We at NTT are involved in this because of possible by- products of various kinds likely to be generated by optical computer technology. In the optical computer field, it was a theoretical study from which items of hardware were produced, one by one, and developed into consumer products by the optical information processing industry. CD's and laser printers are examples of such products. POS bar-code readers also are programmed. The technical base of optical computing is becoming rather extensive with its various technologies now becoming more solid and more skillfully utilized.
Liquid crystals are another example.
We are beginning to see the conversion of products aimed at use of optical computer technology. This fact, of itself, is of tremendous importance. By the end of the year 2000, it may be affecting our civic rights, as well. We should take sufficient time in people will believe me. We should take sufficient time in building a really solid foundation.