2011

In 2011, a year in which big data received much attention, NEC developed communication control technology designed to reduce the burdens placed on communication networks by the widespread adoption of smartphones. Furthermore, following the return to Earth of the Hayabusa asteroid probe in 2010, a great deal of attention was focused on NEC's space business. The top 10 articles, in terms of page views from January to August 2018, are introduced below.

Approaches to the “NEC Automotive Cloud Computing”

With the worldwide expansion of the production and sale of automobiles, the telematics and related markets are expected to grow at a similar pace and the creation of various services and added values for automobiles is expected on the networking platform. In this market, NEC is promoting the “NEC Automotive Cloud Computing” project, which will be a platform for providing automobile users, automobile manufacturers and related businesses with various services by utilizing NEC’s proprietary technologies in cloud computing, networking and open platforms. This paper introduces the activities underway for this purpose.

Trends in Digital Signage Solutions

The use of digital signage has been increasing recently. This paper describes the general architecture of digital signage and the functions required for the distribution server and signage terminals respectively. It also reports on the technological issues of digital signage and the trends that accompany its standardization, and introduces the types of digital signage solutions targeted by the NEC Corporation.

Development of a Video Wall Display System Using Ultrathin-Bezel LCD Panels

Public display systems are being expanded with the introduction of large video wall displays. NEC Display Solutions has developed a video wall display system featuring a multi-screen display using ultra-thin bezel LCD panels. This paper introduces the salient features of this system.

Guidance Control Computer for Launch Vehicle

The H-ⅡA/H-ⅡB are the main launch vehicles domestically developed in Japan. With 14 consecutive successful launches among a total of 20 attempts, they have now acquired international reliance and are improving their competitiveness. NEC is involved in this project with the guidance control computer (GCC). As part of development for dealing with component depletion, NEC is developing a new GCC featuring high speed, high performance, compact size and light weight by adopting a new MPU. This paper introduces the circumstances of the development of past computers for launch vehicle together with the features, functions and performance of the new GCC and the efforts NEC will make with regard to computer systems for launch vehicle in the future.

Development of an Environmentally Conscious LCD Projector

As the reduction of the environmental loads of IT equipment is recently becoming an important topic, NEC Display Solutions has developed the NP-M series of standard projectors that incorporate improved environmental performance for enterprises and educational institutions. This paper introduces the environmentally friendly technologies featuring reduced environmental loads that are employed in the NP-M Series of projectors.

Small SAR Satellite Technology Promotes Dissemination of a Comprehensive Space Utilization System

The needs of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has recently been increasing. This is because it is an image sensor capable of observing the Earth’s surface regardless of weather or time of the day. Aiming at providing high performance Earth observation services, with the low price and the short delivery term, NEC is developing a small SAR satellite of the 500-kg class by utilizing the SAR system technology, spacecraft design technology and small-sized satellite standardization technology that have been accumulated up to the present. This paper introduces an outline of the small SAR satellite system, the techniques used in its development and the projected global deployment of an Earth observation data service.

Development of the Earth Observation Satellite “DAICHI” (ALOS)

The Advanced land Observation Satellite “DAICHI”(ALOS) is one of the world’s largest class earth observation satellite launched on January 24, 2006. The primary mission of “DAICHI” is obtaining enormous volume of image data for global topographic mapping and emergency disaster monitoring of the disaster-struck area. It has three remote sensing instruments (PRISM, AVNIR-2 and PALSAR) for the precise ground surface observation.This paper describes practical applications of the images obtained via the three remote sensing instruments over the five year period subsequent to the launch and the ways that the obtained data may contribute to the social infrastructures affecting the lives of the people both inside and outside Japan.

Satellite Transponder Equipment in Active Worldwide Use

Among the space businesses of NEC, the business related to communications/broadcasting satellite transponder equipment has achieved a large number of sales, even to the severe overseas satellite market, and its excellent technology and reliability are highly evaluated by worldwide satellite manufacturers. NEC is attempting to expand this business field by developing new devices and standardizing equipment while putting emphasis on areas with high added value. This paper is intended to introduce the present status of transponder equipment as well as perspectives for its future.

Development of the ASNARO, an Advanced Space System

The ASNARO is a small earth observation and imaging satellite under development by NEC as a consignment contract together with: the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Institute for Unmanned Space Experiment Free Flyer (USEF) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). It is not simply an engineering test satellite but aims at supplying subsequent models for the needs of future overseas markets. It is supported by some of our latest technologies in introducing standardization and miniaturization and it is being developed accordingly as a small, high-performance, low-priced satellite featuring high market competitiveness.

Fundamental Space-Supporting Technologies and Their Development Process

NEC’s space technologies are supported by a broad range of fundamental technologies. Production innovation activities have brought space technology from a field of work dependent on the skills and techniques of expert workers to the forefront of production innovation. Space technology is inextricably linked to material development. NEC developed the most advanced reaction-sintered SiC optical mirror material, which makes it possible to manufacture a mirror with light weight and high strength. Meanwhile, spacecraft on-board software technology is being developed to meet the trends of diversification and increased precision of mission requirements. Image processing for more advanced utilization of remote sensing data is a technology that responds directly to the needs of data users. This paper introduces the above fundamental technologies supporting NEC’s space technologies and their development process.