Abstract: Still picture search/retrieval method and system for retrieving a still picture without omission by extracting representative color component from a location of the still picture which includes a thing for search. A search condition input processing module receives color information constituting a search condition via an input unit. A still picture dividing method determination processing module receives via the input unit a method for dividing the still picture into rectangular meshes of a same size. A divided mesh designation processing module receives designation of a mesh for search from those resulting from the division. Still picture information is read out from a database for dividing each still picture into meshes by a still picture division processing module. A representative color component extraction processing module extracts a color component having the highest frequency of histogram within the search-destined mesh.

Abstract: During expansion of differential pulse code modulation PCM data into (PCM) data, particularly for speech data in data processing, the range of oscillation of the PCM data can be centered about an amplitude level when each current PCM value has a small value .DELTA. subtracted from it or added to it when respectively positive or negative to obtain a corrected current PCM sample value. Even if manipulation involved in data editing, such as division or connection, of differential or expanded PCM data has been performed or if an error has occurred during transmission of differential PCM data to produce an offset, such offset can be quickly corrected during the expansion.

Abstract: A figure processing method and a figure processing apparatus having a function to automatically display suitable ruling lines for drafting and editing a figure by utilizing a display screen are disclosed. The method and the apparatus determine sort of displaying ruled lines such as lattice, circle and rectangle in relation to shape of a subjected figure and also a figure constructing procedure, and determine coordinates of an adequate datum point of the ruled lines on the display screen depending upon the shape of the subjected figure, then display configuration of the ruling lines on the display screen relying on coordinates of the datum point. The method and apparatus acquire coordinates of a point designated by an operator and modify the coordinates of the designated point relying on the ruling lines, then perform the figure constructing procedure on the figure relying of the modified coordinates of the designated point.

Abstract: A display device which has a zooming function and is required to display a logical screen larger in size than a physical screen, is operated in the following manner. When an action for indicating a zooming command is taken, a first rectangular frame similar in shape to the logical screen, a second rectangular frame similar in shape to a logical area which is now displayed on the physical screen, and a third rectangular frame similar in shape to a logical area which is to be subjected to a zooming operation, are all displayed on the physical screen, and moreover the third rectangular frame can be moved to a desired position by means of a coordinate input device such as a mouse. Hence, the zooming operation and a desired logical area corresponding to the third rectangular frame placed at the desired position can be specified by a one-touch operation. Thus, the operation procedure becomes simple, and the operability of the display device is improved.

Abstract: A multi-window display method and system for displaying a plurality of overlapping windows so that only portions of windows that are not covered by other windows are displayed. In displaying the first window and then the second window over the first window, the first partial area which belongs to the first window and is covered by the second window, and the second partial area which belongs to the first window but is not covered by the second window are detected; the first partial area is registered as a non-display area; the second partial area is registered as a display area; if reversal of the positional relationship between the first and second windows is instructed, the first partial area, which has been registered as a non-display area, is registered as a display area; and the newly registered display area is displayed on the display unit. The method and system enable speed-up of displaying overlapping windows.