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3rd June 2003

Japan : NEC announced its new technology, Semantic Zoom function, which enables the user to comfortably view Web pages using a wide variety of Internet-ready terminals including TVs, PDAs and mobile phones.

Semantic Zoom function enables the user to easily and comfortable view Web pages under lower resolution terminals comparing with PC such as TV, PDA and mobile phone by installing original software on both terminals and servers. By adding XML based layout information with original software on both terminals and servers, following can be achieved:-

Even smaller screens, web pages can be viewed comfortably since terminal can omit irrelevant information by determine heading and title through XML based information.

By using web contents layout information, pointer on the screen can be moved at levels of titles. Therefore, simple pointing device can be used.
Through this new Semantic Zoom function, web pages can be easily viewed with small and display with lower resolution. Also seeking time for information is shortened in about 1/2 in comparison with conventional technologies.

This new technology will contribute the study of making TV into web terminals which needs was reported even in the interim report of Information and Communication Council. Through this, all public services provided through the web can be viewed without PC. As a result, internet becomes more familiar and becoming more open IT infrastructures to help eliminating digital divide.

Unlike conventional PCs, however, the screens on these terminals tend to have limitations, either in terms of small screens or poor resolution, and as a result of these limitations, the screens were only able to display a small segment of available Web contents. Furthermore, while a mouse enables easy pointer operations on the screen of a PC, there is no mouse on these other terminals, so scrolling and other fine operations become considerably more difficult. Because of these differences, users find it more difficult to quickly scan through and grasp the contents, or to manipulate the screen to seek out the required information. In other words, users could not comfortably view Web pages that had originally been designed for PC screens.
In recent years, Internet connections have expanded beyond the realm of PCs to include a wide range of terminals, such as TVs, PDAs, and mobile phones, so that Web pages can be viewed from any of these terminals. At the same time, the range of contents being provided has also expanded. In this type of environment, there are increasing demands to view Web pages comfortably, anywhere, and at any time.

Through Semantic Zoom function, NEC will contribute a realization of ubiquitous information society where internet can be easily accessed by various teriminals.