Abstract: A request paraphrasing system 120 allowing a dialogue system to flexibly address to requests in various different manners of expression includes: a pre-processing unit 130 converting a user input 56 to a word vector sequence; and a neural paraphrasing model 94 trained in advance by machine learning to receive the word vector sequence as an input and paraphrasing a request represented by the word vector sequence to a request having a higher probability of obtaining an answer from a question-answering device 122 than the request before paraphrasing. As pre-processing, whether the user input 56 is a request or not may be determined and it may be paraphrased only when it is determined to be a request. Further, a classification model 98 may classify the input request to determine to which request class it belongs, and the classification may be input as one feature to neural paraphrasing model 94.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for presenting search results are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, the method comprises: receiving text corresponding to a search query; determining whether a content rating score associated with the search query is below a predetermined threshold, wherein the score is calculated by: identifying a first plurality of search results retrieved using the search query, wherein each search result is associated with one of a plurality of content ratings classes; and calculating the content rating score that is a proportion of search results associated with at least one of the content ratings classes among the first plurality of search results; in response to determining that the content rating score is below the predetermined threshold, identifying a second plurality of search results to be presented based on the search query; and causing the second plurality of search results to be presented.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for textual analysis. In an example, a text analysis application constructs a discourse tree that represents rhetorical relationships between fragments of text. The application matches each fragment that has a verb to a verb signature, thereby creating a communicative discourse tree. The application identifies, in the communicative discourse tree, a terminal node including a nucleus elementary discourse unit, which is dominant to a corresponding satellite elementary discourse unit. The application extracts, from the communicative discourse tree, a particular verb signature corresponding to the nucleus elementary discourse unit. The application determines a subject from the verb signature and forms a question fragment from the subject.

Abstract: An approach is provided in which a knowledge manager creates a pattern set that includes paraphrases and corresponding paraphrase scores. The paraphrase scores are based on a set of first candidate answers obtained from querying a first set of resource data. The knowledge manager performs a search, which is based on the paraphrases and a user question, on a second set of resource data and identifies a set of second candidate answers. In turn, the knowledge manager scores the set of second candidate answers based on the paraphrase scores corresponding to the paraphrases utilized to identify the set of second candidate answers.

Abstract: Storage system characteristics are processed to generate a service level for a storage system that is one of a fixed number of service levels. Application specific usage tags describing application types the storage system is appropriate to support may also be generated. The service level and application specific usage tags are stored into a storage system capability profile and made available, together with any metadata needed to describe the application specific usage tags, to a system associated with a virtualization environment. A request to provision storage resources for a virtual machine is subsequently received, including a policy profile having a requested service level and one or more application specific usage tags describing the storage requirements of the virtual machine. If the policy profile matches the capability profile, storage resources are provisioned for the virtual machine from the storage system.

Abstract: A music reproducing device has a controller configured to perform volume control on audio data; a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter operatively coupled to the controller and configured to convert the audio data from digital audio data to analog audio data, and to perform volume control on the audio data; and a plurality of different types of audio outputs, including at least one headphone output for outputting the audio data from the D/A converter to one or more headphones; the controller and the D/A converter configured to perform different types of volume control on the audio data, the controller performing all volume control except the volume control related to only the at least one headphone output among the multiple volume control, and the D/A converter performing one or more types of volume control which relate only to the at least one headphone output.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method of a designated automated answering system (AAS) includes receiving a client-side application message to an AAS. The AAS includes a server-side entity managed by an enterprise. The client-side application message comprises a user's query for enterprise-related information. The client-side application message are parsed to identify user-identification data. A step includes determining one or more information sources relevant to the query for enterprise-related information. At least one or more information sources are queried. A step includes receiving a query information from the at least one or more information sources. The query information is relevant to the user's query. A natural-language text message that responds to the user's query is generated. The natural-language text message includes a single response.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for facilitating selective rendering during video editing. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of editing video comprises obtaining a video editing project, the video editing project including at least one video clip and timing information corresponding to the at least one video clip. The method further comprises obtaining a reference file generated according to the video editing project and obtaining, from a user, a modification for at least one segment in the video editing project. Based on the modification, each of the at least one segment is identified as a modified segment or an unmodified segment. Based on the identification of at least one modified segment, at least one corresponding segment is extracted from the reference file.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for writing data on a highly indestructible material is disclosed. A laser may write data on a first side of a highly indestructible material. The data may then be marked as non-rewriteable. The data may also be written on a second side of the highly indestructible material, with the second side being opposite the first side. The highly indestructible material may comprise a stainless steel storage medium.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing an information carrier for holding user information includes access information for accessing the user information, the access information being stored in a pre-determined first region on the information carrier. The information carrier further includes at least one further region different from the first region, the further region comprising dummy information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer optical recording medium having n recording layers (n?3) in which recording and reproduction of information are carried out by laser light, the multi-layer optical recording medium including: a file system area configured to be disposed near a last logical address in an area used as a logical address space in which stream data is recorded, wherein in the other recording layers different from the recording layer in which the file system area near the last logical address is disposed, the logical address space is not allocated to an area overlapping with the file system area in a layer stacking direction.

Abstract: A recording-and-reproducing apparatus for managing content data recorded on a removable recording medium includes: a device configured to acquire reproduction information required for reproducing the content data; a device configured to generate a first management file for individually managing the content data; a device configured to register control information for the content data in a second management file collectively managing the content data. Further, the apparatus includes a device configured to read out the control information in the second management file recorded on the recording medium; a memory in which the control information of the second management file read out by the read-out device is expanded; a device configured to compare the control information in the second management file expanded in the memory and the content data recorded on the recording medium; and a device configured to update the control information in the second management file expanded in the memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reproduction apparatus for reproducing audio data. The apparatus includes: an analysis section configured to start an analysis of characteristics of audio data recorded on a recording medium as audio data having its characteristic unanalyzed yet upon detection of a predetermined state of a light processing load borne by the reproduction apparatus. The apparatus further includes a registration section configured to register audio data having its characteristic already analyzed on a specific play list prescribing an order of reproduction of audio data on the basis of the characteristics of the audio data; and a reproduction section configured to reproduce audio data from the recording medium in accordance with the specific play list.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information storage medium in which layer 0 and layer 1 are arranged from a read surface, a system lead-in area, data lead-in area, data area, and middle area are arranged from an inner circumference of the layer 0, and a system lead-out area, data lead-out area, data area, and middle area are arranged from an inner circumference of the layer 1. A guard track zone is arranged on a side of the data area in the data lead-out area, and a reference code zone, R physical format information zone, recording management zone, and drive test zone are arranged in the data lead-in area of the layer 0 and padding of the guard track zone of the data lead-out area is performed after padding of the drive test zone of data lead-in area and recording of the recording management zone.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus to prevent reproducibility of data with respect to an optical information storage medium. The method includes recording patterns with respect to the optical information storage medium using irradiated light so as prevent reproduction of the data. The patterns may cause an error or a malfunction when attempting to access the data of the optical information storage medium so as to prevent the reproduction of the data.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus having a label printer for printing labels on an optical disk and a method for printing labels on an optical disk. The optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disk drive unit recording and reproducing information on a recording surface of an optical disk, a label printer module printing labels on a label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer, and a controller controlling a label printing operation of the optical disk drive unit and the label printer module, wherein the label printer module includes a ribbon cartridge in which a thermal transfer ribbon to which dyes are attached is wound and which is disposed to face the label surface of the optical disk mounted in the optical disk drive unit, and a thermal printhead transferring the dyes attached to the thermal transfer ribbon onto the label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer.

Abstract: Audio information is stored on a unitary storage medium with a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism for therein specifying an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, one or more Sub-TOCs are each assigned to a respective different audio format. A single Master-TOC is provided for specifically pointing to each Sub-TOC.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a recording device for easy and quick access to record carrier management information stored on the record carrier itself. The invention further relates to a record carrier for use in such a method and recording device.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for doing compact disc TOC look-ups cheaply and efficiently by using a special indexing mechanism particularized to TOC look-ups. The indexing scheme allows a successful search of TOCs using as few as 2 disk seeks in contrast to the usual hundreds of disk seeks required by a general purpose indexing scheme. This performance improvement is achieved by using a static database of TOCs in a read-only implementation so that the data organization and code for lookups can be optimized without regard for any updates to this data at a later time. The index data structure is arranged in a fashion that allows for seek-less, linear scans of index information once the proper scan location in the index has been identified.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus recording disc structure definition information defining a structure of an optical disc, in management areas of the optical disc including a data area and the management areas positioned on inner and outer periphery sides of the data area, includes: a memory which stores disc structure definition information of a new version including an invalid mark which cannot be interpreted as the disc structure definition information by an information reproducing apparatus and an information recording/reproducing apparatus being non-adaptive; and a recording control element for, when the disc structure definition information of the new version is recorded in the management areas, controlling recording of the disc structure definition information of the new version so the invalid mark is positioned at a position in the management areas in which all or part of disc structure definition information of an old version without the invalid mark needs to be recorded.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing an information carrier for holding user information includes access information for accessing the user information, the access information being stored in a pre-determined first region on the information carrier. The information carrier further includes at least one further region different from the first region, the further region comprising dummy information.

Abstract: Audio-centered information is stored on a unitary medium by using a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism that specifies an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, each one of a set of one or more Track Areas gets at least two mutually logically conforming Sub-TOCs assigned. This allows to retrieve any constituent Sub-TOC part from at least any correct copy of the Sub-TOCs. Furthermore, one or more Master-TOCs are provided for specifically pointing to each of the Sub-TOCs.

Abstract: A copy-protected compact disc includes, within a single session, a table of contents (TOC) and a Video CD index (VI). Each track (T) is prefaced by unrecoverable data (UD) at a track start position (ATOC) indicated by the table of contents (TOC). However, the Video CD index (VI) indicates the actual position (AP) of the tracks. DVD players use the Video CD index (VI) to locate the tracks, while the CD-ROM drives use the table of contents (TOC) and read the unrecoverable data (UD), which prevents them from reading the subsequent track (T). The unrecoverable data (UD) may be prefaced by data pointers (DP) which cause the CD-ROM drive to load a player program in response to the error condition. The player program can be used to play the tracks (T), but restricts copying. Subchannel data (P; DX) causes audio CD players to ignore the Video CD index (VI) and the unrecoverable data (UD), and to play the tracks (T) at their actual start positions (AP).

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproducing apparatus for reproducing a plurality of pieces of content data stored in a content data storage unit according to a play list defining reproduction order of the content data. The apparatus includes a play list storage unit, a request information generating unit, and a play list reconstructing unit. The play list storage unit stores the play list having a play list generating rule and identifying information for identifying the content data matching the play list generating rule. The request information generating unit generates reconstruction requesting information for requesting reconstruction of the play list. The play list reconstructing unit reconstructs at least a part of the play list stored in the play list storage unit into a play list having the play list generating rule corresponding to an apparatus use condition in response to the reconstruction requesting information generated by the request information generating unit.

Abstract: Provided are an optical disc discrimination method, an optical disc device and an integrated circuit that enable to accurately discriminate the type of an optical disc. The optical disc discrimination method comprises a first seeking step (S3) of performing a seek operation to a predetermined reference address in a user data area; a second seeking step (S5) of performing a seek operation from the reference address sought in the first seeking step (S3) to a predetermined target address in a physical information area, an address reading step (S7) of reading a current address at a position sought in the second seeking step (S5), and an optical disc type determination step (S8 through S10) of determining the type of the optical disc loaded in the optical disc device, based on the current address read in the address reading step (S7).

Abstract: Where a hybrid disc has different types of media, the light spot moves among recording layers of the different media, after loading the disc into an optical disc apparatus, there is a problem that information on a media type of each recording layer should be recorded in DI etc. of the optical disc. Detailed information on the hybrid disc is stored in DI, by changing a disc layer type identifier or a disc structure in DI such as BCA or PIC on the optical disc.

Abstract: A recording apparatus records music on a recording medium. The recording apparatus may access a music piece purchasing data base and select music to be recorded on the recording medium from the music piece purchasing data base. A total playing time of the selected music is calculated. Further, a remaining recording time of the recording medium is calculated, the remaining recording time being the recording capacity of the recording media before the selected music is recorded on the recording medium. Then, it is judged whether or not the total playing time of the selected music is greater than the remaining recording time. A warning is issued when it is judged that the total playing time is greater than the remaining recording time.

Abstract: An optical article for playback in a player includes at least one sector comprising a first control logic configured to set the value of a first register, the first register having a default value before it is set, and a non-default value after it is set, and a first command to be read sequentially after the sector. The first command is configured to direct the player to play a first content on the article if the first register is set to the default value and to direct the player to play a second content on the article if the first register is set to the non-default value. The optical article includes a mark containing an optical state change material disposed on the sector, wherein the mark is in one of a first optical state or a second optical state, and wherein the first control logic can be read only when the mark is in the second optical state.

Abstract: Provided is a recording/reproduction apparatus capable of securing a backup area for management information on a recording medium without affecting the capacity of a user data area. Before a hard disk drive or a disc medium (recording medium) is finalized, metadata is recorded in a metadata area and when the hard disk drive or the disc medium are finalized, a user data area portion corresponding to the volume of metadata required for the finalizing is set as a metadata mirror area and then the metadata recorded in the metadata area is copied to the metadata mirror area.

Abstract: Video data is divided into portions which are sequentially recorded on recording mediums respectively. IDs of the respective recording mediums are set. IDs of the respective video data portions are set. Items are recoded on first one among the recording mediums. These items are the ID of the first recording medium, the ID of first one among the video data portions, the ID of second one among the recording mediums which follows the first recording medium, and the ID of second one among the video data portions. Items are recorded on last one among the recording mediums. These items are the ID of the last recording medium, the ID of last one among the video data portions, the ID of second last one among the recording mediums which precedes the last recording medium, and the ID of second last one among the video data portions.

Abstract: A recording apparatus having a reproduction means to play digital data from a recording medium recorded with that digital data and retrieval information, a recording means to write the digital data reproduced by the reproduction means and record the retrieval information on a control table, and a control circuit to search the control table by using the retrieval information when the digital data from the reproduction means is written by the recording means, to permit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is not recorded on the control table, and to prohibit the writing of digital data recorded on the medium with the recording means when the retrieval information is already recorded on the control table, and also prevent the mistaken duplicate copying of the digital data with the recording means.

Abstract: A record carrier (1) of the invention stores at least video-related user data and control data in digital form. The control data enables playback control of the user data, which control data comprises at least play control data which defines user data items which are playable, at least selection control data for enabling the user to select and control reproduction of user data and at least variable control data for operating on user and system variables. The record carrier (1) is characterized in that the variable control data comprises at least one instruction for a conditional arithmetical operation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive, from a reproduction device that reproduces content recorded on a loaded recording medium, content forming information regarding the structure of the content; a degree-of-similarity calculation unit configured to compare the content forming information received by the communication unit with content forming information registered in advance for each package of an information recording medium in a predetermined database and calculate a degree of similarity between the content forming information received by the communication unit and the content forming information registered in advance in the database; and a package determination unit configured to determine the package of the information recording medium loaded into the reproduction device by using the degree of similarity calculated by the degree-of-similarity calculation unit.

Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording additional content on a medium on which a title including one or more files is already recorded, includes means for designating a title to be added on the medium; means for transmitting disc package information, the disc package information and unique IDs; means for receiving and additionally recording on the medium the title to be added generated in the content server, file names of files so as not to be the same as the file names of the files constituting the titles already recorded on the medium; means for receiving and additionally recording a new title for display of a menu screen on the medium, which is generated in the content server, so that the title to be added can be selected, on the basis of the disc package information; and means for receiving and additionally recording new disc package information on the medium.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus has a player section, a content reproduction section, an interface section. The player section has a read section reading data from the record medium on which the content data containing at least one of a video data stream and an audio data stream and a reproduction control program controlling the reproduction of the content data are recorded, an input section accepting an input from a user, and an output section outputting the reproduced content data. The content reproduction section reproduces the content data according to the reproduction control program. The interface section interfaces among the content reproduction section, the reproduction control program, and the player section. When a command representing an end of the reproduced content data is described in the reproduction control program, the reproduction control program supplies the command to the interface section and the interface section executes a process corresponding to the command.

Abstract: Audio information is stored on a unitary storage medium with a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism for therein specifying an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, one or more Sub-TOCs are each assigned to a respective different audio format.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing titles are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes determining if at least one title satisfies a criterion, using an average length information of a plurality of titles recorded on a recording medium; and reproducing the at least one title if the determining step determines that the at least one title satisfies the criterion.

Abstract: Audio information is stored on a unitary storage medium with a Table-of-Contents (TOC) mechanism for therein specifying an actual configuration of various audio items on the medium. In particular, one or more Sub-TOCs are each assigned to a respective different audio format. A single Master-TOC is provided for specifically pointing to each Sub-TOC.

Abstract: An optical recording/reproducing apparatus having a label printer for printing labels on an optical disk and a method for printing labels on an optical disk. The optical recording/reproducing apparatus includes an optical disk drive unit recording and reproducing information on a recording surface of an optical disk, a label printer module printing labels on a label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer, and a controller controlling a label printing operation of the optical disk drive unit and the label printer module, wherein the label printer module includes a ribbon cartridge in which a thermal transfer ribbon to which dyes are attached is wound and which is disposed to face the label surface of the optical disk mounted in the optical disk drive unit, and a thermal printhead transferring the dyes attached to the thermal transfer ribbon onto the label surface of the optical disk using thermal transfer.

Abstract: A physical structure, apparatus for recording/reproducing on/from a recording medium using the same and method thereof are disclosed, by which the physical structure suitable for such a recording medium as BD and the like may be provided. The present invention includes a plurality of recording layers. Each of the recording layers includes a power test area not provided to a physically same position and a management area not provided to a physically same position, wherein a layer having the power test zone and the management area allocated consecutively includes a test area buffer allocated to the power test zone.

Abstract: Problems In a recording medium such as DVD, for example, when groups having the same title or the same song and different numbers of channels are recorded, all the groups are reproduced, further, when a DVD author mistakes, contents which are not needed to be reproduced are reproduced. Means for Solving Problems In a case of DVD-Audio, a condition for reproducing a group having at least one track (a group having the longest reproducing time, a group having the largest number of tracks, a group having the largest data capacity) is set, and only the group which matches the condition is reproduced. In a case of DVD-Video, a title can be used instead of the group. In a case of CD, a folder is used instead of the group.

Abstract: An operating element for receiving from an operator an instruction about reading speed and reading order of stored data includes: a rotatable operating disc part (38) disposed at one end of a rotation shaft (40), for receiving a rotation operation by an operator; a sensor substrate part (34) through which the rotation shaft (40) is inserted and having a sensor pattern (44) for detecting capacitance disposed on a surface facing the operating disc part (38); and a conductive cover part (36) disposed between the operating disc part (38) and the sensor substrate part (34) so as to cover the sensor pattern (44) and to sag when the operating disc part (38) is pressed, the conductive cover part (36) being set to a ground potential.