法人別リリース

NTT Advanced Technology to Market New Version of WinActor RPA Tool Overseas

NTT-AT — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0900

KAWASAKI, Japan, Sept. 30, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation
-With Functions Added to Enhance Scenario Creation Productivity, New Version Supports “New Work Styles” in COVID-19 Era-

NTT Advanced Technology Corporation will launch the latest version(Ver.7) of its robotic process automation(RPA) tool, “WinActor,” overseas on October 1, 2020, satisfying users from beginners to advanced programmers in accordance with its nature of being "people-centered."

As the infection of COVID-19 spreads, many companies are searching for a "new work styles," and RPA is drawing attention as one of the promising means of realizing it. The RPA tool WinActor provided by the company headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has received the best reputation in Japan and has been introduced to more than 5,300 companies.

WinActor Ver.7 will help customers to pursue digital transformation, adopting a new work style appropriate for the COVID-19 era, and enhancing their business efficiency. The main functions of Ver.7 are as follows.

1. People-centered functions
-By taking advantage of the increased processing speed, the user interface has been revamped, making it more refined and easy to use.
-A tutorial is provided to enable users to learn all key processes, from the basics for scenario creation to practical and application-oriented operations.

2. Functions effective for enterprise use
-Users can edit multiple scenarios simultaneously on the same screen, enabling them to copy and paste parts of a scenario from one to another while viewing several scenarios.
-WinActor Scenario Script, a scenario editor for advanced programmers, enables them to develop a scenario using a programming language with which they are sure to be familiar.

3. Support for scenario creation
-OCR-based image matching will make it easier to record and execute operations related to character strings on the screen.
-The table scraping function extracts table information from a Web page. If a table spans a number of pages, WinActor accesses them one by one and outputs the obtained table information in a single CSV file.

4. Dual-language capability
-Users can switch languages to suit particular execution environments. In addition, scenarios developed in Japanese can be used in English without modification and vice versa.

Official website: https://www.ntt-at.com/news/2020/detail/release200930.html

NTT Advanced Technology to Market New Version of WinActor(R) RPA Tool Overseas

NTT-AT — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 15:00:00 +0900

KAWASAKI, Japan, Sept. 30, 2020 /Kyodo JBN/ --
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation
-With Functions Added to Enhance Scenario Creation Productivity, New Version Supports “New Work Styles” in COVID-19 Era-

NTT Advanced Technology Corporation will launch the latest version(Ver.7) of its robotic process automation(RPA) tool, “WinActor(R),” overseas on October 1, 2020, satisfying users from beginners to advanced programmers in accordance with its nature of being "people-centered."

As the infection of COVID-19 spreads, many companies are searching for a "new work styles," and RPA is drawing attention as one of the promising means of realizing it. The RPA tool WinActor(R) provided by the company headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has received the best reputation in Japan and has been introduced to more than 5,300 companies.

WinActor(R) Ver.7 will help customers to pursue digital transformation, adopting a new work style appropriate for the COVID-19 era, and enhancing their business efficiency. The main functions of Ver.7 are as follows.

1. People-centered functions
-By taking advantage of the increased processing speed, the user interface has been revamped, making it more refined and easy to use.
-A tutorial is provided to enable users to learn all key processes, from the basics for scenario creation to practical and application-oriented operations.

2. Functions effective for enterprise use
-Users can edit multiple scenarios simultaneously on the same screen, enabling them to copy and paste parts of a scenario from one to another while viewing several scenarios.
-WinActor(R) Scenario Script, a scenario editor for advanced programmers, enables them to develop a scenario using a programming language with which they are sure to be familiar.

3. Support for scenario creation
-OCR-based image matching will make it easier to record and execute operations related to character strings on the screen.
-The table scraping function extracts table information from a Web page. If a table spans a number of pages, WinActor(R) accesses them one by one and outputs the obtained table information in a single CSV file.

4. Dual-language capability
-Users can switch languages to suit particular execution environments. In addition, scenarios developed in Japanese can be used in English without modification and vice versa.

Official website: https://www.ntt-at.com/news/2020/detail/release200930.html

NTT Develops World's First H.265/HEVC Software-Encoding Engine Supporting 60P/120P ...

NTT-AT — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 14:01:25 +0900

TOKYO, Sep. 3 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation,
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation

NTT Develops World's First H.265/HEVC Software-Encoding Engine Supporting 60P/120P Simultaneous Transmission of Ultra High-Definition Video

- NTT-AT Launches SDK and Transcoder Application -

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereafter referred to as NTT) has developed a software-encoding engine which complies with the International Standard H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) (abbreviated to HEVC), and which enables the simultaneous transmission of 60 frames-per-second videos that is currently used for 4K distribution as well as ultra high-definition 120 frames-per-second videos.

Encoding done by this technology will enable viewers to watch videos at 60 frames per second on existing TVs and other devices when video distribution of 120 frames per second starts in the future, facilitating a smooth switchover. This functionality is achieved by implementing temporal-direction hierarchical encoding, which enables embedding of a 60-frame-per-second HEVC bitstream in a 120-frame-per-second HEVC bitstream. NTT's original bit rate control algorithm is used to achieve high visual quality while keeping both 60- and 120-frame-per-second HEVC bitstreams at the desired bit rates. Furthermore, by introducing an original variable bit rate-encoding technique, we have also achieved an approximately 40% reduction in the amount of data compared to a constant bit rate, with image quality equivalent to that seen previously. Therefore, we can expect a reduction in storage costs, even with the current distribution services.

This technique has been acquired by NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (hereafter referred to as NTT-AT), and upgraded versions of the software codec development kit "HEVC-1000 SDK" and the file conversion software "FileConverter FC4000" are going on sale.

Nowadays, video delivery services provide content for various devices such as PCs, smartphones and 4K TVs due to the diversifications of viewing patterns. Therefore, demand for file transcoding is increasing rapidly. XAVC for the 4K video content format and H.265/HEVC for the video codec are emerging as new formats, and the transcoding is also required to use these formats. "FileConverter FC4000" is a file-transcoding application on Windows. H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC are available to support distribution formats for multi-devices such as HLS, Smooth-Streaming, and MPEG-DASH. The encoding "Task Management" and "Watch Folder" functions are available. Therefore, various encoding parameter verifications can be simplified. Evolution of video formats (8K,120fps,12bit,BT.2020,HDR) will be supported.

Note that this technique will be exhibited at "IBC 2015" which will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 11 to 15.

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation,
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation

NTT-AT Upgrades H. 265/HEVC Software CODEC SDK and File Conversion Software

NTT-AT — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:00:06 +0900

KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug. 19, 2014 /Kyodo JBN/ --
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation
NTT-AT Upgrades H. 265/HEVC Software CODEC SDK
and File Conversion Software
- Range Extensions Support Aimed at 4K Contents Market -

NTT Advanced Technology Corp. (NTT-AT hereafter) announced on August 19 that it launched an upgraded version of "HEVC-1000 SDK," a software CODEC development kit compliant with the H.265/HEVC (*1) video coding standards, on August 7 and that it will launch an upgraded version of file conversion software "FileConverter 4K FC4000" on August 26.

NTT-AT has upgraded the H.265/HEVC encoder engine employed by the two products to make it compliant with the 4K "Range Extensions" Profile (*2) (color format (*3) 4:2:2 and 10-bit bit depth (*4)), realizing high-speed and high-quality video delivery.

As TV sets compatible with the 4K or Ultra High Definition (UHD) have become available lately, a host of new services using the H.265/HEVC standard are being considered in various areas, with U.S. cable operators and online content providers declaring their intention of promoting 4K video delivery while experimental 4K TV broadcasting launched in Japan.

With "HEVC-1000 SDK" in place, the development of applications compliant with H.265/HEVC becomes easier, helping promote the development of software using 4K videos. Also, the use of "FileConverter 4K FC4000" enables efficient production of 4K-ready content with an ordinary desktop PC, contributing greatly to the content business of content holders and online video delivery service providers.

- H.265/HEVC encoder engine
The encoder engine adopted in the NTT-AT products has been upgraded. The 265/HEVC encoding algorithm developed by the Media Intelligence Laboratories, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., is programed into the encoder engine, making it the first of its kind in the world to be compliant with the 4K "Range Extensions" Profile (color format 4:2:2 and 10-bit bit depth). Its features include the "LQA algorithm" for combining high video quality with a high compression rate and "CBR (*5) control" for improved stability.

LQA (Local QP Adjustment) algorithm:
This is an algorithm for reducing data volume in video areas where the human eye cannot easily detect distortions, improving the compression rate while maintaining high video quality.

CBR control: Accurate CBR control making both stable streaming and high video quality possible. Ordinarily, in CRB control, where bit-rate variations have to be controlled, achieving high video quality is difficult. With NTT-AT's unique coding control, however, high video quality has been made possible.

"HEVC-1000 SDK" and "FileConverter 4K FC4000" have been duly upgraded and made ready for launch.

Footnote:
(*1) H.265/HEVC: High Efficiency Video Coding international standard made in 2013. It will be a primary standard for the next generation of video coding.
(*2) Range Extensions Profile: H.265/HEVC standard made in 2014 for coding high-quality video images required by high-end users of video imaging equipment and professional video makers.
(*3) Collar format: A type of signal format. The 4:2:2 format has color-difference information twice as much as the 4:2:0 format used for online video delivery.
(*4) Bit depth: A bit rate for sampling luminance and color difference signals. Sampling at a high bit depth makes it possible to show videos in smooth gradation and sharp contract
(*5) CBR: Compressing data transmissions at a fixed bit rate. It is also called a fixed bit rate.

1. HEVC Software CODEC "HEVC-1000 SDK" A software CODEC development kit combining encoder and decoder. With the latest upgrade, the following new functions have been added.

- Compatible with color format 4:2:2 (12-bit depth), color format 4:2:2 (10-bit depth) and color format 4:2:2 (8-bit depth). The new version is ready for high-quality broadcasting content.
- Compared with the old version, the newly upgraded version shows an improvement of more than 20% in coding efficiency and an improvement of more than 40% in the processing speed.
- 720/30P real-time encoding has been achieved.

With this development kit, multimedia software can be easily made compatible with H.265/HEVC. Users can build it into file conversion software for changing the video data compression method or changing the bit rate and into video applications such as authoring software for editing video data.

The development kit can be used in a variety of areas, including the delivery of high-quality and highly compressed videos for mobile devices, digital signage and 4K video delivery.

2. With file conversion software "FileConverter 4K FC4000," major video media formats can be fed in. The latest upgrade has further improved the processing speed, making it compatible with the 4:2:2 (10-bit depth) and 4:2:2 (8-bit depth) color formats.

With "FileConverter 4K FC4000," developers can use an ordinary desktop PC to efficiently create highly compressed and high-quality video content. Lately, new services using H.265/HEVC are being considered. This application software can generate encoding streams necessary for VoD services that require the authentication of playback terminals, servers and networks in addition to H.265/HEVC encoding performance.

- Price: Open

Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
President and representative director: Takashi Hanazawa

Source: NTT Advanced Technology Corporation

NTT Advanced Technology to Release in August H.265/HEVC Decoder for 4K TV Broadcasting and Video

NTT-AT — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 15:00:33 +0900

TOKYO, June 10 /Kyodo JBN/ --
NTT Advanced Technology Corp.

NTT Advanced Technology to Release in August H.265/HEVC Decoder for 4K TV Broadcasting and Video Delivery

NTT Advanced Technology Corp. (NTT-AT hereafter) announced on June 10 that it will launch in August 2014 the "H.265/HEVC Decoder Appliance" (tentative name) ready for the 4K "Range Extensions" Profile (4:2:2 sampling and 10-bit video) (Note *1). Fitted with a DVB-ASI input terminal and four 3G-SDI output terminals, necessary for digital broadcasting systems such as a reception monitor for retransmitting 4K broadcast waves, the product will meet rising demand from broadcasting stations and various service providers in the wake of the start of experimental 4K broadcasting.

In the U.S., cable TV operators and video delivery service providers have openly stated their intention to further expand their 4K video offerings, cashing in on the recent increase in the sales of TV sets ready for 4K or Ultra High Definition (UHD) broadcasting. In Japan, where experimental 4K broadcasting has started, there are expectations of surging demand for decoder appliances for broadcast video monitoring. Moreover, as broadcasting stations are opting for the 4:2:2 color format (Note *2) with a high degree of color reproducibility for their broadcasting content, new decoders need to be  ready for the H.265/HEVC "Range Extensions" Profile (4:2:2, 10bit).

NTT-AT has developed video coding products, compatible with a wide variety of formats, for global markets , successfully building a large installed customer base for its high-efficiency video coding products. As 4K broadcasting and video delivery services continue to expand, the company is developing to offer the "H.265/HEVC Decoder Appliance" ready for 4K Range Extensions Profile (4:2:2, 10bit), contributing further to the development of the broadcasting and video delivery service markets.*

Features and basic specifications

Video formats supported for playback   H.265/HEVC Range Extensions Profile
                                                         (Main 4:2:2 10bit)
Color format:                                      4:2:2, bit depth: 10bit
External dimensions:                           19-inch rack for mounting 4 units (planned)
Input terminal:                                   - DVB-ASI x 1
                                                         - USB for file playback: Type-A x 3 ports,
                                                           USB 2.0 x 3 ports
Output terminal:                                 - SD/HD/3G-SDI x 4 (4K)
                                                         - HDMI 2.0 x 1 (planned)

- Targeted markets
-- Broadcasting stations and video delivery service providers that require monitoring decoders for confirming the reception of 4K broadcasting and redistribution.
-- Event operators requiring decoders for confirming the transmission of 4K live videos.

- Price: Open pricing

* The company names, product names and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.

Notes:
*1 Range Extensions Profile: A high definition video coding format. The 4K profile is scheduled to be implemented as a coding standard in June 2014.
*2 Color format 4:2:2: A type of signal format with twice as much color-difference information as format 4:2:0.

Source: NTT Advanced Technology Corp.

NTT Develops World's Highest-level Compression Software Encoding Engine Fully Compliant with

NTT-AT — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:46:35 +0900

TOKYO, Aug. 19 /Kyodo JBN/ --
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation

NTT Develops World's Highest-level Compression Software Encoding Engine Fully Compliant with Next-gen "HEVC/H.265" Video Coding Standard, Rolls Out "HEVC-1000 SDK" Codec Development Kit

-- Supports Development of High-quality Video over LTE Mobile Links & 4K Video Streaming Systems --

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) has developed compression software (an encoder engine) with the world's highest-level compression performance that is fully compliant with the Main/Main10 profile of the next-generation "H.265/HEVC" (High Efficiency Video Coding) *(1) video coding standard.

*(1) H.265/HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) :
The ITU-T standard was ratified at the end of April 2013.

The H.265/HEVC standard delivers a twofold improvement in compression efficiency compared to the prevailing H.264/AVC *(2) standard in handling compression of video data. Using a unique proprietary technology, NTT has demonstrated a 2.5 times bandwidth saving at its maximum performance, thus holding the record for the highest practical-level compression ever achieved. This means we are able to slash the required bit rate by 60% compared to the legacy H.264 standard, without any loss of picture quality.

*(2) H.264/AVC (Advanced Video Coding):
A video compression standard developed through ITU/ISO collaboration. Typical applications of the H.264 compression scheme include Blu-ray discs and broadcasting for mobile phones (ONE-SEG).

The H.265 technology will ease mobile data congestion, hold down network operator investment costs, provide users with higher definition content even on bandwidth-constrained networks, and promises to deliver high-quality video streaming over LTE lines, and 4K video streaming over IPTV and other next-gen video services.

Acquiring the H.265 encoding technology from NTT, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (NTT-AT) rolled out the RealFeel series HEVC software codec development kit "HEVC-1000 SDK" to domestic and global markets on August 8 (Thursday), 2013.

With this development kit, engineers have access to the latest HEVC standard in developing applications that conform to the highest-level compression performance that is available. Certainly, NTT-AT believes the SDK will bolster our domestic and international market share for video conversion application engines needed to produce content. Also, by bringing the kit out at this early date, we hope to further expand the market for video streaming which requires better picture quality accompanied by higher rates of compression. This will open the way to video streaming to smart phones and other mobile devices over LTE and other fast links, and to 4K video streaming that is currently getting a lot of worldwide exposure.

See the website for the development background, development outcomes, and product overviews of the HEVC/H.265 encoder engine and HEVC-1000 SDK development kit.

NTT:http://www.ntt.co.jp/news2013/1308e/130808a.html
NTT-AT:http://www.ntt-at.com/product/rfs_hevc_sdk/

About NTT
Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroo Unoura

About NTT-AT
Headquartered in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takashi Hanazawa

Source: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation