Information Technology Research and Standardization Center, JSA
Last updated 2004/04/22
Last updated 2004/04/22
On July 1, 1985, the INformation technology research and STAndardization Center (INSTAC) was established within the Japanese Standards Association (JSA) based on a proposal from a special committee on information technology standards set up within the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee (JISC), to strengthen the structure for promoting information-technology standards.
The primary business of INSTAC is conducting research regarding the drafting of standards in the field of information technology and preparing draft standards based on the results of this research, as well as conducting business related to these activities.
The research now being conducted by INSTAC in the field of information technology basically complies with long-term plans for promoting industrial standardization formulated by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee. (The current version is the report of the Committee for Standardization Activities in the 21st Century, formulated on May 29, 2000.) Due to the rapid pace of technological progress in information technology, however, INSTAC drafts annual plans that properly reflect standardization needs and implements these plans.
For this reason, INSTAC established the Strategic Committee for IT Standardization beginning in 2000. This committee considers, from a strategic point of view, such matters as the means of determining and defining standardization topics in the IT field, and the means for promoting standardization activities. Moreover, this committee provides ongoing opportunities to select and determine topics that should be addressed over both short-term and mid-term horizons, and makes related proposals to the national government, industry, and other parties through INSTAC independently or in cooperation with other standardization groups or other parties.
For each research theme, operations proceed based on research periods of roughly three to four years.
The annual schedule is revised as required in consideration of changing needs for standards regarding the themes of research and changes in other topics such as peripheral circumstances.
A research committee (i.e., new committee, subcommittee, working group) is established for each theme, with research being advanced by incorporating the knowledge of specialists serving as committee members. Moreover, personnel sent from major companies in the IT industry are assigned as INSTAC lead researchers to serve as coordinators of the committee's activities.
The resources with which INSTAC conducts its business fall under the special budget for IT standardization research, which consists of government expenses, grants (from the Japan Keirin Association), funding by the industry, and funding by JSA, among others.
In the information processing sector (JIS X), INSTAC is fulfilling its functions as Japan's most prolific institution in terms of the number of draft standards established.
Increasing the ability of industry to formulate standards has been demanded during the course of reviewing the industrial standardization system and revising the Industrial Standardization Law. The role of INSTAC in formulating standards in the IT field reflects these requirements.
Various specialist technical committees have been established within INSTAC to promote its operations.
The INSTAC Policy Board has been set up to supervise major matters concerning INSTAC's operations and answer questions concerning such matters from the JSA Chairman.
Policy Board Chairman: Junji Maeyama, Corporate Executive Vice President, Fujitsu Limited
As a committee under the Policy Board in the INSTAC organizational structure, the Steering Committee has been set up to handle communications and to make arrangements. This committee consists of member companies and institutions, and its meetings are held before those of the Policy Board. It primarily supervises INSTAC business plans, budgeting, and other matters.
This committee is charged with clarifying the overall direction for INSTAC activities, ensuring harmony and cooperation between the activities of each committee, and implementing efficient operations.
Technical Committees are established for each type of theme in the IT field, while maintaining close cooperation with academic institutions, industry, and other parties. These committees conduct operations to promote standardization.
INSTAC, Japanese Standards Association
Floor 8, Akasaka 81Building, 2-13-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan
Tel. +81-3-3592-1408, fax +81-3-3592-1412
URL: http://www.jsa.or.jp/domestic/instac/index.htm
INSTAC will undertake the projects below in fiscal 2004, based on the trust fund from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, grants from the Japan Keirin Association, and funding provided by the industry, JSA, and others. A report on fiscal 2003 projects has also been included for reference purposes.
(A) Essential technologies in the IT field:
(1) Research concerning standardization of image-processing technology relating to multimedia content
(2) Research concerning standardization of information and documentation
(3) Research concerning standardization of JIS management and information-processing terminology
(4) Research concerning standardization of quality improvement of software products and productivity improvement
(5) Research concerning standardization of information security management and evaluation standards
(B) Research on standardization of tamper-proofing:
(6) Research on standardization of tamper-proofing
(C) International standardization of information accessibility:
(7) International standardization of information accessibility
(A) Project for assisting promotion of IT-related standardization, etc.:
(1) IT standardization strategy research
(2) Standardization research on future document integration systems
(3) Standardization research on business-object sharing technology
(4) Standardization research on grid computing
(5) Standardization research on XML application-related subjects
(6) Standardization research on citizen support by intelligent software
(7) Standardization research on creation of content distribution market
(8) Standardization research on e-books
(9) Standardization research on open-source software (OSS)
Details of these research projects are as follows:
(1) Research themes and contents:
- 1) Image-processing technology relating to multimedia content:
- The purposes of this research project are: to conduct activities to systematize, adjust, and ascertain standard image technology, technology for the exchange of high-definition image data; to establish Japan's standard image technology, technology for the exchange of high-definition image data, and other technologies; and to formulate international standards (IS) concerning standard image technology, technology for the exchange of high-definition image data, and other technologies. In order for Japan to catch up with the United States, which is at the forefront in the exchange of high-definition image data, and to develop quickly its own technical criteria, it is necessary not only to survey the details of image-processing technology in other countries, high-definition image technology, and technology for the exchange of high-definition image data, but also to focus on fundamental research and development in Japan. For these reasons, this research and development project will examine in detail the propriety of standard image technology and technology for the exchange of high-definition image data.
Moreover, to ensure that international standards reflect the standard image technology and technology for the exchange of high-definition image data established by this research and development project, it is vital to conduct tenacious coordination and consultation with the countries of Europe and North America. This research and development project needs to be based on Japan's strong will and determination on developing the technologies and reflecting them in international standards.
Matters for standardization:
- Standard color images
- Color spectra database
- Tagged image file format for exchange of digitally published image data (TIFF/IT)
- Amending JIX9205:1999 to reflect the amended ISO12639:2004 and IDT incorporating Japan's proposals
- Incorporating the dispersed reference (DR) compression method developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in subsequent amendments to ISO12639, as Annex X
- Database architecture model and control parameter coding for printing process control
- Standards for the exchange of high-definition image data using PDF and XML
- 2) Information and documentation
- Preparation of JIS drafts for international standards related to ISO/TC46
The Dublin Core Metadata Element Set (planned for bibliographic data on publications) must be established as a factor for the appropriate selection of information in response to the rapid expansion of online usage and corresponding flood of information. The related ISO standards will be incorporated into JIS standards. Moreover, the incorporation of identification codes used by libraries.- ISO 11620:1998/amd 1:2003, Additional performance indicators for libraries (JIS X 0812: amd 1)
- 3) JIS management and information-processing terminology
- Adjustments to JIS terminology and collection of new terminology
- The terminology of original JIS proposals will be assessed and adjusted from the standpoint of achieving conformity with JIS terminology.
A terminology database will be maintained. Publicly released JIS terminology will be collected and the terminology database updated.- Amendments to international standards will be reflected in JIS standards (preparation of proposed amendments).
- A JIS standard will be amended to reflect amendments to international standards (preparation of proposed amendments).
ISO/IEC 9075-142003 Information technology -- Database languages -- SQL -- Part 14: XML-Related Specifications (SQL/XML)
- 4) Information security management and evaluation standards
- Standards (e.g., JIS, TS) will be prepared to comply with the establishment and amendment of international standards from the following:
- Code of Practice for Information Security Management (17799)
- Management of ICT security: conceptual model (13335-1)
- Guide for the production of Protection Profiles (PP) and Security Targets (ST) (15446)
- System Security Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SSE-CMM)
5) Quality improvement of software products and productivity improvement
- a) Functional Size Measurement (FSM)
- We will respond to SC7/WG12, standardization for measuring the scope of software development. This is a standard method serving as a foundation for preparing software cost estimates. It is necessary to improve the precision of said estimates. We are serving as Project Editor.
- Incorporating ISO/IEC 20926 (Unadjusted Functional Size Measurement Method -- Counting Practices Manual) into JIS
(continuation): JIS X 0135, Software Measurement: Functional Size Measurement Guide- Incorporating ISO/IEC 19761 (Software Engineering -- COSMIC-FFP -- A Functional Size Measurement Method) into JIS
A functional size measurement method used in business management for banking, insurance, accounting, and other businesses, and in real-time software. Also used in embedded software.- Incorporating ISO/IEC 20968 (Software Engineering -- Mk II Function Point Analysis -- Counting Practices Manual) into JIS
Guidelines for process software quantitative analysis and measurement methods.
- b) System Life Cycle Processes (SLCP)
- SLCP is defined as the standardization of system and software development models, through a common language for mutual understanding between vendors and their customers. This is necessary for international contracting.
- Incorporating ISO/IEC TR 19760 (A Guide for the Application of System Life Cycle Processes) into TR
These are the guidelines for methods of using system life-cycle processes (JIS X 0170)
- c) Software Process Assessment (SPA)
- SPA is a standard concerning methods for assessing process levels in connection with quality, reliability, productivity, and other topics involved in software development. It is in accordance with SC7/WG10. We are serving as Project Editor. There is a pressing need for the systematization of assessment in line with standardization and standards that could become the certification of international levels for software development firms.
- Incorporating ISO/IEC 15504-2 (Information technology -- Process Assessment -- Part 2: Performing an Assessment) into JIS
- Incorporating ISO/IEC 15504-3 (Information Technology -- Process Assessment -- Part 3: Guidance on Performing an Assessment) into JIS
- Incorporating ISO/IEC 15504-4 (Information Technology -- Process Assessment -- Part 4: Guidance on Use for Process Improvement and Process Capability Determination) into JIS
- d) Online Documentation (OLD) (continuation)
- We will prepare an international standard concerning online documentation preparation processes to enable the content of help information displayed to change dynamically according to the user's technical level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). In fiscal 2003, we plan to make an NWI proposal from SC7/WG2 and will develop an international standard in cooperation with the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and other countries interested in the standardization of online documentation. We are serving as Project Editor.
- e) Software product quality (SPE)
- We are developing standards concerning methods of measuring software product quality. This will incorporate SC7/WG6. This is a topic of the highest importance under current circumstances whereby there has been frequent occurrences of system damage resulting from software quality problems.
A proposal will be made to international SC7 based on the quality assessment methods of domestic firms. This is a standardization project led by Japan, which serves the roles of Convenor, Secretary, Overall Project Editor, and Project Editor.
- ISO/IEC 9126-2, Software Engineering -- Product Quality -- Part 2: External Metrics
- ISO/IEC 9126-3, Software Engineering -- Product Quality -- Part 3: Internal Metrics
- ISO/IEC 9126-4, Software Engineering -- Product Quality -- Part 4: Quality In Use Metrics
(2) International standardization activities
- 1) Image-processing technology relating to multimedia content
- Since there is currently no venue for specialized discussion of international
standards for standard image technology, technology for the exchange of high-definition image data, and related technologies, we are encouraging countries (such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) that already have standards for these technologies, and standardization organizations to create such a venue for specialized discussion of related international standards, as well as presenting Japan's proposals to the ISO/TC130/WG2.
- Cooperating with the office of TC130/WG2 in Japan in responding to the conference to be held in St. Gallen (Switzerland) at the end of April 2004, and the conference to be held in Vienna at the end of September 2004.
- Reflecting Japan's requests in ISO/WD12640-3 (CIELAB/SCID standard images)
- Reflecting Japan's requests in ISO/NWI12642-200x (color targets)
- Making an NWI proposal for incorporating the DR compression method developed in Japan in ISO/WD12639:20xx (TIFF/IT), as Annex X
- Reflecting Japan's requests in ISO/NP15076 (ICC profiles)
- Seeking to advance ISO/DTR16044 (AMPAC), proposed by Japan, to the voting stage
- Reflecting Japan's requests in ISO/CD16612 (PPML/VDX)
- Reflecting Japan's requests in ISO/NWI17972 (Color data exchange format: CxF)
2) Information and documentation
- Collecting Japan's opinions on the ISO/TC46 project for presentation to the ISO office (for voting)
- Conducting operations of the ISO/TC46 meeting in Japan
- Dispatching members to the ISO/TC46 plenary meeting
- Voting on ISO/TC46 proposals
- 3) Quality improvement of software products and productivity improvement
- a) Software product quality (SPE)
- The proposal for international standards for software product quality has been made based on the quality assessment methods of Japanese firms. This is a proposal from Japan, with Japan serving in the roles of Convenor, Secretary, Overall Project Editor, and Project Editor. We are continuing these standardization activities by proposing quality evaluation and measurement methods for software products including new technologies, based on Japan's leadership, and collecting domestic opinions on the matter.
- b) Software Process Assessment (SPA)
- We are dispatching several Project Editors for the process assessment standard projects and promoting international standardization of process assessment that sufficiently reflects Japan's opinions, based on the actual results of experimentation. Although these standards are directly linked to certification schemes, we are expressing our opposition to the systemization of such certification. We recognize the need for certifying assessors. Prompt systemization in this area is required so that Japan does not fall behind other countries.
- c) Online Documentation (OLD)
- Since Japan's consideration concerning online documentation began before that of other countries, Japan is taking the lead, and we are developing international standards in cooperation with the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, and other countries interested in the standardization of online documentation. The goal is to improve software procurement, enable high levels of software quality, increase productivity, and increase international competitive capabilities through the standardization and proliferation of software technologies.
(3) Achievement in fiscal 2003
1) Preparation of reports on results of each study
2) Preparation of JIS and TR drafts
- a) Image-processing technology relating to multimedia content
- JIS X 9204:xxxx, High-definition color digital standard images (XYZ/SCID) (revision)
TR X 0012:xxxx, Standard object color spectra database for color reproduction evaluation (SOCS) (revision)
- b) Information and documentation
- JIS X 0000:xxxx, Dublin Core Metadata Element Set
JIS X 0000:xxxx, Document and record management, Part 1: Outline
- c) JIS management and information-processing terminology
- JIS X 3006-1:xxxx, Database languages - SQL - multimedia and application package - Part 1: Framework
JIS X 3006-6:xxxx, Database languages - SQL - multimedia and application package - Part 6: Data Mining
- d) Information security management and evaluation standards
- JIS X 0000:xxxx, Security techniques - time-stamp service - Part 1: Framework
- e) Quality improvement of software products and productivity improvement
- JIS X 0135-2:xxxx, Software measurement - functional size measurement - Part 2:Conformity Evaluation of Software Size Measurement Methods to JIS X 0135-1999
JIS X 0138-1:xxxx, CASE data interchange format - CDIF Transfer Format - Part 1:General Rules for Syntax and Encoding
JIS X 0138-2:xxxx, CASE data conversion format - CDIF transmission format - Part 2: SYNTAX.1
JIS X 0138-3:xxxx, CASE data conversion format - CDIF transmission format - Part 3: ENCODING.1
JIS X 0141:xxxx, Software measurement processes
JIS X 0170:xxxx, System life-cycle processes
JIS X 0160:xxxx, Software measurement processes (Annex 1) (revision)
- f) Responses to JTC1/SC2 (Coded Character Sets)
- JIS X 0213:xxxx, Seven-bit and eight-bit double-byte coded extended kanji sets for information interchange (Amendment 1)
(1) Research objectives and contents
These research and development activities are intended to focus on the means of attack, tamper-proofing technology, and the requirements for tamper-proofing; to systematize the means of attack and establish a perspective on Japan's own tamper-proofing requirements; to formulate measures with regard to said tamper-proofing requirements; and to reflect these in international standards.
- 1) Systematizing of the means of attack and formulating counter technology
- These research and development activities include proceeding with the surveying, analysis, and examination of research papers and announcements by academic institutions in countries in Europe and North America that have taken the lead in this area, ascertaining the tamper-proofing technology and means of attack anticipated in formulating such requirements in countries in Europe and North America, then proceeding with developing Japan's own systematization of the means of attack and examination of such, as well as focusing efforts on Japan's own tamper-proofing requirements and conducting research and development regarding proposals for systemization of said means of attack and counter technology.
- 2) Formulating tamper-proofing requirements
- In Europe and North America, several standardization and research organizations are proceeding with the international standardization of encoding modules (including tamper-proofing). These organizations possess a large volume of unreleased know-how.
Through discussions with these standardization and research organizations, we intend to formulate Japan's own tamper-proofing requirements by surveying, analyzing, and examining such requirements, while successively ascertaining the creativity and effectiveness of Japan's own technologies and systemization of the means of attack.
- 3) Items to be standardized
- In addition to preparing to draft international standards concerning systematization of the means of attack and tamper-proofing requirements created as a result of these research and development activities, it is vital to conduct tenacious negotiations and consultation with the standardization organizations of all ISO/IEC JTC1/SC27 member countries to reflect these in international standards. For this reason, we will proceed with an energetic and tenacious exchange of opinions with the standardization organizations of the principal countries.
During this fiscal year, we will deepen cooperation with each country based on the results of fiscal 2003 activities.
- Japan's own tamper-proofing requirements
- Systematization of the means of attack on encoding modules
- 4) Analysis and investigation on points of the means of attack and requirements (secondary)
- To analyze and investigate the means of attack anticipated from the standpoint of requirements, we will conduct software-level verification and confirm the validity of the results of these research and development activities.
During this fiscal year, we will conduct verification experiments on 32-bit technology and research Japan's own attacks.
(2) International standardization activities
In order to prepare to draft international standards concerning systematization of the means of attack and tamper-proofing requirements created as a result of these research and development activities, and ensure these are reflected in international standards, it is vital to conduct tenacious negotiations and consultation with the standardization organizations of all ISO/IEC JTC1/SC27 member countries to reflect these in international standards. For this reason, we will proceed with an energetic and tenacious exchange of opinions with the standardization organizations of the principal countries. During this fiscal year, we will deepen cooperation with each country based on the results of activities in the previous fiscal year.
(3) Results
1) Preparation of reports on study results
2) Summary of reports
- a) Trend surveys
- We visited the standardization organizations below and related parties to introduce the activities of INSTAC committees and gather information on each country's tamper-proofing evaluation standards for encoding modules and activities based on said standards.
- United States: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Canada: Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
- Germany: Bundesamt fuer Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI)
- France: JTC1 SC27/WG3 WD19790 co-editor
- b) Formulation of draft elements and framework
- Through efforts including literature surveys and surveying, analyzing, and investigating (primary) the encoding module security standard FIPS140-2 of the United States, we formulated the draft elements and framework for systematization of the means of attack and counter technologies, a framework for tamper-proofing requirements, and a framework for drafting international standards, among other activities.
- c) International standardization activities
- We exchanged information by holding a seminar given by personnel from CygnaCom -- one of the encoding module test labs for the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) underway in the United States and Canada -- and by holding international conferences with members of the tamper-proofing technical committee.
- d) Analysis and investigation of means of attack and requirements (primary)
- We developed a microprocessor board with specifications that can be released and verified by third parties as a platform for standardization of the evaluation of side-channel attacks, a technique that often uses electric power related information. During this fiscal year, we conducted experimental research on how attacks can or cannot be actually conducted when employing or not employing countermeasures against side-channel attacks, using an eight-bit microprocessor. This enabled us to confirm that the platform meets usage requirements as a standardization platform, enabling preparations to be made for future proposals.
(1) International standardization activities
We proposed international standards concerning JIS X 8341-1:2004 (guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities -- information communication equipment, software, and services - Part 1: Common Guidelines) and JIS X 8341-3:2004 (guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities -- information communication equipment, software, and services - Part 3: Web Content), accepted the role of Project Editor, and proceeded with activities toward international standardization.
(2) Achievement in fiscal 2003
- 1) Preparation of reports on study results
- 2) Preparation of JIS drafts
- JIS X 8341-1:2004, Guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities -- information communication equipment, software, and services - Part 1: Common Guidelines
- JIS X 8341-3:2004, Guidelines for older persons and persons with disabilities -- information communication equipment, software, and services - Part 3: Web Content
(1) Research themes and contents
We will take up varied themes in the area of information technology with high-potential social benefits. These themes include IT standardization strategic research, future document-integration systems, business-object sharing technology, and grid computing. We will also establish a research committee while maintaining close liaison with academic societies, industry, and other related parties, create JIS drafts, and engage in such standardization activities as supporting the proposal of international standards and making great contributions to promoting the standardization of information technology.
Details of implementation of each research theme are as follows:
- 1) IT standardization strategy research
- Compared to Europe and North America, Japan's contributions to the standardization of information processing have not been as great as the scale of products it produces. Moreover, Japan has rarely taken the initiative in such measures as proposing new standards. Under such circumstances, these research activities must consider measures to vitalize standardization activities in the IT sector, select proactive themes for standardization, and evaluate the research activities of each subcommittee, among other activities.
- 2) Standardization research on future document integration systems
- Although information exchange on the web has rapidly spread, the exchange of not only documents, but also of moving images, still images, music, and multidimensional, multilingual interactive documents will hopefully be achieved. To prepare an environment in which any user can efficiently generate, distribute, manage, and reuse information, these research activities must consider creating a model for a document integration system for multidimensional, multilingual interactive documents, selecting related standardization issues and preparing regulations, and researching general business models and metamodels, among other topics.
In fiscal 2004, we will conduct research (especially from the standpoint of responding to a multilingual environment) on ontological markup languages and metasearch protocols for object classification that are required for metasearches of objects dispersed and covering wide-ranging fields. We will make proposals to related international standardization organizations concerning said research and prepare JIS or TR drafts.
- 3) Standardization research on business-object sharing technology
- The research includes a study on information elements (i.e., data elements that can be shared and comprise reports and business forms used in doing business, such as customer names and inventories) that form the basis of system coordination among such businesses as online electronic commerce, and on standardization trends of business-process models by domain (e.g., areas of business such as sales, manufacturing, and medical care). By taking into account the standards set by ISO or various leading overseas organizations (such as UN/CEFACT and the OMG) and their technical information, JIS and TR required for the advancement of the machinery and other industries and the widespread use of information technology to make production activities more efficient will be drafted.
Since fiscal 2003, this committee has conducted practical experimentation on a practical repository based on ebXML specifications, in close cooperation with the ECOM NR&R project. In fiscal 2004, the committee will conduct research on requirements for formulating JIS standards and related detailed technical requirements, based on the results of this research.
Moreover, we will proceed with practical experimentation on linking the repositories of Japan, China, and South Korea, and related standardization requirements, based on the Framework for Metamodel Interoperability for which ISO standardization is proceeding, through cooperation with SC32 members in South Korea and China.
- 4) Standardization research on grid computing
- Grid computing is a broad-based technology used not only for linking CPU power, but also for integrally connecting differing computer resources like data and software.
This scientific field is now being studied in Japan and overseas, with standardization activities already underway. This movement is now gradually extending to the area of business. Thus, research will seek to ascertain such movement with coordination and support, while studying standardization for the compatibility of heterogeneous equipment and promoting the release of such information worldwide.
The research in fiscal 2004 will continue that from fiscal 2003, and concentrate on selecting the elements of standardization (such as cluster management middleware and data management) in heterogeneous networks, security, interfaces, and Japanese-language environments, as well as on operating technology (such as operation management and monitoring-tool technology). We will make recommendations and prepare guidelines for grid computing operation.
- 5) Standardization research on XML application-related subjects
- The W3C has developed the network-friendly data markup language XML, and Technical Reports (TR) for the language and related standards are being issued in Japan as well. Apart from electronic commerce and electronic government applications, the scope of XML application ranges from home electric appliances to development of system for managing text documents and data. To make effective use of XML in these diverse areas of application, various private, governmental, and UN organizations have been pushing ahead with its standardization. For this reason, the standardization research will focus on selecting standardization issues in Japan in the corresponding areas.
In fiscal 2004, we will prepare JIS/TS drafts for XML-related standards, such as incorporating XBRL into JIS. These efforts will support the IT industry by promoting the proliferation of XML.
- 6) Standardization research on citizen support by intelligent software
- Due to a low birthrate, aging population, dwindling family time due to divergent work and school hours, and globalized shift in population, the mode of interpersonal communication is undergoing drastic changes. For this reason, citizens are looking for a framework (citizen support system) that provides them with a variety of services for obtaining information on daily life, responding to emergency situations, exchanging information among family members, and making applications to public offices, and yet can save labor in providing these services.
Home electronics products with intelligent functions are expected to become key elements for citizen support. To proceed with such support, the proliferation of related technology is necessary. However, since a high level of technology related to intelligent functions is needed to produce such products, vendors that can supply said products are limited.
These research efforts will create guidelines for using technology comprising intelligent functions, thus making intelligent software easy to understand and use.
In fiscal 2004, we will examine the structures for providing services via intelligent software from the user's standpoint, based on the results of research conducted in fiscal 2003. We will also prepare business models for citizen support.
- 7) Standardization research on creation of content distribution market
- Although the distribution of content on the Internet is expected to form a huge market, startup has been sluggish (contrary to expectations). The main reason for this slow startup is that the compatibility of different content protection and distribution specifications is not guaranteed.
To build a consensus on the specifications to be recommended, we will review existing content protection and distribution specifications, and seek to resolve this issue by making receiving equipment compatible with multiple content protection and distribution specifications.
In fiscal 2004, we will investigate Digital Rights Management (DRM) requirements with respect to users (content holders and end users), based on the results of the research conducted in fiscal 2003, and create business models for forming a superdistribution market. We will prepare reports collecting the content of such deliberations and make efforts to advance standardization based on the results of said research.
- 8) Standardization research on e-books
- Digital publishing refers not only to digital editing, production, and storage, but also to promoting the production of digital content by making remarkable advances in superior portable terminals and display devices. To promote the exchange of human-readable documents by effectively utilizing such technologies, the environment for encoding and exchanging document display data must be upgraded. In particular, to overcome the current situation in which international compatibility has not been achieved, we will create e-book system standards that achieve international compatibility.
In fiscal 2004, we will research and consider trends in new media and mobile terminals, e-book formats, and interfaces, trends in international standardization, and determine subjects for standardization and standardization systems, among other topics. We will also prepare business models for promoting standardization based on the results of this research.
- 9) Standardization research on Open-Source Software (OSS)
- The use of Open-Source Software (OSS) is spreading rapidly overseas as a means of improving security and reducing development and maintenance costs.
OSS is used not only in the software industry, but also in the field of embedded software. However, its market share in Japan is small, with the development environment now being created. This is because various uncertainties regarding OSS (concerning quality and support), developer uncertainties regarding business viability, licensing issues, and other issues have yet to be resolved.
To resolve these uncertainties, in fiscal 2004 we will pinpoint and interpret such issues, as well as survey the status of OSS acceptance overseas and consider measures for achieving the spread of OSS in Japan. We will also prepare business models for promoting standardization based on the results of this research.
(2) Achievement in fiscal 2003
1) Preparation of reports on study results
2) Preparation of JIS and TR drafts
- a) Standardization research on online publishing technology (completed this fiscal year)
- JIS X 4051:xxxx, Line Composition Rules for Japanese Documents (revision)
TR X 0010:xxxx, DSSSL library for Japanese Compositions (Annex 1) (revision)
- b) IT standardization strategy research
- We prepared a survey report on the status of de jure and de facto standardization in the IT field, considered topics for standardization in the next fiscal year and measures for vitalizing standardization activities, and conducted other activities.
- c) Standardization research on future document integration systems
- TR X 00xx:xxxx, z39.50 adapted to XML
- We considered adopting Z39.50 (JIS X 0806) for XML and the Japanese language, surveyed trends in standardization related to technologies for document-sharing and reuse, and collected related results in a report.
- d) Standardization research on business-object sharing technology
- JIS X 4181-3:xxxx, Metadata registries (MDR) - Part 3: Registry Metamodel and Basic Attributes
TR X 00xx:xxxx, Metadata definition guidelines
- e) Standardization research on grid computing
- We intend to ascertain the fields of applicability for grid computing, the status of domestic and international development, and other topics, and to determine such matters concerning essential technologies as how to systematically link various resources to enable the effective use of grid computing in business and new industries. Moreover, we have considered proposing grid-computing system operation and preparing guidelines.
In fiscal 2003, we surveyed examples of grid computing use, trends in grid computing technology and standardization at the Global Grid Forum (GGF), the world's only grid computing technology standardization organization, and at other academic institutions, prepared a list of grid computing-related terminology, and conducted other activities.
- f) Standardization research on XML application-related subjects
- To survey trends in XML-related groups, we surveyed the XML Consortium, OASIS, HR (Human Resource)-XML Japan, and others. Moreover, to survey the application of XML technology, we surveyed XML standards used in the manufacturing industry, the status of XML application overseas, and other topics, and collected proposals on related standardization.
- g) Standardization research on biometrics (completed this fiscal year)
- TR X 0098:2003,"Evaluation Method for Accuracy of Voice Authentication Systems"
TR X 0099:2003,"Evaluation Method for Accuracy of Signature Authentication Systems"
TR X 0100:2003:"Guidelines to Derive Operational Requirements for Biometric Authentication Systems"
TR X XXXX: xxxx Methodology of Evaluating Fingerprint Scanner Quality
- By considering the rapid progress of standardization activities, we presented to the ISO/IEC JTC1/SC37 committee in Japan the technical reports that we prepared, as the results of Japan's standardization activities.
- h) Standardization research on citizen support by intelligent software
- Through a survey of models for citizen support by intelligent software and relate technologies, we prepared examples of scenarios for citizen support and surveyed the current status of related technologies. As related technologies, we discussed the current circumstances and topics over the next three to five years for fields subject to the application of intelligent software, the current status of essential technologies, topics concerning application of the Foundation of Intelligent Physical Agent (FIPA) model, and efforts made in Japan. We prepared a report collecting the results of these discussions.
- i) Standardization research on creation of content distribution market
- In this fiscal year, we surveyed existing and future content protection technologies and trends in standardization, considered requirements and concepts for forming a content distribution market, and prepared a report. Topics under consideration included technologies and specifications related to the formation of a content distribution market, characteristics of and trends in content distribution formats (packaged media, broadcasting, networks), digital transparency, laws concerning the protection of personal information and concepts concerning such security measures. Moreover, regarding the requirements and concepts for ensuring that new content-distribution fundamentals will be accepted in the market, we surveyed and considered content distribution business models, trends in the broadcasting industry, application to the healthcare industry, recognition of rights holders in music distribution, and other topics. We collected the requirements and concepts of content distribution fundamentals determined as a result of these efforts in a report.
(1) Strategic Committee for IT Standardization
To determine the fundamental policies for INSTAC standardization activities, we will establish a central committee and road-map working group, prepare standards and other materials for practical progress in standardization activities, consider appropriate future directions for IT standardization, and determine themes that require research.
(2) Continued improvement of the Road Map
We will establish a road-map working group under the Strategic Committee for IT Standardization continues the activities of the previous fiscal year in implementing maintenance for the road map for IT standardization, and is now preparing a revised version.
(3) Sponsored course
Pursuant to a recommendation made in The Standardization Road Map of the IT Area, this course was established at Waseda University Graduate School (Asia-Pacific Studies) in fiscal 2000. The special course (sponsored course), which is intended to foster human resources required for future standardization in the field of information technology, will be maintained this fiscal year. (Dates: five days from February 9 through February 14, 2004).