Research into the Effect on Human Senses of Super-high Quality AV Information
Thanks to the progressed research and application of such ultra-high definition image systems as digital terrestrial broadcasting, digital cinema and Super-High Vision, general householders now can easily experience high quality and high definition images. However, there seems to be a limit to expand the picture on such large screens as ones in home theaters and it is becoming necessary to update specifications for viewing high resolution content in comfort. In this research, we proposed a method to evaluate human perception of high-resolution content and conducted the evaluation aiming to ascertain the current situation and future issues for the technology,
Image Evaluation Experimentd
particularly that of digital cinema (2K and 4K systems) and find suitable conditions for viewing high-resolution content in comfort. Results showed that the sensory impression of 4K images was more amplified than 2K images and the difference could differ according to the viewing distance and the person. The research also managed to investigate the current trend of R&D in super-high quality audio-visual technology and show the direction of designing equipment for the new areas of the audio-visual industry and comfortable viewing space.
Feasibility Study on the Development of the Environment for Next-generation 3D Content Production
The following two projects were carried out to establish and further improve a convenient platform and its application technology to be used by creators and distributors to produce and evaluate “stereoscopic content created with safety and comfort for users in mind” (defined as “Next-generation stereoscopic content”).
(1) Development of next-generation stereoscopic camera systems
A platform for a next-generation stereoscopic camera system capable adjusting settings for viewer safety and comfort and various viewing conditions was developed. Namely, a 3D camera system was developed which can records high definition quality stereo image data and distance data, and lens data, etc. and control the distance and angle of the right and left cameras, with the aim of it becoming a foundation for investigating various issues and problems. High definition quality stereo cameras, camera control units, 3D converters, movable stages and PC work stations for the control of these form the fundamental components of this system.
(2) Evaluation on adjustability as to viewer safety and comfort, and viewing conditions
From the perspective of production, a scope from live-action 3D content, computer graphics (CG) and the fusion of live action and CG to BS television broadcasting has been covered. Meanwhile, from the standpoint of technology development, broad-ranging endeavors from system requirement analysis to experimental investigations to gain basic knowledge were undertaken within a range covering the expression and usage of 3D content to optical engineering, ergonomic engineering and other human characteristics.
Digital Signage Research
In relation to digital signage, which is broadening as a comprehensive field including content as well as the headline digital technology and display technology, the following points of discussion were raised and positioned as the theme for the concluding discussion.
- Why is research on digital signage necessary now?
- Is digital signage out of home media or advertising signboards?
- How will broadcast media respond to the great variety of transformation of digital media?
- What kind of vision can be drawn for an environment in which advertising and information coexist?
- What kind of impact does digital signage have on society?
- Perception reform toward the realization of an affluent society in which science and technology is incorporated into culture.
Japanese media technology has attained a high level such that anything is already possible in terms of technology. Rather than technology simply for the pursuit of convenience, however, as a media to be rolled out around the world, digital signage would have to be perceived as a system that fuses Japanese culture and technology in the context of a ubiquitous environment and given a comprehensive design plan as a policy for the future promotion of the industry.
Whereas digital signage increases its usefulness as it improves its functionality and becomes more individualized as to user interface, debate will emerge regarding ensuring the safety of the information environment and it will be necessary to consider the possibility of some regulations being imposed.
Beijing Olympic Stadium and signage
inside the stadium
Research on Content-related Technology
This research aims to find how content-related technologies are being utilized by surveying what content-related technologies are being owned by companies and research institutes.
The research results were plotted on X-Y plane with the X axis showing the characteristics of the technology as to if it is distribution related or creation related and Y axis showing whether the technology is for business use or consumer us, which clarified relationship between technologies and position of each technology and we named the diagram as Content Technology Architecture Diagram.
The research confirmed that content-related technologies are being utilized in other industries than the traditionally content-related industries, that new fields of industry could be created through the technologies' combining with those other industries, that the change is occurring at a higher speed than perceivable from the conventional perspective, and that a new turning point is approaching. The following three challenges were proposed based on the research to promote the content industry utilizing content-related technology: (1) promotion of organic coupling content-related technologies; (2) utilization and support of venture company technology, and; (3) human resource development and cooperation with educational and research institutes.
The results of this research have been also reflected in the content of Strategic
Technology Roadmap (STR) 2009 - Content-related Field.