Abstract: A generating unit allocates an image of a predetermined viewpoint to two or more viewpoints in a 3D image display unit that displays images of the two or more viewpoints in a direction differing according to a viewpoint based on an input from a user. A driving processing unit causes the image of the predetermined viewpoint to be displayed on the 3D image display unit based on the allocation. For example, the present technology can be applied to an image processing apparatus for a 3D image.

Abstract: An information searching system includes an encoding apparatus and a searching apparatus. The encoding apparatus inputs information to be stored, encodes the input information in layers, and then stores the resulting per-layer encoding information in a database. The searching apparatus acquires information that has been thus encoded in layers in order from the upper layers thereof, compares the encoded information for an acquired search query to the encoded information for potential matches on a per-layer basis, decodes the information for the potential matches that resemble the search query on the basis of the comparison results, and then outputs the decoded information for the potential matches that resemble the search query. In so doing, searches are conducted rapidly and with reduced computational load.

Abstract: An information retrieval apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of a target object to be retrieved and dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of each of comparison objects to be compared with the target object, the dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of the target object and the dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of the comparison objects being obtained as a result of adaptive dynamic range coding; a distance computation unit configured to compute distances between the target object and the comparison objects using the obtained dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of the target object and the obtained dynamic ranges or re-quantization codes of the comparison objects; and a comparison unit configured to compare the distances between the target object and the comparison objects to select one of the comparison objects having a minimum distance.

Abstract: An information searching system includes an encoding apparatus and a searching apparatus. The encoding apparatus inputs information to be stored, encodes the input information in layers, and then stores the resulting per-layer encoding information in a database. The searching apparatus acquires information that has been thus encoded in layers in order from the upper layers thereof, compares the encoded information for an acquired search query to the encoded information for potential matches on a per-layer basis, decodes the information for the potential matches that resemble the search query on the basis of the comparison results, and then outputs the decoded information for the potential matches that resemble the search query. In so doing, searches are conducted rapidly and with reduced computational load.

Abstract: An improved safety-belt retractor to be applied to an automotive vehicle or other vehicles for protecting a wearer from danger caused when the vehicle is suddenly or rapidly decelerated. The disclosed safety-belt retractor comprises a frame, a belt reel rotatably disposed within the frame and a safety-belt wound thereon to allow extraction and retraction of a safety-belt, a ratchet wheel with a plurality of ratchet teeth on the periphery thereof being secured on the belt reel, a locking member movably disposed within the frame opposing to the ratchet wheel and being engageable with the teeth of the ratchet wheel, and an inertia sensing means, including a means for operating the locking member, for interengagement of the locking member and the ratchet wheel so as to lock the extraction, when the vehicle is suddenly or rapidly decelerated.