Multimedia mediation systems; tools to realize real values for human & society

Summary form only given. After ten years experience of the IT boom and bubble collapse, we understand the importance of creating ´real value´ in IT systems and research. Our approach, called multimedia mediation systems, for developing valuable applications and services, is presented in several promising multimedia information environments, namely real-world type multimedia mediation systems and stream type multimedia systems. Real-world type multimedia mediation systems have the potential to realize new services and business by the integration of real-world situations and existing databases etc. Intelligent transport system (ITS), various applications for town life, and social security systems are examples of their target applications. In stream type multimedia mediation systems, new approaches to create unique and attractive contents for broadcasting or interactive video systems are required. The two systems for creating new services for video streams are discussed. Through these discussions, the importance of target-oriented research in video processing fields is emphasized.