Abstract: A map management apparatus includes: a storage unit that stores therein update history information which stores therein a user of a terminal unit to which a version of an area of a map is available, the user being associated with the version of the area of the map, and at least one area constituting the map; and a control unit that creates, based on the update history information, information for encouraging the user to update the version, by comparing a first route which is searched using a currently-available version to a second route which is searched using a version updated from the currently-available version, transmits the created information to the terminal unit, and makes the transmitted information display in the terminal unit.

Abstract: Projector units in a table display a content list, a content selected by the content list and the like, on screens. Infrared rays are uniformly irradiated to the screens from a plurality of infrared LED's. A camera unit images the silhouette of an object touching the screens to judge whether the silhouette is formed by a pointing member such as a fingertip for touching the content list or by an object other than the pointing member. If it is judged that the pointing member such as a fingertip touches the screens, a content menu is selected from the content list.

Abstract: An intended image data structure is assumed to have a color information storing region and a pixel information storing region as its components. First, consider that the color information storing region within the image data structure is divided into a plurality of subregions, and a corresponding bit value is defined for each of the subregions. Next, an index number stored for each of pixels within the pixel information storing region is changed to an index number belonging to a subregion corresponding to a bit value of information to be embedded. In this way, one bit or more of information can be embedded for each pixel. Thus, a large amount of information can be embedded into a small-size image composed of simple shapes and having a small number of colors without degrading the image quality, and the information can be extracted from the image in which it has been embedded.

Abstract: A system and a method for designing an accessory are disclosed. Upon selection by a user of a commodity including an accessory such as a necklace, a pendant, a finger ring, an earring or a bracelet which he/she wants to design, a multiplicity of photographic images of various types of parts making up the particular accessory constituting the commodity are displayed in order to enable the user to design the accessory by himself/herself. The user repeats the simulation of selecting a preferred one of the multiplicity of parts of various types on display, moving the selected part to a specified area in the display screen and appropriately combining each part thus moved. The user thus decides to produce an accessory of his/her own originality to his/her liking.