ISSN 0915-3160

通巻百三十七号

No.

1Vol. 35 January 2023
Winter

Ne w Yea r Me ssage s

From the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications,
Secretary-General of ITU, President of ITU-AJ
S pec i a l Feat u reTrends in the Application of Ultra-High-Definition Video in
Industry, Medicine and the Arts
GT-8K: World’s First Infrastructure Inspection Vehicle using 8K Video Technology
Medical Applications of 8K Technology

8K Cultural Heritage Project Initiatives

Latest Trends and Future Directions in Ultra-High-Definition Imaging
Technology Accelerating Smart Industry

New Breeze Vol. 35 No.1 Winter

New Breeze

January 2023

C O N T E N T S

ISSN 0915-3160

Quarterly of The ITU Association of JapanBN Gyoen Bldg., 1-17-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 160-0022 Japan
Fax: +81-3-3356-8170

https://www.ituaj.jp/?page_id=310
Editorial Committee

		 New Year Messages
12023 MIC Minister’s New Year’s Greeting

3

New Year’s Message

2

New Year Message:
Tremendous Progress Together, but Much Left to Do

		 Special Feature — Trendsin the Application of Ultra-High-

Chairman: Wataru Kameyama
Members: Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications, Association of Radio Industries
and Businesses, Communication Line Products
Association of Japan, Fujitsu Limited, Hitachi, Ltd.,
Japan Broadcasting Corporation,
KDDI CORPORATION, Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation, National Institute of Information andCommunications Technology, NEC Corporation,
NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONECORPORATION, Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.,
Panasonic Operational Excellence Co., Ltd.,
Softbank Corp., Sony Group Corporation,
The Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association, and
The Telecommunication Technology Committee

4
8

13
18

Definition Video in Industry,
Medicine and the Arts

GT-8K: World’s First Infrastructure Inspection Vehicle using 8K
Video Technology
Medical Applications of 8K Technology
8K Cultural Heritage Project Initiatives

Latest Trends and Future Directions in Ultra-High-Definition
Imaging Technology Accelerating Smart Industry

		Column
23= A Serial Introduction Part 2 =Winners of ITU-AJ Encouragement Awards 2022

Publisher: Tetsuo Yamakawa
Editors:

Junichi Kishimoto
Naoko Ishida
Mariko Shimizu

Letters to New Breeze

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About ITU-AJ
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Association of Japan.
Copyright © The ITU Association of Japan. All rightreserved. No reproduction or republication without written
permission.

The ITU Association of Japan (ITU-AJ) was founded on September 1, 1971, tocoordinate Japanese activities in the telecommunication and broadcasting sectors
with international activities. Today, the principle activities of the ITU-AJ are tocooperate in various activities of international organizations such as the ITU and todisseminate information about them. The Association also aims to help developing
countries by supporting technical assistance, as well as by taking part in generalinternational cooperation, mainly through the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT),
so as to contribute to the advance of the telecommunications and broadcasting
throughout the world.

2023 MIC Minister’s New Year’s Greeting

Takeaki Matsumoto

Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

H

appy New Year's to you all. My name is Takeak i
MATSUMOTO, and I was appointed Minister for Internal
Affairs and Communications in November of last year.
Since assuming this post, I am reminded of the broad jurisdiction of
the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, administering many
important fields that form the core of our nation and support our citizen's
daily lives, including local economies, elections, fire fighting, information andcommunications, broadcasting, the postal system, public-sector evaluation, andstatistics.
As the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, I am preparedto put all of my effort into fulfilling my duty, working to implement ourpolicies for all citizens of Japan.
Supporting digital reform
The top priority policy of Prime Minister Kishida's cabinet is his"Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation," and the Ministry of Internal
Affairs and Communications will put all of our effort into realizing it, as theadministration for local administration and finance, and for information andcommunication.
To realize this “Vision for a Digital Garden City Nation” will requireconsolidation of regional digital infrastructure and DX of local governments.
To this end, we are completing integration of 5G networks in urban andregional areas, completing and maintaining regional fiber-optic networks,
distributing data centers in regional areas and completing fiber-optic
submarine cable networks.
We are also promoting a comprehensive technology strategy for “Beyond
5G,” the next-generation information and communications infrastructure,utilizing funding from the National Institute of Information andCommunications Technology (NICT), which has been made permanent
through legislative amendments. This involves accelerating R&D and
implementation in society, promoting a comprehensive technology strategy
including obtaining intellectual property and international standardization,and promoting R&D on important advanced technologies such as quantum
communication, AI and space development.
Addressing internal and external environmental change
We are addressing internal and external changes in our businessenvironment with rapid technical innovation.
We are working to promote economic security and stability amid
rapidly changing international conditions in the field of information andcommunications, and also to strengthen our international competitiveness andhave deeper international cooperation. In particular, we are promoting “DataFree-Flow with Trust” (DFFT) through the G7 and the Internet Governance
Forum (IGF), which will be held in Japan this year, by building high-quality,
robust network infrastructure to support it, and by holding discussions toward
international cooperation promoting and maintaining a free and open internet.

We are also promoting cooperation with the ITU more than everbefore, as Japan's Dr. Seizo ONOE assumes the position of Director of theTelecommunication Standardization Bureau of the ITU in January thisyear. We are also promoting international expansion of the excellent MIC
technologies and services in areas including 5G, optical submarine cable,
broadcast content, postal services, fire fighting, administrative consulting, andstatistics.
The rapid changes in technical innovation and international circumstances
are also bringing great changes in business and user environments, resulting
in more new issues. In anticipation of this, we are asking the Information andCommunications Council to deliberate on directions that information andcommunications policy must take in Japan looking ten years in the future.
Considering the series of communications faults that occurred last year,
due to disasters and other causes, we are working to be able to introduce
roaming between operators as quickly as possible during disasters, so that
operators can utilize each other’s networks. As part of our comprehensive
measures in this area, we are also promoting means of communication otherthan roaming, such as using public Wi-Fi or devices with multiple SIMs.
We are also increasing support for cyber security measures, such as
personnel training and data analysis, considering the increased risk of damage
from cyber attacks last year. We are also promoting comprehensive measures
to deal with abuse and defamation on the internet and to streamline provisionof aid to victims through consistent application of the “Amended Act on the
Limitation of Liability for Damages of Specified Telecommunications Service
Providers,” to promote efforts by platform operators to remove such content,
and by strengthening systems for education and consultation.
Considering the changes taking place in the broadcasting environment,such as viewers moving away from television and increasingly watching
video through the internet, we are also reexamining NHK and commercial
television’s broadcast systems as broadcasters in the digital age. It is important
for NHK to continue to fulfill its mission as a public broadcaster, according
to the demands of the age, and with that in mind, we are studying how theinternet should be utilized in our work.
Regarding use of mobile telephone frequencies, we are also studying how
the system for reallocating frequencies can operate smoothly, and how to secure
new bandwidth for mobile communications.
To continue providing useful public statistics in response to changes inthe economy and society, we have also bolstered our system for securing therequired personnel. We continue comprehensive quality management andpromotion of statistics reforms with measures such as personnel training anddigitalization.
Conclusion
Please allow me to conclude my New Year’s greeting by wishing you all
health and much happiness in the coming year!

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New Year Message:
Tremendous Progress Together,but Much Left to Do
Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General
International Telecommunication Union

L

et me beg in by w ish ing a l l members of t he I T U
Association of Japan a ver y happy and prosperous
New Year.

Recent times have certainly been challenging for many of us.
Geopolitical tensions are at their highest in decades, economic
and job concerns are rising, the impact of the global pandemic
continues, and food security looks precarious for much of the world.
Environmental and climate concerns can no longer be ignored.
The growing combination of threats and uncertainties has
only increased the urgency of our work to connect the world.
The crucial need for connectivity has brought more people
online more quickly. At the same time, it has focused the mindsof leaders on the need to bridge digital divides, which today keep
almost one-third of humanity totally offline and many hundredsof millions more without meaningful connectivity that could help
them build a better future.
We still have a long way to go to reach our dream of a fully
connected planet. But let’s also start the year by recognizing whata long way we have come since 1994, when I first joined the ITU
regulatory team. Back then, only some 20 million people – lessthan 0.1 per cent of the global population at that time – wereInternet users. Today, an estimated 5.3 billion are online, and that
number grows with every passing week.
The progress achieved to date reflects the tireless efforts of
ITU staff, as well as the steadfast support, commitment, and hard
work of ITU members.
All that terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure; all those
software protocols, satellite systems, undersea cables; all thoseagreements on the shared use of resources like radio-frequency
spectrum – in short, all those complex networks empoweringbillions of people and supporting millions of businesses aroundthe world – are founded on the crucial technical, regulatoryand development work that takes place under auspices of ITU
as the United Nations specialized agency for information andcommunication technologies. I believe this is something in which
we can all take enormous pride.
Throughout the course of this long journey, I cannot overstate
the contributions of the Japanese government and the ITU
Association of Japan in supporting our work.
Over many years, Japan has been a leading champion of
innovation and digital development. It has put its considerable
talents and resources to work to pioneer new technicalstandards though our ITU Standardization (ITU-T) andRadiocommunication (ITU-R) study groups; helped forge

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New Breeze Winter 2023

thought leadership on telecommunications policy issues throughour many regional and global events; and worked alongside ITU
on the ground to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, addresshuman and environmental challenges, and expand meaningfulconnectivity to those most in need.
At the height of the global pandemic, Japan came forward asa founding member of the Connect2Recover initiative, working
alongside ITU and partners to reinforce digital resilience in theworld’s least developed countries, landlocked developing countries,
small island developing states, and countries undergoing transition
or facing disruption.
I extend my most sincere commendation and gratitude to
Japan for its commitment and support in helping us building aconnected and trusted digital future.
We’ve made tremendous progress together, but there is still
so much left to do, especially for those who are unconnected,
vulnerable or otherwise digitally excluded.
The ITU Strategic Plan for 2024-2027, adopted during our2022 Plenipotentiary Conference in Romania, encompasses
two core strategic goals: Universal Connectivity and Sustainable
Digital Transformation.
Achieving these goals entails significant challenges. But thosewill be far from insurmountable if we all work together towards ashared global vision. As we approach 2030, the target date for the
UN Sustainable Development Goals, we must seize our chance toleverage the power and potential of digital technologies to ensurethat no one is left behind.
The actions we take today will lay the foundation for the
future – not just for us, but for generations to come. As UN
Secretary-General António Guterres said: “We, the leaders, mustdeliver for we, the peoples.”I know that, as always, ITU can count on Japan to bring an
exceptional level of energy and expertise to the challenges ahead.
I look forward very much to working with ITU’s new leadershipteam, including distinguished engineer Seizo Onoe, our new
Director of Telecommunication Standardization, as we all seek
new ways to advance the power of technologies and connectivity tochange the world.
Once again, I thank the Government of Japan, the ITU
Association, and Japan’s many ITU sector members and partners
for their invaluable role in promoting digital development anddriving innovation.
May this year, and the many years to come, be prosperous,
progressive, and peaceful for all.

New Year’s Message

Tetsuo Yamakawa

President
The ITU Association of JapanT

he very best wishes to all in this New Year!
2022 was a year of great change, beginning with
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early spring. In Ukraine
the fighting continues and there is no resolution in sight, but the
dispute must be stopped, the damaged towns and infrastructure must
be restored, and people’s lives must be returned to normal. There is alsostrong desire to employ our collective wisdom to find peaceful solutions
to the energy problems, the disorder in logistics, the rising commodity
prices and other difficulties that this invasion has caused around theworld, and to restore safety and orderly daily life and economic activity
for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues with varying conditions ineach country so we will need to keep monitoring these trends, but we
expect new developments in the coming year and have high hopes for agood and prosperous year.
Meetings and events in the past year with our related organizations,the ITU and APT, included the World Telecommunication
Standardization Assembly (WTSA) held in Geneva in March, theWorld Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) heldin Kigali, Rwanda in June, and the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference(PP-22) held in Bucharest, Romania in September and October.
One particularly notable event at PP-22 was that NTT’s Dr. Seizo
ONOE was elected as the Director of the ITU Telecommunication
Standardization Bureau. We heartily celebrate this event and hope thebest for his efforts in his various activities at the ITU. Japan was also
elected as a Council Member State in the same conference. The ITUAJ also supported work at the on-site offices for PP-22. At the WTSA
in March, candidates from Japan were selected for two ITU-T TSAG/SG chairperson positions and seven vice-chairperson positions, and at
WTDC in June, candidates from Japan were selected for two ITU-D
SG vice-chairperson positions. We wish them every success in theirefforts.
On May 17, the ITU-AJ also held our annual “Celebration ofWorld Telecommunication and Information Society Day” (WTISD)
at the Keio Plaza Hotel, also streaming it on line. At the ceremony,Dr. Kohei SATOH (NICT) received the MIC Minister’s Award for
his activities in international standardization at the ITU and APTover many years. Dr. Chieko ASAKAWA (IBM Fellow, IBM Corp.;
Chief Executive Director of the National Museum of Emerging
Science and Innovation (Miraikan); IBM Distinguished Service
Professor, Carnegie Mellon University) also received an ITU-AJ
Special Achievement award, and delivered the Anniversary Keynote
Presentation. Eleven Accomplishment Awards and 18 Encouragement
Awards were also conferred. We offer sincere congratulations to allrecipients!
This year in the telecommunications field, we expect commercial
5G services to become widely established and to advance. Through 5G
and other ICT technologies, we hope to find solutions to social issues
and to make a leap toward Society 5.0.
In November, the ITU will hold a Radiocommunication Assembly(RA) and the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in
Dubai, UAE. We will prepare for these conferences, using our pastexperience and collaborating with those who are involved in ITU and
APT meetings and events.
Within ITU-AJ, we plan to continue operation of our Japan
Platform for Driving Digital Development (JPD3), which began in
2020. In February and March, we will also support the Japan booth
exhibit at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona,which is a new initiative for us. Through these efforts we plan to help
with expansion of Japanese ICT enterprises globally.
I would like to offer our gratitude to all who have supported the
ITU-AJ, and we will continue and increase our efforts to be a bridge
between the Japanese government, our supporting members, and the
ITU into the future.
I also wish you all a heartfelt Happy New Year and wish all healthand vitality in the year ahead.
■ Dr. Seizo ONOE elected as director of the TSB■ Guests and Award-winners at the WTISD celebration

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GT-8K: World’s First Infrastructure Inspection Vehicle using
8K Video Technology
Narumi Kurihara

General Manager, Camera business promotion
Video Engineering Dept.
ASTRODESIGN, Inc.

1. Introduction

So far, 8K technology has developed mainly for broadcasting.
NHK Science and Technology Research Laboratories has beendeveloping 8K under the name of Super Hi-Vision since 2004 andbegan 8K broadcasting in 2018. During development, several large
scale specialized devices were used for filming, but for roughly
15 years, 8K equipment has become more compact, 8K TVs haveappeared on the market, 8K video compression technology has
advanced, and products such as 8K processing workstations haveentered the market.
Through this process, the characteristics of 8K have also
been widely researched, and applications in industry are highly
anticipated. One characteristic of 8K is that it can capture highdefinition state over a wide area. If an unexpected outcome isperceived from the overall image, the overall features can beanalyzed on a single image rather than attempting to join images
from multiple cameras. It is hoped that this will show the benefitsof 8K in industry. To apply a new technology such as 8K inindustry requires the desired objective to be achieved, but also thatthe technology is both practical and economical.
ASTRODESIGN has put effort into developing devices for
8K broadcasting and has commercialized successive products
including cameras, signal processing equipment, recorders anddisplays. Here we describe how we provided comprehensive
leading-edge technology, when it was needed, during completionof the GT-8K, the world’s first 8K infrastructure inspectioncar. We have conducted repeated trials since development
began, and now understand the effects of using 8K technology
for infrastructure inspection, so we are now ready to apply thetechnology. Here, we describe the development process, show
operation and results from the inspection system, and results
achieved in light of issues with current infrastructure inspection
practices.

2. Evolution of 8K equipment

ASTRODESIGN has worked on developing products since
the beginning of Super Hi-Vision development, and been broadly
involved in 8K products. As FPGAs have advanced, they became
a technology for processing 8K efficiently. They have been a highquality signal processing technology for broadcasting, contributing
to advancement of devices such as cameras. They are the eye ofthe system, the entryway for images, and an essential component
when considering industrial applications of 8K. Earlier 8K

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New Breeze Winter 2023

Kazutomo Yamamoto

Engineer
Mobility Spatial Information Department
MMS Technology Group
Aero Asahi Corporation

cameras were large systems requiring much power, but their sizeand power consumption has been reduced, without decrease inperformance. These advances have greatly reduced the hurdles tousing 8K cameras in industry applications.
Currently, ASTRODESIGN has a lineup of two cameras forindustrial use, with model numbers AB-4815 and AB-4830/AC4829.
Both models can output 8K video (12G-SDI×4 channels) inreal time, to use the characteristics of 8K video. The AB-4815 is acompact camera with the main unit measuring 148 mm × 150 mm
× 241 mm, which outputs image-processed video and consumes
only 90 W of power. The other model, the AB-4830/AC-4829,
is separated into a camera head and a video processing unit. The
camera head is more compact, measuring only 65 mm ×65 mm
× 85 mm and weighing only 340 g. Including the AC-4829
signal processing unit, it only consumes 80 W of power. These
compact designs expand the range of possible non-broadcasting
applications.
Use of 8K video for industrial applications requires capture
as well as storage of the video and processing with CPU/GPU.
ASTRODESIGN has developed a hardware-based 8K recorder,
but we also developed a workstation able to receive the video
data to create a more flexible capture system. The AW-8800
workstation is able to receive 8K video from up to four camera
systems. For such a case, the system would be implemented
with four capture boards capable of transmitting and receiving■ Figure 1: 8K camera(left: AB-4815, right: AB-4830/AC-4829)■ Table 1: A B-4815 specifications
Item
Image sensor
Effective pixels
Lens mount
Frame frequencies

External dimensions
WeightSpecifications
Super 35 mm CMOS image sensor
Approx. 33 million
PL mount
59.94 Hz, 60 Hz, 50 Hz, 30 Hz, 29 Hz, 25
Hz, 24 Hz
148 (W)×150 (H)×241 (D) mm
3.5 kg■ Table 2: AB-4830/AC-4829 specifications
Item
Image sensor
Effective pixels
Lens mount
Frame frequencies
External dimensions

WeightSpecifications
Super 35 mm CMOS image sensor
Approx. 33 million
Micro Four Thirds mount59.94 Hz, 60 Hz, 50 Hz
Camera head: 65 (W)×65 (H)×88.5 (D) mm
CCU: 210 (W)×133 (H)×370 (D) mm
Camera head: 340 g
CCU: 5 kg

four 12G-SDI channels installed in five-lane PCIe slots. The
workstation is also equipped with 16 U.2 NVMe SSDs in a
RAID configuration. The system can also be implemented with
8 GB DDR4 DIMM in 24 slots, so the system can record evenuncompressed high-bit-rate video data. The CPU has 56 cores, sothat workstation-based systems can be built for high-performanceand specialized applications, able to process 8K in real-time.
The 8K infrastructure inspection system described here is a
simple configuration including four 8K cameras (AB-4815) andan AW-8800 workstation.
■ Figure 2: AW-8800 TAMAZONE workstation

ASTRODESIGN announced completion of joint developmentof GT-8K, a new measurement vehicle equipped with 8K video
technology to advance and increase performance in maintenanceof various infrastructure such as roads, railways and airports. It isa vehicle-mounted Mobile Mapping System (MMS) and is able torecord 8K video while travelling at highway speeds, linking it withpositioning data to collect accurate data at high speed. The Aero
Asahi Corp. mobile measurement vehicle technology combinedwith ASTRODESIGN’s high-quality video technology creates ahighly accurate and practical measurement system.
Since 2019, we have conducted repeated trials inspecting
tunnels, demonstrating that we achieved our goal of detecting
cracks on the order of 0.1 mm to complete the photographic
system. Till now, we have been operating the GT-8K andintegrating the crack detection system with point cloud data.
Using the results, we have implemented industry applications of
8K, delivering measurement services and the measurement data as
a commercial product.
■ Figure 3: GT-8K (left) and GT-8K in operation (right)

4. Measurement system configuration■ Table 3: AW-8800 specifications
Item
CPU
MemoryDrive
GPU
PCIe slots
ChassisSpecifications
Intel® Xeon® processor×2 (56-core)
DDR4-2666 8 GB×24
2.5” U.2 NVMe SSDx×16
NVIDIA® Quadro® P4000
PCIe Gen3×16 4-Lane
PCIe Gen3×4 (DMI) 1-Lane
5U Chassis, 28.7” (L) ×18.0” (H) ×8.54” (W)

3. GT-8K: World’s first infrastructure
inspection car

During the years of rapid economic growth in Japan, large
amounts of social infrastructure were built, including roads,
tunnels, and railways. As this infrastructure deteriorates,
managing maintenance is becoming more important, while atthe same time, a shortage of inspection personnel and increasing
inspection costs are becoming major issues. The Ministry ofLand, Infrastructure and Transport has designated infrastructure
facilities that were built 50 years or more in the past as deteriorated
facilities, and is working on policy to replace inspection, which has
basically involved close visual inspection, with technology.
On June 3, 2020, Aero Asa hi Cor poration and

GT-8K consists of four 8K cameras, a video collection
workstation, high-output illumination and a laser scanner, allmounted on a vehicle.
The image capture component has 8K cameras with fixedfocus lenses, which send video signals to the components inthe vehicle. The cameras also have high-powered lighting
on both sides to ensure that the tunnel walls are adequately
illuminated. The laser scanner component is equipped with a
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antenna, an Inertial
Measurement Unit (IMU) and a laser scanner. The GNSS is
not able to receive radio signals inside a tunnel, so the IMU
positioning measurements enable the system to record accurate
positioning data as the vehicle moves, even while in a tunnel.
Based on this positioning data, point cloud data is generatedusing the laser scanner. Overall control of the system and datacollection is done by a PC in the vehicle, and data collection canbe monitored in real time on a terminal in the vehicle as it moves.
All of this equipment is driven by a power supply installed under
the cabinet. The simplified system configuration enables theentire system to be installed on a single vehicle.
The laser scanner is able to acquire range data for one million
points per second. By combining this point cloud data with the
8K video, an expanded image of the inside of the tunnel is created

New Breeze Winter 2023

5

■ Figure 6: C apturing tunnel wall surfaces

with both location and image information.
The video and point cloud data are synchronized during
capture using a video synchronization signal (30 Hz TTL pulse).
The cameras output 30 Hz 8K video and the workstation isequipped with up to four 12G-SDI capture cards. The PC
receives uncompressed video, which is transferred to main
memory, and then written sequentially to the SSDs. The input
video data rate is 96 Gbps, and the application is optimized
to ensure that no data is lost. To enable monitoring of themeasurement status, the image data in the SSDs is also processed
to display it on a terminal as it is recorded.
Three or four cameras are used for measurement of the surfaceof tunnel walls. The number of cameras and lenses are selected
beforehand based on the tunnel shape, and the position andorientation of the cameras on the cabinet and the path of thevehicle are adjusted through prior simulation and at the site.

Data collection is then performed after tuning the lens focus andlighting conditions. To utilize the horizontal resolution of the 8K
video, the cameras are tilted by 90° facing the wall surface. To
capture an entire tunnel with inner circumference of 15 m, threecameras are used to capture the left-hand surface, and the vehicle
drives down the opposite late to capture the other half.
In this case, a single camera captures an area of 2.5 m × 1.4 m,
and each pixel represents an area of approximately 0.3 mm × 0.3
mm. We have targeted this 0.3 mm size when measuring cracks,
but there is a high contrast ratio between cracked areas (whichappear black) and the tunnel walls, so we are able to use thisdifference in contrast ratio to measure cracks that are smaller thanthe pixel size. In practical tests, we have been able to discriminate
cracks down to approximately 0.15 mm.
To capture from the vehicle while it is moving requires
suppression of motion blur. When capturing at 30 Hz andtravelling at 60 km/h, the vehicle travels roughly 550 mm during
a single frame. To suppress motion blur due to this motion, thecamera shutter speed must be increased. Using a shutter speed of■ Figure 4: GT-8K configuration■ Figure 5: GT-8K system schematic diagram
GNSS antenna
High-definition laser scanner
IMU

Synchronization signal

6G-SDI x 4ch
24Gbps12G-SDI
capture card
6G-SDI x 4ch
24Gbps

8K camera
AB-4815
Synchronization signal

8K camera
AB-4815

AW-8800, 8K video recording/processing workstation

DDR4 x 12
12G-SDI
capture card

8K camera
AB-4815
Synchronization signal

Transfer video from each capture
card to memory
Data rate: 96 Gbps

6G-SDI x 4ch
YCbCr4:2:2 30Hz
24Gbps

8K camera
AB-4815
Synchronization signal

Laser scanner measurement module
Operator PC

PCI bus
PCIe Gen3, 8 lanesCPU
28 cores

DDR4 x 12
12G-SDI
capture card

PCI bus
PCIe Gen3, 8 lanes

6G-SDI x 4ch
24Gbps12G-SDI
capture card

PCI bus
PCIe Gen3, 8 lanesCPU
28 cores

Transfer uncompressed image
data from memory to SSD
Data rate: 96 Gbps

GPU
Process video for monitoring using CPU,and output to monitor through GPU
Use bus idle time for image down-conversion and cropping (low-priority).

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New Breeze Winter 2023

DDR4‐26668GB
8GB
DDR4‐2666
DDR4‐2666
8GB

PCI bus
PCIe Gen3, 8 lanes

PCI bus
PCIe Gen3,16 lanes
MonitorDDR4‐2666
8GB… 8GB
DDR4‐2666
DDR4‐2666
8GB

DDR4‐2666
8GB… 8GB
DDR4‐2666
DDR4‐2666
8GB
DDR4‐26668GB
8GB
DDR4‐2666
DDR4‐2666
8GB

U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMeSSD
U.2 NVMe
SSD
SSD
SSD

U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMeSSD
U.2 NVMe
SSD
SSD
SSD

U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMeSSD
U.2 NVMe
SSD
SSD
SSD

U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMe
U.2 NVMeSSD
U.2 NVMe
SSD
SSD
SSD

2.5' U.2 NVMe SSDs
x16

1/10000 s, image blur can be reduced to approximately 1.5 mm.
When conducting data measurements, target capture conditions
must be verified beforehand, and also adjusted at the site. The 8K
cameras and workstation provide advantages for achieving this inthat the system is simplified and has functions for real-time tuningat the site.
An expanded image of the tunnel is generated by combining
the 8K video with the point cloud data obtained when collecting
the data. The images are combined by projecting a mosaic of theimages onto a 3D projection surface generated from the laser datausing the position and orientation of the camera. The complete
expanded image is further processed to provide a record of theposition and shape of any cracks. Besides cracks, areas with water
stains, and where markings have been added manually in the past
are also isolated comparatively.
The expanded view image can be analyzed automaticallyusing image processing and can also be inspected visually by aninspector at a later date. The data is also archived, so any changes
detected in periodic inspections can also be used for forecasting
future changes.

5. Benefits of the 8K infrastructure inspection
vehicleCreating this expanded view from the video captured using
the 8K infrastructure inspection vehicle enables automation of
inspections, reduction in required personnel, increased accuracy,and greater stability of inspection quality. Compared with■ Figure 7: Tunnel expanded view

■ Figure 8: Image processing results■ Figure 9: Image analysis■ Figure 10: G
 T-8K inspection support

conventional periodic inspections, the labor and costs of the close
visual inspections, hammer testing and other tests required in thepast are reduced and on-site work is more efficient. The system
also supports diagnosis of tunnel shape and soundness, improving
the quality of the diagnostics that can be done.
Use of 8K cameras in the inspection system reduces thenumber of cameras needed and reduces the preparation andtuning time required. It can also be expected to help reducedifficulties and errors, and to simplify monitoring during image
capture. Image captured with the video cameras are consecutive
in time and with images taken from other viewpoints, they cancomplement each other to enhance the inspection. Even forimages that are difficult to discern due to the light and shadows ofa structure, other images can be used for the inspection, increasing
reliability and utility of the inspection. In particular, the system
is designed to maximize performance of the 8K cameras, so the
expanded view of the tunnel retains the color and texture of theimages. This makes the inspection similar to a visual inspection,
so that inspectors can use their experience gained in the past.

6. Conclusion

The increasing amount of deteriorating infrastructure isbecoming an urgent issue, and we have tested effective use of
8K video technology for work inspecting such infrastructure.
Digitalization of inspections promotes efficiency, and can also
increase reliability, so we can expect it to be used in an increasing
range of scenarios in the future. The characteristics and potentialof 8K are extremely well suited to the field of infrastructure
inspection, and we expect that even more successes and research
results will appear in the future.
In this case, we examined roadways and tunnels, but there
are also other infrastructure areas such as bridges, railways, watersupply and drains, gas and electricity. We will continue to refine
our technologies so that 8K can be used to increase safety andefficiency with respect to the huge amounts of infrastructure inthese areas as well.

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7

Medical Applications of 8K Technology

Takayuki Ito

PhD
Senior Advising Manager, System Engineering Division
NHK Engineering System Inc.

Video technology is an aspect of broadcasting that has
been applied to various industries as a means of visualization.
In particular, various life-saving advances have been made in
the medical field through the prompt application of the latest
video technology. Here, we introduce the efforts made by NHK
Engineering System Inc. (NES)[1][2] to apply 8K technology
developed by NHK to the medical field.

■ Figure 1: A neurosurgical procedure performed under amicroscope (2015)

1. Development of an 8K camera and filmingof surgery

Medical applications of 8K began with the filming of various
surgical procedures in 8K. During each year from 2010 to 2014,
we filmed heart surgery operations using 4K/8K cameras so thatlive video can be transmitted to other venues and presented atlarge-scale conferences attended by many medical professionals(organized by Tokyo Heart Lab).
In 2014, as part of an 8K technology demonstration
experiment by the Ministr y of Interna l A ffairs andCommunications, we obtained 8K video of operations being
performed in the fields of cardiac surgery, esophageal surgery,and liver/gall bladder/pancreas surgery at the University of Tokyo
Hospital. These were presented at conferences related to eachfield within the hospital in order to elicit the opinions of medical
professionals on the usefulness and issues of 8K images.
In 2014, we also obtained 8K video of an off-pump coronary
artery bypass procedure performed by Dr. Atsushi Amano ofJuntendo University Hospital. Dr. Amano is a cardiac surgeon
who performs highly difficult coronary artery bypass surgery
while the heart is beating and without the use of an artificial heart(i.e., off-pump). In the 8K video, it is even possible to see subtle
deformations of the vessel walls while the blood vessels are being
sewn together with fine thread. This highlighted the usefulnessof 8K video in medical applications, with viewers remarking that
it was possible to grasp the amount of force applied to the thread,and that this sort of video is extremely useful for passing on theskills of skilled physicians [2].
In February 2015, an 8K camera was attached to a surgicalmicroscope to film a neurosurgical operation performed by Dr.
Arakawa of Kyoto University School of Medicine (Fig. 1). Here,the lead surgeon and his assistant performed the surgery whilelooking through a microscope, and the same operative site wasfilmed from different optical paths. It may eventually capture
microscope images with an 8K camera so that surgery can be

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performed while viewing a large 8K monitor.
These demonstrations not only confirmed the usefulness of
8K in the medical field, but also helped us to accumulate knowhow and clarify the requirements for cameras and other equipment
for such purposes. It was also suggested that 8K could be used
for education by filming and storing video footage of surgeries
performed by prominent surgeons.

2. Experimental demonstration of 8K
telemedicine

For some time, hopes have been pinned on the use oftelemedicine as a way of addressing the uneven regional
distribution of medical experts and regional disparities inadvanced medical care. If the use of 8K technology makes it
possible to perform diagnoses that have been difficult to makewith conventional technology, then it could bring about rapid
progress in telemedicine. In 2016, a telemedicine demonstration
experiment in which video was captured, transmitted anddisplayed using 8K technology was conducted by the Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications to verify the applicabilityof 8K to telemedicine and the medical efficacy of this technology.
(1) Remote pathological diagnosis
Pathological diagnosis involves examining thin sections oforgan parts, etc. under a microscope to check for the presence ofcancer cells, bacteria, or lesions. In the case of cancer surgery, rapid
pathological diagnosis is performed while surgery is in progress
to confirm whether a tumor has been completely removed, andthat the surfaces left after excision do not contain any cancer cells.
However, since pathologists are not available at every hospital that

performs cancer surgery, there is a need for the implementation ofhigh-precision remote pathological diagnosis.
In this experiment, a microscope equipped with an 8K camera
was installed in a hypothetical hospital with no pathologist, andthe 8K images were transmitted over broadband Ethernet to a
specialist hospital where they could be observed by a pathologist
for diagnosis. The video signals were encoded using the HEVC
(H.265) compression standard. Figure 2 shows an overview of theexperiment.
The results of this experiment showed that 8K remotediagnosis is not inferior to direct diagnosis (103 out of 104
correct answers). The 8K remote diagnosis system is also idealfor displaying large areas of prepared specimens at once on asingle high-definition screen so that the pathologist can approach
the screen to get a close-up view of areas of interest in much thesame way as would be achieved by switching the objective lensof a microscope. This new system is expected to be effective at
improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the burden on the
medical examiner.

telemedicine support. 8K images of the affected areas of patientswere transmitted to the dermatologist, who was able to view
them while interviewing the patients and giving instructions
to the doctor on the remote island to enable to acquisition of
information necessary for diagnosis. An outline of the experimentis shown in Fig. 3. By comparing the results of diagnoses made bydermatologists in person with those made by remote diagnosis,
we found that the rate of agreement between these results wasmuch higher than achieved using conventional video systems suchas HD. The dermatologists who participated in the experimentcommented that the ability to observe minute lesions made it
possible to recognize signs of malignancy and refer patients formore thorough examinations at an earlier stage. On the other
hand, it became clear that there is a need for imaging equipmentthat is smaller, more sensitive, and as easy to use as consumeroriented cameras.
■ Figure 3: 8K telemedicine support demonstration (2016)■ Figure 2: 8K remote pathological diagnosis
demonstration experiment (2016)

3. Research and development of an 8K rigid
endoscopic (laparoscopic) surgical system(2) Telemedicine Support
To demonstrate the use of 8K technology in supporting
telemedicine, we chose the field of dermatology, where visual
information is considered to be of particular importance. Using asatellite link, we connected a remote island hospital in Nagasaki
Prefecture, which has no full-time dermatologist, to a university
hospital where a dermatologist was able to provide experimental

A rigid endoscope is a non-flexible endoscope that basicallyconsists of lenses built into a metal pipe, unlike a soft endoscope(which is called a gastric camera). A camera is usually attached tothe eyepiece so that surgery can be performed while viewing theimages displayed on a monitor. A laparoscope is a rigid endoscopethat is used to observe the interior of the abdominal cavity. Most
rigid endoscopes use 2K cameras, but 4K endoscopes are alsocommercially available. To develop an 8K rigid endoscope system,
it is necessary to develop a compact and high-performance 8K
camera and high-performance rigid endoscope lenses that match

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9the high-resolution performance of 8K.
In December 2015, in collaboration with the National Cancer
Center Hospital and Olympus Corporation, NHK Engineering
System Inc. (NES) successfully filmed the intra-abdominal
cavities of animals by using an 8K camera in combination with a
4K rigid endoscope. Despite only using 4K apparatus, on seeing
the 8K images for the first time, the medical professionals were
surprised to find that the images were clear enough to demonstrate
the benefits that can be expected from 8K technology.
In addition to clearer images, the medical professionals also
expressed their hopes for the following benefits:(1) With existing laparoscopes, it is often necessary to bring the tipof the laparoscope very close to internal organs for a closer lookat the affected area, and as a result, the laparoscope is liable toget in the way of the surgical implements. With 8K resolution,
it would be possible to obtain a detailed view of the affectedarea by observing the operation area from an overhead position■ Figure 4: 8K endoscopic camera system
Top: Model #1 (2017), Bottom: Model #2 (2020)and using electronic zoom when a close-up view is needed,
thereby resulting in fewer blind spots and less interference
between the surgical instruments and the laparoscope.
(2) With an 8K system, it is relatively easy to identify nerves
that are difficult to see with conventional laparoscopy. Thisis expected to be effective for preserving autonomic nervous
system functions in operations such as colorectal cancer
surgery.
A research group that includes the National Cancer
Center, Olympus and NES was entrusted by the Japan Agency
for Medical Research and Development (AMED) to conduct
research and development related to 8K laparoscopic surgery
systems over the two periods of FY2016–8 and FY2019–21.
In the first period, we worked on the development of acompact, high sensitivity 8K camera and an electronic zoom
device, and we performed animal experiments to verify theperformance of the 8K system combined with a prototype 8K
laparoscope made by Olympus. This 8K laparoscopic camera
is shown in the upper part of Fig. 4. The camera is a modified
broadcast camera using a 1.7-inch imaging device[4], and thecamera head connected to the laparoscope weighs 720 g. In
addition to this camera, we also implemented functions including
an electronic zoom function (magnification 1.0–4.0×) that scales
up a section of the 8K image. From March 2018 to March 2019,
we conducted clinical trials of this system in 25 cases to verify theeffectiveness of the 8K endoscopy system (see Fig. 5). The results
showed that the amount of blood loss during operations was
reduced to about half that of conventional laparoscopic surgery,while the camera, although smaller, was still large and made itdifficult to change the operation area during surgery [5].

4. Development and validation of an 8K rigid
endoscopic surgery system for remotesurgery assistance [6]■ Figure 5: Clinical trial of the 8K endoscopy system

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These clinical trials showed that although the 8K endoscopic
surgery system is effective, further downsizing of the camera isalso required. Based on these findings, we were commissioned
by AMED to research and develop a remote surgery-assisted
endoscopic surgery system for three years from FY2019 toFY2021. Recently, endoscopic surgery has become increasingly
commonplace due to its low patient burden, but because it requires
advanced skills, there are sometimes insufficient specialist
surgeons in certain areas. We have developed an endoscopic
surgery system for remote surgery assistance as a candidate
technology for alleviating regional disparities in the availabilityof endoscopic surgeons. This system transmits endoscopic video
images obtained during surgery to a remote specialist, who isable to monitor the progress of the surgery and offer advice to thesurgeon in the operating theater while observing the endoscopic
surgery in progress. This makes it possible to provide support toinexperienced surgeons and assistants. The purpose of the 8K
endoscope is to make it possible for specialists to provide accurate

■ Figure 6: S ystem configuration of the remote surgery support experiment using live 8K live video transmission■ Figure 7: E xperimental animal surgery performed with remote surgical support
Left: A specialist doctor provides verbal and written instructions via an 8K monitor (Kyoto
Prefecture); Right: The surgeon proceeds with the surgery in accordance with the specialist
doctor’s instructions (Chiba Prefecture)

surgical support based on high-definition, highly realistic intraabdominal images sent from remote locations.
NES developed this system after clarifying the above system
requirements, and confirmed its medical effectiveness in animal
experiments.
Prior to the development of the system, evaluation
experiments were conducted with medical professionals todetermine the bandwidth required for compression coding of
8K endoscope images and the acceptable lag time of transmitted

images. As a result, it was found that a transmission bandwidthof at least 70 Mbps or thereabouts is required, with a video
transmission lag time of no more than 1.3 seconds. The videocoding method is H.265.
For the 8K camera that forms the core of the system, wedeveloped an endoscope camera using a compact 8K medical
camera that was jointly developed by NES and Ikegami Tsushinki(Figure 4, bottom). The camera weighs 210 g, which is lessthan a third of the weight of the #1 model. We also developed

New Breeze Winter 202311

a camera control unit (CCU) with electronic zoom and autofocus functions. This camera is light enough to be used with acommercially available scope holder, making it easily adaptableto surgical applications. We also developed a system including an
8K video encoding and transmission device and a drawing anddisplay device (annotation device) that can be used to write support
information on the 8K screen and send it back to the operating
theater, which is a necessary feature for supporting remote surgicaloperations.

5. Experiment verification of the remote
operation support system[6]References[1]	Ito: “Medical application of 8K video systems,” J. Inst. Image Information and TelevisionEng., Vol. 71, No. 5, pp. 707–711 (2017)[2]	Ito: “Development of an 8K laparoscopic system,” J. Inst. Image Information and TelevisionEng., Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 921–924 (2020)[3]	Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: “Report of the Study Group on Intelligent
Medical Care by Application of 8K Technology,” https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000432810.pdf[4]	Yamazaki et al.: “Development of a new endoscopic surgery system using 8K Super HiVision technology,” ITE Conf. Reports, 33-A1 (2017)[5]	Tsukamoto, S. et al: “Laparoscopic surgery using 8K ultra-high-definition technology:
outcomes of a phase II study,” Asian J. Endosc. Surg. 2022 Jan, 15(1), pp. 7–14 (2021)[6]	Ito et al: “Development of 8K laparoscopic surgery system with real-time tele-advice
facilities and evaluation of animal surgery experiment using live transmission of 8K video
via 5G network.” ITE Tech. Rep. Vol.46, No.11 BCT 2022-22 (Mar. 2022)

To verify the effectiveness of this system, we conducted an
animal experiment in which an inexperienced endoscopic surgeon
and a surgical assistant were provided with guidance by a specialist
physician who was able to view the 8K endoscopic images at aremote location. We compared the time taken to complete thesurgery and the quality of operations performed with and without
remote guidance. Figure 6 shows the system configuration usedin this experiment. The experiment was conducted by connecting
an animal experimentation site in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture,with the Keihanna Open Innovation Center, Kyoto Prefecture, via
a wired network and 5G network so that 8K endoscopic images,
bidirectional audio and on-screen instructions could be conveyed
between the two sites. Figure 7 shows the setup at each end of
this connection. The 8K video was transmitted at a bit rate of
80 Mbps, and the transmission lag from the endoscopic camera to
the 8K display device at the remote site was approximately 600 ms.
Our experimental results show that two inexperienced
surgeons were able to perform the same procedure in less timewith remote guidance than without. We also evaluated the qualityof surgery with and without support, based on the endoscopic
images, and found that operations achieved better quality withremote guidance than without.

6. Future prospects

We have introduced activities on medical applications of
8K technology conducted by NES. High-definition imaging
technology has always attracted attention in the medical field, andapplications in this field have always been promoted. However,this trend is becoming particularly strong in the 8K era. In
addition, “contactless” and “remote” technologies have become
particularly important in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic
over the last couple of years, and 5G is also expected to become
an important part of the communications infrastructure. The
combination of two cutting-edge technologies, 8K and 5G, islikely to become increasingly important in the medical field.

Cover Art
View of Mount Haruna in
the Snow, from Famous
Views of 60 Provinces

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858)
Source: National Diet Library, NDL
Image Bank(https://rnavi.ndl.go.jp/imagebank/)

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8K Cultural Heritage Project Initiatives

Ichitaka Takaki

Technical Producer
Media Development & Strategy Center
General Media Administration
Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)

1. NHK and Tokyo National Museum joint
project: “Our 8K Cultural Heritage”

In September, 2020, the Tokyo National Museum and NHK
began a joint research project using 8K technology titled, “Our
8K Cultural Heritage.” The joint research uses 8K and the latest
scanner and photogrammetry technologies to focus on someof the national treasures and cultural properties held by the
Tokyo National Museum, creating 8K cultural properties using
ultra-high-definition 3D computer graphics, far exceeding video
experiences created in the past.
Under restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID-19
pandemic, art galleries and museums around the world aresearching for new ways to appreciate art. By combining these 8K
cultural properties with various digital tools, we are pursuing ways
to appreciate art in this new era, so that everyone can enjoy thecultural assets and experience a “wealth of heart and mind”. We
are also presenting the results of this work at events and throughbroadcast programs.
NHK has produced and broadcast a television series related tothis project titled “Fresh Encounters with our Cultural Heritage,”and the Tokyo National Museum plans to hold an exhibition
featuring a compilation of results from this joint research in 2022,
the 150th anniversary of the museum.

Takao Tsuda

Senior Manager
Systems Solution Center
Engineering Administration Department
Japan Broadcasting Corporation(NHK)■ Figure 1: Pre-rendered image of the Kuze Kannon 8K
cultural property■ Figure 2: Golden stamp 8K cultural property

2. Created 8K cultural properties and content

8K cultural properties are extremely detailed 3D computer
graphics (CG) models created using software to combine datafrom photogrammetry and various other sensors. So far, we havecreated 8K cultural properties including the seven listed below (inno particular order). For each of them, we prepared high-quality
pre-rendered movies and/or interactive CG content rendered inreal time, based on the original 8K cultural property CG models.
・The Kudara Kannon (held at Horyu-ji temple)
・The Goggle-eyed dogu (clay figurine)・The Funakibon byobu screen with scenes in and around Kyoto
・The Kuze Kannon (held at Horyu-ji temple)
・A Kin-in (golden stamp, held at the Fukuoka City Museum)・A Ko’omote-type Noh mask (Kawauchi)
・A Denyamanba-type Noh mask
▼ Scanning tools
The main tools used for scanning the cultural properties were
the following.

・3D laser scanner: FARO Focus350, ScanArm 2.5C・Optical 3D scanner: AICON SmartScan
・Digital single-lens camera: SONY α7R Mark IV▼Pre-rendered movies
To create the 3D CG models, Autodesk Maya and Foundry
Modo software was used, and rendering was done using Arnold.
We aimed to achieve high quality, assuming the results would beappreciated on an 8K-HDR display, striving to achieve near-real
reproduction of both detail and color. Rendering high-quality,
high-resolution CG is time consuming, and in some cases,
production of these 8K cultural properties required more than anhour of processing per frame. For the four programs discussed
below, NHK performed in-house rendering of 179,020 frames in a
total of 160 cuts.

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■ Figure 3: Taking photos for photogrammetry

capable of displaying high-resolution CG for the HMD.
The interactive content was all produced using the SDR color
space. The photogrammetry photos are recorded as RAW data,
so it would be possible to produce it with a richer color space, but
considering issues such as production time and the processing loadon the PC used for real-time CG rendering, we decided to use
SDR. Support for HDR will be an issue for consideration in the
future.
■ Figure 5: Performer manipulating the Goggle-eyed clay
figurine projected on a 450-inch screen■ Figure 4: Pre-rendered image of the Kudara Kannon 8K
Cultural property

3. BS8K program, “Fresh Encounters with our
Cultural Heritage”

We received support from Mr. Shuichi Narita of AfterImage
Inc. in producing these 3D CG models.
▼ Interactive content
With CG images rendered in real-time (real-time CG), it isdifficult to achieve image quality better than pre-rendered CG
images, but real-time CG has the advantage of interactivity,
which cannot be achieved with pre-rendered CG. Observers canmanipulate the item themselves, viewing it at whatever angle orsize they desire. It is also useful in terms of efficiency, with lower
production cost in many cases, depending on the length andnumber of cuts required.
The interactive content was produced using UnrealEngine,with collaboration from historia Inc. To avoid degrading theimmersive quality of the content for viewers, we focused on
maintaining resolution and a frame rate of 60 fps. When
importing the original 8K cultural property data into the
UnrealEngine environment, we optimized to minimize any visual
effect. We used a workstation equipped with an NVIDIA Quadro
RTX 8000 GPU to create the real-time CG images.
We output the interactive content to 8K displays andprojectors, manipulating it with a game controller, and we
also developed VR/AR content using a head-mounted display(HMD). To utilize the quality of the 8K cultural properties andfacilitate immersive virtual-space content, we used a Varjo XR-1

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NHK is also producing a TV series for the BS8K channel
titled “Fresh Encounters with our Cultural Heritage” (https://
www4.nhk.or.jp/P6741/). The program features various culturalproperties, with the host and guests examining them from angles
and close-ups that would never be possible normally, gaining athorough appreciation of the items, speculating on the intentionsand values of the creators as they do so, and enabling viewers toalso share in this appreciation.
As of January, 2022, the following four programs have been
produced. We created pre-rendered movies and interactive content
for each of the programs, to clearly present features of each item,
as required for production. Each of the 8K cultural properties isdiscussed more specifically below.
▼ Goggle-eyed clay figurine
The 3D CG model of the clay figurine is composed ofapproximately 7.85 million polygons, using 13 8K-resolution
textures. The interactive content can be manipulated using a gamecontroller, with zoom, pan and tilt operations to rotate the figure
and change the viewpoint. A user-friendly interface is provided,
which can be used easily even by users not accustomed to 3D CG
operations. It has a simple viewpoint-reset operation to reset theposition to facing the figure, and a “B-dash” function to movethe figure quickly, by holding the “B” button and operating thejoystick. Another function enables the user to go inside the figure
with the push of a button.
We also developed VR content that enlarges the figurine by500-times and lets the user move around inside the figurine.
■ Figure 6: P erformer wearing an HMD and the clay
figurine VR content

210 8K-resolution textures (which are actually divided into 840
4K-resolution images). This comprises over 100 GB of data, so
it was impossible to load the entire set of textures into the GPU
for display. By implementing careful high-speed processing toswap textures according to the camera distance and the area
being displayed, we were able to implement seamless operation
without losing detail, regardless of the magnification of the byobu
screen (so-called level of detail (LOD) processing). With simple
LOD processing alone, it is difficult to avoid noticeable texture
switching, so before recording the TV program, we adjusted
various parameters such as display timing on a trial and error basis
to find the best settings.

■ Figure 7: Pre-rendered image of the 8K cultural property,“Funakibon byobu screen with scenes in andaround Kyoto”▼ Kudara Kannon
The first program in the series dealt with the Kudara Kannon,and preparation involved was really a learning process. The 3D
CG model consisted of approximately 4.8 million polygons and21 8K-resolution textures. In the studio we displayed the prerendered CG on a 1.6 m by 3.6 m LED display built on the set,to create a photo-real, actual-size display. We also developed
interactive VR content that gives a sense of scale while wearing the
HMD by showing the Kudara Kannon image over the Japanesearchipelago, and AR content that allows very close observation
by integrating the Kudara Kannon image with live images inside
the HMD. In the program a Buddha sculptor attempts to carve a
replica using this AR content.
Normally with VR and AR, some method is used to detect
the location of the HMD and its motion is linked to a camerain the CG space to display the CG at the corresponding positionin the HMD. In this case, we developed a function using asimilar mechanism, using a controller attached to the HMD
to move the camera in CG space, so the controller can be usedinstead of the HMD to set the camera position for the CG
shown on an 8K display connected to a workstation. Using thisfunction, after recording the program, the presenter’s movements
were reproduced using the controller, and the video seen by thepresenter in the HMD was simulated as 8K video. This was
output and recorded on P2. This arrangement was also used later■ Figure 8: Interactive content: Zooming to see people’s
facial expressions■ Figure 9: Kudara Kannon 8K cultural property built into
the studio set▼ Funakibon byobu screen with scenes in and around Kyoto
The Funakibon byobu screen portrays more than 2,700 peopleof influence, such as samurai, as well as shopkeepers and othercommoners. To be able to show each of the people on the screen
magnified on an 8K display, the CG model required textureswith extremely high resolution. The 8K cultural property of the
Funakibon byobu screen with scenes in and around Kyoto uses

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for the Goggle-eyed clay figurine content, and was effective for
events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
▼ Kuze Kannon
The 3D CG model of the Kuze Kannon consists ofapproximately 6.65 million polygons and 17 8K-resolution
textures. For interactive content, we developed two features: 1)
Content that enables the Kuze Kannon to be appreciated onan 8K display or 8K screen from any viewpoint, using a gamecontroller, and 2) AR content that enables the operator to pickup the CG Kuze Kannon and move it around using the HMD
controller. In the TV program, a researcher in the studio uses
this AR content, attempting to place the Kuze Kannon image
appearing in the HMD onto a virtual pedestal. We also developeda system described below, to share the Kuze Kannon CG withremote locations (Tokyo, Nara), and conducted a “Digital research
conference”.
■ Figure 10: I nteractive content video of the Kuze Kannon
8K cultural property

4. Non-broadcast exhibitions▼ Tokyo National Museum exhibit event
In March, 2021, an event exhibiting our 8K culturalproperties, together with a press conference, was held at the Tokyo
National Museum. The interactive content for the Funakibon
byobu screen with scenes in and around Kyoto was projected in
8K onto a large screen. Also in the exhibit were real byobu screensand PV of the 8K cultural property pre-rendered movie, on an
8K display playing on a loop. The Goggle-eyed clay figurineinteractive content was also shown and demonstrated on an 8K
display.
▼ Inter BEE 2020/ 2021 exhibits
For Inter BEE 2020, which was held online, a 3D scan was
taken of the artistic set in the “Fresh Encounters with our Cultural
Heritage” studio and presented as VR content under the topic,“8K production tour of studio and relay vehicle”.
For Inter BEE 2021, the interactive content for the Goggleeyed clay figurine was exhibited, and many visitors were able toexperience this 8K cultural property.
▼ Kuze Kannon image digital research conference
In June, 2021, we held a “Digital research conference” asa special part of the 8K Cultural Heritage Project. For the
research conference, researchers from the NHK Science andTechnology Research Labs (NHK STRL) and from the NHK
Nara broadcasting station gathered to study the Kuze Kannon,a national treasure. The Kuze Kannon interactive content was
installed on workstations at the two locations and projected onto
8K screens. At each location, a game controller was used to zoom
in and out, and to move the 3D CG model around, and the■ Figure 11: Projecting the Funakibon byobu screen with scenes in and around Kyoto on a large screen

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■ Figure 12: Digital research conference overview■ Figure 13: Digital research conference (NHK Nara
broadcasting station)broadcasting stations in Nara, Akita, Gifu and Sapporo to exhibit
our 8K cultural properties. We hope to provide opportunities toappreciate and experience these properties at many more eventsin the future, although this will be depend on conditions with
the COVID-19 pandemic. We also plan to hold an event toannounce joint-research results from the 8K Cultural Properties
Project as part of the Tokyo National Museum 150th anniversarycelebrations. Please look forward to that as well.
■ Figure 14: An event held in collaboration with the Gifu
broadcast station in Hida City (at the Hida
Miyagawa Archeology and Folklore Hall)

control signals were synchronized between the two locations toshare the same 8K images.
At the meeting, specialists were able to zoom-in on particularareas of interest, sharing the image among all participants, while
engaging in discussion and making new discoveries. Excerpts
from the research conference were shared during the “Fresh
Encounters with our Cultural Heritage: Kuze Kannon” program.

5. Future initiatives
In January, 2022, we completed a new 8K cultural property
called “Noh Masks.” For details, please watch for the up-coming
program, “Fresh Encounters with our Cultural Heritage:
Mysterious Noh Masks” (provisional title). We are currently
working on production of another property called “Armor”.
Since June, 2021, we have also collaborated with local

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Latest Trends and Future Directions in Ultra-High-Definition
Imaging Technology Accelerating Smart Industry

Masatsugu Onizuka

Imaging System Business Division
IS Application Engineering Department,
Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

1. Introduction

4K and 8K ultra-high definition imaging technology is being
used to improve image quality in broadcasting, but it is also
being used in various other fields, such as to display advertisingon outdoor displays, to implement ultra-high-definition systems
for security and crime prevention, and for medical applications.
In industry, where smart technologies are being used to increase
productivity dramatically as we enter the IoT age, high-definitionand high-quality images can be taken, and there is increasing useof sensing technologies utilizing infrared and other images not
visible to the human eye. Image sensors are a key type of device
necessary for these advanced types of machine-vision camera.
Industrial image sensors require high quality and continuous
availability. Industrial applications vary widely, so a significant
feature of this market is the need for a broad product lineup. We
are a leading company in image sensors, with a broad portfolio of
products covering small to large, low to high-speed, low to highpixel counts, and from ultra-violet through infrared frequencies, tomeet all kinds of requirements. Each series is also packaged withuniform pin-outs, so it is easy to develop product lineups whendeveloping machine vision cameras.
This article describes our vision for advancement of image
sensors for industrial applications and introduces some examples ofpractical applications. Figure.1 shows our vision for the evolutionof image sensors in the future. We have defined three directions
for advancement. The first is to improve the performance of ourbase image sensors, the second is to extend performance fromimaging to sensing, and the third is to optimize functionality foredge systems. We describe each of these perspectives in detailbelow, and also give examples of related machine vision cameras
systems.
■ Figure 1

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2. Advances in imaging performance

To implement advanced automation in areas such as factories
or logistics requires improved efficiency by increasing theaccuracy and decreasing the time required for inspections. For
machine vision cameras, which handle most of these functions,this requires image sensors with higher imaging performance interms of resolution (higher definition), higher speed, and otherfactors. This section examines typical image sensor performance
improvements in the areas of increasing resolution while reducing
size, and technologies to improve productivity by increasing
image-sensor size while accelerating data read-out.
2.1 Achieving both higher resolution and smaller size
When attempting to improve accuracy for visual processes
detecting small defects or contamination, simply increasing the
pixels in the image sensor results in larger chip size and larger
cameras, which can be an issue. Conversely, if the pixels are
made smaller to avoid increasing the camera size, the lightcollecting area per pixel decreases, leading to decreased image
quality and unavoidable decreases in recognition and detection
performance. To resolve this issue, we have developed a layered
CMOS image sensor technology called Pregius STM (Figure 2, 3)
that is suitable for industrial applications. It has a “Global Shutter”
feature that uses a back-illuminated pixel structure to achieving
both high resolution and smaller size. The new structureis able to collect more light per pixel than conventional frontilluminated structures, and we developed technology to mask the
memory components in our global shutter function, so that pixel
characteristics are not compromised, so we were able to reduce
pixel size to 2.74 μm diagonally, or 63% of earlier pixels. By■ Figure 2

■ Figure 3■ Figure 4■ Figure 5

layering the signal processing circuits, which were conventionallyplaced in beside the pixels, we have also increased resolution byapproximately 1.7 times for the same optical system (from 12.37
M pixels to 2.035 M pixels) and reduced the package size (to 91%
of earlier*1 ) (Figure 4).

■ Figure 6

2.2	Image sensor technologies for larger size and fasterreadout
Some machine vision cameras use an image sensor that
supports ordinary C-mount lenses, but further productivity
increases can be obtained by using an image sensor with a larger
optical size to increase the imaging area. For example, comparing
our IMX235 image sensor, which is 1.1-type (diag. 17.6 mm)
and has 12.37 M pixels, and our large-aperture IMX661 image
sensor, which has our Global Shutter function, is 3.6-type (diag.
56.7 mm) and has 127 M pixels, productivity can be increased
by reducing the number of images captured, and recognition
accuracy can be improved with the higher resolution (Figure 5).
For inspection of flat panel displays, if the image sensor resolution
is too low relative to the resolution of the panel, moiré patterns
occur as shown in Figure 6, so inspection with oversampling
using an ultra-high-definition image sensor is very useful. On theother hand, when the number of pixels is increased, generally theamount of signal processing required also increases, the frame rate
decreases and more time is required to read out the data. With
the IMX661, we used a Chip-on-Wafer process technology tocreate an original device structure, layering a chip with some of
the functionality onto the pixel wafer and increasing processing
performance by implementing AD converters in an optimized
location. We also used a high-speed interface called Scalable Low
Voltage Signaling with Embedded Clock (SLVS-EC) to achievea four-times increase in image read-out speed* . For inspection＊1 Comparing our IMX531 and IMX253 CMOS image sensors with the Global Shutter function. “Pregius S” is a trademark or registered trademark of the Sony Group and related companies.

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of devices such as flat-panel displays and printed circuit boards,
cameras with large-aperture image sensors are being used more
and more. Larger areas to be imaged in a single shot by usingof larger image sensors and fast read-out technology, reducing
both the number of images taken and the inspection time, andinspection accuracy can be improved by increasing resolution.

3. Extending capabilities to sensing

Recently, the use of sensing beyond the capabilities of humanvision is advancing in the field of industrial machinery. In addition
to conventional inspection and recognition using visible light, newinformation such as near-infrared, polarized light, and distancedata is being captured, making it possible to solve problems
that could not be solved earlier with sensing. In this section, we
describe four of these various new sensing technologies: ShortWavelength InfraRed (SWIR) image sensors, Ultraviolet (UV)light image sensors, Time-of-Flight (ToF) range-imaging sensors,and polarized-light image sensors.
3.1 SWIR Image sensors
SWIR is a type of infrared light with relatively shortwavelengths. In 2020, we announced our IMX990/IMX991
image sensors, able to capture images over a wide range of
wavelengths that include visible light, from 0.4 μm to 1.7 μm.
When developing SWIR sensors, we formed photodiodes in alayer of the compound semiconductor, Indium-Gallium-Arsenide(InGaAs) and the read-out circuits in a silicon layer, making
copper-copper (Cu-Cu) connections between them. This enabled■ Figure 7■ Figure 8＊2 Comparing our IMX661 and IMX253 sensors with the Global Shutter feature.

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us to reduce the pixel pitch, achieve wide bandwidth and create animage sensor supporting SWIR, which was not possible earlier.
SWIR wavelengths can be used to visualize damage to fruit
below the surface (visualizing differences in moisture density) as
shown in Figure 7, or to select materials utilizing differences inabsorption of short-wavelength infrared light. The new sensor
can be used as a more versatile inspection device to reduce systemcosts, by using a single device for inspection that previously
required separate cameras for visible and SWIR light, or toincrease throughput, by accelerating image processing.
3.2 UV image sensors
Sensing with ultra-violet (UV) light can be useful for selecting
materials difficult to differentiate with visible light, or to detect
fine scratches or defects. UV light has wavelengths that are shorter
than visible light, generally in the range of 10 nm to 400 nm(Figure 8). Our IMX487 image sensor detects wavelengths from
200 nm to 400 nm, and is suitable for industrial sensing using
UV wavelengths. Used with a UV light source, it shows promise
for a wide range of use cases, including detecting semiconductor
pattern defects, differentiating materials for recycling (Figure 9),
and detecting minute scratches on the surface of parts. This
product has a structure specialized for sensing UV wavelengths,
and is equipped with our Pregius S technology, so it produceshigh frame-rate images without motion distortion. We expect it to
expand the range of applications for UV image sensors, including
those requiring high speed.

■ Figure 9■ Figure 10■ Figure 11

3.3 Polarized light image sensors
Normally, when looking at an object, we see both light that isreflected and light that is diffused from the surface of the object.
This light oscillates in different directions and it is possible toselect light oscillating in a particular direction (polarization) by
passing it through a polarizer (Figure 10). Our polarizing image
sensors (e.g.: IMX253MZR) are equipped with internal polarizers
for four directions and are able to capture polarization data forthese four directions in a single image (Figure 11). As shown in
Figure 12, this polarized light data can be used to increase theaccuracy when detecting scratches, impurities or distortion on thesurface of objects or to eliminate reflected light, which are difficult
using conventional visible-light sensing,. We expect this to enable
a range of other applications in the future.
3.4 Time of Flight depth-image sensors
A Time-of-Flight (ToF) depth-image sensor uses light from alaser or LED to measure the distance to the object, by measuring
the differences in time required for the reflected light to reachthe sensor. We announced the IMX570 image sensor in 2021, as
a compact, high-resolution sensor capable of sensing in 3D space(Figure 13). It was developed for applications that are difficult toimplement with conventional 2D images, such as those requiring
detection of volume or shape, or overlapping of objects.
By providing this lineup of various sensing devices, we arecontributing to solving problems in manufacturing settings suchas eliminating failure, increasing throughput, eliminating line
stoppage, reducing labor requirements and automation.

■ Figure 12

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■ Figure 13■ Figure 14

4. Functional extensions optimized for edge
systems■ Figure 15

Conventionally, image sensors have been developed with theassumption that human eyes would be looking at the images,
and sensors would output images in terms of effective pixels.
However, when used by AI or other machines, all of the pixel data
will not necessarily be required. For example, when inspecting
printed circuit boards, it may be enough to inspect only specificcomponents or locations. In such cases, pixel data from otherlocations is not needed and capturing the extra data increases
the time required from image capture till peripheral devices
can take action. Even when considering the simple imaging
devices described in earlier sections, the amount and types ofdata is increasing greatly, with more pixels, faster speeds, andadditional data such as polarization and distance. As inspectionof components advances and camera resolution increases, thevolume of information will increase dramatically, also increasing
the processing load for image processing and interface circuits atlater stages.
As such, when considering AI and other machine processing,it will be useful to extract only the regions needed, to reduce theamount of data and the required processing time. Our image
sensors have a Region of Interest (ROI) function to extract only
the area needed, and a self-triggering function to output only datafrom the instant required. They are also equipped with two AD
converters in a layered implementation, which can read data at two
different levels of gain, and they have functions to synthesize thesevalues internally. High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing, which
is normally implemented by overlapping multiple images, can be
performed by synthesizing the images within the sensor, without
producing artifacts, and we have implemented highly-robust
sensors able to output the same amount of data as earlier sensors(Figure 14).
This sort of extended functionality can be implemented using
layering technology. As shown in Figure 15, a key point regarding
the layering technology is that the wafer process is separated intoa pixel region and a circuit region. This makes further imagequality improvements and functional enhancements both morescalable. Techniques applied to the wafer process can also be
extremely useful in reducing latency, implementing feedback to

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pixels and reducing power consumption. Extending functionality
will surely be helpful as AI is used more and more in the future.
It will be extremely important how this overall issue is handled,including later-stage system processing, and we are continuing towork on both hardware and software solutions for these issues.

5. Conclusion

This article has introduced directions for advancementof image sensors (advancing and extending performance andfunctionality) as considered by Sony Semiconductor Solutions.
We have over 120 types of products developed along these
directions, to meet a wide range of requirements in industry. We
will continue advancing innovation in image sensor technologies,
cultivating new applications, accelerating smart industry, andcontributing to improving lifestyles and solving societal issues. For
product details and inquiries regarding image sensors for industrial
equipment, please see the following address.
https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/industry/index.html

= A Serial Introduction Part 2 =Winners of ITU-AJ Encouragement Awards 2022
In May every year, The ITU Association of Japan (ITU-AJ) proudly presents ITU-AJ Encouragement Awards to people who have madeoutstanding contributions in the field of international standardization and have helped in the ongoing development of ICT.
These Awards are also an embodiment of our sincere desire to encourage further contributions from these individuals in the future.
If you happen to run into these winners at another meeting in the future, please say hello to them.
But first, as part of the introductory series of Award Winners, allow us to introduce some of those remarkable winners.

Yuichi Kumaki

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation
http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/en/
Fields of activity: G lobal business development

Technical support for optical access at the PT Telkom Group in Indonesia
It is a great honor to receive this prestigious encouragement
award from the ITU Association of Japan at this time. I would
like to express deep gratitude to all who lent their guidance andencouragement, leading to this award.
I have worked with PT Telekom Indonesia since 2010. Duringthat time, I was involved in planning and executing various
technology exchange efforts, mainly related to optical access.
Beyond simply sharing procedures and specifications fromthe experience and know-how of NTT East, I also worked
carefully to build their understanding of why particular methods
or specifications were adopted, history, and background from eachgeneration, to build a trust relationship. Then, since 2016 and at
the request of PT Telekom, we have operated a paid technicalsupport consulting project. In this technical support activity, we

first carefully explain why the methods and tools we introduce areneeded, so that they will adopt them, and then, through repeateddiscussion with local members, select methods and componentsthat can be procured locally, tuning them to the local environment
as much as possible. This sort of effort has been well accepted,
and we are currently providing support to train technicians for
deploying the methods we have proposed throughout the country.
To be involved in projects in an environment that is completely
different from Japan, and to work with many local team members
has been an irreplaceable experience for me. I was able to see
energetic, cheerful and enjoyable workplaces in Indonesia with
my own eyes and to learn many things. I would like to continue
to work, contributing to the expansion of telecommunications inIndonesia in the future.

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Kazuhiro Kumamaru

Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)kumamaru.k-hy@nhk.or.jp https://www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/
Fields of activity: ITU-R SG4, SG6

Activities in ITU-R
It is an honor and a great pleasure to receive this ITU-AJ
Encouragement Award. I would like to express my sincere
gratitude to the ITU-AJ and all the others for their guidance andsupport.
I first participated in ITU-R activities at the ITU-R SG4(Satellite Services) meeting in 2017. Since 2020, I have been
actively involved in SG6 (Broadcasting Service), contributing totechnical studies and standardizing satellite broadcasting andbroadcasting technology. This award recognizes work I have donein various areas as follows.
I contributed to revision of the recommendation (BT.1871)
outlining the requirements and operational characteristics ofradio systems necessary for broadcasting services, such as wirelessmicrophones. In particular, I compiled information on frequenciesof wireless microphones used by Japanese broadcasters and added
the data to the recommendation. I hope that this revision will leadto harmonization of frequencies used by wireless microphones
both regionally and globally. In compiling this information, I
received helpful support from the Ministry of Internal Affairs andSusumu Saito

Communications (MIC), the Japan Commercial Broadcasters
Association (JBA), the Association of Radio Industries andBusinesses (ARIB) and others.
Another part of my work pertains to a new report (BO.2497)
on the criteria for sharing broadcast satellite frequencies. The
report, proposed by NHK/B-SAT, summarizes the resultsof technical studies reviewing possible changes to satellite
coordination procedures. This was for an agenda item at theWorld Radio Communication Conference (WRC-19) in 2019.
The contents are also relevant to Japan's BS left-handed circularlypolarized frequencies registered for 4K/8K satellite broadcastingin 2016. There were several problems, and discussions among
concerned parties continued until the final plenary meeting.
Ultimately, we reached a mutual agreement. I hope that this reportwill promote the stable use of frequencies for 4K/8K satellite
broadcasting in the future.
I hope to continue utilizing my experience with ITU-R andcontributing to further development in the broadcasting industry.

Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK)https://www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/
Fields of activity: ITU-R SG4, SG6, Broadcasting Service, Satellite Broadcasting

Activities related to broadcasting services
I would like to offer my sincere thanks for this ITU
Association of Japan Encouragement Award at this time. I would
also like to offer thanks to all those who have provided theirguidance.
I have participated in ITU-R activities since 2010, protecting
satellite broadcasting operations and requesting new satellite
broadcast frequencies from ITU-R as needed for advanced satellite
broadcasting.
I currently participate in SG4 for satellite services, SG6
for broadcasting services, and SG5 for terrestrial services. In
SG6, I participated in discussions of sharing and compatibility
studies between broadcasting and mobile service, and contributed

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to creation of a new recommendation (BT.2136). In SG4, I
contributed to creation of a new report (BO.2497) clarifying
relationships among satellite frequency sharing criteria(PFD and EPM criteria). In SG5, I contributed revisions torecommendations M.1824 -1 and F.1777-2, adding information on
Japanese standards for 4K and 8K FPUs.
I hope to continue contributing to maintaining and expanding
the broadcasting services built by my predecessors, in areas
including study of sharing between broadcasting and otherbusinesses and standardization work to advance broadcasting
further in the future.

Hidekazu Shimodaira

NTT DOCOMO, INC.
https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
Fields of activity: 3
 GPP/O-RAN

Contribution to standardization through development of commercial
equipment
I am very honored to receive this prestigious ITU Associationof Japan Encouragement Award. I would like to express sincere
gratitude to everyone at the ITU-AJ and others involved.
Since I first joined NTT DOCOMO, I have been involvedin study of commercial equipment specifications and technology
for interconnection interfaces in cross-vendor configurations.
Originally it was just commercial equipment specifications, but I
gained recognition for my knowledge of 3GPP standards and theclarity of technical elements in interconnection interfaces for crossvendor configurations, and have been doing standardization workwith 3GPP since October, 2018, and with the O-RAN Alliancesince October, 2020.
At 3GPP, I initially worked on standardization of functions
such as positioning in RAN1, but now I am working on overall

Hiroki Takeda

standardization of Radio Resource Management (RRM)
functions in RAN4. In O-RAN standardization, I worked on a
proposal for a standard function that will enable more flexible useof Fronthaul Multiplexer in 5G. In both of these standardization
activities, I worked to bring a perspective of commercial
equipment development to the standardization process. In
FY2022, study for 5G Advanced began, and I have been given
the role of joint-rapporteur (responsible for summarizing results ofdiscussion) for a Work Item studying extended functions for NonTerrestrial Networks (NTN). The rapporteur’s abilities can affectwhether study of a 3GPP specification can complete on schedulewith agreement from all parties, so I will continue to work hard toensure that our study completes as planned.

KDDI CORPORATION
https://www.kddi.com/english/
Fields of activity: 3
 GPP RAN Plenary and RAN2/3 standardization

3GPP RAN Plenary and RAN2/3 Standardization Activities
To begin with, I would like to say that I am sincerely thankful
on receiving an ITU-AJ Encouragement Award. I would also
like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all concerned for theirguidance and support in past activities.
I have been participating in 3GPP RAN standardization
activities for about nine years since 2013 and have submitted avariety of proposals at RAN Plenary meetings. These include
a work-item proposal on the standardization of LTE carrier
aggregation and a proposal for early standardization of a 5G NSA(Non-Stand Alone) system (technology for providing 5G using
the existing LTE network) toward the launch of commercial
services in 2020. Furthermore, in RAN2/3, I have submitted
contributions and have been involved in drafting standards for
LTE functional extensions for drones and for diverse technologies
such as RAN slicing by holding discussions with engineers fromvarious companies. I have also served as a joint Rapporter withrepresentatives of overseas operators and vendors for study items in
5G Technology Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) toward abase-station wireless backhaul.
It was not an infrequent occurrence at these standardization
discussions for my opinion to clash with those of others, but
despite these difficult situations, I came to learn the importanceof respecting the ideas of others and to steer discussions toward
a common objective. Additionally, given that LTE and 5G aretechnologies used widely by people around the world, I take great
pride in my involvement in drafting these technical standards.
Going forward, I would like to make an even greater effort
to contribute to the further development of the communicationsindustry by applying my expertise and experience to date.

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通巻百三十七号

定価一冊

一、六五〇円 （本体価格 一、五〇〇円、消費税 一五〇円） 年間購読料

The ITU Association of Japan六、六〇〇円 （本体価格 六、〇〇〇円、消費税 六〇〇円）