a. Further, when a new block is output from the ECC decoder 14, the new block is stored in the buffer 61a, time information (TS) corresponding to the block is read, and the value is sequentially stored in the time information storage means 57a. .

On the other hand, an N-bit counter 58a serving as a first counter stores K (K is a natural number of 1 or more) from the value (L) of the upper N bits of the time information (TS) of the first received block. The subtracted value (LK) is loaded, and thereafter, every time the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmission side is input to the N-bit counter 58a, the output signal of the N-bit counter 58a counts up by one. Is done.

The M-bit counter 59a, which is the second counter, is reset every time a reset start timing signal (RST) is supplied from the transmission side, and the output signal of the M-bit counter 59a is reset to a reset value (for example, ""). 0 ”) is incremented by one. Next, the value of the upper bits (N bits) of the oldest time information (TS) stored in the time information storage means 57a, the output value of the N-bit counter 58a, and the lower bits (M) of the oldest time information (TS) Bit) and the M-bit counter 59a
Is compared by the time information comparing means 60a, and when both reach the same value, the time information comparing means 60a
Output signal instructs the buffer 61a to output the oldest block stored therein.
a outputs the oldest block in accordance with the instruction, and instructs the time information storage means 57a to output the time information (TS) of the oldest block next to the oldest stored time information (TS). And time information storage means 5
7a outputs the oldest time information (TS) next to the oldest accumulated time information (TS).

Thereafter, the value of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information of the oldest block next to the oldest block, the output value of the N bit counter 58a, the value of the lower bit (M bit) of the time information, and the M bit counter The output value of the oldest block is compared with the output value of the oldest block (the current block), and when both reach the same value, a signal is output to the time information storage means 57a and the buffer 61a. Oldest block), and the time information storage means 57a outputs the oldest stored time information (TS).
Is output next time information (TS) (time information (TS) of the oldest block next to the current oldest block).

The same operation as described above is repeated, and the output signal of the buffer 61a is thereafter expanded to become a digital video output signal. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined identification number is provided for each predetermined unit (in the present embodiment, a line number assigned to each line;
In the method of transmitting information by assigning identification numbers 1... Identification numbers n (n is a natural number of 1 or more, 1 to n corresponding to a line number) in a synchronization signal or together with a synchronization signal, The N-bit counters 54a and 58a in the present embodiment can be dispensed with.

That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the time information The adding means is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
It is constituted by an M-bit counter 55a which is a predetermined unit counting means for counting the time until
Time information (TS) is time information within a predetermined unit, representing time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of an information signal to a position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added. It is composed of bits (M bits) of information.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the information signal is It is constituted by lower bits (M bits) which are time information within a predetermined unit, representing time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added,
In accordance with the time information added to each information signal of a certain information unit, a certain time information unit (block) represented by the time information in the predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each information signal of the certain information unit. It comprises time information reading means 56a, time information accumulating means 57a, an M-bit counter 59a as a second counter, and comparing means 60a.
The feature is that the time within a predetermined unit indicating the time from a fixed position (timing) where the time information (TS) is a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to a position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added. It is composed of information of lower bits (M bits), which is information, and the time within the predetermined unit of the information signal is determined for each information signal of the predetermined information unit in accordance with the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by information is delayed.

When one set of information units is assumed to be information accumulated within a certain period of time, for example, the number of blocks generated as a certain information unit within one line cycle of a video signal is collected to form one set of information units. When a unit is used, the N-bit counters 54a and 58a in the present embodiment can be omitted. That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are gathered to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the time information adding unit sets the fixed unit serving as a reference of the predetermined unit of the information signal. An M-bit counter 55a, which is a counting unit within a predetermined unit, that counts the time from the set position (timing) to the position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added, is characterized by the time information ( TS) from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to time information (T
This is configured by lower-order bit (M-bit) information that is time information in a predetermined unit indicating a time until a position (timing) where S) is added.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the number of the certain information signal or the predetermined unit is counted. The lower bits (M Bit), and a time constant information unit represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. It comprises time information reading means 56a for delaying (block), time information accumulating means 57a, M-bit counter 59a as a second counter, and comparing means 60a. Ri, the features, time information (TS)
From a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of an information signal obtained by counting a certain information signal or a predetermined number of units to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added Is formed by lower bits (M bits) which are time information in a predetermined unit indicating the time of the information unit, and information is generated for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of a signal is delayed.

With this configuration, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the time information adding means 28 and the time information reproducing means 30 are provided in (Embodiment 2), but the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in other embodiments. Is obtained.

In this embodiment, the predetermined unit is one line of the video signal. However, the predetermined unit may be any constant interval. Therefore, the predetermined unit may be n lines (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of the video signal, or the predetermined unit may be n fields of the video signal and n frames (n is a natural number of 1 or more). The fixed position (timing) of the predetermined unit of the video signal may be any position as long as it is synchronized with one of the line, the field, and the frame.

Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be the head of any of a line, a field, and a frame. When the predetermined unit is one line, a line counter can be used as a number counter, a field counter can be used when it is one field, and a frame counter can be used when it is one frame.

(Embodiment 10) FIG. 21 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
0 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method (time information adding unit 39).
In the case where the time information at which the ECC encoder 12 outputs the signal is added for each block. In addition, what has already been described in the above embodiment uses the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted.

This embodiment is particularly applicable to (Embodiment 6)
The time information adding means 39, the time information reproducing means 40, and the method for adding / reproducing the time information are provided in another embodiment. The time information adding means 39 includes an N-bit counter 54b as the predetermined unit counting means 50b and an M-bit counter 55b as the predetermined unit counting means 51b.

Here, the information signal handled by the transmission device or the reception device of the present invention according to the present embodiment is a video signal whose time relationship needs to be preserved between transmission and reception, and the line cycle of the video signal. Is a predetermined unit. Therefore, the number of blocks, which are constant information units of the video signal, generated within one line period of the video signal, that is, a plurality of blocks form a predetermined unit line.

The N-bit counter 54b counts the number of line periods in the input video signal.
The block output by the C encoder 12 is counted in what line cycle from a predetermined reference, and the number is output as N bits. Here, the predetermined criterion is a time criterion, and may have a configuration in which a clock is commonly used between transmission and reception, and may be based on a specific time, or may be a block previously transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side. Or a specific signal such as a synchronization signal.

That is, the N-bit counter 54b sets Cl
The number of lines is counted based on the timing of the beginning of the line of the video signal input from the CE terminal in synchronization with the basic clock input to the ock terminal, and the timing at which the block of the video signal input from the OE terminal occurs , That is, an N-bit count value indicating the number of line cycles the block output by the ECC encoder 12 is output from a predetermined reference.

The M-bit counter 55b determines whether a block of a video signal output from the ECC encoder 12 is present from a position serving as a reference of a line period, for example, a head position (timing) of a line to which the block belongs, ie, the block of the video signal is an ECC encoder. It counts the time from 12 to the position (timing) output, and outputs this count value as time information in M bits.

That is, the M-bit counter 55b outputs
synchronizes with the basic clock input to the
By resetting the count value by the timing (reset timing signal) at the head of the line of the video signal input from the set terminal, the time from the head of the line to the present is continuously counted, and the video signal input from the OE terminal Count value, that is, the count value representing the time from the head position (timing) of the line to the present time, that is, the position (timing) at which the block of the video signal is output from the ECC encoder 12. Is output in M bits.

In this embodiment, a basic clock of 27 MHz or 36 MHz is used as the basic clock. The information of the basic clock may be reproduced from the carrier transmitted from the transmitting device in the receiving device, or may be transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device on a transmission path different from the transmission path transmitting the video signal. Is also good. Similarly to the basic clock, the M-bit counter 55b reproduces a reset start timing signal (RST), which is a signal used as a reference when measuring the time information (TS), from a video signal sent from the transmitting device to the receiving device. Alternatively, the video signal may be transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side on a transmission path different from the transmission path transmitting the video signal.

Therefore, as a whole, the time information adding means 28 sets the N-bit signal output from the N-bit counter 54b as an upper bit, and sets the M-bit signal output from the M-bit counter 55b as a lower bit, so that a total (N + M) -bit time Information is added to the output signal of the ECC encoder 12. on the other hand,
When the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the time information adding unit 39 is configured to recognize, for each block, the time information (TS) from which the output signal of the compression unit 4 is output.
Is added to the output signal for each block and output to the buffer 29b. The buffer 29b is provided between the compression means 4 and the synchronization signal addition means 13, temporarily stores the output signal of the compression means 4, and the buffer 29b uses the information stored within a fixed time as one set unit to generate the synchronization signal addition means. 13 is output.

Next, in the time information reproducing means 30, the predetermined unit delay means 52b is constituted by a time information reading means 56b, a time information accumulating means 57b, an N-bit counter 58b as a first counter, and a comparing means 60b. The predetermined unit delay means 53b is composed of a time information reading means 56b, a time information accumulating means 57b, an M-bit counter 59b as a second counter, and a comparing means 60b.

The time information reading means 56b is a means for extracting and outputting only the time information given for each block from the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7. Time information storage means 5
Numeral 7b sequentially stores the value of the time information (TS) extracted by the time information reading means 56b every time when the value is extracted with N bits being higher and M bits being lower. The value is output with N bits as upper bits and M bits as lower bits. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the time information comparing means 60b, which will be described later, the output signal of the time information comparing means 60b is input to the buffer 61b, and the buffer 61b
Each time the oldest block stored in the buffer 61b is output from the buffer 61b, the time information storage means 57b outputs the time information (TS) next to the currently output time information (TS).

The N-bit counter 58b calculates a value of K (K is a natural number of 1 or more) from the value (L) of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information (TS) of the block received first at the Load terminal of the N-bit counter 58b. , Which is determined in advance by the time interval between blocks). Thereafter, every time the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmission side is input to the CE terminal, the N-bit counter 58b synchronizes with the reference clock (F) supplied from the transmission side to reset the (LK). It counts (counts up) from the value and outputs the current count value.

The M-bit counter 59b outputs the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmitting side to R.
M-bit counter 59b each time it is input to the eset terminal
Of the M bit counter 5 in synchronization with the reference clock (F) supplied from the transmitting side.
9b counts (counts up) from the reset value (for example, “0”) and outputs the current count value.

The time information comparing means 60b outputs the value of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information (TS) which is the output signal of the time information storing means 57b, the output value of the N-bit counter 58b, and the output signal of the time information storing means 57b. The value of the lower bit (M bit) of the time information (TS) is compared with the output value of the M bit counter 59b.
b, and outputs a signal instructing to output the oldest block stored in the time information storage unit 57a.
, A signal instructing to output the oldest time information (TS) after the oldest accumulated time information (TS) is output.

The buffer 61b temporarily accumulates the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7, and accumulates the oldest block accumulated in the buffer 61b in accordance with the output signal of the time information comparing means 60b. 15). The buffer 61b is a buffer 61b.
b) expands the oldest block stored in
After outputting to the (variable-length decoding means 15), the next oldest block after the output block is treated as the oldest block. In this manner, the buffer 61b treats the next oldest block after the sequentially output block as the oldest block every time the oldest block is output.

In this embodiment, the time information storage means 57b
And a FIFO (First In F) in the buffer 61b.
First Out) memory is used. Meanwhile, ECC
When the decoder 14 is not used, the time information reproducing means 40
Recognizes the time information added by the time information adding means 39 for each block. The buffer 31b storing the output signal of the synchronization signal removing unit 7 in accordance with the instruction of the time information reproducing unit 40 outputs the stored information signal at a timing corresponding to the time information for each block. Buffer 3
1b may be provided between the synchronizing signal removing means 7 and the decompressing means 11 to temporarily store the output signal of the synchronizing signal removing means 7.

That is, according to the transmission apparatus or the transmission method of the present invention, when the line cycle of a video signal is a predetermined unit, a block which is a constant information unit of the video signal as an information signal is within one line cycle of the video signal. In the case where the number of occurrences, i.e., a plurality of lines form a line which is a predetermined unit, the time information described in (Embodiment 6) uses the compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or E
Predetermined unit time information indicating which block of the predetermined unit (line) the information signal (video signal) output from the CC encoder 12 (when using the ECC encoder 12) is output; Signal (video signal)
From the head position (timing), which is a fixed position (timing) of a predetermined unit (line), from the current compression means 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC
Encoder 12 (when using ECC encoder 12)
And a predetermined unit of time information indicating the time until the position (timing) of the information signal (video signal) output from the unit.

On the other hand, when the receiving apparatus or the receiving method of the present invention uses a line cycle of a video signal as a predetermined unit,
(Embodiment 6) In the case where the number of blocks that are constant information units of a video signal that is an information signal is generated within one line cycle of the video signal, that is, when a plurality of blocks form a line that is a predetermined unit, The described time information is stored in the compression unit 4 (when the ECC encoder 12 is not used) or the ECC
Encoder 12 (when using ECC encoder 12)
What is a predetermined unit (line cycle) of a block of an information signal (video signal) output from a predetermined reference
From the head position (timing) which is a fixed position (timing) which is a reference of a predetermined unit (line cycle) of the information signal (video signal) indicating whether or not the information has been output at the time of Compression means 4 (when not using ECC encoder 12) or ECC encoder 12
(In a case where the ECC encoder 12 is used) and time information in a predetermined unit representing a time from the position (timing) of the information signal (video signal) output to the information signal (video signal). Based on the time information added for each (video signal), based on the timing corresponding to the time represented by the predetermined unit time information, a time-constant information unit (block) represented by the time information within the predetermined unit is determined from the timing. It is configured to delay.

The operation of the above transmission system will be described below. In the transmission device or transmission method,
The digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the amount of information. Output signal of compression means 4 (FIG. 22 (a))
Is output to the ECC encoder 12, and the output signal of the compression means 4 is provided with an error correction code for each video signal in the ECC encoder 12. Next, ECC encoder 1
The time information (TS) at which the output signal No. 2 (see FIG. 22B) is output is added to each block which is a fixed information unit (FIG. 22C). Here, the time information output by the time information adding means 29 is an N-bit signal output by the N-bit counter 54b, and the block of the video signal is determined by what line cycle the block has from a predetermined reference. , Predetermined unit time information (line numbers: 2, 3,... In FIG. 22) indicating a line number indicating whether the line has been output to the compression means 4 or the ECC encoder 12 is set as an upper bit, and the M bit counter 55b From the top of a line which is a fixed position (timing) that is a reference of a line cycle to which the block output to the compression means 4 or the ECC encoder 12 belongs. , Until the block reaches the position (timing) of the video signal output from the compression means 4 or the ECC encoder 12. Representing between,
That is, time information within a predetermined unit (indicated as T1, T2,... In FIG. 22) representing the time from the head of the line to the position (timing) of the currently output video signal is configured as lower bits. . Here, time information (TS21 to TS33, TS (line number) (in-line time)) is added to each of the video signals. In the present embodiment, the basic clock and the reset start timing signal (RST) are transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side via another transmission line.

The output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is temporarily stored in the buffer 29b, and is output to the synchronizing signal adding means 13 using the information stored within a fixed time as one set unit. The output signal of the buffer 29b is supplied to the synchronization signal adding means 1
After the synchronization signal is added to the output of FIG.
(D) Transmission is performed via a transmission path. On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronization signal is removed by the synchronization signal removing unit 7 from the received signal (FIG. 22E), the output signal of the synchronization signal removing unit 7 (FIG. 22F) is , Time information (TS21 to TS3) in the output signal of the synchronizing signal
Based on 3), the video signal is output after being delayed by the buffer 61b at the same time interval as the video signal output from the ECC encoder 12 at the time of transmission (FIG. 2).
2 (g)). Next, the ECC decoder 14 performs signal error correction based on the error correction code (FIG. 22).
(H)).

That is, the block which is the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7 is stored in the buffer 61b. On the other hand, the time information (TS) assigned to the block is read by the time information reading means 56b, and the value is stored in the time information storage means 57b. Further, when a new block is output from the synchronization signal removing means 7, the new block is stored in the buffer 61b, time information (TS) corresponding to the block is read, and the value is sequentially stored in the time information storing means 57b. accumulate.

On the other hand, an N-bit counter 58b as a first counter stores K (K is a natural number of 1 or more) from the value (L) of the upper N bits of the time information (TS) of the first received block. The subtracted value (LK) is loaded, and thereafter, every time the reset start timing signal (RST) supplied from the transmission side is input to the N-bit counter 58b, the output signal of the N-bit counter 58b counts up by one. Is done.

The M-bit counter 59b, which is the second counter, is reset each time a reset start timing signal (RST) is supplied from the transmission side, and the output signal of the M-bit counter 59b is reset to a reset value (eg, "0") is incremented by one. Next,
The value of the upper bit (N bit) of the oldest time information (TS) stored in the time information storage means 59b, the output value of the N-bit counter 58b, and the oldest time information (TS)
Of the lower bit (M bit) of M and the M bit counter 59
b is compared with the output value of the time information comparing means 60b.
The output signal b instructs the buffer 61b to output the oldest stored block,
1b outputs the oldest block according to the instruction and instructs the time information storage means 57b to output the time information (TS) of the oldest block next to the oldest stored time information (TS). Then, the time information storage means 57b outputs the time information (TS) that is the oldest next to the time information (TS) that has been stored the oldest.

Thereafter, the value of the upper bit (N bit) of the time information of the oldest block next to the oldest block, the output value of the N-bit counter 58b, the value of the lower bit (M bit) of the time information, and the M bit counter 59b, and outputs a signal to the time information accumulating means 57b and the buffer 61b when both reach the same value in the same manner as described above. The oldest block is output, and the time information storage means 57b outputs the oldest stored time information (TS).
Is output next time information (TS) (time information (TS) of the oldest block next to the current oldest block).

The same operation as described above is repeated, and the output signal of the buffer 61b is thereafter expanded to become a digital video output signal. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined identification number is provided for each predetermined unit (in the present embodiment, a line number assigned to each line;
In the method of transmitting information by assigning identification numbers 1... Identification numbers n (n is a natural number of 1 or more, 1 to n corresponding to a line number) in a synchronization signal or together with a synchronization signal, The N-bit counters 54b and 58b in the present embodiment can be dispensed with.

That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the time information The adding means is a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference for a predetermined unit of the information signal.
(Timing) to which time information (TS) is added from
It is constituted by an M-bit counter 55a which is a predetermined unit counting means for counting the time until
Time information (TS) is time information within a predetermined unit, representing time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of an information signal to a position (timing) to which the time information (TS) is added. It is composed of bits (M bits) of information.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of certain information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit and the predetermined unit has an identification code for identifying each predetermined unit, the information signal is It is constituted by lower bits (M bits) which are time information within a predetermined unit, representing time from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added,
In accordance with the time information added to each information signal of a certain information unit, a certain time information unit (block) represented by the time information in the predetermined unit of the information signal is delayed for each information signal of the certain information unit. It comprises time information reading means 56b, time information accumulating means 57b, M-bit counter 59b as a second counter, and comparing means 60b.
The feature is that the time within a predetermined unit indicating the time from a fixed position (timing) where the time information (TS) is a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to a position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added. It is composed of information of lower bits (M bits), which is information, and the time within the predetermined unit of the information signal is determined for each information signal of the predetermined information unit in accordance with the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by information is delayed.

When one set of information units is assumed to be information accumulated within a certain period of time, for example, the number of blocks generated as a certain information unit within one line cycle of a video signal is collected to form one set of information. When the unit is used, the N-bit counters 54b and 58b in the present embodiment can be omitted. That is, on the transmitting side, when a plurality of certain information units of the information signal are gathered to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the time information adding unit sets the fixed unit serving as a reference of the predetermined unit of the information signal. An M-bit counter 55b, which is a counting unit within a predetermined unit, that counts the time from the set position (timing) to the position (timing) where the time information (TS) is added, is characterized by the time information ( TS) from a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of the information signal to time information (T
This is configured by lower-order bit (M-bit) information that is time information in a predetermined unit indicating a time until a position (timing) where S) is added.

On the other hand, on the receiving side, when a plurality of information units of an information signal are collected to form a predetermined unit having a certain time length, the number of the certain information signal or the predetermined unit is counted. The lower bits (M Bit), and a time constant information unit represented by time information within a predetermined unit of the information signal for each information signal of the certain information unit according to the time information added to each information signal of the certain information unit It comprises time information reading means 56b for delaying (block), time information accumulating means 57b, M-bit counter 59b as a second counter, and comparing means 60b. Ri, the features, time information (TS)
From a fixed position (timing) serving as a reference of a predetermined unit of an information signal obtained by counting a certain information signal or a predetermined number of units to a position (timing) to which time information (TS) is added Is formed by lower bits (M bits) which are time information in a predetermined unit indicating the time of the information unit, and information is generated for each information signal of the predetermined information unit according to the time information added to the information signal of the predetermined information unit. This is a configuration in which a constant time information unit (block) represented by time information within a predetermined unit of a signal is delayed.

By adopting such a configuration, the same effect as that of (Embodiment 6) can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the time information adding means 39 and the time information reproducing means 40 are provided in (Embodiment 2), but the same effect can be obtained by providing the time information adding means in other embodiments. Is obtained.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined unit is one line of the video signal, but the predetermined unit may be any constant interval. Therefore, the predetermined unit may be n lines (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of the video signal, or the predetermined unit may be n fields of the video signal and n frames (n is a natural number of 1 or more). The fixed position (timing) of the predetermined unit of the video signal may be any position as long as it is synchronized with one of the line, the field, and the frame.

Therefore, it is not always necessary to be the head of any of the line, the field, and the frame. When the predetermined unit is one line, a line counter can be used as a number counter, a field counter can be used when it is one field, and a frame counter can be used when it is one frame.

(Embodiment 11) FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a transmission system or a transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method constituting the transmission system or the transmission method. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 23, reference numeral 32 denotes non-compression means for outputting a digital video signal without compressing the information amount. 33
Identifies which of the output signal of the variable length coding means 3 and the output signal of the non-compression means 32 is input, and the signal whose information amount is compressed (hereinafter referred to as a compressed signal) or the information amount is not compressed An identification signal adding means for adding an identification signal for identifying whether the signal is a signal (hereinafter, referred to as an uncompressed signal). If the input signal is a compressed signal, a plurality of blocks of the compressed signal are collected. Output. 3
Reference numeral 4 denotes a synchronizing signal adding unit for adding a synchronizing signal to the output signal of the identification signal adding unit 33. When the signal to be transmitted is a compressed signal, a signal obtained by adding one synchronizing signal to a plurality of blocks of video signals is converted into one signal. If the signal to be transmitted is an uncompressed signal as an aggregate information unit, a signal obtained by adding one synchronization signal to the video signal of one block is output to the coaxial cable 6 as a transmission line as one aggregate information unit (transmission). I do.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a synchronizing signal removing means for removing a synchronizing signal from the input (received) signal of one set information unit. Reference numeral 36 denotes an input output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 35 according to a signal added by the identification signal adding means 33,
It recognizes whether a compressed signal or an uncompressed signal has been input, and if it recognizes that a compressed signal has been input, E will be described later.
When the CC decoder 37 recognizes that a non-compressed signal has been input, it outputs a signal to a non-decompressing means 38 described later. 38
Is a non-expansion means for outputting the input output signal of the identification signal recognizing means 36 without expanding the amount of information. This is an ECC decoder that detects and corrects an error of a video signal encoded based on the error correction code.

That is, the transmitting device or transmitting method is as follows:
A compression unit 4 for compressing the information amount of the input video signal and outputting the information unit for each fixed information unit; an ECC encoder for collecting an output signal of the compression unit 4 in n units (n is a natural number of 1 or more) and adding an error correction signal 12 and a non-compressing means 32 for outputting the input information signal for each given set of information units without compressing them.
When the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is input, a plurality of units of the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 are collected and output. When the output signal of the non-compression means 32 is input, one set information unit is output. An identification information adding means 33 for adding an identification code for identifying whether the signal is a compressed signal or not, and a synchronization signal adding means 34 for adding one synchronization signal to an output signal of the identification information adding means 33 are provided. Is transmitted. The feature is that the information signal is a transmission device that collects a plurality of units of a compressed signal of a block, which is a fixed information unit in which the information amount is compressed, and transmits it as one aggregate information unit, and the information amount of the fixed information unit is not compressed. A transmitting device for transmitting one of the information signals, that is, one of the uncompressed signals as one collective information unit, adding a signal for identifying which signal is output from which transmitting device, and further adding one synchronization signal Is added to the transmission device or the transmission method.

On the other hand, the receiving apparatus or the receiving method includes one synchronizing signal and a plurality of compressed information signals or one unit.
Synchronous signal removing means 35 for receiving two uncompressed information signals as one aggregate information unit and removing a synchronous signal from the received signals;
Signal identification means 36 for distributing the output signal of No. 5 in accordance with an identification code for identifying whether or not the signal is a compressed signal; and when the output signal of the identification signal recognition means 36 is a compressed signal, fixed information to which an error correction signal is added. An ECC decoder 37 for performing error correction of the signal based on the error correction signal for each unit; an expansion unit 11 for expanding the output signal of the ECC decoder 37 for each fixed information unit; A non-expansion means 38 for inputting a compressed signal is provided. A feature of the information signal is that a plurality of units of a compressed signal of a block, which is a fixed information unit whose information amount is compressed, are collected and received as one aggregate information unit. And a receiving device for receiving one of the synchronization signal and one of the uncompressed signals of a certain information unit as one set of information unit, and one unit of information for one set of information unit. No. identifies whether the contains multiple units of information signals it contains, which is constituted to select a receiving apparatus based on the identification result.

[0193] The transmission system is configured by the transmission device or the transmission method and the reception device or the reception method via the transmission path. The transmission system as described above and the data format transmitted and received by the transmission device and the reception device constituting the transmission system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit.
FIG. 24A is a diagram showing the data format of a compressed signal according to the present embodiment, and includes a compressed information signal a (video signal a), a compressed information signal b (video signal b), and a compressed information signal c (video signal c). ) Is a signal obtained by compressing the amount of information of a video input signal into blocks, and adding an error correction signal (error correction code) to each of the information signals of one block to collect a plurality of information signals.
One synchronization signal is added to form one set information unit signal. On the other hand, FIG. 24B is a diagram showing the data format of an uncompressed signal according to the present embodiment. An uncompressed information signal (video signal) is a signal obtained by blocking the information amount of a video input signal without compression. And 1 of the information signal of this one block
In addition, one synchronization signal is added to this to form a signal of one set information unit.

With such a configuration, a plurality of information (signal) sources can be included in one set information unit, and an uncompressed signal can be included by an identification signal, so that signal transmission can be performed efficiently. be able to. In this embodiment, an error correction code is added to a video signal for each block, but an error correction code is added to a video signal for a plurality of units such as adding an error correction signal for every two blocks (two units) of an information signal. The same effect can be obtained even if the same is performed.

In the present embodiment (Embodiment 2)
Although an example in which an apparatus or a method for transmitting or receiving an uncompressed information signal is added to that of the above-described embodiment, an uncompressed information signal is transmitted or transmitted to another embodiment (Embodiments 1 to 5). A similar effect can be obtained by adding a receiving device or method. (Twelfth Embodiment) FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of a transmission system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, (Embodiment 2) is referred to as SD
I standard (Serial Digital Interf)
ace) (SMPTE 259M (PROPOSED)
SMPTE STANDARD FOR TELEVI
SION 10Bit 4: 2: 2 Component
t and 4fsc Composite Digi
tal Signals)).

FIG. 25A is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25A (a) shows the entire data format in one set information unit.
In FIG. 25A (a), Ancillary Dat
a Space is a region other than the synchronization signal and the information signal, in which an auxiliary data signal which is not a video signal itself but is a necessary information signal is provided. This Anchill
The ary Data Space is provided with 268 words (1 word = 10 bits). Active Vi
The “deo line space” is an area for providing an information signal, and has 1440 words (corresponding to one line of component digital video information).

It should be noted that EAV (End of Active)
e Video) is one of the synchronization codes, and PAY
This is a synchronization code provided immediately after LOAD (Active Area). SAV (Start of Ac)
"active Video" is one of the synchronization codes, and is a synchronization code provided immediately before PAYLOAD (Active Area). ANC Data Pac
ket (Ancillary Data Package)
t) is that HANC (H (hori) between EAV and SAV.
Zone ANC) area, but refers to optional data supplementarily inserted therein. Generally, audio data is inserted and used here. The above is the outline of the data format defined by the SDI standard.

Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the SDI standard will be described below. FIG. 25A (b) shows SD
Active Video Line Sp
FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the details of the ace. In FIG. 25A (b), the fixed information unit is 174 words, and eight fixed information units are collected to form one ActiveVi.
Deo Line Space is formed. In addition,
The remaining 48 words may contain blank data as an unused area, but can be used as an additional option such as using auxiliary data.

Next, FIG. 25A (c) is a diagram showing in detail a certain information unit of the present embodiment.
In (c), Data Packet Paylo
ad is an area where compressed information is provided, and 162
Words are provided. ReedSolomon is EC
An area where C is provided, and four words are provided.
Time Stamp is information indicating time, and is provided with three words. In addition, SAD (Source Ad)
(address) is the device address of the sending side (sending side), and the device can be routed together with the DAD. D
AD (Destination Address)
This is the device address of the receiving side (receiving side). DT (Dat
a Type) This indicates what the data (162 words in DVCPRO) in the BLOCK is.

The PT (Packet Type) is SDI
Indicates the type of data packet, for example, T
It indicates whether the IME STAMP is valid or invalid.
Indicates the effective data length in the WC (Word Count) SDI data packet payload. In the present embodiment, the error correction code is added to the video signal for each block. However, as shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E, the error correction signal is added for every two blocks (two units) of the information signal. The same effect can be obtained even if an error correction code is added to the video signal for each of a plurality of units. That is, the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method is characterized by a transmission system (SDI standard system) that transmits and receives an M-byte (1440 words in the present embodiment) information signal as one aggregate information unit (Embodiment 1). To (Embodiment 6) is to use a fixed information unit of N bytes (M> N, where M and N are natural numbers) (174 words in the present embodiment). .

On the other hand, the characteristics of the receiving apparatus or receiving method are M bytes (1440 words in the present embodiment).
In the transmission system (SDI standard system) for transmitting and receiving the information signal as one aggregate information unit, a certain information unit of the receiving apparatus or the receiving method described in (Embodiment 1) to (Embodiment 6) is N bytes. (M> N, M,
N is a natural number) (174 words in this embodiment).

With the above configuration, for example, even in an existing transmitting apparatus or receiving apparatus in which a data area for providing an information signal is set to be sufficiently large, such as an apparatus using the existing SDI standard, existing equipment can be used. While using
Many information signals can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. Next, FIG. 25B is a diagram showing another data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Here, FIG. 25B (a) shows a data format defined by the SDI standard and FIG. 25A (a)
It is the same figure as. Next, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the SDI standard will be described below. FIG. 25B (b) shows the Active Video Line in the SDI standard.
FIG. 25B is a diagram showing the Space in detail. In FIG. 25B (b), the constant information unit is 171 words,
Eight of these constant information units are collected into one Active
It forms a Video Line Space. The remaining 72 words may be filled with blank data as an unused area, but can be used as an additional option, such as using auxiliary data.

Next, FIG. 25B (c) is a diagram showing in detail a certain information unit of the present embodiment.
In (c), DIF Block Data is an area where compressed information is provided.
The ID is identification information for identifying the content of the compressed information, and each area has two areas. TYPE is information indicating a compression method and a stream format, and TT (Tr
The transmission type is information indicating a transfer speed and a video frame number, and ST (Signal Type).
e) is an area in which information indicating a signal format is provided. Reserved Data is an information area reserved for a future purpose so that time information can be added, and ECC is a 4-byte Reed Solom.
This is an area where an on code is provided.

In the present embodiment, the error correction code is added to the video signal for each block.
Similar effects can be obtained by adding an error correction code to a video signal for each of a plurality of units, such as adding an error correction signal for every two blocks (two units) of an information signal. That is, the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method is characterized by a transmission system (SDI standard system) that transmits and receives an M-byte (1440 words in the present embodiment) information signal as one aggregate information unit (Embodiment 1). To (Embodiment 6) is to use a fixed information unit of N bytes (M> N, where M and N are natural numbers) (171 words in the present embodiment). .

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, the feature is M bytes (1440 words in the present embodiment).
In the transmission system (SDI standard system) for transmitting and receiving the information signal as one aggregate information unit, a certain information unit of the receiving apparatus or the receiving method described in (Embodiment 1) to (Embodiment 6) is N bytes. (M> N, M,
N is a natural number) (171 words in this embodiment).

With the above configuration, for example, even in an existing transmitting apparatus or receiving apparatus in which a data area for providing an information signal is set to be sufficiently large, such as an apparatus using the existing SDI standard, existing equipment can be used. While using
Many information signals can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently. In this embodiment, the case where (the second embodiment) is applied to the SDI standard has been described, but other embodiments (the first embodiment)
The same effect can be obtained by applying Embodiment 11) to the SDI standard.

(Embodiment 13) Next, when a digital signal is transmitted over a coaxial cable, if an error correction code of any code length is added, sufficient error correction capability can be obtained without significantly reducing transmission efficiency. State that can be maintained. First, as a transmission line, a coaxial cable having a length of attenuation not exceeding 20 dB to 30 dB at a frequency half the clock (half the frequency of the carrier wave) of a digital signal to be transmitted is used.

That is, FIG. 26 shows the relationship between the cable length and the attenuation of a 5C2V coaxial cable generally used in a broadcasting station or a studio. In this embodiment, the signal transmission clock frequency is 270 MHz, so that the signal attenuation at half the frequency is 20 dB to 30 dB.
The transmission distance (cable length) corresponding to B is 200 m to 280 m when the transmission clock frequency is 270 MHz, and 170 m to 250 m when the transmission clock frequency is 360 MHz.
That is, the signal attenuation at half the frequency is 30
Transmission distance (cable length) that does not exceed dB
Is 280 when the transmission clock frequency is 270 MHz.
m or less (about 300 m or less), and 250 m or less for 360 MHz. The experiment was performed with the length of the 5C2V coaxial cable used in the error rate measurement of the present embodiment set to 200 m and 150 m. The clock frequency was 270 MHz.

Using the above transmission path, signals under the six conditions shown in (Table 1) were transmitted from the transmitting apparatus as shown in FIG. 27, received by the receiving apparatus, and their error rates were measured.

[0211]

[Table 1]

Here, the form of the signal uses a color bar, and the jitter added on the transmission device side is 1 MHz to 6 MHz.
MHz, the jitter amount was 0.7 ns or less, and the signal amplitude was 90% or 100%. That is, the jitter was adopted by adopting the jitter within the range shown in FIG. FIG. 28 shows a part of the transmission conditions defined by SMPTE259M.

Here, the jitter is a time variation with respect to an ideal position (timing) of digital signal transmission.
Timing jitter is a certain frequency (generally 1
(0 Hz or less) refers to a positional (timing) variation in the transmission of digital signals occurring at a frequency greater than (0 Hz or less).
The alignment jitter refers to a change in position (timing) with respect to a clock extracted (reproduced) from a digital signal transmission signal, and is referred to as a unit interval (Un).
it Interval: Hereinafter referred to as UI. ) Means one clock cycle time, which corresponds to the nominal minimum time between transmission of serial signals. The transmission method of the signal transmitted on the wired transmission path used by the inventors in this experiment is SM
It is within the range specified by the PTE259M standard or the SMPTE292M standard.

The error was detected in the field unit by the error measuring device, and the number of errors was counted up. Further, an error rate and an error occurrence interval were calculated from the measurement time and the number of errors. Since error detection is performed in units of fields, it is assumed that even if the number of errors in units of fields is 1 bit or more, there is one error in one field as a measurement result. Therefore, the actual error rate may be worse than the error rate measurement result described below, because the error spread due to the descrambling and a plurality of errors may occur in one field.

The results of experiments conducted by the inventor under the above conditions are shown in (Table 2) to (Table 7).

[0216]

[Table 2]

[0219]

[Table 3]

[0218]

[Table 4]

[0219]

[Table 5]

[0220]

[Table 6]

[0221]

[Table 7]

Here, the error rate is calculated as follows: error rate = number of errors / (measurement time × 270 Mbps). Even under the above conditions, the error rate may be about 1 × 10 −8 in a severe transmission environment. When transmitting a conventional uncompressed digital video signal, this error rate is hardly detectable with the naked eye, so there is no practical problem.

However, MPEG (Moving Pic)
cure Experts Group) or DVC (D
When transmitting a compressed signal such as digital video cassette, a one-bit error causes error propagation in DCT area units, slice units, or GOP (Group of Picture) units, as shown in FIG. become. The degree of influence of the image quality degradation differs depending on the compression algorithm and the place where the bit error has occurred.

For example, a transmission speed of 27 Mbps (bit
per second) compressed signal at clock frequency 2
When transmitting under the condition of 70 MHz, the bit error rate is “1”.
× 10 ^-11 ", the average error occurrence interval is about 1 hour, the bit error rate is" 1 × 10 ^-10 ", the average error occurrence interval is about 6 minutes,
Since the bit error rate is “1 × 10 ⁻⁹ ” and the average error occurrence interval is about 37 seconds, and the bit error rate is “1 × 10 ⁻⁸ ” and the average error occurrence interval is about 3.7 seconds, the transmission parameters are Even under the above conditions, it cannot be put to practical use.

Here, as a countermeasure against errors, there is a method of retransmitting an erroneous packet. However, in this method, the transmission time due to the retransmission is delayed, and in a one-way transmission system (for example, SMPTE 259M), a retransmission mechanism is used. Difficult to achieve. On the other hand, in the method of adding an error correction code, the ratio of information signals included in a signal to be transmitted is reduced, so that transmission efficiency is reduced. If the code length of the error correction code is reduced in order to reduce the additional information, the error correction capability will be reduced. Therefore, the problem is how much code length of an error correction code can be added to maintain sufficient error correction capability without significantly reducing transmission efficiency.

The present embodiment solves such a problem, and the following describes in detail what length of error correction code should be added together with the reason. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the error correction capability of the Reed-Solomon code. Here, the BER (Bit Er) shown on the horizontal axis of FIG.
rr Rate) is the bit error rate, ie,
9 shows the rate of occurrence of bit errors on the transmission path, and indicates Pbe (Block error rate) shown on the vertical axis of FIG.
e) represents the block error rate, that is, the rate of occurrence of blocks that could not be corrected even after error correction.

In FIG. 29, the block length N = 255 bytes (1 byte = 8 bits), which is the maximum block length when an 8-bit Reed-Solomon code is added.
FIG. 29 is a diagram in which error propagation by a scrambled NRZI code is also taken into consideration. That is, in this method, randomization is performed so that digital signals 1 and 0 are generated on the transmission path on average. In this system, when an error occurs, the error propagates to 6 bits out of the following 11 bits. Therefore, whenever an error of one bit occurs, the error propagates over two words (1 word = 10 bits). Therefore, the error correction capability of the Reed-Solomon code is T = 2 or more (that is, the error correction code has a minimum of 4
Bytes or more).

Note that the error correction code itself is also included in the block. When the error correction code is fixed, the longer the block length becomes, the lower the correction capability becomes.
This indicates the correction capability when the error correction capability is the lowest. Here, T represents the number of symbols (bytes) that can be corrected in one block. For example, when a 4-byte Reed-Solomon (error correction) code is added to a block, two symbols (bytes) in one block ) Can be corrected (T = 2), and when a 2-byte Reed-Solomon (error correction) code is added, a symbol (byte) error of up to one symbol (byte) in one block is obtained. Are correctable (T = 1). Also, T = 0 indicates a case where no error correction code is added.

Next, referring to (Table 2) to (Table 7) and FIG. 9, a description will be given in detail of the code length of the error correction code to be added together with the reason. (Table 2)-(Table 7)
From the measurement results of the error rate shown in the above, the bit error rate becomes about 1 × 10 ⁻⁸ under severe conditions even when the transmission parameters are within the above conditions (the conditions in the SMPTE 259M standard). The case exists. Therefore, FIG.
9 using 2n bytes (T = n) (n is a natural number of 1 or more)
It is examined whether sufficient error correction capability can be maintained when the Reed-Solomon (error correction) code is added.

(1) When a 2-byte (T = 1) Reed-Solomon (error correction) code is added If the bit error rate is 1 × 10 ^-8 , a 2-byte (T = 1) Reed-Solone code is added. By performing error correction using this, the block error rate is improved to about 1 × 10 ⁻⁹ . This value corresponds to an error occurrence interval that a block error occurs once every 26 hours assuming that a compressed signal having a transmission rate of 27 Mbps is transmitted. Therefore, it is difficult to perform sufficient error correction by performing error correction using a 2-byte (T = 1) Reed-Solomon code.

Note that, in the present embodiment, the scrambled N
Since the error propagation by the RZI code is also considered, the error correction capability of the Reed-Solomon code is T =
It must be 2 or more (that is, the error correction code is at least 4 bytes), and a 2-byte (T = 1) Reed-Solomon (error correction) code has no meaning in the present embodiment.

(2) When a 4-byte (T = 2) Reed-Solomon (error correction) code is added If the bit error rate is 1 × 10 ^-8 , a 4-byte (T = 2) Reed-Solomon code is added. By performing error correction using this, the block error rate is improved to 3 × 10 ^-13 . This value corresponds to an error occurrence interval that a block error occurs about once every 10 years, assuming that a compressed signal having a transmission speed of 27 Mbps is transmitted. Therefore, sufficient error correction can be performed by performing error correction using a 4-byte (T = 2) Reed-Solomon code.

As described above, the Reed-Solomon code is used as an error correction code, and its length is set to 4 words (T = 2). Can meet your requirements. When the Reed-Solomon code and the parity bit added for each byte of the information signal are used together, the symbol (byte) position where the error has occurred can be known. As a result, the error location is detected by the parity bit in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, and then the error is corrected by the Reed-Solomon code, so that the error correction capability is as follows.

When four error bytes in one block are detected by the detection of the parity error, the error of the four bytes can be corrected, and three error bytes in one block are detected by the parity error detection. In this case, the error of the three bytes can be corrected, and when two error bytes in one block are detected by the parity error detection, the error of the two bytes and another one byte whose position is unknown can be corrected. If one error byte in one block is detected by the parity error detection, the error of that one byte and the other one byte whose position is unknown can be corrected. If no byte is detected, error correction of two bytes whose position is unknown in one block is possible.

As described above, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to realize substantially error-free by adding a Reed-Solomon (error correction) code. Also, according to the above configuration, an error-free environment can be guaranteed by adding a common error correction code regardless of the compression method. further,
By using a common packet format for error correction, the total cost for interconnection can be reduced. In other words, even if the compression means is changed to various types, by using a common Reed-Solomon (error correction) code, it is possible to make the configuration of the device constituting the code common and reduce the cost.

(Embodiment 14) FIG. 30 shows the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a transmission system or a transmission method according to a fourth embodiment, and a transmission device or a transmission method and a reception device or a reception method included in the transmission system or the transmission method. The components already described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

Here, a block which is a fixed information unit in the present embodiment is N rows × J columns (in the present embodiment, N = 8, J = 170, and (8 × 170) bits =
170 bytes. ). Further, a line, which is a predetermined unit, can be composed of an information signal having a predetermined information amount or less, and each word constituting the line is N rows (N-bit rows) (N is a natural number of 1 or more, and In the embodiment, it is assumed that N = 8), and a first region in which a video signal as a substantial information signal is arranged and M rows (M-bit rows) (M is a natural number of 1 or more, and In the form of M
= 2. ) And a second area in which a redundant parity signal is arranged (N + M = 1).
0 bit). For example, if the transmission speed between transmission and reception is 270 Mb
In the case of ps, 1440 words, in the case of 360 Mbps,
1920 words (1 word = 10 bits). Here, the maximum information amount that can constitute a line, which is a predetermined unit, that is, a constant information amount is (N rows × I columns) bits. In the present embodiment, N = 8 and I = 1440.
(When the transmission rate is 270 Mbps) or 1920 (when the transmission rate is 360 Mbps).

In FIG. 30, reference numeral 70 denotes a block (N) in which the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 is a fixed information unit.
Each word forming a line in which the information amount of the input information signal is a predetermined unit according to the information amount of the input information signal in units of rows × J columns (8 × 170 in this embodiment). Of the N rows (N
Constant amount of information (that is, N rows × I columns, 8 × 144 in the present embodiment) that can constitute the first area of the bit row
0 (when the transmission speed is 270 Mbps) or 8 × 192
0 (when the transmission rate is 360 Mbps)), the XY conversion that can arrange at least a part of the video signal of the output signal composed of (M rows × J columns) of the ECC encoder 12 in the second area. 8-9 conversion means.
The output signal of the 8-9 conversion means 70 is output to the synchronization signal addition means 13.

On the other hand, when the ECC encoder 12 is not used, the output signal (N rows × J columns) of the compression means 4 is changed according to the information amount of the input information signal, that is, the information amount of the input information signal is reduced. When the amount of information exceeds a certain amount that can form a first area of N rows (N-bit rows) where a substantial information signal is arranged in each word forming a line as a predetermined unit, X-Y conversion means 8 capable of arranging at least a part of the video signal of the output signal in the second area.
The -9 conversion means may be configured to output the output signal of the 8-9 conversion means 70 to the synchronization signal adding means 13.

Numeral 71 can relocate the video signal arranged over the second area of the output signal of the synchronization signal removing means 7 to the first area, that is, N rows × J columns (this embodiment). 9-8 conversion means, which is a YX conversion means configured to be able to restore to a block which is a fixed information unit of 8 × 170. The output signal of the 9-8 conversion means 71 is E
Output to the CC decoder 14.

On the other hand, when the ECC decoder 14 is not used, the video signal arranged in the second area among the output signals of the synchronization signal removing means 7 can be rearranged only in the first area, that is, N rows × J columns (8 × 17 in this embodiment)
0) A 9-8 conversion means, which is a YX conversion means, which can be restored to a block which is a fixed information unit, and an output signal of the 9-8 conversion means 71 is output to the decompression means 11 I just need.

That is, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, in the above (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2), the block which is a certain information unit is N
A row (N-bit row) (in the present embodiment, N = 8, which is an 8-bit row) × J columns.
A line, which is a predetermined unit, can be composed of an information signal of a predetermined amount of information or less, and each word constituting the line is composed of N rows, N bits (N is a natural number of 1 or more), and substantial information. In the case of having a first area in which a video signal as a signal is arranged and a second area in which M rows (M is a natural number of 1 or more) and a parity signal or the like which is a redundant signal are arranged And N bits in which a substantial information signal is arranged among words constituting a line in which the information amount of the input information signal is a predetermined unit according to the information amount of the input information signal. When a certain amount of information that can constitute the first area is exceeded, at least a part of a video signal that is a substantial information signal can be arranged in the second area.

On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, in the above (Embodiment 1) or (Embodiment 2), the block which is a fixed information unit has N rows (N-bit rows) In the embodiment, N = 8.) × J columns. A line, which is a predetermined unit, can be composed of an information signal of a certain amount of information or less, and each word constituting the line is N rows (N-bit rows).
(N is a natural number of 1 or more) and a first area where a video signal that is a substantial information signal is arranged, and M rows (M is a natural number of 1 or more) and a parity signal that is a redundant signal And a second region where is arranged,
A video signal which is a substantial information signal arranged over the second area can be rearranged only in the first area, that is,
The configuration is such that it can be restored to a block which is a constant information unit of N rows (N-bit rows) (8-bit rows in the present embodiment) × J columns.

[0244] The transmission apparatus or the transmission method and the reception apparatus or the reception method constitute a transmission system or a transmission method via a transmission path. The operation of the above transmission system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a data format in a block which is a fixed information unit of the transmission system according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30, in the transmitting apparatus or the transmitting method, the digital video input signal is input to the compression means 4 to compress the information amount. The output signal of the compression means 4 is ECC
The information is input to the encoder 12, and the ECC encoder 12 adds an error correction code to each information signal. ECC
The output signal of the encoder 12 is an XY conversion means 8-
9 is input to the conversion means 70, where the information amount of the input information signal, that is, the information amount of the input information signal is substantially the N rows (N-bit rows) where signals are arranged
When the amount of information exceeds a certain amount of information that can compose the first area, the first area (corresponding to the areas B0 to B7) in each block of the output signal of the ECC encoder 12 as shown in FIG. Video signal existing only in FIG.
At least a part of the second region (B8 or B8,
(Corresponding to B9) in the area where the parity signal exists (see FIG. 31B). At this time, the parity signal existing in the second area is discarded. Further, when a space is generated in the first area when the dummy signal is arranged in the area where the parity signal exists, a pseudo signal (dummy signal) is inserted. Thereafter, a signal is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13.

On the other hand, the first region of N rows (N-bit rows) in which a substantial information signal is arranged among the words constituting the line in which the information amount of the input information signal is a predetermined unit is set. ECC if not exceeding a certain configurable amount of information
The output signal of the encoder 12 is output to the synchronization signal adding means 13 as it is. On the other hand, in the receiving apparatus or the receiving method, after the synchronization signal is removed from the received signal by the synchronization signal removing unit 7, the output signal of the synchronization signal removing unit 7 is transferred to the second area by the 9-8 conversion unit 71. If there is a video signal arranged in the first area, it can be rearranged in the first area, that is, N rows (N-bit rows, 8 bits in the present embodiment)
A configuration that can be restored to a block that is a constant information unit of the × J column, that is, the inverse transformation is performed in accordance with the rules when the transmission side performs the 8-9 conversion, and the state becomes the same as the state before the 8-9 conversion is performed. Restore. The output signal of the 9-8 conversion means 71 is E
The CC decoder 14 performs signal error correction based on the error correction code added for each block. After this, EC
The output signal of the C decoder 14 is expanded by the expansion means 11 to become a digital video output signal.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to cope with a case where there are many input information signals and a case where transmission and reception cannot be performed in a predetermined unit. Here, in FIG. 31, TYPE represents the type of compressed data, and for example, DVCPRO is 221h. In addition, MPEG has a type for MPEG. . REV is an abbreviation of Reserved (reserved), and is an area reserved so that a new bit can be defined for the future in the standard and that the user does not use it without permission. Next, ST is
It is an abbreviation of Signal Type and represents a signal format. Even with DVCPRO, the field frequency is 50Hz /
The same DVCPR, such as a 60 Hz (59.94 Hz) format, and differences in the number of samples between the luminance signal and the chrominance signal
O is also for identifying various signal formats. T
T is an abbreviation of Transmission Type, and represents a transfer format. It is used to identify various transfer formats such as 4 × speed transfer and 8 × speed transfer as well as 1 × speed transfer of normal reproduction, and to identify frames.

In the present embodiment (Embodiment 1)
Or (Embodiment 2) has XY conversion means 70 and YX
Although the conversion means 71 is provided, the same effect can be obtained by providing it in another embodiment. In this embodiment, the XY conversion means 70 and the YX conversion means 71
Although it is configured to be able to switch between Y conversion and YX conversion or not, it may be configured to always perform XY conversion and YX conversion.

[0249]

According to the above configuration, 1
A large number of information signals can be included in one set information unit, and signal transmission can be performed efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where an error occurs in one place in an uncompressed system. FIG. 5B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a case where an error occurs in one place in a compressed system. A conceptual diagram showing a case where one area is handled, and a conceptual diagram (c) showing a case where an error occurs in one place in the compression system and showing a case where an area of one line of pixels is treated as one area (d) () Is a conceptual diagram showing a case where an error occurs in one place in the compression system, in which the entire screen area is treated as one area.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device that constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 12 in the time information adding means 28);
When handling the time information of the input signal input to the

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device which constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 12 in the time information adding means 39);
When handling time information of output signal output by

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device that constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 12 in the time information adding means 28);
When handling the time information of the input signal input to the

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit on the transmission side of the transmission system according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device that constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 12 in the time information adding means 39);
When handling time information of output signal output by

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit on the receiving side of the transmission system according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a data format in another aggregate information unit of the transmission system according to the seventh embodiment or the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device that constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 12 in the time information adding means 28);
When handling the time information of the input signal input to the

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit on the transmission side of the transmission system according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention and a transmission device and a reception device which constitute the transmission system (the ECC encoder 1 in the time information adding means 39);
2 handles time information of output signal output)

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit on the receiving side of the transmission system according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

24A is a diagram showing a data format of a compressed signal according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24B is a diagram showing a data format of an uncompressed signal according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit of the transmission system according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the relationship between the cable length and attenuation of a commonly used 5C2V coaxial cable.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a transmitting device and a receiving device used in the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing detailed contents of signal jitter used in the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an error correction capability of a Reed-Solomon code.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a transmission system according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and a transmission device and a reception device constituting the transmission system.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a data format in one set information unit on the receiving side of the transmission system according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a conventional transmission system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Discrete cosine transformation means 2 Quantization means 3 Variable length coding means 4 Compression means 5, 13 Synchronization signal addition means 6 Transmission line 7 Synchronization signal removal means 8, 15, 19, 25 Variable length decoding means 9 Inverse quantization means DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Discrete cosine inverse transformation means 11 Decompression means 12, 17, 22 ECC encoder 14 ECC decoder 16, 21, 23 Synthesis means 18 Distribution means 20 Shuffling means 24 Deshuffling means 26 Non-compression means 27 Non-decompression means 28 Time information addition means 29 , 31 buffers 30 hours information reproducing means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Shoichi Nishino 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. In-company (56) References JP-A-6-326967 (JP, A) JP-A-8-205146 (JP, A) WO 96/5677 (WO, A1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04J 3/00 H04L 1/00 H04L 7/04 H04N 7/24

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] 1. A compression means for compressing an information amount of an input information signal and outputting the information signal for each predetermined information unit, and a non-compression means for outputting the input information signal for each predetermined information unit without compressing the information signal. A synthesizing means for selecting the output signals of the compression means and the non-compression means for each fixed information unit and outputting them in series, and an output signal of the synthesis means in n units (where n is 1
An ECC encoder that collects and adds an error correction signal, a synchronizing signal adding unit that collects a plurality of output signals of the ECC encoder and adds one synchronizing signal thereto, and an output signal of the synchronizing signal adding unit. S
It is regulated by MPTE259M or SMPTE292M standard.
A transmission device configured to transmit the data to a fixed wired transmission path, wherein the error correction code is a Reed-Solomon code of 4 bytes or more. 2. A compression means for compressing the information amount of an input information signal and outputting the information signal for each fixed information unit, and collecting n units (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of output signals of said compression means to collect an error correction signal. And an uncompressing means for outputting the input information signal for each given set of information units without compressing the input information signal, and for outputting the output signal of the ECC encoder when the output signal of the ECC encoder is input. A plurality of units are collected and output, and when the output signal of the non-compression means is input, identification information for outputting one set information unit and adding an identification code for identifying whether or not the information amount is a compressed signal Addition means, a synchronization signal addition means for adding one synchronization signal to the output signal of the identification information addition means, and an output signal of the synchronization signal addition means of SMPTE259M or
Is a transmission device for transmitting over a wired transmission path defined by the SMPTE292M standard, and wherein the error correction code is a Reed-Solomon code of 4 bytes or more. 3. The coaxial cable, which is a wired transmission path, is configured such that the amount of attenuation of an information signal to be transmitted does not exceed 20 dB to 30 dB at half the carrier frequency of the information signal. The transmission device according to claim 1. 4. The wired transmission path is 5C of 300 m or less.
3. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting device is a 2V coaxial cable, and a carrier frequency of an information signal transmitted to the coaxial cable is 270 MHz. 5. The wired transmission path is a 5C cable having a length of 250 m or less.
The transmitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmitting device is a 2V coaxial cable, and a carrier frequency of an information signal transmitted to the coaxial cable is 360 MHz. 6. The transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the error correction code is composed of 4 bytes. 7. The transmitting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said error correction code is composed of a Reed-Solomon code and a parity bit added for each byte of said information signal. 8. An SMPTE 25 using one synchronization signal and a plurality of units of compressed information signals as one aggregate information unit .
A synchronous signal removing unit that receives a signal from a wired transmission line defined by the 9M or SMPTE292M standard and removes a synchronous signal from the received signal; EC that performs signal error correction based on the error correction signal for each unit
A C decoder, distribution means for distributing an output signal of the ECC decoder in accordance with a synthesized rule, expansion means for expanding, on a unit-by-unit basis, an information signal whose information amount has been compressed among the output signals of the distribution means, A non-expansion means for outputting an information signal whose information amount is not compressed among the output signals of the distribution means, wherein the error correction code is a Reed-Solomon code of 4 bytes or more. 9. The receiving device according to claim 8, wherein the error correction code is composed of 4 bytes. 10. The error correction code is composed of a Reed-Solomon code and a parity bit added to each byte of the information signal, and after detecting an error portion in the information signal with the parity bit, reads the error signal. 9. A configuration in which error correction in the information signal is performed by a Solomon code.
Or the receiving device according to claim 9. 11. A configuration comprising the transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and the receiving device according to any one of claims 8 to 9, and transmitting and receiving signals via a wired transmission path. Transmission system. 12. The transmission device according to claim 7, and the transmission device according to claim 1.
0. A transmission system comprising: the reception device according to item 0;