January 2020 Vol. 18 No. 1

View from the Top

• Ichiro Uehara, Senior Executive Vice President, NTT WEST

  

  Overview
  Information and communication technology related to data utilization, such as Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence, is key to Japan’s sustainable development. With regard to contributing to the local economy, solving regional problems, and improving the attractiveness of the region, how is the knowledge of NTT WEST―which has a wide variety of markets―used? We asked Ichiro Uehara, senior executive vice president, NTT WEST, about the company’s innovative initiatives and prospects in various locations in western Japan.

Front-line Researchers

• Mitsuaki Akiyama, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Secure Platform Laboratories

  

  Overview
  People and businesses are becoming more dependent on cyberspace. Along with the benefits that come with such dependence, the risk of being exposed to threats is increasing; thus, a safe and secure information and communication technology environment is necessary. In 2018, Japan established a new strategy with the aim of building a cybersecurity ecosystem. We asked Mitsuaki Akiyama, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Secure Platform Laboratories, what kind of research and development is required to maintain the safety and security of cyberspace.

Feature Articles: Phygital-data-centric Computing for Data-driven Innovation in the Physical World

• Phygital-data-centric Computing

  

  Abstract
  The artificial intelligence (AI)/Internet of Things initiatives being undertaken in many countries will lead to a new computing paradigm called phygital-data-centric computing, which will create data servers near the physical world and their clients on the cloud. NTT Software Innovation Center is developing technologies necessary for value-generating, cost-effective, and operable phygital-data-centric computing. In particular, it is conducting research and development in three focus areas, 1) AI computing infrastructure, 2) data hub/pipelines, and 3) advanced analytics.

• Carrier Cloud for Deep Learning to Enable Highly Efficient Inference Processing―R&D Technologies as a Source of Competitive Power in Company Activities

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces efficient inference technology as an important element in applying deep learning to business and an inference cloud service that is combined with NTT Group assets such as telephone exchange buildings and base stations.

• Introduction to Axispot^TM, Real-time Spatio-temporal Data-management System, and Its High-speed Spatiotemporal Data-search Technology

  

  Abstract
  We introduce the Axispot^TM real-time spatio-temporal data-management system, which is a key component in responding to the demands for next-generation services such as communication between connected vehicles and augmented reality. We also describe a high-speed spatio-temporal data-search technology as a key function of Axispot, which can not only accumulate a large amount of data sent all at once from moving things (MTs), such as people or automobiles, but also search for MTs in a particular area and at a certain time from a large amount of data stored in a database in real time.

• iChie: Speeding up Data Collaboration between Companies

  

  Abstract
  At NTT Software Innovation Center, we are researching and developing iChie, which is a technology for the virtual integration of disparate databases into a single entity to promote the creation of new value of data linkages between organizations and companies. This article discusses the issues of inter-company data linkage and the technical features of iChie for resolving these issues.

• LASOLV^TM Computing System: Hybrid Platform for Efficient Combinatorial Optimization

  

  Abstract
  LASOLV^TM is a computing machine developed by NTT based on photonics technologies. While we can efficiently solve combinatorial optimization problems by using LASOLV, there are technical challenges in its application to real-world problems. For example, we need to mathematically convert problems to a specific format for solving them using LASOLV. Moreover, LASOLV requires cooperation with conventional digital computers to solve complex problems. In this article, we introduce LASOLV Computing System, which is a computing platform that helps users overcome these challenges.

• A Method for High-speed Transaction Processing on Many-core CPU

  

  Abstract
  New services have been proposed in fields such as Internet of Things and Fintech (finance & technology). Many more services have been developed by automatically calling the application programming interface of the services among machines or services. Thus, the amount of database processing such as read, update, and delete with a guarantee of correctness in a database is increasing yearly. This trend will probably continue. In this article, we introduce a method for high-speed transaction processing on a many-core CPU (central processing unit) to process these database operations.

Global Standardization Activities

• AI for Good Global Summit 2019

  

  Abstract
  AI for Good Global Summit 2019 (the AI Summit), an international artificial intelligence (AI) event hosted by ITU (International Telecommunication Union) in partnership with various United Nations agencies, was held May 28-31, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The AI Summit has been held since 2017, and more than 150 projects have been launched for the practical application of AI. I give an outline of the AI Summit and discussion of AI for Health, one of the themes of 2019.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

• External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings