Showing papers by "Sony Broadcast & Professional Research Laboratories published in 2001"

Optimized LiFePO4 for Lithium Battery Cathodes

Abstract: LiFePO 4 powders were synthesized under various conditions and the performance of the cathodes was evaluated using coin cells, The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope observations, Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area measurements, particle-size distribution measurements, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. Ab initio calculation was used to confirm the experimental redox potentials and Mossbauer parameters. The choice of a moderate sintering temperature (500°C 95% of the 170 mAh/g theoretical capacity at room temperature. There are two main obstacles to achieving optimum charge/discharge performance of LiFePO 4 : (i) undesirable particle growth at T > 600°C and (ii) the presence of a noncrystalline residual Fe 3+ phase at T < 500°C.

Crystal Chemistry of the Olivine-Type Li ( Mn y Fe1 − y ) PO 4 and ( Mn y Fe1 − y ) PO 4 as Possible 4 V Cathode Materials for Lithium Batteries

Abstract: A potential 4 V cathode material for lithium batteries was investigated. The crystal chemistry of the olivine-type of Li(Mn y 2+ Fe 1-y 2+ )PO 4 (discharged state) and its delithiated form (Mn y 3+ Fe 1-y 3+ )PO 4 (charged state) were comparatively studied using X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and ab initio calculations. A strong oxidizer, nitronium tetrafluoroborate, NO 2 BF 4 , was used for chemical delithiation of Li(Mn y 2+ Fe 1-y 2+ )PO 4 to obtain (Mn y 3+ Fe 1-y 3+ )PO 4 . The strong electron/lattice interaction induced by the trivalent manganese (3d 4 ) in (Mn y 3+ Fe 1-y 3+ )PO 4 (charged state) is highlighted as the intrinsic obstacle to generating the full theoretical capacity (ca. 170 mAh/g) of the Mn-rich phase (y >0.8), followed by an efficient cathode performance of the optimized Li(Mn 0.6 Fe 0.4 )PO 4 .

System and method for effectively rendering high dynamic range images

Abstract: A system and method for effectively rendering high dynamic range images may include a rendering manager that initially divides an original luminance image into a plurality of original subband images. The rendering manager may then convert the original subband images into original contrast images which may then be converted into original perceived contrast images. The rendering manager may then perform a compression procedure upon the original perceived contrast images to produce compressed perceived contrast images. The rendering manager may next convert the compressed perceived contrast images into compressed contrast images which may then be converted into compressed subband images. The rendering manager may then perform a subband combination procedure for combining the compressed subband images together with a lowest-frequency subband image to thereby generate a rendered luminance image. The rendering manager may finally combine rendered the rendered luminance image with corresponding chrominance information to generate a rendered composite image that may be utilized in any appropriate manner.

Playback apparatus, playback method, and recording medium

Abstract: Audio data are played back by a personal computer a relationship with a playback process recognized easily. Displays showing the contents of play lists are arranged and displayed so that the contents become continuous in sequence in a playback sequence from content that is currently being played back from a display of an operation element that causes an image of a playback process to appear or from a display showing the content which is currently being played back. When the playback of one piece of content of one play list from among a plurality of play lists is terminated and one piece of content of an other play list is played back, at least the content that is currently being played back and content to be subsequently played back are displayed so that the contents can be distinguished.

The development of lithium ion secondary batteries.

Abstract: Lithium ion secondary batteries (LIBs) were successfully developed as battery systems with high volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, which were inherited from lithium secondary batteries (LSBs) with metallic lithium anodes. LSBs have several drawbacks, however, including poor cyclability and quick-charge rejection. The cell reaction in LIB is merely a topochemical one, namely the migration of lithium ions between positive and negative electroces. No chemical changes were observed in the two electrodes or in the electrolytes. This results in little chemical transformation of the active electrode materials and electrolytes, and thus, LIBs can overcome the weaknesses of LSBs; for example, LIBs show excellent cyclability and quick-charge acceptance. Many difficulties, however, were encountered during the course of development, including capacity fade during cycling and safety issues. This article is the story of the development of LIBs and it describes how the difficulties were surmounted.

Client and server system

Abstract: An internet on-demand system for television presents internet content and traditional television programming as part of a single coherent interface. The system includes a server and a client capable of providing a dynamic graphical user interface. The system can display an internet gateway interface which actively scrolls through and highlights links to selected web pages which are organized according to templates corresponding to their content. The web pages are presented on the graphical user interface as channels as part of the same milieu as channels of traditional television programming. The user can select a channel from a rotary menu wheel or via channel-up, channel-down buttons on the remote control device. An intelligent agent passively filters selected web pages for a user to explore based on the user's past pattern of usage of the client. The server queries the client regarding its available data stream connections, including telephone modems, cable modems, wireless telecommunications and digital satellite broadcasting, regarding its ability to detect embedded data in TV signals, in order to determine the most efficient delivery of different types of data through all of the available bandwidth connections for both directions of data flow. The efficient delivery of data allows the client to present text, graphics, video, audio and other multimedia information from a web page over the internet as a coordinated presentation.

Semiconductor light-emitting device and semiconductor light-emitting device

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting element is provided which has a structure that does not complicate a fabrication process, can be formed in high precision and does not invite any degradation of crystallinity. A light-emitting element is formed, which includes a selective crystal growth layer formed by selectively growing a compound semiconductor of a Wurtzite type, a clad layer of a first conduction type, an active layer and a clad layer of a second conduction type, which are formed on the selective crystal growth layer wherein the active layer is formed so that the active layer extends in parallel to different crystal planes, the active layer is larger in size than a diffusion length of a constituent atom of a mixed crystal, or the active layer has a difference in at least one of a composition and a thickness thereof, thereby forming the active layer having a number of light-emitting wavelength regions whose emission wavelengths differ from one another. The element is so arranged that an electric current or currents are chargeable into the number of light-emitting wavelength regions. Because of the structure based on the selective growth, the band gap energy varies within the same active layer, thereby forming an element or device in high precision without complicating a fabrication process.

Media manager for controlling autonomous media devices within a network environment and managing the flow and format of data between the devices

Abstract: A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task. If the appropriate devices are not available, but the required subdevices are available in multiple devices, the media manager forms a virtual device from subdevices in multiple devices in order to complete the requested task. Once the appropriate devices and subdevices are assigned to a task, the media manager determines if the data to be transmitted needs to be converted from one format into another format. If necessary, the media manager will also control the format conversion during the data transfer operation. The media manager also provides network enumeration and registry searching capabilities for client applications to find available services, physical devices and virtual devices.

Apparatus and method for executing a game program having advertisements therein

Abstract: A game system which is operable to update advertisements that are displayed when a game program is executed. The system stores a game program in a memory, receives (i.e., downloads), at predetermined times of operation, for example, on each new day the game program is executed or each time the game program is executed, updated advertising data that relates to at least one advertisement, stores the received advertising data in the memory, executes the game program stored in the memory, and outputs during the execution of the game program display data which corresponds to the stored advertisement data in accordance with the game program code. Further, instead of downloading new advertisements, plural advertisements may be prestored with the game program and only advertisement selection codes are downloaded to update the advertisements that are displayed when the game program is executed.

Method and system for remote access of personal music

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storing audio files. The method includes: (a) receiving electronic files at a central location from a first device, those electronic files representing audio signals; (b) associating the audio files with identification information; (c) storing the audio files at the central location on at least a portion of a storage media, that portion being uniquely associated with the identification information; (d) receiving the identification information from a second device; and (e) transmitting the audio files to the second device upon receipt of the identification information.

Content abstraction layer for use in home network applications

Abstract: A network architecture for a network of electronic devices includes a device layer having a plurality of electronic devices interconnected using a network backbone, wherein the plurality of electronic devices each operate using a device native communication protocol. The architecture also includes a device abstraction layer (DAL) which communicates with each of the devices using the device native communication protocols and also presents a unified communication interface to a content abstraction program interface. The content abstraction program interface communicates with the device layer through the unified communication interface of the DAL and includes a set of content services for controlling content on the network. In one embodiment the content abstraction program interface includes a content location system (CLS), a content change notification system (CCNS), and a content engagement system (CES).

System and method for supporting interactive user interface operations and storage medium

Abstract: There is provided a system for supporting interactive operations for inputting user commands to a household electric apparatus such as a television set/monitor and information apparatuses. According to the system for supporting interactive operations applying an animated character called a personified assistant interacting with a user based on speech synthesis and animation, realizing a user-friendly user interface and simultaneously making it possible to meet a demand for complex commands or providing an entry for services. Further, since the system is provided with a command system producing an effect close to human natural language, the user can easily operate the apparatus with a feeling close to ordinary human conversation.

24.4L: Late‐News Paper: A 13.0‐inch AM‐OLED Display with Top Emitting Structure and Adaptive Current Mode Programmed Pixel Circuit (TAC)

Abstract: A device structure and a driving method were developed to design large-scale active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED) display with good gray scale uniformity and high aperture ratio. With these technologies, we developed a full color 13.0-inch SVGA AM-OLED display, the largest OLED display ever reported to date. These technologies will open up the OLED applications to larger size displays such as desktop monitors and TVs.

AIBO: Toward the Era of Digital Creatures:

Abstract: The twenty first century will become an era of autonomous robots which are partners of human beings Autonmous robot will help and support people in the future In this paper we introduce AIBO, the first product model of Robot Entertainment Systems The main application of this robot is a pet-style robot, which must be in lifelike appearances We suggest the introduction of how to maximize the complexity of responses and movements, to solve the problem of maximizing the lifelike appearances of autonomous robots We also describe the technologies used in AIBO as well Although AIBO is not for nursing nor dengerous work, neither, we believe the development of AIBO to be the fist step of the era of autonomous robots in the twenty first cen-tury

Organic electroluminescent device

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device of the type which comprises an organic layer having a luminescent region, characterized in that the organic layer contains a distyryl compound represented by the following general formula (1):provided that, in the general formula (1), R1, R2, R3 and R4 may be groups which are the same or different and, respectively, represent a phenyl group or an aryl group of the following general formula (2):provided that, in the general formula (2), R13, R14, R15, R16 and R17, respectively, represent a hydrogen atom provided that at least one of them is a saturated or unsaturated alkoxyl group or an alkyl group, and at least one of R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 represents a cyano group, a nitro group or a halogen atom.

Method and apparatus for generating compact transcoding hints metadata

Abstract: An audio/video (or audiovisual, “A/V”) signal processing apparatus and method for extracting a compact representation of a multimedia description and transcoding hints metadata for transcoding between different (e.g., MPEG) compressed content representations, manipulating (e.g., MPEG compressed) bitstream parameters such as frame rate, bit rate, session size, quantization parameters, and picture coding type structure (e.g., group of pictures, or “GOP”), classifying A/V content, and retrieving multimedia information.

Personal transaction device with secure storage on a removable memory device

Abstract: An electronic system includes a user transaction device that provides a device identifier when coupled to a transaction terminal. The transaction terminal is configured to indicate that a transaction is to be performed when coupled to the user transaction device. The electronic system also includes a transaction privacy clearinghouse (TPCH), coupled selectively to the user transaction device when a transaction is to be performed. The TPCH is coupled to receive the device identifier and accessible data. Additionally, the accessible data is to be stored in a public storage area of a memory storage device that can be communicatively coupled to the user transaction device. The TPCH authorizes a transaction based upon the device identifier and the accessible data that includes account information of a user that is authorized to use the user transaction device. Moreover, a transaction is authorized without providing the identity of the user to the transaction terminal. The memory storage device also includes a private storage area for storage of confidential data such that the private storage area is to be encrypted with a key that is to be stored in the user transaction device.

Remote control system

Abstract: An electronic appliance remote controller which includes a display screen (which may be part of the appliance, e.g. a TV screen) for displaying icons representing possible operations of the electronic appliance, and a motion detector circuit for detecting a motion within a field of view of the motion detector circuit. The motion detector circuit detects a predetermined motion of a moving object within the field of view as an indication that a remote control operation is to be started and, thereafter, tracks the movement of the object. The motion detector circuit outputs a cursor control signal representative of the motion of the object. A control circuit, connected to the display screen, the electronic appliance, and the motion detector circuit and supplied with the cursor control signal, controls the display screen to display a movable visual indicator, e.g. a cursor, whose own motion tracks the movement of the moving object and the electronic appliance to perform operations corresponding to the icons selected by the user using the visual indicator.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method, service providing system, and computer program thereof

Abstract: An invention allowing the exchange of community cards within a virtual space by an easy operation. A display screen shown on the display section of the user terminal device is composed of a virtual space display for displaying three-dimensional objects in a virtual space, and a list window of belongings displayed by the user's own community cards. The user can move freely within the virtual space while referring to the virtual space display, and when conversing with other users within the virtual space and the user wants to let another user participate in the community the user himself belongs to, the user can present community cards corresponding to the avatar, to a user for newly participating in the community, by drag-and-drop of any of the community cards on the avatar.

Semiconductor memory device

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprising a write transistor with a gate connected to a write word line and with a first impurity region forming a source or drain connected to a bit line, a read transistor with a gate connected to a second impurity region forming a source or drain of the write transistor, a first impurity region connected to a read word line, and a second impurity region connected to a bit line, and a capacitor connected between the gate and the second impurity region of the read transistor.

Optical multilayer structure, optical switching device, and image display

Abstract: An optical multilayer structure has a substrate, a light-absorbing first layer in contact with the substrate, a gap portion having a changeable size capable of causing an optical interference phenomenon, and a second layer. By changing the size of the gap portion, an amount of reflection, transmission, or absorption of incident light can be changed. For example, the substrate is made of carbon (C), the first layer is made of tantalum (Ta), and the second layer is made of silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ). Also in a visible light area, high response is realized. Consequently, the optical multilayer structure can be suitably used for an image display. The optical multilayer structure may be obtained by stacking, on a substrate made of a metal such as chromium (Cr), a first transparent layer made of a material having a high refractive index such as TiO 2 (n=2.40), a second transparent layer made of a material having a low refractive index such as MgF 2 (n=1.38), a gap portion having a changeable size capable of causing an optical interference phenomenon, and a third transparent layer made of a material having a high refractive index such as TiO 2 .

System and method for managing interactive programming and advertisements in interactive broadcast systems

Abstract: A system and method for managing interactive program and commercial content is disclosed. The system includes an interactive enabling device which is coupled for receiving a broadcast stream containing interactive program triggers and interactive commercial triggers for retrieving the interactive program and commercial content. At least one interactive content server is coupled to the interactive enabling device for communicating with an interactive control application in the interactive enabling device. The interactive enabling device executes the interactive control application to manage the retrieval of the interactive program and commercial content from the at least one interactive content server in response to the interactive program and commercial triggers. In addition, the interactive control application includes a gatekeeper function for selectively retrieving interactive program and commercial content in response to recognized interactive program and commercial triggers.

Electronic Information Content Distribution Processing System, Information Distribution Apparatus, Information Processing Apparatus, and Electronic Information Content Distribution Processing Method

Abstract: A system is provided to distribute electronic information contents D0 containing advertisement to a user, and process advertisement information D2 at the user side. This system comprises an information distribution apparatus 19 for distributing advertisement information D2 to the user; and a plurality of information processing apparatuses 8 for receiving and storing the electronic information contents D0 distributed from the information distribution apparatus 19, reading out the electronic information contents D0 according to the user operation, and processing the electronic information contents D2, thereby outputting the advertisement video image and its audio. With this configuration, after receipt of advertisement information, the user can see and hear an advertisement video image or audio freely processed with respect to an advertisement by the information processing apparatuses 8 in unreal time (asynchronously) like playing a game. In this manner, there can be constructed a electronic advertisement medium which reverses a concept of an advertisement of big four mass media, the advertisement having been supplied one-sidedly conventionally, and which performs an advertisement interactively.

Authoring system and authoring method, and storage medium

Abstract: An action editing window (200) shows a timetable of two-dimensional time-line type composed of a horizontal time axis and a vertical channel In the time-line table, constituent contents of an action such as a time ruler (201), a keyframe channel (202), a motion channel (203), a sound channel (204), and an LED operation channel (205) are displayed in time series The user can edit data while confirming the synchronism between the constituent elements of an action The creation and editing of a series of commands/data describing a motion pattern of a robot is supported

Information Recording/Playback Apparatus and Method

Abstract: A block key to encrypt block data is generated using an ATS (arrival time stamp) appended to each of TS (transport stream) packets included in a transport stream correspondingly to the arrival time of the TS packet. The ATS is a random data depending upon an arrival time, and so a block-unique key can be generated, which enhances the protection against data cryptanalysis. A block key is generated from a combination of an ATS with a key unique to a device, recording medium or the like such as a master key, disc-unique key, title-unique key or the like. Since an ATS is used to generate a block key, any area for storage of an encryption key for each block may not be provided in a recording medium.

Active matrix type display apparatus

Abstract: In an active matrix type display apparatus according to the present invention, the following measures are provided when stacking, on a substrate, a device layer (light emitting portion) formed by arranging a light emitting portion in a sub-pixel unit and a circuit layer (sub-pixel circuit) formed by arranging a sub-pixel circuit for driving the light emitting portion in the sub-pixel unit: the apparatus has a stripe arrangement as the arrangement of sub-pixel circuits and a delta arrangement as the arrangement of light emitting portions. Therefore, it is possible to improve reliability of the sub-pixel circuits while utilizing the advantages of the delta arrangement of the light emitting portions, and thus realize a high-reliability, high-definition, and high-brightness display apparatus.