U.S. patent application number 14/329652 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for using a digital video effect to generate a video stream.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRIBUNE BROADCASTING COMPANY, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC. Invention is credited to Hank J. HUNDEMER.
Application Number | 20150237415 14/329652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53799303 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150237415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUNDEMER; Hank J. |
August 20, 2015 |
USING A DIGITAL VIDEO EFFECT TO GENERATE A VIDEO STREAM
Abstract
In one aspect, a method involves (i) making a determination that
a first computing device is scheduled to run a first DVE in
connection with a first video stream; (ii) responsive to making the
determination that the first computing device is scheduled to run
the first DVE in connection with the first video stream, selecting
a second DVE; and (iii) causing a second computing device to run
the selected second DVE, wherein running the selected second DVE
causes the second computing device to generate the first video
stream by modifying a second video stream.
Inventors: |
HUNDEMER; Hank J.;
(Bellevue, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TRIBUNE BROADCASTING COMPANY,
LLC
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
53799303 |
Appl. No.: |
14/329652 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61941267 |
Feb 18, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/8126 20130101;
H04N 21/854 20130101; H04H 20/103 20130101; H04N 21/23418 20130101;
H04H 20/10 20130101; H04H 60/04 20130101; H04H 60/06 20130101; H04H
60/07 20130101; H04N 21/4886 20130101; H04N 21/2402 20130101; H04N
21/23424 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/81 20060101
H04N021/81; H04H 60/06 20060101 H04H060/06; H04N 21/234 20060101
H04N021/234; H04H 20/10 20060101 H04H020/10 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: making a determination that a first
computing device is scheduled to run a first DVE in connection with
a first video stream; responsive to making the determination that
the first computing device is scheduled to run the first DVE in
connection with the first video stream, selecting a second DVE; and
causing a second computing device to run the selected second DVE,
wherein running the selected second DVE causes the second computing
device to generate the first video stream by modifying a second
video stream.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein making the determination that the
first computing device is scheduled to run the first DVE in
connection with the first video stream comprises receiving an
indication that the first computing device is scheduled to run the
first DVE in connection with the first video stream.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device
comprises a stunt switcher and the second computing device
comprises a production switcher.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the generated first video stream
represents a news program segment.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected second DVE is
designed such that the second computing device running the selected
second DVE causes the second computing device to overlay content on
an area of video content represented by the second video
stream.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the content is first content and
the area is a first area, the method further comprising: causing
the first computing device to run the first DVE, wherein running
the first DVE causes the first computing device to generate a
modified version of the first video stream by overlaying second
content on a second area of the video content.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first area is positioned
below the second area.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first content comprises
school-related content.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the second
video stream to be transmitted to the second computing device.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: encoding video
content represented by the generated modified version of the first
video stream; and broadcasting the encoded video content.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored
thereon program instructions that when executed by a processor
cause performance of a set of acts comprising: making a
determination that a first computing device is scheduled to run a
first DVE in connection with a first video stream; responsive to
making the determination that the first computing device is
scheduled to run the first DVE in connection with the first video
stream, selecting a second DVE; and causing a second computing
device to run the selected second DVE, wherein running the selected
second DVE causes the second computing device to generate the first
video stream by modifying a second video stream.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, wherein making the determination that the first computing
device is scheduled to run the first DVE in connection with the
first video stream comprises receiving an indication that the first
computing device is scheduled to run the first DVE in connection
with the first video stream.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, wherein the first computing device comprises a stunt switcher
and the second computing device comprises a production
switcher.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, wherein the selected second DVE is designed such that the
second computing device running the selected second DVE causes the
second computing device to overlay content on an area of video
content represented by the second video stream.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
14, wherein the content is first content and the area is a first
area, the set of acts further comprising: causing the first
computing device to run the first DVE, wherein running the first
DVE causes the first computing device to generate a modified
version of the first video stream by overlaying second content on a
second area of the video content.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, wherein the first area is positioned below the second area.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
15, wherein the first content comprises school-related content.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, the set of acts further comprising causing the second video
stream to be transmitted to the second computing device.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim
11, the set of acts further comprising: encoding video content
represented by the generated modified version of the first video
stream; and broadcasting the encoded video content.
20. A system comprising a production switcher; and a control
configured for: making a determination that a stunt switcher is
scheduled to run a first DVE in connection with a first video
stream; responsive to making the determination that the stunt
switcher is scheduled to run the first DVE in connection with the
first video stream, selecting a second DVE; and causing a
production switcher to run the selected second DVE, wherein running
the selected second DVE causes the production switcher to generate
the first video stream by modifying a second video stream.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/941,267, entitled "Using a Digital Video Effect
to Generate a Video Stream," which was filed on Feb. 18, 2014, and
which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
[0002] This disclosure also relates to (i) U.S. Pat. No. ______,
entitled "Using a Digital Video Effect to Generate a Video Stream,"
(Attorney Docket No. 13-1800), and (ii) U.S. Pat. No. ______,
entitled "Using a Digital Video Effect to Generate a Video Stream,"
(Attorney Docket No. 14-1801), both of which (i) are assigned to
the assignee of the present disclosure, (ii) are being filed
simultaneously with the present disclosure, (iii) and are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
USAGE AND TERMINOLOGY
[0003] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified and/or unless
the particular context clearly dictates otherwise, each usage of
"a" or "an" means at least one, and each usage of "the" means the
at least one.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] This disclosure relates generally to digital video effects
and television-broadcasting systems.
BACKGROUND
[0005] A computing device may perform functions or acts related to
digital video effects (DVE). For example, the computing device may,
based on user input, design and/or run a DVE. As a result of the
computing device running a DVE, the computing device may generate a
video stream. As such, the design of a DVE may affect the
corresponding generated video stream. In one example, a DVE may be
designed such that the computing device generates the corresponding
video stream by manipulating an input video stream, such as by
scaling video content represented by the input video stream and/or
or by overlaying text or other content on the video content. In one
example, this may occur in connection with a
television-broadcasting system.
[0006] Typically, a television-broadcasting system includes a
master control system, which serves as a technical hub of the
television-broadcasting system and is the final point before a
video stream is sent to an air-chain system for broadcast. The
master control system may include a computing device known as a
stunt switcher that may run a DVE and as a result, may use an input
video stream to generate an output a video stream for
broadcast.
[0007] In the context of a television-broadcasting system, an
example DVE may be designed such that the stunt switcher uses an
input video stream to generate a video stream by overlaying
school-related alerts (e.g., in the form of rotating text or
graphics) on a lower-third portion of video content represented by
the input video stream. This is a common way in which a media
organization affiliated with the television-broadcasting system may
provide to its viewers an indication that certain schools may be
closed for the day due to bad weather, for instance. Depending on
the design of the DVE, the stunt switcher may overlay the
school-related alerts for a predetermined duration or until the
stunt switcher runs another DVE to "clear" the alerts.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one aspect, a method involves (i) making a determination
that a first computing device is scheduled to run a first DVE in
connection with a first video stream; (ii) responsive to making the
determination that the first computing device is scheduled to run
the first DVE in connection with the first video stream, selecting
a second DVE; and (iii) causing a second computing device to run
the selected second DVE, wherein running the selected second DVE
causes the second computing device to generate the first video
stream by modifying a second video stream.
[0009] In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable
storage medium has stored thereon program instructions that when
executed by a processor, cause performance of a set of functions
including (i) making a determination that a first computing device
is scheduled to run a first DVE in connection with a first video
stream; (ii) responsive to making the determination that the first
computing device is scheduled to run the first DVE in connection
with the first video stream, selecting a second DVE; and (iii)
causing a second computing device to run the selected second DVE,
wherein running the selected second DVE causes the second computing
device to generate the first video stream by modifying a second
video stream.
[0010] In another aspect, a system includes a production switcher
and a control configured for: (i) making a determination that a
first computing device is scheduled to run a first DVE in
connection with a first video stream; (ii) responsive to making the
determination that the first computing device is scheduled to run
the first DVE in connection with the first video stream, selecting
a second DVE; and (iii) causing a second computing device to run
the selected second DVE, wherein running the selected second DVE
causes the second computing device to generate the first video
stream by modifying a second video stream.
[0011] These, as well as other aspects, advantages, and
alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art by reading the following detailed description, with
reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example
television-broadcasting system;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing
device;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an example master
control system;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing acts of an example
method;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing acts of another example
method;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing acts of still another example
method; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing acts of yet another example
method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
I. Overview
[0019] As described above, in an example television-broadcasting
system, a stunt switcher may run a DVE that causes the stunt
switcher to generate an output video stream for broadcast by
overlaying school-related alerts on a lower-third portion of video
content represented by an input video stream. To increase the
chance that viewers see these alerts, it may be desired to
broadcast the alerts consistently during a particular time period.
As such, in one example, a user may cause the stunt switcher to run
the DVE at 6:00 am, and then cause the stunt switcher to run
another DVE at 10:00 am to "clear" the alerts.
[0020] However, while this may increase the chance that viewers see
the alerts, overlaying alerts (or other content) in this manner may
have some undesired effects. To illustrate this, assume that from
6:00 am to 7:00 am, the television-broadcasting system is scheduled
to broadcast a one-hour set of video content that includes a mix of
news program segments (collectively making up a news program) and
commercials. This information may be specified in a traffic
schedule (sometimes referred to as a "traffic log"). As such, the
traffic schedule may specify that the one-hour broadcast begins
with a six-minute news program segment followed by a set of eight
thirty-second commercials, followed by another six-minute news
program segment, and so forth.
[0021] By using the technique described above, a user may cause the
stunt switcher to overlay the school-related alerts on the entire
set of video content as it is being broadcast. But in some
instances, a media organization may find this undesirable as the
alerts may obstruct portions of the commercials (e.g., portions
that includes disclaimer text) that the media organization may seek
to keep unobstructed. The media organization may seek to keep these
portions unobstructed for a variety of reasons, such as to adhere
to a contractual agreement with a commercial provider or to adhere
to industry regulations, for instance.
[0022] As one approach to addressing this issue, a user may design
the DVE in a different manner so that these obstruction do not
occur. For example, the user may design the DVE such that the stunt
switcher generates the corresponding video stream by vertically
squeezing and upwardly shifting the video content represented by
the input video stream, thereby creating a bar of "empty" video
content below the "original" video content, and overlaying the
alerts on that empty video content. As a result, the alerts do not
obstruct any portions of the commercials (or any other original
video content for that matter). However, in some instances, a media
organization may find this undesirable as running this type of DVE
instead causes distortion of the original video content (i.e., by
vertically squeezing the original video content).
[0023] Notably, while a media organization may be willing to
tolerate the distortion of some types of video content, it may be
unwilling to tolerate distortion of other types of video content.
For example, while the media organization may be willing to
tolerate distortion of a commercial, it may not be willing to
tolerate distortion a news program segment, as the latter may
result in an unflattering depiction of a news anchor or another
person affiliated with the media organization.
[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a
television-broadcasting system includes a stunt switcher and an
automation system that accesses data representing a traffic
schedule for a television broadcast and selects a record from the
traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video source. The
automation system then determines a type of the identified video
source, and uses the determined type of the identified video source
as a basis to select a DVE. Then, the automation system causes the
stunt switcher to run the selected DVE, wherein running the
selected DVE causes the stunt switcher to generate a modified
version of an input video stream received from the identified video
source. Video content represented by the generated video stream may
then be encoded and broadcast to viewers.
[0025] In one example, the automation system determining the type
of the indicated video source involves the automation system
determining that the video source is a news production system,
which in turn may suggest that the input video stream represents a
news program segment. Accordingly, in this example, the automation
system may select a DVE that is designed such that the stunt
switcher generates the video stream by overlaying school-related
alerts on the video content represented by the input video stream,
but without distorting (e.g., by vertically squeezing) the video
content. Accordingly, the automation system may cause the
school-related alerts to be overlayed on a news program segment
without distorting the news program segment.
[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the automation
system may select a record from the traffic schedule, wherein the
record identifies video content. The automation system then
determines a type of the video content, and uses the determined
type of video content as a basis to select a DVE. Then, the
automation system causes the stunt switcher to run the selected
DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the stunt switcher to
generate a modified version of an input video stream representing
the identified video content. The video content represented by the
generated video stream may then be encoded and broadcast to
viewers.
[0027] In one example, the automation system determining the type
of the identified video content involves the automation system
determining that the video content is a commercial. Accordingly, in
this example, the automation system may select a DVE that is
designed such that the stunt switcher generates the video stream by
vertically squeezing and upwardly shifting the video content, and
by overlaying the school-related alerts on the bar of "empty" video
content below the original video content as described above.
Accordingly, the automation system may cause the school-related
alerts to be overlayed in connection with a commercial without
actually obstructing the commercial.
[0028] Thus, in some examples, the automation system may ensure
that school-related alerts are presented to viewers consistently
over a desired duration, but in different manners depending on
whether the underlying video content is a news program segment or a
commercial so as to avoid the undesired issues discussed above.
Also, the automation system may likewise select and cause the stunt
switcher to run different DVEs in connection with other types of
video sources or video content, as desired.
[0029] As noted above, a stunt switcher running a DVE may cause the
stunt switcher to generate a modified version of an input video
stream received from a video source. In some instances though, the
input video stream may itself have been generated as a result of a
DVE being run. For example, where the video source is a news
production system, a production switcher in the news production
system may run a first DVE that causes the production switcher to
generate a second video stream that is a modified version of the
first video stream. And then, as the second video stream is
transmitted through a master control system, a stunt switcher in
the master control system may run a second DVE that causes the
stunt switcher to generate a third video stream that is a modified
version of the second video stream.
[0030] In one example, the first DVE may be configured such that,
when run, the production switcher generates the second video stream
by overlaying weather information on a first area of the video
content represented by the first video stream. And, the second DVE
may be configured such that, when run, the stunt switcher generates
the third video stream by overlaying school-related alerts on the
same first area of the video content. As such, this may result in
the school-related alerts being overlaid on the weather
information, which may be visually unappealing to a viewer.
[0031] Accordingly, in another aspect of the present disclosure, a
controller within a news production system may make a determination
that the stunt switcher is scheduled to run the second DVE in
connection with the second video stream, such as by receiving an
alert from the automation system. Then, responsive to the
controller making this determination, the controller may select a
third DVE, and may cause the production switcher to run the
selected third DVE, wherein running the selected third DVE causes
the production switcher to generate the second video stream by
modifying the first video stream. The video content represented by
the generated third video stream may then be encoded and broadcast
to viewers.
[0032] In one example, the selected third DVE is designed such that
the production switcher running the selected third DVE causes the
production switcher to overlay weather information on a second area
of video content represented by the first video stream. Further,
the automation system may cause the stunt switcher to run the
second DVE, wherein running the second DVE causes the stunt
switcher to generate a modified version of the second video stream
by overlaying the school-related alerts on a second area of the
video content, and where that second area is positioned below the
first area. Accordingly, this may allow the television-broadcasting
system to "stack" the weather information on top of the
school-related alerts such so as to provide the news program
segment, the weather information, and the school-related alerts to
viewers in a visually appealing manner.
II. Example Television-Broadcasting System
[0033] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example
television-broadcasting system 100 in which aspects of the present
disclosure can be implemented. As shown, the
television-broadcasting system 100 incudes a traffic system 102, a
news production system 104, a video server 106, a master control
system 108, and an air-chain system 110. Generally, in accordance
with a traffic schedule created via the traffic system 102, video
streams may be transmitted from the news production system 104
and/or the video server 106, through the master control system 108,
and to the air-chain system 110 for television broadcast.
[0034] A. Computing Device
[0035] Each of the systems, devices, components or other entities
described above, namely the traffic system 102, the news production
system 104, the video server 106, the master control system 108,
and the air-chain system 110 (and each sub-entity included therein)
may be implemented in various ways. For example, one or more of
these entities may be implemented as a computing device.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows an example of a computing device 200. The
computing device 200 may take various forms, including for example,
a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or workstation. The computing
device 200 may also include various components, including for
example, a user interface 202, a communication interface 204, a
processor 206, and a data storage 208, all of which may be
communicatively connected to each other via a system bus, network,
or other connection mechanism 210.
[0037] The user interface 202 may take a variety of forms and may
facilitate interaction between the computing device 200 and a user
of the computing device 200, such as by receiving input from the
user and providing output to the user. Thus, the user interface 202
may include input components such as a computer mouse, a keyboard,
a touch-sensitive panel, or perhaps a microphone for receiving
voice commands. In addition, the user interface 202 may include
output components such as a display screen (which, for example, may
be combined with a touch-sensitive panel) a sound speaker, or a
haptic feedback system. Other examples are possible as well.
[0038] The communication interface 204 may also take a variety of
forms and may facilitate communication of data (e.g., instructions
or video streams) between the computing device 200 and one or more
other devices according to any number of protocols. In one example,
the communication interface 204 may take the form of a wired
interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high-definition
serial-digital interface (HD-SDI). As another example, the
communication interface 204 may take the form of a wireless
interface, such as a WiFi interface. In either case, the
communication interface 204 may include communication input and/or
communication output interfaces each of which may include one or
more physical ports. Other examples are possible as well.
[0039] The processor 206 may also take a variety of forms and may
include a general purpose processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and/or
a special purpose processor (e.g., a digital signal processors
(DSP)). Other examples are possible as well.
[0040] The data storage 208 may also take a variety of forms and
may include one or more volatile, non-volatile, removable, and/or
non-removable storage components, such as magnetic, optical, or
flash storage, and may be integrated in whole or in part with the
processor 206. In one example, the data storage 208 may take the
form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having
stored thereon program instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled
program logic and/or machine code) that, when executed by the
processor 206, cause the computing device 200 or another device to
perform one or more functions or acts, such as those described in
this disclosure. As such, the computing device 200 may be
configured for performing such functions or acts. In some
instances, the computing device 200 may cause another device to
perform a function or act by transmitting a suitable instruction to
that the device. The computing device 200 may also use the data
storage 208 to store or retrieve various types of data such as the
data described in this disclosure.
[0041] B. Traffic System
[0042] The traffic system 102 may perform functions or acts related
to a traffic schedule for a television broadcast. For instance, the
traffic system 102 may create or edit a traffic schedule, perhaps
based on user input. In addition, the traffic system 102 may store
or retrieve data representing a traffic schedule, or transmit data
representing a traffic schedule to another device. For example, the
traffic system 102 may transmit data representing a traffic
schedule to an automation system such that the automation system
may perform functions or acts in accordance with the traffic
schedule.
[0043] Two example traffic systems are WO Traffic provided by
WideOrbit Inc. of San Francisco, Calif., and OSi-Traffic.TM.
provided by Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla. Other examples
are possible as well.
[0044] Generally, a traffic schedule specifies an order of events
that relate to a television broadcast for a given station during a
given time period. The traffic schedule may include multiple
ordered records, each corresponding to one or more of these events.
A record may include one or more attributes, including for example,
a video content identifier (sometimes referred to as a "house
number"), a video source identifier, a duration, a start-time type,
and a start time. Other attributes are possible as well.
[0045] A record may include at least one of either a video content
identifier or a video source identifier. If the record corresponds
to an event involving stored video content (e.g., playing a locally
stored commercial), the record may include a video content
identifier. A video content identifier identifies video content. In
one example, a video content identifier may be a unique identifier
within a given television-broadcasting system, and may map to a
file location in a data storage where a video file representing the
video content is stored. Therefore, based on the video content
identifier, a video server may retrieve the video file, and
generate and output a video stream representing the video
content.
[0046] Alternatively, if the record corresponds to a video source,
the record may include a video source identifier. A video source
identifier identifies a video source. In one example, a video
source identifier may be a unique identifier within a given
television-broadcasting system, and may map to a video source that
outputs video content in the form of a video stream. As such,
whether a record includes a video content identifier or a video
source identifier, the record may correspond to a video stream that
represents video content.
[0047] The duration indicates the duration of the corresponding
video stream. Further, the start-time type indicates how and/or
when a start time for the corresponding video stream may be
determined. The start-time type may be absolute, calculated, or
manual. An absolute start-time type indicates that the start time
is a fixed time that may be determined before any records in the
traffic schedule are processed by an automation system. This is
sometimes referred to as a "hard" start time. A calculated
start-time type indicates that the start time is when the preceding
record entry has "completed" (i.e., when the video stream
corresponding to the previous record has played for its duration),
and may be determined based on the start time and duration of the
previous record. A manual start-time type indicates that the start
time is when a request is received from a user or device, and
therefore it cannot be determined until the request is received.
Finally, the start time indicates the intended start time of the
corresponding video stream.
[0048] C. News Production System
[0049] The news production system 104 may perform functions or acts
related to producing a news program, which may involve running
DVEs. In this context, the news production system 104 may produce a
news program in accordance with a news program schedule (sometimes
called a "rundown"), which specifies an order of events related to
the production of the news program. For instance, a news program
schedule may indicate that various video clips are to be loaded and
played out by a video server in a particular order so that the
video clips may be included as part of the news program.
[0050] The news production system 104 may perform functions or acts
related to a news production schedule for a news program. For
instance, the news production system 104 may create or edit a news
program schedule, perhaps based on user input. In addition, the
news production system 104 may store or retrieve data representing
a news program schedule, or transmit data representing a news
program schedule to another device. For example, the news
production system 104 may transmit data representing a traffic
schedule to an automation system such that the automation system
may perform functions or acts based on that data.
[0051] The news production system 104 may also output the news
program (perhaps as separate news program segments), and therefore
the news production system 104 may serve as a video source. The
news production system 104 may output the news program in various
forms, including for example, in the form a video stream. Other
examples are possible as well.
[0052] In some instances, the news production system may include a
production switcher that may perform functions or acts related to
DVEs. For example, the production switcher may design or run a DVE,
perhaps based on input received from a user. In addition, the
production switcher may store or retrieve data (e.g., program
instructions) representing a DVE. The production switcher may
perform these or other functions or acts in a same or similar
manner to those described below in connection with the stunt
switcher.
[0053] In some instances, the news production system 104 includes a
controller that causes the news production system 104 to perform
one or more functions or acts, such as those described herein. In
some instances, the controller may be integrated with another
device such as the production system.
[0054] D. Video Server
[0055] Generally, the video server 106 may perform functions or
acts related to processing video files and video streams. For
example, the video server 106 may receive a video stream from a
video source, use the video stream to generate a video file, and
store the video file. In addition, the video server 106 may
retrieve a video file, use the video file to generate a video
stream, and output the video stream. Accordingly, the video server
106 may also serve as a video source.
[0056] An example of a video server is the K2 server provided by
Grass Valley.TM. of San Francisco, Calif. Other examples are
possible as well.
[0057] E. Master Control System
[0058] The master control system 108 is the technical hub of the
television-broadcasting system 100 and may perform functions or
acts related to routing, switching, and/or manipulating video
streams.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows the master control system 108 in greater
detail. As shown, the master control system 108 includes a router
302, a stunt switcher 304, a bypass switcher 306, and an automation
system 308.
[0060] 1. Router
[0061] The router 302 may perform functions or acts related to
mapping input ports to output ports. For example, the router 302
may map one of its input ports connected to the newsroom production
system 104 via a communication path 112 to one of its output ports
connected to an input port of the stunt switcher 304 via a
communication path 312, thereby allowing a video stream output by
the news production system 104 to be transmitted via the
communication path 112, the router 302, and the communication path
312, to the stunt switcher 304.
[0062] As another example, the router 302 may map another one of
its input ports connected to the video server 106 via a
communication path 114 to another one of its output ports connected
to another input port of the stunt switcher 304 via a communication
path 316, thereby allowing a video stream output by the video
server 106 to be transmitted via the communication path 114, the
router 302, and the communication path 316, to the stunt switcher
304.
[0063] Though not shown, typically a router includes more input
ports that output ports such that it can map some number of source
devices to a fewer number of destination devices. An example of a
router is the Blackmagic Design Videohub provided by Blackmagic
Design Pty. Ltd. of Fremont, Calif. Other examples are possible as
well.
[0064] 2. Stunt Switcher
[0065] The stunt switcher 304 may perform functions or acts related
to mapping input ports to output ports and related to DVEs. For
example, the stunt switcher 304 may map the one of its input ports
connected to the router 302 via the communication path 312 to one
of its output ports connected to an input port of the bypass
switcher 306 via a communication path 318, thereby allowing a video
stream output by the stunt switcher 304 to be transmitted via the
communication path 318 to the bypass switcher 306. As another
example, the stunt switcher 304 may map the one of its input ports
connected to the router 302 via the communication path 316 to the
one of its output ports connected to the input port of the bypass
switcher 306 via the communication path 318.
[0066] As noted above, the stunt switcher 304 may also perform
functions or acts related to DVEs. For example, the stunt switcher
304 may design or run a DVE, perhaps based on input received from a
user. In addition, the stunt switcher 304 may store or retrieve
data (e.g., program instructions) representing a DVE.
[0067] The stunt switcher 304 may design a DVE by configuring one
or more layers known as "keys." In one example, a DVE may be
designed to, when run, use one or more keys to overlay text,
graphics, video, or other content on underlying video content. In
some instances, a DVE may be designed to, when run, reset the keys,
thereby "clearing" any previously overlaid content.
[0068] In one example, the stunt switcher 304 may store data
representing a DVE in a particular DVE register within a data
storage. Further, the stunt switcher 304 may store text, graphics,
or other content to be used in connection with the DVE. Therefore,
by overwriting the content, the result of the stunt switcher 304
running the DVE may be altered.
[0069] When running a DVE, the stunt switcher 304 may receive
content for use in generating a video stream in various ways. For
example, the stunt switcher 304 may retrieve content from a
particular DVE register indicated in the DVE. Additionally or
alternatively, content may be transmitted to the stunt switcher 304
and received on an input port of the stunt switcher 304 as
indicated in the DVE. As such, a video stream output by a video
source, such as the news production system 104, may be transmitted
to the stunt switcher 304 and used by the stunt switcher 304 to
generate a video stream.
[0070] Additionally or alternatively, content output by another
source, such as a character generator, may be transmitted to the
stunt switcher 304 and used by the stunt switcher 304 to generate a
video stream. For example, where a DVE is configured to provide
school-related alerts such as those described above, the alerts may
include data such as the school's name and an indication of the
school's status, and the stunt switcher 304 may receive this data
from a character generator. Depending on the design of the DVE, the
stunt switcher 304 may combine this data with text, graphics, or
other content to generate the alerts such that the stunt switcher
304 may generate a video stream by overlaying the alerts on video
content. Since the character generator may continually provide
updated data, the alerts may a "real-time" feel from the
perspective of viewers.
[0071] An example of a stunt switcher is the Miranda NVISION
NVS5100MC provided by NVision, Inc. of Coppell, Tex. Other examples
are possible as well.
[0072] 3. Bypass Switcher
[0073] The bypass switcher 306 may perform functions or acts
related to mapping input ports to output ports. For example, the
bypass switcher 306 may map the one of its input ports connected to
the stunt switcher 304 via the communication path 318 to one its
output ports connected to the air-chain system 110 via
communication path 116.
[0074] Though now shown, typically another input port of the bypass
switcher 306 is connected to a video source such as a back-up video
source. Thus, by altering the input-to-output mappings of the
bypass switcher 306, a video stream may be transmitted from the
back-up video source to the air-chain system 110. This may act as a
safeguard if, for e.g., the stunt switcher 304 malfunctions.
[0075] An example of a bypass switcher is the X-1202H switcher
provided by Evertz Microsystems, Ltd. of Burlington, Ontario,
Canada. Other examples are possible as well.
[0076] Accordingly, provided that the router 302, the stunt
switcher 304, and the bypass switcher 306 have the appropriate
input-to-output port mapping settings, a video stream output from
the newsroom production system 104 may be transmitted through the
master control system 108 (perhaps being manipulated in accordance
with a DVE), and to the air-chain system 110 for broadcast.
Likewise, given that these devices have the appropriate
input-to-output port mapping settings, a video stream output from
the video server 106 may be transmitted through the master control
system 108 (again perhaps being manipulated in accordance with a
DVE) and to the air-chain system 110 for broadcast.
[0077] 4. Automation System
[0078] The automation system 308 may perform functions or acts to
manage overall functionality of the television-broadcasting system
100. In one example, this may begin with the automation system 308
accessing data representing a traffic schedule. In some instances,
this may involve the automation system 308 retrieving the data from
the traffic system 102 via a communication path 120.
[0079] Based on the traffic schedule, the automation system 308 may
perform one or more functions or acts to allow the
television-broadcasting system 100 to carry out the events
specified therein. In one example, this may involve the automation
system 308 traversing records of the traffic schedule and
performing functions or acts based on those traversed records.
These acts may involve causing one or more entities in the
television-broadcasting system 100 to perform a function or act.
The automation system 308 may do this by sending instructions to
such entities via one or more communication paths, including for
example, communication paths 118, 320, 322, and 324 with the video
server 106, the router 302, the stunt switcher 304, and the bypass
switcher 306, respectively.
[0080] As noted above, the automation system 308 may perform
functions or acts based on a record of a traffic schedule. For
example, where the record includes a video source identifier that
identifies the news production system 104, and a start time of 6:00
am, at 6:00 am, the automation system 308 may cause the router 302,
the stunt switcher 304, and/or the bypass switcher 306 to use
appropriate input-to-output port mappings such that a video stream
output by the newsroom production system 104 is transmitted, though
the master control system 108, to the air-chain system 110 for
broadcast. As such, this may allow the television-broadcasting
system 100 to broadcast a news program segment.
[0081] As another example, where a record includes a video content
identifier that maps to a video file representing video content,
and a start time of 6:06 am, the automation system 308 may cause
the video server 106 to retrieve the video file and, at 6:06 am,
use the video file to generate and output a video stream. Further,
at 6:06 am, the automation system 308 may cause the router 302, the
stunt switcher 304, and/or the bypass switcher 306 to use
appropriate input-to-output port mappings such that the video
stream output by the video server 106 is transmitted, though the
master control system 108, to the air-chain system 110 for
broadcast. This may allow the television-broadcasting system 100 to
broadcast a commercial, for instance.
[0082] In some instances, the automation system 308 may also
perform functions or acts based on data represented in a news
program schedule (e.g., based on an indication that the news
production system 104 is scheduled to run a DVE in connection with
a video stream representing particular video content). As such, the
automation system 308 may access data representing a news program
schedule. In one example, this may involve the automation system
308 retrieving the data from the news production system 104 via a
communication path 122.
[0083] F. Air-Chain System
[0084] The air-chain system 308 may perform functions or acts
related to processing and delivering content. The air-chain system
110 may include an encoder and an outbound-broadcast device.
[0085] The encoder may perform functions or acts related to
processing a video stream. For example, the encoder may receive a
video stream output by the bypass switcher 306 via the
communication path 116, and the encoder may encode video content
represented by the received video stream. In one example, the
encoder may encode video content based on the HD-SDI standard to
video content based on the MPEG 2 standard.
[0086] An example of an encoder is the NetVX provided by Harris
Corporation of Melbourne, Fla. Other examples are possible as
well.
[0087] The outbound-broadcast device may perform functions related
to distributing video content. As such, the outbound-broadcast
device may output encoded video content received from the encoder.
The outbound-broadcast device may take a variety of forms,
including for example the form of a transmitter, satellite, or
network connection (e.g., for an Internet feed). Other examples are
possible as well.
III. Example Operations
[0088] FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting acts that can be carried
out in an example method. At block 402, the example method involves
an automation system (or another computing device) accessing a
traffic schedule for a television broadcast. At block 404, the
method involves the automation system selecting a record from the
accessed traffic schedule, wherein the record identifies a video
source. In one example, the record may identify a video source by
including a video source identifier that identifies the video
source.
[0089] At block 406, the method involves the automation system
determining a type of the identified video source. In one example,
this may involve the automation system determining that the
identified video source is a newsroom production system based on
the video source identifier having a particular characteristic
(e.g., a particular prefix) or based on the video source identifier
being a predetermined video source identifier.
[0090] At block 408, the method involves the automation system
using the determined type of the identified video source as a basis
to select a DVE. This may involve the automation system using
mapping data to map a determined type of a video source to a
particular DVE. For example, mapping data may map a determined type
of newsroom production system to a DVE that is designed such that,
running the selected DVE causes a stunt switcher to generate a
modified version of the input video stream by overlaying content on
video content represented by the input video stream without
distorting the video content. In some instances, the automation
system may perform the acts at blocks 506 and 508 together by use
mapping data that maps the video source identifier to a particular
DVE.
[0091] At block 410, the method involves the automation system
causing a stunt switcher (or another computing device) to run the
selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the stunt
switcher to generate a modified version of an input video stream
received from the identified video source. Accordingly, in one
example, the automation system may cause the school-related alerts
to be overlayed on a news program segment without distorting the
news program segment. However, the automation system may select,
and cause the stunt switcher to run, other types of DVEs depending
on the determined type of video source.
[0092] In some instances, the automation system may perform the act
at block 410 in response to receiving a request from a user (e.g.,
a master control operator) via a user interface. Alternatively, the
automation system may perform the act based on a determination that
particular data is included in the traffic schedule, or based on
some trigger event.
[0093] Also, in some instances, the automation system may cause the
stunt switcher to run the DVE at or about the time that the
corresponding video content is scheduled to be broadcast. However,
in other instances, the automation system may run the DVE some
amount of time before or after that time to provide a more
aesthetic transmission from a viewer's perspective.
[0094] At block 412, the method involves an encoder encoding video
content represented by the generated video stream. And at block
414, the method involves an outbound-broadcasting device
broadcasting the encoded video content such that it may be
distributed to and seen by viewers.
[0095] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting acts that can be carried
out in another example method. At block 502, the example method
involves an automation system (or another computing device)
accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television
broadcast.
[0096] At block 504, the method involves the automation system
selecting a record from the accessed traffic schedule, wherein the
record identifies video content. In one example, the record may
identify video content by including a video content identifier that
identifies the video content.
[0097] At block 506, the method involves the automation system
determining a type of the identified video content. In one example,
this may involve the automation system determining that the
identified video content is a commercial based on the video content
identifier having a particular characteristic (e.g., a particular
prefix) or based on the video content identifier being a
predetermined video content identifier.
[0098] At block 508, the method involves the automation system
using the determined type of the identified video content as a
basis to select a DVE. This may involve the automation system using
mapping data to map a determined type of video content to a
particular DVE. For example, mapping data may map a determined type
of commercial to a DVE that is designed such that, running the
selected DVE causes a stunt switcher to generate a modified version
of an input video stream by modifying original video content
represented by the input video stream such that the input video
steam represents the original video content and empty video
content, and by overlaying content on the empty video content. In
some instances, the automation system may perform the acts at
blocks 506 and 508 together by use mapping data that maps the video
content identifier to a particular DVE.
[0099] At block 510, the method involves the automation system
causing a stunt switcher (or another computing device) to run the
selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the stunt
switcher to generate a modified version of an input video stream
representing the identified video content. Accordingly, in one
example, the automation system may cause the school-related alerts
to be overlayed on empty video content below a commercial (i.e.,
such that the alerts are not overlaid on the commercial itself).
However, the automation system may select, and cause the stunt
switcher to run, other types of DVEs depending on the determined
type of video content.
[0100] In some instances, the automation system may perform the
function at block 510 in response to receiving a request from a
user (e.g., a master control operator) via a user interface.
Alternatively, the automation system may perform the function based
on a determination that particular data is included in the traffic
schedule, or based on some trigger event.
[0101] Also, in some instances, the automation system may cause the
stunt switcher to run the DVE at or about the time that the
corresponding video content is scheduled to be broadcast, or
perhaps some time before or after that time as discussed above.
[0102] At block 512, the method involves an encoder encoding video
content represented by the generated video stream. And at block
514, the method involves an outbound-broadcasting device
broadcasting the encoded video content such that it may be
distributed to and seen by viewers.
[0103] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting acts that can be carried
out in another example method. At block 602, the example method
involves an automation system (or another computing device)
accessing data representing a traffic schedule for a television
broadcast.
[0104] At block 604, the method involves the automation system
selecting a record from the accessed traffic schedule, wherein the
record identifies video content. In one example, the record may
identify video content by including a video content identifier that
identifies the video content.
[0105] At block 606, the method involves the automation system
determining a type of a portion of the identified video content. In
one example, this may involve the automation system determining
that the portion of identified video content is a commercial based
on data that indicates the same. For instance, such data may
provide types of portions of video content based on starting and
ending times (e.g., the data may indicate that for eight minutes of
video content, the first six minutes are a portion of a show, and
the last two minutes are commercials). In one example, a user may
generate this data based on an analysis of the video content. In
another example, a computing device may analyze the video content
and use these analysis to automatically generate such data.
[0106] At block 608, the method involves the automation system
using the determined type of the identified video content as a
basis to select a DVE. This may involve the automation system using
mapping data to map a determined type of video content to a
particular DVE. For example, mapping data may map a type of
commercial to a DVE that is designed such that, running the
selected DVE causes a stunt switcher to generate the modified
version of an input video stream by modifying original video
content represented by the input video stream such that the
modified video steam represents the original video content and
empty video content, and by overlaying content on that empty video
content. In some instances, the automation system may perform the
acts at blocks 606 and 608 together by use mapping data that maps
the video content identifier to a particular DVE.
[0107] At block 610, the method involves the automation system
causing a stunt switcher (or another computing device) to run the
selected DVE, wherein running the selected DVE causes the stunt
switcher to generate a modified version of an input video stream
representing the portion of the identified video content.
Accordingly, in one example, the automation system may cause the
school-related alerts to be overlayed on empty video content below
a commercial (i.e., such that the alerts are not overlaid on the
commercial itself). However, the automation system may select, and
cause the stunt switcher to run, other types of DVEs depending on
the determined type of the portion of video content.
[0108] In some instances, the automation system may perform the act
at block 610 in response to receiving a request from a user (e.g.,
a master control operator) via a user interface. Alternatively, the
automation system may perform the act based on a determination that
particular data is included in the traffic schedule, or based on
some trigger event.
[0109] Also, in some instances, the automation system may cause the
stunt switcher to run the DVE at or about the time that the
corresponding video content is scheduled to be broadcast, or
perhaps some time before or after that time as discussed above.
[0110] At block 612, the method involves an encoder encoding video
content represented by the generated video stream. And at block
614, the method involves an outbound-broadcasting device
broadcasting the encoded video content such that it may be
distributed to and seen by viewers.
[0111] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting acts that can be carried
out in another example method. At block 702, the example method
involves a controller (or another computing device) making a
determination that a stunt switcher (or another computing device)
is scheduled to run a first DVE in connection with a first video
stream. In one example, this may involve the controller receiving
an indication that the stunt switcher is scheduled to run the first
DVE in connection with the first video stream. The controller may
receive this indication from the stunt switcher or from an
automation system for example.
[0112] In one example, the first DVE is designed such that the
stunt switcher running the first DVE causes the stunt switcher to
generate a modified version of the first video stream by overlaying
first content on a first area of the video content.
[0113] At block 704, the method involves responsive to the
controller making the determination that the stunt switcher is
scheduled to run the first DVE in connection with the first video
stream, selecting a second DVE. In one example, this may involve
the controller using mapping data to map one DVE to another
DVE.
[0114] In one example, the selected second DVE is designed such
that the production switcher running the selected second DVE causes
the production switcher to overlay second content on a second area
of video content represented by the second video stream, where the
first area is positioned below the second area.
[0115] At block 706, the method involves the controller causing a
production switcher (or another computing device) to run the
selected second DVE, wherein running the selected second DVE causes
the production switcher to generate the first video stream by
modifying a second video stream.
[0116] Accordingly, this may allow the first content (e.g., weather
information) to be "stacked" on the second content (e.g.,
school-related alerts) so as to present the video content (e.g., a
news program segment), the first content, and the second content to
viewers in a visually appealing manner. However, the controller may
select, and cause the production switcher to run, other DVEs
depending on, e.g., how the mapping data is configured.
[0117] In some instances, the controller may perform the act at
block 706 in response to receiving a request from a user (e.g., a
technical director) via a user interface. Alternatively, the
controller may perform the act based on a determination that
particular data is included in a news program schedule, or based on
some trigger event.
[0118] Also, in some instances, the controller and/or the
automation system may cause the production switcher and/or the
stunt switcher to run their respective DVEs at or about the time
that the corresponding video content is scheduled to be broadcast,
or perhaps some time before or after that time as discussed
above.
[0119] At block 708, the method involves an encoder encoding video
content represented by the generated modified version of the first
video stream. And at block 710, the method involves an
outbound-broadcasting device broadcasting the encoded video content
such that it may be distributed to and seen by viewers.
IV. Example Variations
[0120] The variations described in connection with select examples
of the disclosed system and method may be applied to all other
examples of the disclosed system and method. Further, while
examples of the disclosed method have been described in connection
with an example television-broadcasting system, the method may be
implemented in other systems.
[0121] Also, while one or more functions or acts have been
described as being performed by or otherwise related to certain
entities (e.g., the automation system 308), the functions or acts
may be performed by or otherwise related to any entity.
[0122] Further, the functions or acts need not be performed in the
disclosed order, although in some examples, an order may be
preferred. Also, not all functions or acts need to be performed to
achieve the desired an advantage of the disclosed system and
method, and therefore not all functions or acts are required.
[0123] While select examples of the disclosed system and method
have been described, alterations and permutations of these examples
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other
changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without
departing from the disclosed system and method in its broader
aspects as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *