Abstract: A transcoder device includes means for receiving encoding information transmitted from a motion-picture encoding and transmitting device and decoding information transmitted from a motion-picture receiving and decoding device, referring to the encoding information and the decoding information to determine whether the syntax in a video packet transmitted from the motion-picture encoding and transmitting device is transcoded, and outputting transcoding control information, and means for transcoding an encoded bitstream that is input in the syntax level on the basis of the transcoding control information and transmitting the transcoded encoded bitstream to the motion-picture receiving and decoding device.

Abstract: The multiplexing device includes a data conversion unit which receives input of at least one of a plurality of pieces of data and executes segmentation or concatenation processing with respect to the data as required to output data which fails to exceed a predetermined limited size and which is delimited by a delimitation of a predetermined data unit, a plurality of adaptation units which are disposed in plural corresponding to the plurality of pieces of data and output data from the data conversion unit to provide the corresponding data with a function of an adaptation layer according to properties of the data, and a multiplexing layer unit which multiplexes a plurality of pieces of data from the plurality of adaptation units and sends out the multiplexed data.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method that make possible high-speed mode selection using an evaluation standard of high encoding efficiency in intra prediction. The apparatus includes a first cost calculator for generating cost values from difference information indicative of differences between prediction signals, which have been generated by a prediction signal generator, and a moving picture signal that is input to a moving picture compression encoding apparatus; a preliminary selector for selecting at least two prediction modes based upon the cost values and outputting these prediction modes to a second cost calculator; the second cost calculator for frequency-converting the prediction modes that have been output from the preliminary selector and generating new cost values; and a prediction mode selector for selecting the optimum prediction mode based upon the cost values prevailing after the frequency conversion.

Abstract: A conversion server and a plurality of clients are connected via a transmission line. The conversion server that receives image coded data from the clients converts the image coding system in accordance with the coding system available to each client, the coding setting, and the status of the transmission line, and transmits the converted image coded data. For a client where the number of images that can be displayed is limited, the conversion server decodes a selected plurality items of image coded data, re-encodes the selected pieces into one composite image, and transmits the re-encoded image. The conversion server also comprises decoding processing units, one for each connected client, for decoding image coded data from each client. In response to a display image switching request from a client, the conversion server intraframe-codes the decoded image data of an image that will be used after the switching and transmits the intraframe-coded data.

Abstract: An encoded packet transmitting apparatus includes a converting unit (103), which receives a packet encoded at a preset compression ratio, re-encoding the packet data obtained on decoding data of said input packet, at a compression ratio different from said preset compression ratio, to generate a packet, and outputting the so generated packet, a delay adding unit (105) for performing control so as to add preset delay to the packet output from the converting unit (103) for transmitting the resultant packet, a multiplexing unit (106) for multiplexing the packet encoded at a preset compression ratio and the packet encoded at a compression ratio different from the preset compression ratio and added by delay and for outputting the resultant multiplexed transmission packet.

Abstract: A change request input unit for utilization restriction information is provided in a user terminal of a data distribution system. A conversion unit gives a digital signature to the change request, encrypts it and transmits it to a data creator terminal through a communication unit and a network. Upon receipt of valid rewrite authorization for the utilization restriction information from the data creator terminal, the changed utilization restriction information is rewritten into a storage medium through a storage medium interface in accordance with the contents of the authorization given from a determination unit, thereby implementing a function in which a user can change the set utilization restriction under the valid authorization.

Abstract: An information provision method effectively utilizes a mobile communication infrastructure to offer a user-friendly communication service. A portable telephone is carried in a state of being separated from a user's body while a wrist-worn portable terminal is carried in a state of being maintained in direct contact with the user's wrist like a wristwatch. When the portable telephone receives service information during a main communication process, e.g., telephone conversation, it transfers the service information to the wrist-worn portable terminal. The wrist-worn portable terminal outputs and displays the transferred service information. A portable telephone company enables communication through the user's portable telephone by using a portable telephone communication infrastructure, and transmits service information to the portable telephone during intervals between time periods for the main communication process.

Abstract: An appliance management system includes an electronic device having some functions useful to a user, and an appliance management device designed to be always carried by the user. The electronic device receives a predetermined signal from the appliance management device, and extracts an ID code of the appliance management device. The electronic device becomes unusable when the signal receiving condition is bad. The functions of the electronic device are restricted according to the result of collation between management information registered in the electronic device and the ID code in the received signal.