Abstract: In a recording/playback terminal used for recording, on a recording medium, a plurality of target contents sent from a content server in which a plurality of contents are accumulatively stored such that each of the target contents is stored in a compressed state, a capacity determining section for determining a compression mode of each of the target contents to be recorded so that all the target contents can fit on the recording medium is provided. A content obtaining section for obtaining, from the content server, the target contents each of which is compressed in the compression mode determined by the capacity determining section is further provided. The target contents obtained by the content obtaining section are recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: Video data recording using a plurality of video camera devices can be performed more conveniently than in the conventional technique. A video camera device working as a parent device has a signal sending/receiving function and a control function for the whole system, and a video camera device working as a child device has a signal sending/receiving function. The parent device sends synchronization data for time synchronization, and each child device performs a shooting operation in time synchronization with the parent device in accordance with the received synchronization data.

Abstract: Pin setting data for defining initial states of external pins of a programmable logic device (PLD) is transferred to the PLD to set all the external pins before logic setting data for the PLD is transferred from memory, thereby preventing an unstable state of the PLD from propagating to logic circuits adjacent to the PLD. The logic setting data is divided into minimum logic setting data for defining functions required for a stable operation of a system and full logic setting data for defining all functions of the PLD, including functions other than the functions required for a stable operation of the system, and the former is transferred before the latter to reduce a period in which the PLD is unstable during the startup of the system, thereby avoiding instability during the system startup when the PLD is incorporated into an existing system.

Abstract: Video data recording using a plurality of video camera devices can be performed more conveniently than in the conventional technique. A video camera device working as a parent device has a signal sending/receiving function and a control function for the whole system, and a video camera device working as a child device has a signal sending/receiving function. The parent device sends synchronization data for time synchronization, and each child device performs a shooting operation in time synchronization with the parent device in accordance with the received synchronization data.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus of the present invention includes a pixel calculation circuit for performing a calculation by using two sets of image data, wherein the pixel calculation circuit performs a calculation for a motion compensation processing procedure by using pixel data of a reference image and pixel data of a differential image in the case where the motion compensation processing procedure is performed, and performs a calculation for a texture mapping processing procedure by using pixel data of a mapping image and pixel data in a polygon in the case where the texture mapping processing procedure is performed.

Abstract: A depth buffer in a three-dimensional object displaying apparatus that stores compressed information on a Z value for each pixel. The Z value given to each pixel is compressed in accordance with a square root function or a logarithmic function. The compressed Z value is then stored in the depth buffer. In addition, the depth buffer is composed of a W-value buffer and a Z-value lookup table. The Z-value lookup table has entries of which one is designated by a W value such that a given Z value is stored therein, and the W-value buffer stores a W value for each pixel.

Abstract: A "city block" image subject to pointing is given as a first image V.sub.a. A "hand" image serving as a pointer pointing something out on the first image V.sub.a is given as a second image V.sub.b. A mixer is provided which assigns a weight to pixel data of V.sub.a as well as to pixel data of V.sub.b, multiplies each pixel data by its weight, summing the results, and outputting the results as resulting pixel data. A comparator is provided which sends out a coincidence signal when a match is found between pixel data of V.sub.b and a "hand" color requirement defined by given condition data. A data selector is provided which selects and outputs an output of the mixer when the comparator sends out a coincidence signal while otherwise it selects and outputs pixel data of V.sub.a, Pixels used to forming the "hand" are specified from V.sub.b. With respect to such specified pixel, translucent synthesis of V.sub.a and V.sub.b is carried out. Pixels other than the specified pixels are used to display V.sub.

Abstract: A dynamic-image displaying workstation provided with a display device for displaying an image, a video signal processing circuit for outputting dynamic-image data representing a dynamic image corresponding to a video signal, a first dual port memory for receiving and storing the dynamic-image data outputted from the video signal processing circuit, a second dual port memory for storing data representing pixels of an image to be displayed by the display device, and a third dual port memory for storing data representing a window area. The window area is an area of a window, to which the dynamic-image belongs, and is not covered by any other windows.

Abstract: Pixel data is selected from among first and second dynamic-image memories (DI1, DI2) and a static-memory (SI). In the invention, (a) first and second window area memories (WA1, WA2) for designating shapes and sizes of windows to which video dynamic-images are assigned respectively, (b) first and second dynamic-image area memories (DA1, DA2) for designating memory locations of data stored in both the dynamic-image memories, and (c) a priority control register for designating which video dynamic-image should be displayed in front when video dynamic-images overlap with each other are provided, whereby display for every pixel is executed according to a logical AND value of read-out data from WA1 and read-out data from DA1, a logical AND value of read-out data from WA2 and read-out data from DA2, and read-out data from the priority control register.

Abstract: A dynamic-image displaying workstation provided with a display device for displaying an image, a video signal processing circuit for outputting dynamic-image data representing a dynamic image corresponding to a video signal, a first dual port memory for receiving and storing the dynamic-image data outputted from the video signal processing circuit, a second dual port memory for storing data representing pixels of an image to be displayed by the display device, and a third dual port memory for storing data representing a window area. The window area is an area of a window, to which the dynamic-image belongs, and is not covered by any other windows.