July 2023 Vol. 21 No. 7

View from the Top

• Riaki Hoshino, Senior Executive Vice President, NTT EAST

  

  Abstract
  NTT EAST strives to connect with the communities in which it operates and to build circular communities that can develop sustainably. This initiative has been accompanied by efforts for further strengthening the resilience of telecommunication networks to counter new threats such as escalating natural disasters and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks, and improving its crisis-management and mobility capabilities to provide a high-quality and stable telecommunication infrastructure. We asked Riaki Hoshino, senior executive vice president of NTT EAST, about the company’s initiatives and his beliefs as a top executive.

Front-line Researchers

• Hirokazu Kameoka, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  People have various feelings and discomforts related to speech as typified by comments such as “The voice of a cartoon character differs from what I imagined,” “I’m not confident speaking owing to my stuttering,” and “I want to regain my voice that I lost due to illness or injury.” Hirokazu Kameoka, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Communication Science Laboratories, aims to create an environment in which all people can communicate comfortably by removing various barriers in communication through signal-processing and machine-learning technologies, which are key elements of artificial intelligence. We interviewed him about the progress in his research and what he enjoys most about his research activities.

Rising Researchers

• Kentaro Yasu, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  In the research field of human-computer interaction, various types of studies are underway so that people can use computers in a more comfortable manner. As a part of this effort, NTT is conducting research and development on non-electrical devices to deal with contemporary issues such as the vast consumption of electric power and global warming. In this article, we talked with NTT Distinguished Researcher Kentaro Yasu about Magnetact technology that performs tactile presentation through magnetic forces without the use of electric power.

Special Report: Commemoration of the Japan Prize

• Keeping in Mind the Spirit Acquired at NTT Laboratories, We Will Continue to Challenge Ourselves to Contribute to the Development of Humankind

  

  Abstract
  Masataka Nakazawa, special honorary professor at Tohoku University, and Kazuo Hagimoto, principal researcher at National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, who both researched at NTT, have been awarded the 2023 Japan Prize. This award recognized the development and practical application of a compact optical amplifier that amplifies optical signals without having to convert them into electrical signals and its contribution to high-capacity optical communication systems that use such amplifiers. Prof. Nakazawa and Mr. Hagimoto paved the way for long-haul, high-capacity optical data communications, which is the key technology supporting the current global Internet society, and handed down important achievements that are incorporated in the concept of IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) being advocated by NTT. To commemorate winning this award, we interviewed Prof. Nakazawa and Mr. Hagimoto.

Feature Articles: The Forefront of Cryptography Research with an Eye on the Quantum Era

• Development of Modern Cryptography and Research on Quantum Cryptography

  

  Abstract
  The foundation of modern cryptography developed in 1976 considered security by modeling adversaries as polynomial-time Turing machines. However, recent advances in developing a general-purpose quantum computer have made a significant impact on modern cryptography because it overturns the security model. NTT’s research on cryptography aims to provide technologies to ensure the security of modern information systems and create applications when quantum computers become widespread. This article reviews the 40 years of cryptologic research at NTT and outlines our current efforts.

• Functional Encryption Enabling Secure Leasing of Private Keys

  

  Abstract
  Proving the non-existence of something is a difficult proposition called “the devil’s proof.” However, quantum mechanics can be used to prove that private keys used in functional encryption have been deleted (do not exist). It can also be used to prevent duplication of private keys. In this article, the method that my research colleague and I proposed at an international conference held by the International Association for Cryptologic Research in 2022 is overviewed, and the innovations expected when this method is implemented are described.

• Quantum Algorithms with Potential for New Applications

  

  Abstract
  This article outlines a new algorithm devised by NTT for quantum computers (Yamakawa et al. “Verifiable Quantum Advantage without Structure”). Quantum computers are being developed worldwide. However, the types of algorithms that use them are scarce, which may limit their applications. The new algorithm presented in this article is a possible solution to this problem. For the first time, NTT demonstrated a super-fast quantum algorithm that solves a type of difficult problem called “NP (nondeterministic polynomial time) search problem without structure.” This algorithm was highly acclaimed in academia as potentially leading to the discovery of new applications for quantum computers.

• Security of Hash Functions against Attacks Using Quantum Computers

  

  Abstract
  SHA-2 is a cryptographic hash function used worldwide. The possibility of attacks that exploit quantum computers can no longer be ignored; therefore, it is necessary to verify how the emergence of quantum computers could affect the security of SHA-2. The results of research conducted by my colleague and I indicate—as a world’s first—that in a world in which quantum computers are available, the number of breakable steps in a collision attack on SHA-2 will increase.

Regular Articles

• MagneShape: A Simple Pin-based Shape-changing Display Using Magnetic Materials

  

  Abstract
  Pin-based shape-changing displays provide dynamic shape changes by actuating numerous pins. However, the large number of actuators required to move so many pins complicates the electrical path and mechanical structure, and creates a need for significant resources if one is to build such a display. Therefore, my research colleague and I proposed a simple pin-based shape-changing display, called MagneShape, that outputs shapes and motions without any electronic components. MagneShape consists of magnetic pins, a pin housing, and magnetic sheet. The magnetic force generated between the magnetic sheet and the magnetic pins levitates the pins vertically. We devised two methods for fabricating alternative magnetic pins, devised a method for controlling the magnetic pins, and developed design tools for MagneShape.

Global Standardization Activities

• Efforts by TM Forum, an Operation Standards Organization

  

  Abstract
  The TM Forum, an organization for standardization of operations, has been actively studying the Open Digital Architecture, which is the architecture of next-generation business support systems/operation support systems, the autonomous operation of networks using artificial intelligence, the use of metrics to penetrate digital transformation, and the transformation to a digitized organization including the skill elements of each individual. In Catalyst (proof-of-concept) projects, which are intended for a variety of business scenarios, efforts to use TM Forum assets for the autonomous operation of networks using intents in Smart-X business scenarios are underway. This article explains these efforts.