Abstract: A display controlling apparatus which displays icons representative of data in layers on a screen, the display controlling apparatus including: an operating section which, based on operations performed by a user, obtains at least instructions for how to display the icons on the screen; a storing section for storing at least data constituting the icons in the layers; a controlling section for generating picture data for displaying the icons in the layers on icon array axes; and a display outputting section for outputting the picture data generated by the controlling section onto a display device; wherein, when the operating section obtains an instruction from the user, the controlling section acting on the instruction generates the picture data in such a manner as to move each of the icon array axes into a different direction together with the icons displayed in an array on each of the axes.

Abstract: Belief probabilities for ontological concepts within a preference model representing a belief of user preferences are determined. The belief probabilities are based on user feedback. A convolution of the belief probabilities and ontology co-occurrence probabilities is performed. A prioritized list from a plurality of documents based on the convolution is generated. In one aspect, the ontology co-occurrence probabilities for ontological concepts within a co-occurrence model are calculated. The ontology co-occurrence probabilities represent a probability of two ontological concepts being associated with a single document of the plurality of documents. In another aspect, the documents describe multimedia content.

Abstract: A display controlling apparatus is disclosed which displays icons representative of data in layers on a screen, the display controlling apparatus including: an operating section which, based on operations performed by a user, obtains at least instructions for how to display the icons on the screen; a storing section for storing at least data constituting the icons in the layers; a controlling section for generating picture data for displaying the icons in the layers on icon array axes; and a display outputting section for outputting the picture data generated by the controlling section onto a display device; wherein, when the operating section obtains an instruction from the user, the controlling section acting on the instruction generates the picture data in such a manner as to move each of the icon array axes into a different direction together with the icons displayed in an array on each of the axes.

Abstract: Belief probabilities for ontological concepts within a preference model representing a belief of user preferences are determined. The belief probabilities are based on user feedback. A convolution of the belief probabilities and ontology co-occurrence probabilities is performed. A prioritized list from a plurality of documents based on the convolution is generated. In one aspect, the ontology co-occurrence probabilities for ontological concepts within a co-occurrence model are calculated. The ontology co-occurrence probabilities represent a probability of two ontological concepts being associated with a single document of the plurality of documents. In another aspect, the documents describe multimedia content.

Abstract: The invention provides an image material selection apparatus and method by which a very high working efficiency in selection operation of an image material can be achieved. The image material selection apparatus includes a display apparatus for displaying identification information of a plurality of image materials on a screen, displaying operation buttons in a corresponding relationship to different pieces of the identification information and displaying, when any of the operation buttons is operated, a motion picture of the corresponding image material on the screen. In the image material selection apparatus, identification information of a plurality of image materials is first displayed on a screen and also a plurality of operation buttons are displayed in a corresponding relationship to different pieces of the identification information. Then, when any of the operation buttons is operated, a motion picture of the corresponding image material is displayed on the screen.