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OUTLINE
Our research has the goal of creating
media that will convey an enhanced sense of reality and presence
in comparison with today's media. Viewers will feel as though
they are immersed in the world depicted on the screen. To
attain our goals, we are engaging in a wide range of research,
on video and audio, as well as coding, transmission formats,
human physiology, and devices.
1.1 Super Hi-Vision research
We have continued to work on the Super
Hi-Vision (SHV) format and related cameras, displays, video
coding, and transmission technology.
The parameters of the current standard
for SHV are similar to those of Hi-Vision except for video
pixel resolution, which is 7680 pixels by 4320 lines. We are
attempting to find optimal video parameters, by focusing on
the color coordinate system and the frame rate. We have also
conducted experiments on flicker, which is one of the main
factors for deciding the SHV video frame rate, and have found
that a field frequency higher than the conventional 60 Hz
will be necessary.
Regarding SHV cameras, we have developed equipment to transmit
a 72-Gbps video signal and real-time signal processing technology
for a full-resolution SHV camera equipped with three 33-megapixel
imaging elements.
We have also developed full-resolution SHV signal monitoring
equipment for a projector. Furthermore for a self-illuminating
direct-view SHV PDP display for home use, we examined the
feasibility of an ultra-narrow pixel-pitch display.
Regarding SHV transmission, we conducted live, multi-channel,
SHV relay transmissions using the Kizuna Wideband InterNetworking
Satellite, studied methods for converting a 24-Gbps dual-green
SHV signal into an optical signal, and prototyped equipment
for transmitting uncompressed SHV signals over ultra-wide-band
optical networks.
Regarding SHV video coding, we developed SHV coding equipment
based on 1080/60P coding equipment. Earlier methods were weak
at encoding certain images, so we incorporated new, orthogonal-transform
techniques to increase the coding efficiency and proposed
a next-generation coding method for ultra-high-resolution
video to MPEG, which has begun the standardization process.
We also presented proposals for
standardization of SHV to ITU-R and SMPTE.
1.2 Three-dimensional television research
We are continuing with research on integral
3D television with the goal of realizing a display that shows
natural 3D images without requiring glasses. We have improved
the resolution of the 3D display by using full-resolution
SHV images rather than the pixel-offset method used earlier
and have built a 3D imaging system with 400x250 pixel resolution,
four-times the resolution of earlier displays.
We have also made advances on multi-camera
video production technology, including a multi-point Hi-Vision
system, for acquisition and reproduction of 3D imagery. One
of these technologies is able to generate a 3D model of the
subject from multi-point camera imagery, and it was used in
the production of a drama called "Saka no Ue no Kumo".
1.3 High-presence audio systems research
We are continuing our research on a 22.2
multi-channel sound system for SHV. This system that extends
the conventional 5.1 system in the vertical direction and
reinforces the listener's sense of being surrounded by sound.
We are also researching signal processing that will allow
to reproduce 22.2 sound using fewer speakers in private homes.
We have developed an audio production system that both simplifies
and increases the sophistication of 22.2 channel audio as
well as methods for 3D audio panning, for reproducing 22 channel
audio with only three forward speakers by using a head-related
transfer function, and for automatically down-mixing 22 channels
to eight channels.
Regarding standardization of 22.2 multi-channel
sound for SHV, we submitted contributions to ITU-R, SMPTE
and MPEG.
We are also continuing research related
to the sense of "presence" and "kandoh"
(deep emotional feelings) in order to evaluate the sound reproduction
of high-presence audio systems in terms of a variety of factors.
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