KDD's Development of Internet-related Technologies

Profiles of the new technologies are provided below.

(1) Quality Motion Ver.5

Quality Motion is a very slow video transmission method for the Internet that allows the user to smoothly transmit high-resolution video even at the slow, conventional telephone line speed of 28.8 kbps. KDD developed the technology in January last year, and has since added new functions including the streaming function(*1).

Quality Motion Ver.5 features the following improvements to video and audio functions to further enhance quality and operating ease.

[1] Higher video quality and full-image playback

Until now, video received over the Internet could only be reproduced on a fraction of the size of the monitor screen. Quality Motion Ver.5, however, allows the user to enjoy high-quality, dynamic video even when it is enlarged to the full size of the monitor screen.
When used with an ISDN line (128 kbps), Quality Motion Ver.5 can offer a higher video quality than a conventional videoconference system can.

[2] Stereo audio

Mono audio on previous Quality Motion versions has been replaced by stereo, thanks to KDD's own stereo audio technology, to offer users the enjoyment of real-to-life audio.

[3] Instant playback

The time required until video playback begins has been greatly reduced to 2 or 3 seconds. Compared to conventional Internet video transmission software that typically requires tens of seconds longer, Quality Motion Ver.5 allows the user to enjoy stress-free video playback.

[4] Easy dispatch of video contents for individual

Quality Motion Ver.5 features an encoder function that allows the compression of data at a high speed on a PC. Using the encoder, the user can easily compress and dispatch video data. In other words, any Internet user can easily create and dispatch high-quality video contents by placing them on their home page or attaching them to E-mail.

[5] Addition of file protection

For the first time in a video transmission software for the Internet, Quality Motion Ver.5 allows the contents producer to set an expiration date for each video file. This function is useful for video that requires the protection of copyrights, such as movie PR clips and product commercials.

KDD has applied for patent for three functions that are in the new version of Quality Motion: higher video quality, instant playback, and file protection method.

Using Quality Motion Ver.5, the user can, for example, provide a sample of a new CD, publicize a movie or video, distribute a promotional video on an upcoming event, or provide such video contents as news over the Internet more easily and with better quality.

KDD will promote the use of Quality Motion Ver.5 for video contents transmission through the distribution and sales channels shown in [Promoting Quality Motion Ver.5].

(2) JaMaPS distributed digital mapping platform for the Internet

KDD's other recent development is JaMaPS, a distributed digital mapping platform for the Internet that makes it easy to edit digital maps and communicate using digital maps.

Until now, it was difficult for an individual to create their own digital map and disseminate the information because conventional platforms did not have the ability to simultaneously process multiple map contents sent by contents providers. They required the availability of a large-capacity memory, high-speed CPU, and special software.

JaMaPS is the first platform to allow the user to obtain map contents distributed at several sites on the Internet based on www(*2) and JAVA(*3), simultaneously display them in a superimposed format, and edit the map contents.

JaMaPS thus makes it possible to use an existing www server connected to the Internet to easily transmit map contents. Since the exiting www browser(*4) is also used for reception, JaMaPS can create on the Internet a digital map media that is easy for anyone to use. Since JaMaPS can display several map contents at the same time by superimposing them, it enables the decentralization of various data controls and can greatly reduce the cost of data maintenance.

JaMaPS can be applied to a wide range of applications from dispatching personal travel log to sharing shopping information in collaboration with the contents provider's database, disclosing global environmental information, working on an urban redevelopment planning.
JaMaPS is also expected to gain a foothold in mobile computing, a field that shows promise for growth, because, as can be seen in car navigation systems, digital maps are essential contents in this field.

KDD developed JaMaPS based on the hydrographic chart editing technology that it had perfected over the years for laying submarine cables. KDD has applied for patents for the map superimposition display function and search function on the Internet.

Ministry of Construction's Geographical Survey Institute plans to implement JaMaPS on a trial basis. KDD also plans to merchandise and promote the use of JaMaPS as described in [Promoting JaMaPS].

(*1) Streaming function:
A function that starts the playback at the same time that the file download is begun. Compared to the conventional function that must wait for the download to be completed before starting playback, this function requires far less time to start file playback.

(*2) www:
A system developed in 1989 for the purpose of sharing academic information on the network. It catalyzed the explosive growth of the Internet. The software allows the countless number of contents distributed over the Internet to be linked in a web to allow mutual searches. Using the www, the entire Internet can be formed into a huge information system.

(*3) JAVA:
A programming language for exchanging moving images and voices over the Internet. Developed by Sun Microsystems in 1995, JAVA can be run on various PCs and operating systems.

(*4) Browser:
Software that is used to connect to a server on the Internet and search information and view home pages.

Quality Motion Player to be distributed free of charge at KDD Home Page (from February 5, 1998)
http://www.kdd.co.jp/

Sale of streaming system for professional use (soon after the evaluation test has been completed) - Can be used to create and dispatch full-scale video contents
KDD Technology Corp.
Contact: 03-3794-8371
http://www.kddtech.co.jp

* Provision of streaming service (soon after the evaluation test has been completed)
- Provide website hosting service to contents providers
KDD Communications Inc.
Contact: 03-3243-9432
http://www.kcom.ne.jp

* Application to corporate video transmission network systems (from mid-February 1998)
- Put on tie-in sale together with corporate communications networks such as corporate Internet and intranet
(Primary companies)
Ricoh Co., Ltd.
Contact: 045-477-1366
http://www.ricoh.co.jp/
Macsaurus Co.
Contact: 03-5269-2212
>http://www.macsaurus.com

* Sale of compression software for personal users (from mid- February 1998)
- Allows an individual to easily dispatch video contents on www.
Map Japan Inc.
Contact: 03-3363-5570
http://www.mapjapan.co.jp

Demonstration at KDD Laboratories' Home Page (from February 5, 1998)
http://www.lab.kdd.co.jp/

* Merchandising and sale (scheduled by the end of 1998)
OSI Plus Corp.
Contact: 03-3794-8420
http://www.osiplus.co.jp/
Informatix Inc.
Contact: 03-5460-1810
http://www.informatix-inc.com/

Provision of digital map contents service (scheduled by the end of 1998)
KDD Communications Inc.
Contact: 03-3243-9432
http://www.kcom.ne.jp