January 2024 Vol. 22 No. 1

Front-line Researchers

• Hiroaki Gomi, Senior Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  Many of our daily movements are skillfully controlled by the involvement of the unconscious information-processing mechanisms in the central nervous system, such as stretch reflex. Although we may think that such an unconscious sensory-motor system is governed by a relatively primitive nervous system, some reflexive responses are generated by signals that undergo high-level visual information processing. Hiroaki Gomi, a senior distinguished researcher at NTT Communication Science Laboratories, was the first in the world to reveal the hidden mechanism of quick manual responses generated by a background visual motion, called manual following response. We asked him about the implicit reflexive manual reaction and the sensory-motor information processing in the brain, as well as his mindset and ideas about enjoying research.

Rising Researchers

• Shinya Shimizu, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Human Informatics Laboratories

  

  Abstract
  In traditional communication based on linguistic expression, it has been difficult to convey information to the other party with 100% accuracy due to small misunderstandings (miscommunications) or failure to establish a conversation (discommunication). There have been efforts in recent years to convey information accurately and deepen mutual understanding by transmitting brain information directly to the other party without the use of language. We can expect progress in this research field to create a world in which facial expressions can be generated for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by measuring their brain waves or where anyone can enjoy the amazing features of generative artificial intelligence (AI) by accurately conveying one’s intent to a generative AI system. In this interview, we talked with NTT Distinguished Researcher Shinya Shimizu to learn about his research in the area of applied neuroscience technology toward mind-to-mind communication.

Feature Articles: International Standardization Trends

• On Publishing Feature Articles on International Standardization Trends

  

  Abstract
  As a means of introducing Feature Articles on International Standardization Trends in this issue, this article describes the historical background and economic benefits of international standardization. Since January 2023, Mr. Seizo Onoe has been Director of the Telecommunication Standardization Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Ministerial Declaration of the G7 Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting calls for cooperation in international standardization. This resulted in interest in international standardization in Japan reaching an unprecedented level. Accordingly, this article also introduces recent trends surrounding international standardization and provides an overview of the NTT Group’s efforts in this area.

• Standardization Trends in Technologies Related to Fixed-line Networks

  

  Abstract
  Confronted by the development of various services, such as cloud computing, fifth-generation mobile communications, telemedicine, and high-definition video transmission, as well as the increase in fixed-line network traffic, international standardization organizations and forums have been expanding the specifications of fixed-line transmission networks and optical components and ensuring interoperability. This article provides examples of NTT’s activities in the International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Broadband Forum (BBF), and OpenROADM Multi-Source Agreement.

• Standardization Trends Related to Wireless Communications

  

  Abstract
  Wireless communications, encompassing mobile communications, satellite communications, wireless local area networks (LANs), and fixed wireless systems, play a major role in communication networks. In preparation for the World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) that was held in November 2023, the International Telecommunication Union - Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R), a de jure standards organization, conducted studies and discussions broader than those limited to Beyond 5th-generation mobile communication system (5G) and 6G. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a private standardization organization, has also started to study specifications after Release 18 under the name “5G-Advanced,” as a further evolved version of 5G. The IEEE 802.11 Working Group (WG), a WG of the Standards Association under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), is studying next-generation wireless LANs. This article introduces these standardization efforts as well as the NTT Group’s activities for standardization of satellite communications, fixed wireless communications, and radio-wave propagation.

• Standardization Trends Related to Environmental and Operations Technologies

  

  Abstract
  To provide sustainable and stable information and communication technology (ICT) services, the NTT Group is addressing various issues, such as standardizing indicators for application service quality, promoting network services, protecting telecommunication equipment from electromagnetic interference and lightning surges, assessing the impact of ICT on climate change, and promoting a circular economy conductive to sustainable development. This article introduces the activities and standardization trends in each of the above fields.

• Standardization Trends Related to Application- and Service-related Technologies

  

  Abstract
  This article describes the standardization trends in the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission Joint Technical Committee 1 (ISO/IEC JTC 1)/Subcommittee 29 (SC 29), and International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) Study Group 16 (SG16) as well as ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 and ITU-T SG17. Both SC 29 and SG16 deal with multimedia coding and transmission and are shaping the future of entertainment and business communication. Both SC 27 and SG17 work on standardization related to information security and communication security and are helping to strengthen the reliability and privacy protection of the rapidly evolving digital society.

Feature Articles: Efforts toward the Early Deployment of IOWN

• Efforts of NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center toward the Early Deployment of IOWN

  

  Abstract
  NTT established NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center to incorporate the concept of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) as early as possible through the practical application of various IOWN technologies developed by NTT laboratories and the provision of IOWN services/products to meet market needs and social demands. This article presents the activities of NTT IOWN Integrated Innovation Center, which aims to spread IOWN widely and contribute to a transformation of society.

• APN-controller Technology for IOWN Service Provision and Expansion

  

  Abstract
  The All-Photonics Network (APN), which is the basis of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), has the characteristics of high speed, large capacity, low latency, and low power consumption compared with conventional networks. We aim to provide services that take full advantage of these characteristics as early as possible and expand their use. To operate high-quality services with these capabilities, the role of controllers has become more important than in conventional networks. In this article, we explain the APN-control function and APN-information-collection/analysis function, which are the main pillars of the APN-controller technology, as well as the value-added functions to implement the IOWN service.

• Data-centric Infrastructure for Supporting Data Processing in the IOWN Era and Its Proof of Concept

  

  Abstract
  “Data-centric infrastructure” is an information and communication technology infrastructure for highly efficient processing of data scattered over a wide area, and in a data-driven society, it is expected to be used as the foundation of large-scale cyber-physical systems (CPSs). The concept of a data-centric infrastructure, which effectively uses accelerators and the All-Photonics Network to provide a data-processing pipeline, is outlined in this article. A step-by-step demonstration of the concept is introduced by using video analysis as a use case concerning a CPS.

• Photonics-electronics Convergence Devices Enabling IOWN—Development of Second- and Third-generation Devices

  

  Abstract
  This article presents second- and third-generation photonics-electronics convergence devices developed at NTT Device Innovation Center. The target applications and technical requirements for each generation of the devices are described. The advantages that can be obtained from photonics-electronics convergence devices and the technical points to achieve such advantages are also explained.

Regular Articles

• Artificial Neural Network Trained for Sound Recognition Exhibiting Human-like Sensitivity to Sound Amplitude Modulation

  

  Abstract
  Amplitude modulation (AM) is one of the most important sound physical dimensions for auditory perception. Human listeners can detect subtle AM in such a way that their sensitivity to AM depends on the stimulus parameters. Why does the auditory system exhibit such a form of AM sensitivity? How does the brain conduct AM detection? To answer these questions, my research colleagues and I conducted a computational study. We trained an artificial neural network (NN) model for sound recognition and simulated AM-detection experiments in the model. We found the emergence of human-like AM sensitivity in the model. The AM structure in the sounds for model training was essential for this emergence. The layers exhibiting human-like AM detection had AM-related properties similar to the neurons in the auditory midbrain and higher brain regions. These results suggest that AM sensitivity in humans might also be a result of the adaptation of the auditory system to sound recognition and that the auditory system might detect AM using neural activities in the auditory midbrain and higher brain regions.

NTT IOWN Technology Report

• Release of NTT IOWN Technology Report 2023

  

  Abstract
  NTT Research and Development Planning Department released the NTT IOWN Technology Report 2023, which summarizes its vision for the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN), the concept of which was unveiled in 2019, and technologies intended to make the world a better place for everyone. This article provides an overview of this report.

Special Report

• Growth Record of Kanagawa Prefectural Yokosuka Senior High School Students Becoming Sports Analysts—Introducing NTT Human Informatics Laboratories’ Contribution Activities to the Local Community

  

  Abstract
  NTT Human Informatics Laboratories has been engaged in collaborative research with students from Kanagawa Prefectural Yokosuka Senior High School under the research theme of “Let’s experience being sports analysts” since 2022 as part of its support for the school’s Super Science High School program. This article introduces interviews with NTT researchers who have been involved in local-community-contribution activities aimed at nurturing young researchers along with the lead teacher from Kanagawa Prefectural Yokosuka Senior High School.

External Awards

• External Awards