Showing papers in "IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine in 2012"
TL;DR: In this paper, the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC) was established with the objective to develop a new high-performance video coding standard for mobile applications.
Abstract: Digital video has become ubiquitous in our everyday lives; everywhere we look, there are devices that can display, capture, and transmit video. The recent advances in technology have made it possible to capture and display video material with ultrahigh definition (UHD) resolution. Now is the time when the current Internet and broadcasting networks do not even have sufficient capacity to transmit large amounts of HD content-Let alone UHD. The need for an improved transmission system is more pronounced in the mobile sector because of the introduction of lightweight HD resolutions (such as 720 pixel) for mobile applications. The limitations of current technologies prompted the International Standards Organization/International Electrotechnical Commission Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) to establish the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC), with the objective to develop a new high-performance video coding standard.
245 citations
TL;DR: The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) has been developing an extremely high-resolution video system called super hi-vision (SHV) that can provide an increased sense of reality and presence to viewers.
Abstract: The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) has been developing an extremely high-resolution video system called super hi-vision (SHV) that can provide an increased sense of reality and presence to viewers. SHV is an ultra high-definition television (UHDTV) that features 33 megapixels along with 22.2-multichannel sound. The pixel count is 16 times larger than that of HDTV. The 22.2-multichannel sound is achieved through a three-dimensional (3-D) sound system that provides a more immersive experience than the conventional 5.1-channel surround.
67 citations
TL;DR: The Hybridcast receiver provides many features, including broadcast-related applications that are executed simultaneously with broadcast programs, precise synchronization of content from different delivery channels, seamless interaction with multiple device types such as mobile terminals, and support for third-party applications.
Abstract: The Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) is developing an advanced hybrid system called Hybridcast to integrate broadband technology with broadcasting. The Hybridcast receiver provides many features, including broadcast-related applications that are executed simultaneously with broadcast programs, precise synchronization of content from different delivery channels, seamless interaction with multiple device types such as mobile terminals, and support for third-party applications. Broadcasters and commercial service providers can offer services through broadcast programs using Hybridcast applications. By using a Hybridcast receiver, viewers can enjoy television (TV) programs with rich and varied applications.
40 citations
TL;DR: Cloud computing has emerged strongly into the consumer domain, as industry competes to gain market share from the rapidly growing multitudes of cloud-IT users, both network and data center infrastructures will grow more rapidly than anticipated driven by new thin-client CE devices.
Abstract: Cloud computing has emerged strongly into the consumer domain. As industry competes to gain market share from the rapidly growing multitudes of cloud-IT users, both network and data center infrastructures will grow more rapidly than anticipated driven bv new thin-client CE devices. The challenge for the designers of new devices and associated applications and services will be how to minimize the digital waste in terms of unnecessary data transport and network storage. Energy is a key mantra here - new devices need to be network savvy and designed to optimize data transport and storage in a wider resource context and time frame than in the past.
26 citations
TL;DR: Condition-based monitoring not only assesses device on an individual basis but also provides manufacturers with information to optimally revise warranty support programs to enhance cost effectiveness and reduce the cost of providing warranty claims from consumers who violated the terms and conditions of warranty coverage.
Abstract: The consumer electronics industry needs more sophisticated methods for assessing product reliability than those documented in traditional reliabilitv handbooks such as the widely adopted U.S. Military MIL-HDBK-217 hand book, as standard laboratory tests fail to consider the fact that each individual device sold to different consumers are subjected to different operating environments with different usage profiles. Standard tests cannot distinguish between two identical devices from the same production line that may have been used a little and were well taken care of, while the other may be used heavily under rough conditions. Condition-based monitoring not only assesses device on an individual basis but also provides manufacturers with information to optimally revise warranty support programs to enhance cost effectiveness. Further, anv product misuse and maltreatment can be readily detected to reduce the cost of providing warranty claims from consumers who violated the terms and conditions of warranty coverage.
19 citations
TL;DR: A wide-ranging and thorough overhaul of the world's power grids is underway and gaining momentum, with China planning to spend US$96 billion in the next decade, while the United States has recently committed US$4.5 billion.
Abstract: A wide-ranging and thorough overhaul of the world's power grids is underway and gaining momentum. According to estimates, global spending on smart grid projects will approach US$36 billion by 2013, and worldwide investment will reach a total of US$600 billion by 2020 [1]. China alone is planning to spend US$96 billion in the next decade, while the United States has recently committed US$4.5 billion [2]. These are extraordinary sums of money but far from inappropriate for a project that could turn out to be one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 21st century [3].
18 citations
IBM1
TL;DR: It was argued that for the smart grid to succeed, consumers would have to be educated so that they could understand the benefits of a modern electricity system and participate in a more meaningful way.
Abstract: In part 1 of this article (IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine, April 2012), the consumer was cast to a central role in the development of smart grid The focus was how a thoroughly modernized grid would impact consumers by making the electricity system more reliable, efficient, and accessible to individuals It was also argued that for the smart grid to succeed, consumers would have to be educated so that they could understand the benefits of a modern electricity system and participate in a more meaningful way
13 citations
TL;DR: The authors are entering a critical transition point in the imager, module, and camera markets for mobile applications, and whoever starts to drive this transition has a strong chance of establishing a significant technology lead in the market.
Abstract: We are entering a critical transition point in the imager, module, and camera markets for mobile applications, and whoever starts to drive this transition has a strong chance of establishing a significant technology lead in the market. This transition point is centered on replacing your point and shoot (P&S) digital and your video cameras with your cell phone camera.
10 citations
TL;DR: In recent years, since broadband communication networks have become widely available, it is possible for ordinary viewers to access video content easily at any time or place with the use of services that deliver video content in a wide diversity of genres.
Abstract: In recent years, since broadband communication networks have become widely available, it is possible for ordinary viewers to access video content easily at any time or place with the use of services that deliver video content in a wide diversity of genres Content delivery services that use user-generated video content have also become popular [1][3] As technology supports the creation of video content, video editing systems [4], computer graphics (CG) software [5], and the like are being put to practical use However, technical expertise is needed to use these tools Furthermore, these tools expect the content creators to take care of key directorial and production roles, such as deciding how the video should be shot, what sort of composition to use, and how to present this content to the viewers Specialized skills and experiences are needed for these tasks For ordinary people with no special skills or experiences, the creation of video content can be difficult
9 citations
TL;DR: According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) semiannual forecast, the industry is thriving, with overall shipments surpassing US$190 billion in revenue in 2011, and the industry's growth rate exceeds that of the U.S. economy.
Abstract: According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) semiannual forecast, the industry is thriving. With overall shipments surpassing US$190 billion in revenue in 2011, the industry's growth rate exceeds that of the U.S. economy. By next vear, shipment revenues are expected to hit an all time of US$197 billion. It is fortunate to work in an industry where the products are redefining and reimagining the way human beings work and live. From the VCR to the CD to the PC, the industry has pushed the boundaries of the possible. The success of the industry is also paved with failures. But that's the way of innovation. It's the way the industry has been able to dream the impossible-and make it happen. Every setback is just another route on the road to success. And no one can deny the success the CE industry has achieved.
7 citations
TL;DR: Internet has effectively collapsed the time and distance for people to connect, and now, devices people use in their homes also communicate and interact with each other, opening the way for information and sharing anywhere.
Abstract: Internet has effectively collapsed the time and distance for people to connect. The past decade has given rise to an even quicker and more visual way to share-social networking. Now, devices people use in their homes also communicate and interact with each other, opening the way for information and sharing anywhere. Currently, these entertainment and information devices-smart phones, tablets, televisions, and, of course, personal computers and printers connect to the Internet and each other through a home network.
TL;DR: This article is focused on the delivery of television services via terrestrial, over-the-air broadcasting.
Abstract: During the last few decades, much of the developed world has moved from analog terrestrial broadcasting to digital broadcasting. While delivery of television services to the consumer occurs via many different media, this article is focused on the delivery of television services via terrestrial, over-the-air broadcasting.
TL;DR: The paper reviews the technological development in photography and discusses different aspects of photography such as film photography, optical imaging, and digital photography.
Abstract: The paper reviews the technological development in photography. The authors discusses different aspects of photography such as film photography, optical imaging, and digital photography.
TL;DR: IEEE hits the pause button to review the colorful history behind the remote control to reflect on the impact of this innovation that has transformed the lives of generations of TV viewers and to celebrate the lives and contributions of these consumer electronic industry pioneers.
Abstract: As the consumer electronics industry mourns the passing of the last of the coinventors of the wireless remote control for television, IEEE hits the pause button to review the colorful history behind the remote control to reflect on the impact of this innovation that has transformed the lives of generations of TV viewers and to celebrate the lives and contributions of these consumer electronic industry pioneers.
TL;DR: This article considers the current state of art in device connectivity; the current status of digital imaging devices and image/video data requirements; and a proof of concept is put together to test the hypothesis that cameras do not really need local storage any more, and yes, you could actually start to put your photographs directly into the clouds.
Abstract: Cloud computing suggests that we can move computers from the desktop onto the network. In this article, we investigate whether we can do the same with digital imaging devices. After all, for most of us, the practical management of local storage on digital cameras is a messy business, keeping track of all those secure digital (SD) memory cards and then figuring out which computer they are stored on. For most family units or socially organized groups, the sensible end point for a collection of images is on shared network storage where everyone can access and contribute to the image collection. So, we consider 1) the current state of art in device connectivity; 2) the current status of digital imaging devices and image/video data requirements; and 3) we put together a proof of concept to test our hypothesis that cameras do not really need local storage any more, and yes, you could actually start to put your photographs directly into the clouds.
TL;DR: This column is where the world of intellectual property, patents, trademarks, and copyrights is looked at, and the intention is to occasionally present features and columns from patent lawyers and other IP professionals.
Abstract: Welcome to the first installment of “P Corner” (aka IP 101) in IEEE Consumer Electronics (CE) Magazine. This column is where we take a look at the world of intellectual property (IP), patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The intention is to occasionally present features and columns from patent lawyers and other IP professionals. In this column, however, I'm going to be your guide through patent applications.
TL;DR: The development work that used to be seen as a tedious but necessary part of any embedded computing product is increasingly found and released as open-source software and the immediate consequences such as accelerating the time to market, leveling the user interface playing field, and lowering the bar to product entry are demonstrated.
Abstract: The development work that used to be seen as a tedious but necessary part of any embedded computing product is increasingly found and released as open-source software. Perhaps the ultimate example of this is in the provision of an entire market-ready user experience in the Android operating system (OS). This article demonstrates some of the immediate consequences such as accelerating the time to market, leveling the user interface playing field, and lowering the bar to product entry and goes on to consider a longer-term impact. Is this truly a free lunch?
TL;DR: The author argues that consumer electronics engineers are the sorcerers of change; it is why they are here and why it is such a compelling field with which to be involved.
Abstract: The author argues that consumer electronics engineers are the sorcerers of change. Change is their raison d'etre; it is why they are here. Ultimately, that is why it is such a compelling field with which to be involved. He then describes the other offerings in this issue of the magazine.
TL;DR: The NPD Group study identifies consumer hesitation to 3-D TV and concludes that the second largest objection by consumers was that they had to wear glasses, and it was found that what is accepted in theatrical viewing is not accepted at home.
Abstract: For cineastes and film buffs, viewing their favorite movie in stereoscopic three-dimensional (S3-D) is a must. In theaters, three-dimensional (3-D) films have become a de facto standard. In 2010, 50% of all films in the top 20 were in 3-D, and there were about twice as many tickets sold in 3-D when compared with two-dimensional (2-D) for the same titles [1]. For home viewing, 3-D is gaining traction as well. Yet, it was found that what is accepted in theatrical viewing is not accepted at home. The need to wear glasses is one of the major obstacles for consumers buying 3-D TV sets [2], the key argument being that glasses would hinder multitasking in the living room. The NPD Group study identifies consumer hesitation to 3-D TV and concludes that the second largest objection by consumers (the first being it is too expensive, 45%) was that they had to wear glasses (42%).
TL;DR: The IEEE P1817 working group is creating a standard for consumerownable digital personal property, to enable people to actually own movies, music, books, and games that they buy and download.
Abstract: The IEEE P1817 working group is creating a standard for consumerownable digital personal property. Our mission is to enable people to actually own movies, music, books, and games that they buy and download. If you think that you own your downloads, then you're not alone; most people think this. We are going to help make it true.
TL;DR: The rapidly expanding market of always-on, always-connected consumer electronics (CE) devices; their shrinking time to market; the constant pressure experienced by the product manufacturers, silicon vendors, and software developers to launch these products on time; and the side effects of such a tight product pipeline schedule are discussed.
Abstract: This article discusses the rapidly expanding market of always-on, always-connected consumer electronics (CE) devices; their shrinking time to market; the constant pressure experienced by the product manufacturers, silicon vendors, and software developers to launch these products on time; and the side effects of such a tight product pipeline schedule. The latest development happenings in the industry, more specifically in the open source area to tackle this scenario for the overall benefit of the vendors, developers, and the consumers, are also discussed. The working model of Linaro, a not-for-profit engineering organization, is described as a case study.
TL;DR: The software company, Dozuki, makes it easv to create technical documentation that users love, which should be both easV to use and simple to keep up to date.
Abstract: iFixit is at the forefront of the electronics industry. The company works with service manuals from every major consumer electronics company. Poor source documentation has been a constant impediment to make electronics repair accessible to non-engineers. For years, the company wondered why technical documentation hasn't improved at the pace of the rest of the industry. The software company, Dozuki, makes it easv to create technical documentation that users love. Dozuki is a platform for living, breathing technical documentation. Technical documentation should be both easv to use and simple to keep up to date.
TL;DR: The case studies illustrate how incorporating HF/E principles and knowledge in the design of consumer products can improve levels of user satisfaction, efficiency of use, increase comfort, and assure safety under normal use as well as foreseeable misuse of the product.
Abstract: This second volume, Human Factors and Ergonomics in Consumer Product Design: Uses and Applications, discusses challenges and opportunities in the design for product safety and focuses on the critical aspects of human-centered design for usability. The book contains 14 carefully selected case studies that demonstrate application of a variety of innovative approaches that incorporate HF/E principles, standards, and best practices of user-centered design,cognitive psychology, participatory macroergonomics, and mathematical modeling. These case studies also identify many unique aspects of new product development projects, which have adopted a user-centered design paradigm as a way to attend to user requirements. The case studies illustrate how incorporating HF/E principles and knowledge in the design of consumer products can improve levels of user satisfaction, efficiency of use, increase comfort, and assure safety under normal use as well as foreseeable misuse of the product. The book provides a comprehensive source of information regarding new methods, techniques, and software applications for consumer product design.