A self-organizing neural network model of spatio-temporal visual receptive fields is proposed. It consists of a one-layer linear learning network with multiple temporal input channels, and each temporal channel has different impulse response. Every weight of the learning network is modified according to a Hebb-type learning algorithm proposed by Sanger. It is shown by simulation studies that various types of spatio-temporal receptive fields are self-organized by the network with random noise inputs. Some of them have similar response characteristics to X- and Y-type cells found in mammalian retina. The properties of receptive fields obtained by the network are analyzed theoretically. It is shown that only circularly symmetric receptive fields change their spatio-temporal characteristics depending on the bias of inputs. In particular, when the inputs are non-zero mean, the temporal properties of center-surround type receptive fields become heterogeneous and alter depending on the positions in the receptive fields.

NICT has developed a test model of an optically controlled beam-forming network (OBF) for a future multiple-beam antenna. The OBF test model consists of an electro-optic converter unit, an OBF unit, and an optoelectronic converter unit. A Ka-band OBF test model was manufactured to demonstrate the OBF. Radiation patterns obtained from the measured OBF data confirmed agreement between the expected and calculated results. Communication tests of the bit error rate (BER) for the digital communication link were performed. The results confirmed the OBF had no serious degradation below 1 dB of Eb/N0 on BER performance at 110-8.

To provide a satellite communication system with high reliability for social infrastructure, building flexible beam adapting to change of communication traffic is necessary. Optical Beam Forming Network has the capability of broadband transmission and small light construction. However, in space environment, there are concerns that the reception efficiency is reduced by the relative phase error of receiving signal among antenna elements with temperature fluctuation. To prevent this, we control relative phase among received signals with optical phase locked loop. In this paper, we propose the active optical phased array system using multi dither heterodyning technique for receiving OBF, and present experimental results under temperature fluctuation. We evaluated the stability of relative phase among 3 elements for temperature fluctuation at multiplexer from -15 to 45, and checked the stability of PLL among 3 elements.

It is well known that satellite communications systems are effective and essential communication infrastructure for disaster relief. NICT sent researchers to Tsunami stricken area in March right after the Great East Japan Earthquake and provided broadband satellite communications link to support rescue activities. Through this experience, we learned many kinds of requirements of communications for such purposes. In this paper, we list up the requirements and report what kind of satellite communications technologies are needed, and research and development issues.

The degree of reception of BS signals is affected by various factors. After routinely recording it at two observation points at two locations, we found that momentary upward and downward level shifts occurred multiple times, mainly during daytime. These level shifts were observed at one location. No such signal was sensed at the other location. After producing an algorithm to extract such momemtary level shifts, their statistical properties were investigated. Careful analyses, including assessment of the signal polarity, amplitude, duration, hours, and comparison with actual flight schedules and route information implied that these level shifts are attributable to the interference of direct and reflected waves from aircraft flying at approximately tropopause altitude. This assumption is further validated through computer simulations of BS signal interference.