August 2017 Vol. 15 No. 8

Front-line Researchers

• Junji Watanabe, Distinguished Researcher, NTT Communication Science Laboratories

  

  Overview
  The ability to convey human sensory information via vibrations on a smartphone―a device now used by about 65% of the Japanese population―would no doubt lead to a whole new style of communication. Distinguished Researcher Junji Watanabe of NTT Communication Science Laboratories is researching the relationship between the human senses and the environment. We asked him about the essence of his current research and his approach as a researcher.

Feature Articles: Creating New Services with corevo^®―NTT Group’s Artificial Intelligence Technology

• Creation of Artificial Intelligence Services through Open Innovation

  

  Abstract
  Amid growing expectations of service creation using artificial intelligence (AI), the NTT Group has announced the adoption of corevo^® as a unified brand name encompassing the AI technologies born out of its research and development (R&D) efforts and the initiatives applying those technologies. The NTT Group aims to create new value using corevo in collaboration with a variety of partners. This article introduces the directions in R&D to drive the evolution of elemental AI technologies making up corevo and outlines NTT Group initiatives toward the creation of AI services through open innovation.

• Image Recognition Based Digital Watermarking Technology for Item Retrieval in Convenience Stores

  

  Abstract
  With image recognition based digital watermarking technology, the cameras of mobile devices are used to detect with high accuracy invisible ID (identifier) information embedded in printed matter such as item packaging. This article overviews this technology and a collaborative experiment conducted with the retail group Seven & i Holdings that began in November 2016.

• Natural Language Processing Technology for Agent Services

  

  Abstract
  Artificial intelligence agents are beginning to take on the work traditionally performed by people at contact centers and information desks. This article introduces natural language processing technology for achieving agents that can absorb business knowledge, understand customer speech and respond to their requests, engage in casual conversation, and behave like a human being overall.

• COTOHA^TM: Artificial Intelligence that Creates the Future by Actualizing Natural Japanese Conversation

  

  Abstract
  NTT Communications began offering the communication engine “COTOHA^TM” (COTOHA) in October 2016. This is a service in which interactive conversations are conducted with customers through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In the hundreds of contacts from customers since this service was launched, we have been able to understand the high expectations customers have of AI, as well as other issues that have come to the surface. Here, we introduce COTOHA and the related business opportunities and market trends we have observed since launching the service.

• Anomaly Detection Technique in Sound to Detect Faulty Equipment

  

  Abstract
  The Internet of Things has become an increasingly active research field in recent years, and it is useful for collecting information from diverse sensors that can be analyzed to detect the operating status and anomalous behavior of equipment. We introduce here an anomaly detection technique in sound that can be used to detect anomalies in equipment by analyzing sounds picked up by microphones, even in environments where special sensors cannot be installed.

• Spatio-temporal Activity Recognition Technology to Achieve Proactive Navigation

  

  Abstract
  We are developing spatio-temporal data analysis technologies to achieve proactive navigation that supports user activities by taking changes in the user’s situation and in the surrounding environment into account. We introduce here spatio-temporal activity recognition technologies, which are key elements of spatio-temporal data analysis. The recognition technologies understand the user’s activities from spatiotemporal movement data (moving trajectories, acceleration of movement, etc.) recorded by mobile devices.

• Predicting Patients’ Treatment Behavior by Medical Data Analysis Using Machine Learning Technique

  

  Abstract
  The analysis of medical information including electronic health records and medical image data using artificial intelligence (AI) has been an active area of research in recent years. The objective is to develop a means of supporting decision-making about treatment and medicine prescription by medical doctors. NTT has also been designing an AI for supporting diabetes treatment in collaboration with the University of Tokyo Hospital. We introduce here our machine-learning based technique to predict missed scheduled clinical appointments, which are likely to trigger treatment discontinuation by patients with diabetes.

Regular Articles

• Polarization Switch of Carbon Nanotubes

  

  Abstract
  Polarized light is used in liquid crystal display televisions and other products and is therefore familiar in our daily lives. It is also closely related to optical communications. In this article, we explain a theoretical prediction that a polarizer composed of carbon nanotubes exhibits a novel phenomenon of switching between two polarization components.

Global Standardization Activities

• Trends in Web-based Signage Standardization

  

  Abstract
  Web-based signage is expected to be the next generation of digital signage for presenting information and advertisements on displays. Its key feature is the ability to provide rich and compelling services at low cost using web technology. This article introduces trends in the standardization of web-based signage both in Japan and in international standardization bodies such as the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) and ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union - Telecommunication Standardization Sector).

Practical Field Information about Telecommunication Technologies

• Metallic Cable Fault Location Search Technology

  

  Abstract
  This article describes faults that occur in the core wire of metallic cables and the methods used to locate them. This is the forty-first article in a series on telecommunication technologies. This contribution is from the Access Engineering Group, Technical Assistance and Support Center, Maintenance and Service Operations Department, Network Business Headquarters, NTT EAST.

External Awards/Papers Published in Technical Journals and Conference Proceedings

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