R & D on technology for parallel execution of the video processing required by program production on multiple servers is moving forward. This technique makes it possible to judge the processing load conditions from the increase or decrease in the receive buffer that is used by the pull-based file transfer protocol. That information is then used to adjust the processing speed according to the priority of the video processing by controlling the number of parallel processes and transfer speed for each server.

We are moving forward with research on next-generation access control, which restricts the use of content. We have developed an access control technique that enables system updating by safe downloading of the main function of the access control to the system LSI in the receiver (the CAS program) by broadcasting. This eliminates the need for a smart card or other such security module.

The VHF and UHF band transceivers used in the broadcasting industry are used close to the human body, so the radio signal radiation patterns received and transmitted by the transceivers are affected by the human body. We describe the results of detailed studies of those effects and their causes.

The relationship between spatial hearing and the channel configuration of multichannel audio is investigated in order to promote the spread of SUPER Hi-VISION broadcasting. The experiment results clearly indicated the loudspeaker arrangement in the horizontal and vertical planes to maintain sound envelopment. It was also found that spatial impressions of the sound reproduced by the 22.2 multichannel audio were maintained in a wide listening area.

We are advancing with research on statistical machine translation (SMT) techniques to support the creation of foreign language news scripts to expand multilingual services within Japan and to other countries. We introduce our current research on acquiring translation knowledge that is one of the essentials of SMT systems. Our research is focused on acquisition from bilingual news scripts translated non-literally by experienced news writers.

We have developed a device that makes it possible to sense the location of the surface of a virtual object by applying pressure to the fingertips that corresponds to the reactive force that would be experienced by touching the object according to finger position and orientation. Here we describe experiments investigating the accuracy of the conveyed haptic sense produced by the device for the three-dimensional shape of virtual objects.

With the objective of realizing a compact, high-image-quality camera without a color separating prism, we have been developing an organic image sensor overlaid with three organic photoconductive films that can convert the three primary colors of light into electrical signals. To improve device sensitivity and resolution, we developed a signal readout circuit having a pixel pitch of 50 μm, which is half that of the conventional devices, by using transparent materials for all of the wiring. * The research on the signal read-out circuit is being done in collaboration with the Kochi University of Technology.

We are doing research on a three-dimensional integrated imaging device in which the signal read-outs from the pixels are processed simultaneously by a circuit just below the pixels to achieve smooth moving images at high resolution. We describe this pixel-parallel readout device and the development of the elemental technology for it. * This research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Tokyo.

For realizing compact storage devices with ultra-fast data writing and reading capabilities, we have been doing research on new magnetic recording devices with no moving parts using the magnetic domain wall motion within magnetic nanowires. We present the results of verification experiments on pulsed-current-driven motion of magnetic domains. We also describe technology for stable entrapment of the domains that have been moved along the magnetic nanowires.

With the objective of implementing large-screen sheet displays, we have been researching technology for low-temperature fabrication of TFTs on plastic substrates that have low heat resistance. We were able to fabricate oxide semiconductor TFTs on a plastic substrate at low temperature by using a polymer gate insulation layer. We developed a fabrication process for 8-in VGA flexible display panels using the TFT fabrication technology.

To reduce power consumption in flexible displays, we have been researching the fabrication of organic CMOS circuits on plastic substrates. We developed a high-mobility N-type organic TFT array using N-type organic semiconductors that show deterioration-free performance in air and a coating type polymer gate insulator. We also fabricated a CMOS inverter circuit that integrates N-type and P-type TFT on a plastic substrate.

To avert higher power consumption as the size and resolution of PDPs increase, we have been doing research to achieve an energy-efficient PDP by improving the low dischargevoltage electrode protecting layer. We conducted a theoretical analysis to obtain guidelines for lowering the discharge-voltage and succeeded in achieving a lower discharge-voltage by introducing new protective layer materials.