Abstract: A server (1) analyses the request information transmitted from a client (11) by means of a request analyzer 4 and selects the necessary image data from multiple viewpoint image data (2) to output it to an image generator (3), where image data for the requested viewpoint is generated by interpolation to be output to an image synthesizer (5). In the image synthesizer (5), a plurality of images data are synthesized in a form suitable for encoding. An encoder (6) encodes the image data at a suitable bit rate and transfers it to a network (7). The client (11) receives the encoded image data, decodes the data through a decoder (12) and outputs the decoded image data to an image processor (13), where the image data is converted into an appropriate form in conformity with a stereoscopic display format and is displayed on a display unit (14).

Abstract: To a multimedia information file including three-dimensional image data, three-dimensional display control information is added that indicates an intended three-dimensional display method for the three-dimensional image data or a data format in which the data is recorded. A three-dimensional image reproduction apparatus performs conversion appropriate for data characteristics derived from the three-dimensional display control information and then provides display. Recorded three-dimensional image data is thus given versatility so that the same three-dimensional image data can be used commonly to different three-dimensional display schemes.

Abstract: An image data recording apparatus includes a three-dimensional display control information generation unit receiving a parameter indicating a condition for picking up a three-dimensional image, and encoding the parameter so as to generate image pick-up condition information, and a file generation unit generating a multimedia information file including both of the image pick-up condition information and three-dimensional image data or at least one of the three-dimensional image data and two-dimensional image data.

Abstract: A sub-sampling portion (101) sub-samples images of data corresponding to the left and right viewpoints. A joining method selector (104) selects the joining method that minimizes the discontinuity at the boundary in the joined image when the sub-sampled images of data are joined. A joining portion (102) joins the plurality of images data, based on the selected joining method. An encoder (103) encodes the joined image data, and a joining method encoder (105) encodes the information of the joining method. A multiplexer (106) multiplexes these pieces of coded data. In this way, the continuity of the joined image is improved, whereby the coding efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A retention memory retains 2D image data picked-up and output by camera portion in association with corresponding thumbnail image data. The 2D image data retained in the retention memory is converted to 3D image data formed of image data for left-eye and for right-eye for stereoscopic vision of the image as desired. A retention portion creates thumbnail image data with a shrunken image based on this 3D image data and stores the created thumbnail image data and the 3D image data in the retention memory in association with each other. The thumbnail image data is created, for example, by reducing the left-eye image data and the right-eye image data of the 3D image data to satisfy a thumbnail size. A listing of thumbnails based on the thumbnail image data in retention memory is displayed on a display portion so that the retained image can be recognized at a glance.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A device which is capable of storing moving picture data received from each terminal and providing each terminal with video information to be reproducible by rapidly forwarding or reversing at any desired speed independent of usable terminals. A video storage type communication device 30 with a receiving portion 35 and a transmitting portion 38 transmits and receives video data over a communication network 10 to and from each terminal 1-n. A coded video data received from terminals 1-n is stored as it is in a first storage portion 32 and, at the same time, the data converted into specially reproducible video information is stored in the second storage portion 33. At the time of reproducing, the reproduction control portion 35 controls the reproduction selector switch 36 to obtain the video data from the first storage portion 32 or the second storage portion 33, changing the reproduction mode from ordinary to the rapid forwarding/reversing and vice versa.

Abstract: A device which is capable of storing moving picture data received from each terminal and providing each terminal with video information to be reproducible by rapidly forwarding or reversing at any desired speed independent of usable terminals. A video storage type communication device 30 with a receiving portion 35 and a transmitting portion 38 transmits and receives video data over a communication network 10 to and from each terminal 1-n. A coded video data received from terminals 1-n is stored as it is in a first storage portion 32 and, at the same time, the data converted into specially reproducible video information is stored in the second storage portion 33. At the time of reproducing, the reproduction control portion 35 controls the reproduction selector switch 36 to obtain the video data from the first storage portion 32 or the second storage portion 33, changing the reproduction mode from ordinary to the rapid forwarding/reversing and vice versa.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A coding and decoding apparatus is constructed so that the coding side transmits coded data together with identifying information for identifying the device of decoding the coded data, and the decoding side is capable of storing a number of decoding schemes so as to perform decoding based on one of the previously stored schemes. The apparatus further has devices for storing the received tools and tool-correspondent information which numerically represents the capacities of the tools so that it can make a comparison between the decoding capacity and the processing capacities of the tools to determine the possibility of the operations of the received tools. Further, a set of the tools are hierarchized so that the coded data produced by the n-ranked tool can be decoded by the (n+1)-ranked tool.

Abstract: A picture reproducing apparatus transmits coded picture data and an algorithm for reproducing (decoding) the coded picture data and reconfigures a decoding processor in accordance with the received algorithm. The apparatus includes a unit for receiving the picture reproducing algorithm described in a logical description language, performing picture reproduction in accordance with the received algorithm, and reconfiguring a picture decoder in accordance with the received algorithm, a unit for adding a test routine to the algorithm in order to perform an operation test of the received algorithm in a program download manner, and a picture encoder for selecting an optimum coding system for each input frame and transmitting a coding system descriptor code.

Abstract: A picture reproducing apparatus transmits coded picture data and an algorithm for reproducing (decoding) the coded picture data and reconfigures a decoding processor in accordance with the received algorithm. The apparatus includes a unit for receiving the picture reproducing algorithm described in a logical description language, performing picture reproduction in accordance with the received algorithm, and reconfiguring a picture decoder in accordance with the received algorithm, a unit for adding a test routine to the algorithm in order to perform an operation test of the received algorithm in a program download manner, and a picture encoder for selecting an optimum coding system for each input frame and transmitting a coding system descriptor code.

Abstract: A method for treating waste waters to remove oils and/or COD therefrom, which comprises accomodating solid porous packing pieces and activated carbon particles in a container, the porous packing pieces forming a stationary porous packed bed, the average pore diameter of the porous packing pieces being 1.5 to 8 times the average diameter of the activated carbon particles; introducing a waste water, if desired, together with an oxygen-containing gas and/or an oxidizing gas, from the bottom portion of the container to fluidize the activated carbon particles within the pores of the porous packing pieces and in spaces among the adjoining porous packing pieces and simultaneously to contact the waste water with the activated carbon particles; maintaining the upper level of the fluidized bed of the activated carbon particles at least 5 cm below the upper level of the porous packed bed; and withdrawing the waste water which has been so contacted from the top portion of the container.