Search

Due to the flexibility and efficiency of video-plus-depth 3D video representation format, Depth-Image-Based Rendering (DIBR) has been proposed to create content for 3D-TV. Most previous researches have focused on eliminating areas of disocclusion in synthesized images by smoothing depth-images, which is time-consuming and usually leads to the attenuation of depth-resolution and some artifacts. In this paper, we aim to investigate factors degrading visual quality and attenuating depth-resolution. Based on the investigation, a low-cost and depth-resolution-preserved Parallax-Map-Based DIBR method is then presented. Our method efficiently prevents attenuation of depth resolution and geometric distortions in synthesized images with lower computation resources compared to previous studies, as shown in the experimental results.

With the popularization of digital TV and Internet protocol TV (IPTV), more digital programs are being produced. In order to find the programs users want to watch, it is sometimes difficult and time-consuming for them to read the programs' information provided by electronic program guide (EPG). Therefore, the next generation EPG composed of content search, content recommendation, and content management is expected to help users quickly, and easily find programs they are interested in. In content recommendation, this study proposes a community-based program recommendation (CPR) for the next generation EPG. It analyzes and categorizes users with similar viewing habits into one community, then recommends programs to users to help them quickly find the programs they want to watch. The results show that this method can provide good precision and convenience to users.

With the rapid development of home network technology, sharing multimedia content among AV devices has become easier, however, the operation of these AV devices have become more complicated. These devices display status and related information through on-screen display (OSD) or liquid crystal display module (LCM) display, but the displays have some issues with OSD interference to reception or require users to understand all the symbols on the LCM display. This paper proposes a universal remote control based on AV device virtualization, called V-URC (virtualization based universal remote control), in order to control AV devices V-URC dynamically generates user interfaces, which conform to the current state of devices; this not only simplifies the operation of AV devices, but also eliminates the issues caused by LCM display and OSD-based AV devices In addition, for new AV devices, V-URC can be used directly without the need to go through complicated learning programs or update of firmware.

In a traditional intercom system that only allows place-to-place communication in a house, it is necessary to dial the extension number of a specific family member, or dial each extension number individually via the intercom broadcasting, in order to reach the desired person. Additional master stations controlled the intercom system are required, and it is load to maintain the stations for general users. In order to solve these problems, we propose the digital living network alliance (DLNA) compatible family intercom system (DFIS): the architecture to support user mobility. This architecture makes it possible to quickly reach a family member without the knowledge of the extension number that caters to a fixed location. In other words, it will be not necessary to dial the extension number of the location of the desired person. We introduce call control and phone handling under the subject of DFIS architecture and demonstrate that the proposed DLNA family intercom device and DLNA family intercom adaptor can work well.

To resolve the issue that a vast majority of time is spent on design and maintenance of new customized user interface in the development of digital TV system software, we propose TVSkin user interface, an architecture to be applied to the design of user interface software. With TVSkin user interface, there is no need to modify any of the programming codes, in order to make additions or changes to the user interface of a digital TV system. Therefore, the whole cycle of the product development can be shortened. This will make the design of a customized digital TV user interface and the replacement of its mechanism as easy as in the case of a popular skin-able user interface of a desktop application. In this way, a user interface can be used more than once.

Depth-Image-Based Rendering (DIBR) has been regarded as the most promising solution for 3D TV, but exposure of occlusion areas that will lead to poor visual quality of synthesized virtual-view images is its inherent disadvantage. In previous studies, an asymmetric Gaussian low-pass filter with strong strength has been used to reduce numbers and sizes of disocclusion areas in synthesized images for improving visual quality. However, it also attenuates depth resolution seriously. DIBR should have a good compromise between improving visual quality and preserving depth resolution. In this paper, the factors inducing poor visual quality and attenuate depth resolution are addressed, and how these factors influence one another is analyzed as well. Based on the analysis results, a parallax-map-based DIBR system without soothing depth-images is proposed. Experimental results show that the proposed DIBR system can improve visual quality and preserve depth resolution well within normal depth preferences of viewers.