Takebumi Itagaki

Performance analysis of time slicing in DVB-H

Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H) is the latest DVB standard from the DVB Group targeting handheld, battery powered devices such as mobile telephones, PDAs(Personal Digital Assistants). etc. DVB-H enables IP data services including low definition TV services to be received on battery powered handheld terminals. Time Division Multiplexing (TOM, is the technology that is usually used in computer and telecommunication systems for resoursce allocation. Time slicing is based on TDM and is one of the characteristics of DVB-H. This paper presents a basic model for predicting the power saving achieved by the time slicing algorithm used in DVB-H followed by analysis of the performance of the algorithm based on simulations using Matlab and Opnet; The simulations required the writing of Matlab and Opnet code to model the effect of time slicing. The model and simulations presented illustrate the significant power savings that can be achieved by time slicing.

A Novel Method for Subjective Picture Quality Assessment and Further Studies of HDTV Formats

This paper proposes a novel method for the assessment of picture quality, called triple stimulus continuous evaluation scale (TSCES), to allow the direct comparison of different HDTV formats. The method uses an upper picture quality anchor and a lower picture quality anchor with defined impairments. The HDTV format under test is evaluated in a subjective comparison with the upper and lower anchors. The method utilizes three displays in a particular vertical arrangement. In an initial series of tests with the novel method, the HDTV formats 1080p/50,1080i/25, and 720p/50 were compared at various bit-rates and with seven different content types on three identical 1920 times 1080 pixel displays. It was found that the new method provided stable and consistent results. The method was tested with 1080p/50,1080i/25, and 720p/50 HDTV images that had been coded with H.264/AVC High profile. The result of the assessment was that the progressive HDTV formats found higher appreciation by the assessors than the interlaced HDTV format. A system chain proposal is given for future media production and delivery to take advantage of this outcome. Recommendations for future research conclude the paper.

Studies on the Bit Rate Requirements for a HDTV Format With 1920

This paper considers the potential for an HDTV delivery format with 1920 times 1080 pixels progressive scanning and 50 frames per second in broadcast applications. The paper discusses the difficulties in characterizing the display to be assumed for reception. It elaborates on the required bit rate of the 1080p/50 format when critical content is coded in MPEG-4 H.264 AVC Part 10 and subjectively viewed on a large, flat panel display with 1920 times 1080 pixel resolution. The paper describes the initial subjective quality evaluations that have been made in these conditions. The results of these initial tests suggest that the required bit-rate for a 1080p/50 HDTV signal in emission could be kept equal or lower than that of 2nd generation HDTV formats, to achieve equal or better image quality

\times

Archaeological databases are required to store a wide range of data about archaeological objects. Multimedia, spatial and temporal requirements are placing new demands on these databases. Virtual models of archaeological sites require new storage and search facilities, including searching of 3D graphics for virtual and physical restoration of archaeological finds. We examine the architecture, design philosophy and proposed implementation of the 3D MURALE multimedia database, which will be used by archaeologists to construct a virtual model of the Sagalassos excavation site in Turkey.

1080 pixel Resolution, Progressive Scanning at 50 Hz Frame Rate Targeting Large Flat Panel Displays

Digital video broadcasting-terrestrial (DVB-T) is a leading international standard established for the move from analogue to digital broadcasting basically via terrestrial networks. Within DVB-T, it is possible to carry defined data containers in addition to the audio and video in the MPEG-2 transport stream. These data containers can be used to realize new data services or to carry IP datagrams. Thus it enables large amounts of data to be delivered to a lot of users in mobile environment. A simulation-based approach for assessment of the DVB-T networks is done using OPNET software. This paper focuses on the generation and reception of a DVB-T OFDM signal in a physical channel that is simulated using Matlab and the results are analyzed. In an outlook, possibilities for future improvements are shown.

3D MURALE: multimedia database system architecture

The latest generations of telecommunications networks have been designed to deliver high data rates, providing flexible communication capabilities that can enable high-quality video images. However, these new generations of telecommunications networks are interference-limited, impairing their performance in cases of heavy traffic and high usage. One way to lift this constraint would be for the mobile telecommunications network operators to obtain the cooperation of a broadcast network operator so that at times when the service demand is too high, the service can be transferred to the broadcast network. This paper proposes a way for UMTS network operators to forecast the traffic associated with high-demand services intended to be deployed on the UMTS network and when demand requires to transfer it to a cooperating DVB-T network. The paper aims to justify cooperation between UMTS and DVB-T networks clearly showing how using a DVB-T network as a support to UMTS can increase the revenue generated by both networks.

Performance analysis of the OFDM scheme in DVB-T

Although some market research has predicted the rapid uptake of digital television by European householders, recent unsettling experiences in the UK digital television market has shown that consumers demand a more value added viewing experience. This is understood by the fact that terrestrial analogue broadcasting has enjoyed a reputation of providing a television service to a very high standard. It is thus necessary to find ways in which end-users can best exploit the increased flexibility and the advantages that digital television creates. For this to happen, the whole value of the broadcasting chain has to support seamless integration of the broadcast and telecommunication networks. The European Union IST project, SAVANT (synchronised and scalable AV content across networks), aims to provide an interactive digital framework for scalable broadcast television services converged with television oriented IP services. The paper describes the major architectural components of the project.

Stochastic user behaviour modelling and network simulation for resource management in cooperation with mobile telecommunications and broadcast networks

Crucial to the commercial exploitation of any service combining UMTS and DVB-T is the availability of standardised APIs adapted to the hybrid UMTS and DVB-T network and to the technical limitations of mobile/portable terminals. This paper describes work carried out in the European Commission Framework Programme 5 (FP5) project CONFLUENT to demonstrate the feasibility of such Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) by enabling the reception of a Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) based application transmitted over DVB-T on five different terminals with parts of the service running on a mobile phone.

An interactive digital television system designed for synchronised and scalable multi-media content over DVB and IP networks

Within the framework of the EU (European Union) funded project porTiVity (portable interactivity), IRT is developing an application in cooperation with several partners, that automatically adapts SDTV (Standard Definition Television) sport productions for mobile TV displays by intelligent cropping and scaling. It detects important content based features in the video of sport productions and crops a chosen area, based on the semantic attributes of the video content and artistic aspects of video productions. The final tool is foreseen to be integrated in the post production chain and to provide a differentiation between the original SD version and a processed one adapted to the requirements for mobile TV.

Demonstrating the feasibility of standardised application programme interfaces that will allow mobile/portable terminals to receive services combining UMTS and DVB-T

Recent Grid initiatives brought a few large Grid infrastructures deployed over the world. However most of them are not easily interoperable and creation of Virtual Organizations that could include resources from a couple of different Grid systems is practically impossible. In this paper, we present an analysis of issues that need to be resolved when providing interoperability between heterogenous Grid environments. The analysis is based on the example of EGEE and VEGA Grid systems middleware integration. A universal interoperability layer is proposed – called Grid Abstraction Layer – that will enable integration of these two Grid systems as well as other Grid environments and allow for creation of multi-Grid Virtual Organizations.