We are developing a parallel distributed processing system that can process broadcast content quickly and stably. We recently developed a fast and stable method for processing content by identifying bottlenecks in parallel processing and controlling the number of parallel servers, data communication paths, and traffic.

To make it easy to record 22.2 multichannel sound, we have developed a spherical microphone that uses acoustic baffles partitioning the sphere into solid angular segments. We present an overview of this microphone and the signal processing methods used to compensate for the deterioration in directivity that occurs when the device is made smaller.

We have conducted experiments to subjectively evaluate depth perception and measure the accommodation responses of the eye when viewing integral 3D television The resulting data, presented here, suggests that the depth perception and accommodation responses are correlated with the depth positions of three-dimensional objects.

In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, some news programs featured experimental live captioning created by automatic speech recognition. This exhibit introduces our efforts to tackle the speech recognition and captioning issues that were identified during these broadcasts and subsequent improvements to speech recognition system to convey accurate information to those in need.

We developed a statistical TV program recommendation method that attempts to identify programs that fit the tastes of individual users and gives reasons for its recommendations. Matching scores are evaluated by using a statistical model based on how each user has rated certain previously viewed programs and on details of the content of programs extracted from semantic information provided by electronic program guide (EPG) services.

To increase the sensitivity of cameras capable of capturing pictures with smooth motion at high resolution, we are researching high-sensitivity photoelectric conversion films that can be stacked together on a solid-state imaging device. To achieve this, the signal charges generated by the incident light must be multiplied at a low applied voltage. A technique for achieving this is introduced here.

With the aim of producing compact storage devices that can operate at extremely high data transfer rates, we are developing a new magnetic recording device with no moving parts that works by moving magnetic domains along magnetic nanowires. Here, we introduce a technique for moving magnetic domains with lower electric currents and a reliable technique for stopping the movement of magnetic domains.

We are researching fast high-capacity recording techniques with a view to producing compact Super Hi-Vision recording equipment that uses thin optical disks. Here, we introduce a low bit error rate recording technique that has four times the recording density of conventional technology for recording and playing back video data.

We are researching an ultra-fine spin spatial light modulator with the aim of developing a new kind of three-dimensional television based on holography. Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction devices with potential to reduce drive current of spin spatial light modulator were developed.

We are researching a thin flexible acoustic device that can be integrated with ultra-thin televisions of the future. We recently studied the possibility of using the thermoacoustic effect, which can generate sounds without mechanical vibration. We fabricated a prototype flexible sound generator using organic materials with high flexibility, and we evaluated its acoustic characteristics.

We are conducting research into driving technology for high resolution and high image quality displays of the future that will have a huge number of pixels. This effort requires new driving technology. We have devised an optical driving method that uses wavelength multiplexing and have verified its basic operations.

We are improving the performance of oxide TFTs that will be used to produce ultra-thin large-screen televisions in the future. To produce displays with a larger screen size and higher resolution, we have developed self-aligned oxide TFT fabrication technology that makes smaller TFTs.

We are looking into far-field pattern control of light-emitting devices with the aim of applying this technology to a direct view type display in the future. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the directionality characteristics of light passing through sub-micron-sized structures.