Abstract: Meta data about content is converted into characteristic values. Each characteristic value is associated with one or more content segments of content. The content can be audio, video, or other data or combinations of data. Importance levels for content segments are determined from content scores. Content scores are generally an indication of how one person would rate a particular characteristic value. The content scores may be estimated by using previously determined scores of similar content segments. The similarity is preferably determined by a particular metric. A user may also supply his or her own content scores for content segments. The user profile content scores can be combined with the determined content scores or completely supplant these scores. Based on the importance levels for content scores for content segments, content segments may be packaged into a content digest that a user may view.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for extracting an image region segment from a video image, a system for extracting an image region segment, a program for extracting an image region segment, a method for distributing an extracted video image, and a method for generating content. Motion compensation data is calculated using sequential video images captured by a video camera, and the sequential video images are employed to prepare an estimation of the video camera operation. Based on the estimated camera operation, the center position (xc, yc) of an area that is aimed at in a video image is estimated under predetermined conditions (rules), an image feature is designated in the vicinity of the center position of the target area, and an image segment is specified that includes this image feature.

Abstract: To implement more appropriate QoS control by compressing contents data distributed via a network taking into consideration meaning of contents and preferences of users. A network system comprises a content provider that provides content and client that acquires the content. The content provider attaches information on communication priorities to the content based on the content's importance which is determined from the meaning of the content's and sends the content to the client using a protocol which controls quality of service based on the priority and the client receives the content transmitted by the content provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for extracting an image region segment from a video image, a system for extracting an image region segment, a program for extracting an image region segment, a method for distributing an extracted video image, and a method for generating content. Motion compensation data is calculated using sequential video images captured by a video camera, and the sequential video images are employed to prepare an estimation of the video camera operation. Based on the estimated camera operation, the center position (xc, yc) of an area that is aimed at in a video image is estimated under predetermined conditions (rules), an image feature is designated in the vicinity of the center position of the target area, and an image segment is specified that includes this image feature.

Abstract: A method and system which improves reliability and availability of services for streaming distributions in general. A partition server and a plurality of distribution servers are provided in order to distribute stream data to one or more receivers connected together via a network. The partition server receives the stream data and the plurality of distribution servers receive respective elements of the stream data partitioned by the partition server to distribute the elements to the receivers. First, the partition server selects one of the distribution servers that can perform transmissions in order to transmit elements of the stream data received from a streaming source, to the selected distribution server. The distribution server distributes the elements of the stream data received from the partition server, to the receivers. Finally, each receiver reconstructs the original stream data from the elements of the stream data received from the plurality of distribution servers.

Abstract: To implement more appropriate QoS control by compressing contents data distributed via a network taking into consideration meaning of contents and preferences of users. A network system comprises a content provider that provides content and client that acquires the content. The content provider attaches information on communication priorities to the content based on the content's importance which is determined from the meaning of the content's and sends the content to the client using a protocol which controls quality of service based on the priority and the client receives the content transmitted by the content provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for extracting an image region segment from a video image, a system for extracting an image region segment, a program for extracting an image region segment, a method for distributing an extracted video image, and a method for generating content. Motion compensation data is calculated using sequential video images captured by a video camera, and the sequential video images are employed to prepare an estimation of the video camera operation. Based on the estimated camera operation, the center position (xc, yc) of an area that is aimed at in a video image is estimated under predetermined conditions (rules), an image feature is designated in the vicinity of the center position of the target area, and an image segment is specified that includes this image feature.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to extract from a moving picture and display at least a portion of team play, especially in a field sport, that is considered to be important for detailed analysis, so that the teamwork involved is easily discerned.

Abstract: A present IT environment, in particular, a place such as a data center in which resources are concentrated at one place, requires a mechanism (provisioning) for allocating an excess resource (a server, a network apparatus, a storage, or the like) to the service in response to a load fluctuation of a service. In some cases, setting operations occurring in the process of the provisioning are time-demanding. In those cases, it is impossible to respond to abrupt load fluctuations. [Solving means] Procedures starting from an initial state of the resource and ending in a state where each of resources is deployed for each service are identified, and the procedures are expressed as a directed graph having a state of the resource in each phase as a node (stage), and having a setting operation as an edge. There are some cases, however, where even for deployments intended for different services, an initial state and some of intermediate states are common.

Abstract: A method and system which improves reliability and availability of services for streaming distributions in general. To accomplish this objective, a distribution method takes the following procedure. A partition server and a plurality of distribution servers are provided in order to distribute stream data to one or more receivers connected together via a network. The partition server receives the stream data and the plurality of distribution servers receive respective elements of the stream data partitioned by the partition server to distribute the elements to the receivers. First, the partition server selects one of the distribution servers that can perform transmissions in order to transmit elements of the stream data received from a streaming source, to the selected distribution server. The distribution server distributes the elements of the stream data received from the partition server, to the receivers.

Abstract: An index generator that generates an index, which is data description contents, such as video contents, comprises: an index description device, for defining in advance basic index information concerning an index; a video display device for the input, the display or the output of contents to which an index is to be added; a triggering action input device, for accepting a triggering action in the contents that is displayed or output; and an index determination device, for generating index data based on the basic index information, which is defined by the index description device, and triggering action input history information, which is entered by the triggering action input device.

Abstract: To implement more appropriate QoS control by compressing contents data distributed via a network taking into consideration meaning of contents and preferences of users.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to extract from a moving picture and display at least a portion of team play, especially in a field sport, that is considered to be important for detailed analysis, so that the teamwork involved is easily discerned.

Abstract: An index generator that generates an index, which is data description contents, such as video contents, comprises: an index description device, for defining in advance basic index information concerning an index; a video display device for the input, the display or the output of contents to which an index is to be added; a triggering action input device, for accepting a triggering action in the contents that is displayed or output; and an index determination device, for generating index data based on the basic index information, which is defined by the index description device, and triggering action input history information, which is entered by the triggering action input device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for extracting an image region segment from a video image, a system for extracting an image region segment, a program for extracting an image region segment, a method for distributing an extracted video image, and a method for generating content. Motion compensation data is calculated using sequential video images captured by a video camera, and the sequential video images are employed to prepare an estimation of the video camera operation. Based on the estimated camera operation, the center position (xc, yc) of an area that is aimed at in a video image is estimated under predetermined conditions (rules), an image feature is designated in the vicinity of the center position of the target area, and an image segment is specified that includes this image feature.

Abstract: Meta data about content is converted into characteristic values. Each characteristic value is associated with one or more content segments of content. The content can be audio, video, or other data or combinations of data. Importance levels for content segments are determined from content scores. Content scores are generally an indication of how one person would rate a particular characteristic value. The content scores may be estimated by using previously determined scores of similar content segments. The similarity is preferably determined by a particular metric. A user may also supply his or her own content scores for content segments. The user profile content scores can be combined with the determined content scores or completely supplant these scores. Based on the importance levels for content scores for content segments, content segments may be packaged into a content digest that a user may view.