September 2011 Vol. 9 No. 9

Feature Articles: ICT Design Center: Design and Assessment Work

• Mission of the ICT Design Center

  

  Abstract
  This article reviews human-centered design and introduces the activities of the ICT Design Center (IDeC) of NTT Cyber Solutions Laboratories, which is striving to create user-friendly information and communications technology (ICT) services by utilizing various techniques of human-centered design and cognitive psychology.

• Web Accessibility Evaluation Technology

  

  Abstract
  This article introduces the concept of web accessibility and its associated problems. To identify these problems and correct them easily, we are studying evaluation techniques that judge whether a web design takes accessibility into consideration.

• ICT Service Design for Senior Citizens Based on Aging Characteristics

  

  Abstract
  In this article, the main problems that senior citizens encounter when utilizing information and communications technology (ICT) services are analyzed from the viewpoints of behavioral and cognitive processing. We introduce the aging characteristics that cause those problems and show how to tackle them in order to implement ICT services that are friendly to senior citizens and will assist and enrich their lifestyles.

• Design Guidelines for Installation Manuals for Novices

  

  Abstract
  This article describes some case studies of designing the paper manual for replacing an Internet router for a home network. Constructing a method for designing easy-to-understand paper manuals for novices is one of the most important tasks at the ICT Design Center. We show how we improved the manual, which is now being distributed to actual users.

• Efforts to Minimize Human Errors in Network Maintenance

  

  Abstract
  We describe recent efforts to reduce human error in network maintenance work. Through careful observation and analysis of maintenance work conducted according to a procedure manual, we are able to identify a number of hidden risk factors in the way that work is carried out.

Feature Articles: Quantum Cryptography

• Quantum Key Distribution Technology

  

  Abstract
  Quantum key distribution provides the highest security in the communication channel by using the principle of quantum mechanics. This article briefly reviews recent trends of this technology and the status of NTT's research. The following articles give more details.

• Theory of the Security of Quantum Key Distribution

  

  Abstract
  We introduce the theory of the security of quantum key distribution, which features the fact that no one, including hackers, can break the laws of nature. By contrast, the security of conventional cryptography, which is widely used for communications, cannot be guaranteed even in principle.

• Differential Phase Shift Quantum Key Distribution (DPS-QKD) Experiments

  

  Abstract
  NTT Basic Research Laboratories has been researching and developing differential phase shift quantum key distribution (DPS-QKD), a new QKD protocol. This article introduces the basics of this protocol, proof-of-principle experiments, the development of a prototype system, and a field experiment done at the Tokyo QKD Network demonstration in October 2010.

• Superconducting Single-photon Detectors

  

  Abstract
  This article describes the fabrication and properties of a single-photon detector made of a superconducting NbN nanowire. It also discusses suitable materials for future high-performance detectors and describes new fabrication processes for MgB2 nanowire.

• Quantum Communication Using Entangled Photon Pairs––Toward Quantum Repeaters

  

  Abstract
  This article describes entangled photon pair generation and its application to quantum communication experiments with the aim of achieving quantum repeaters, which are necessary for global-scale quantum communication networks.

Global Standardization Activities

• Activities and Status of Focus Group on Smart Grid in ITU-T

  

  Abstract
  This article describes the current status of the Focus Group on Smart Grid, which was established by ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union, Telecommunication Standardization Sector) in 2010, as initial study activities related to the Smart Grid, especially from the perspective of information and communications technology (ICT).

NTT around the World

• NTT MSC

  

  NTT MSC

  Abstract
  Located in Malaysia––twice consecutively ranked as the third country, after India and China, as the leading outsourcing destinations in the world (Global Services Location Index (GSLI) 2011 by A. T. Kearney), NTT MSC has taken extensive steps to expand business operations in offshore outsourcing and data centre services. To provide confidence and reassurance to our customers and stakeholders, we secured ISO27001:2005 certification, the globally recognised international standard for information security, in April 2010 (ISO: International Organization for Standardization).

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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