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OUTLINE
We are conducting research on advanced
content production environments and technology for creating
appealing and high-quality content and for ensuring viewers'
safety and security by providing emergency bulletins and other
urgent information promptly. We are also advancing research
on core device technologies for capturing, displaying, and
recording that will be used to realize flexible displays and
holographic recorders for the next generation of broadcasting.
3.1 Next-generation content-production systems
We developed management functions for a distributed file system
and stable file transfer, to increase the speed and accuracy
of editing operations during productions. We are studying
automatic extraction of metadata from video content by using
facial recognition and behavior detection to enable searching
by content. We are also refining our metadata production framework
for attaching such metadata to video efficiently and continuing
with research on sophisticated and efficient video composition
technology and robotic cameras. These efforts will enable
new and sophisticated forms of expression and increase the
efficiency of studio program production.
We are researching color correction methods for compact and
inexpensive single-chip, high-image-quality cameras. We have
also begun to develop the core technologies of a back-side-illuminated
ultra-high-speed CCD, to increase the sensitivity of ultra-high-speed
cameras. We improved the MIMO and error correction functions
in our 800-MHz-band field pick-up unit (FPU), and conducted
tests on an actual road-race course to verify that the improvements
increased the unit's capacity and reliability.
We also continued with our work on millimeter-wave
mobile cameras. These cameras were initially developed as
wireless Hi-Vision studio cameras, but our latest versions
can be used in technically difficult outdoor shooting environments
such as for golf or ski jumping events. To increase the efficiency
and reliability of the 800-MHz-band FPU, we conducted Multi-Input
Multi-Output (MIMO) transmission tests in urban areas and
improved the transmission characteristics in line-of-sight
situations.
We are developing millimeter-wave cameras that can capture
images of objects in situations with obscuring smoke and fog.
Our latest camera can operate at high enough frame rates to
show moving images.
Also, we began broadcasting on NHK Radio 2 of automatically
read-out stock market reports. This synthesis equipment creates
high-quality voice from any text. We also continued with our
research on flexible speakers for multi-channel audio and
on highly directional microphones for advanced program production
and silicon microphones.
3.2 Next-generation storage systems
We have begun developing technology to increase the sustained
transfer rate of individual high-speed hard-disk units, with
the eventual goal being to creating compact storage equipment
for full-resolution Super Hi-Vision video. We also devised
mechanisms to ensure stable, high-speed rotation of thin optical
disks.
We also prototyped an experimental setup for holographic recording,
evaluated its basic recording and playback characteristics
and devised wavefront compensation techniques for stabilizing
the optical wavefront and technology for reducing cross-talk
between page data during multiplexed recording. We also continued
with our work on ultra-high-definition, high-speed spatial
light modulators needed to realize holography with a wide
range of visibility.
3.3 Next-generation imaging systems
A compact, ultra-high-sensitivity Hi-Vision
camera would be very useful for reporting on emergencies at
night. We are developing the core technologies for such a
camera, including a compact field-emitter array image sensor
with a HARP film and a HARP film with high quantum efficiency.
We decreased the operating voltage and improved the quantum
efficiency of a blue-sensitive organic thin film for full-color
organic image sensors. We made progress in miniaturizing transparent
TFT circuits and increasing the number of pixels to increase
the display resolution. We also began developing the core
technologies for a high -frame-rate Super Hi-Vision imaging
device.
3.4 Next-generation display systems
We are continuing with our research on organic electro-luminescent
and film LCDs, organic thin-film transistors (TFT) used to
drive them, and actively driven panels that use them, with
the objective of creating thin, lightweight, flexible and
high-image-quality displays that can be used anywhere and
anytime.
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