one will be able to use large-capacity applications is anticipated for the future. In order to clarify a future image for such ubiquitous network technology, and to study its social and economic impact, as well as R&D themes that should be undertaken, and the necessary promotion measures for the realization of such a society, the MPHPT since November 2001 has held an investigative study group on the outlook for ubiquitous network technologies, and expects to put together the outcome of said study in June 2002. Going forward, based on the outcome of this investigative study, the ministry plans to promote R&D on technologies that will be necessary for the realization of a ubiquitous network society.

## Development of the Groundwork for Network Security Technologies

At present a wide range of problems are occurring such as the invasion of computers by hackers and computer viruses, resulting in a heightened need for measures related to information security. In order to promote R&D on basic technologies related to information security, the MPHPT has since fiscal 2001 engaged in R&D on basic technologies for network security focusing on four areas, namely: 1) network security technology; 2) access security technology; 3) distributed information (contents) security technology; and 4) common security element technology, and evaluation and inspection for such.

## R&D on Stratospheric Platforms

Stratosphere platforms enable the usage of ultra-high-speed and multimedia mobile communications anywhere in Japan with the help of automatically operated airships equipped with communications devices suspended in the stratosphere at an altitude of approx. 20 km from the ground in relatively favorable weather. As a consequence, it has garnered a lot of attention as the new communications infrastructure and use of it in the near future is anticipated. The MPHPT and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology have jointly conducted R&D since fiscal 1998 in alliance with academic, business and governmental circles, with the goal of a rapid realization of such stratospheric platforms. To be more specific, the MPHPT has been responsible for R&D on a communications and broadcasting mission and tracking control system technology under the direct authority of the TAO.

## R&D for the Realization of a Maritime Transportation System (Maritime ITS)

In order to further improve navigational safety, alleviate maritime traffic congestion, and reduce maritime transportation costs, a need has arisen for R&D related to the implementation of an advanced maritime information and communications system which would utilize information and communications technologies. In response to this need, since fiscal 2001 the MPHPT has engaged in R&D on the digitalization of maritime communications, with the goal of designing an advanced maritime transportation system in cooperation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

## Advances in Space Communications

Space communication has many favorable features such as the capability of providing consistent service throughout the nation, simultaneous broadcasting capability, and being disaster-proof in nature, and as a result it has been widely used in areas such as communications, broadcasting, and astrometrics, contributing to the improvement of people's lives. In order to clarify the role of space communications in the information and communications infrastructure which is expected to be rapidly developed and advanced in the future, and to study technological issues and the approaches that will be necessary for the realization of space communication, since May 2001 the MPHPT has held a study group on the role of space communication towards the formation of an advanced information and communications network society, for which a report was prepared in February 2002.

## R&D on Information and Communications Technologies for the Design of GIS

In fiscal 1999 the MPT (now the MPHPT) commenced R&D on information and communications technologies needed for the design of a three dimensional GIS as a four-year program ending in fiscal 2002. It is expected that the use of the three dimensional GIS will prove effective, due to its realistic visual expressions, for the creation of view simulations in urban planning, marketing evaluations in the course of business activity, and the design of disaster prevention information systems.