{{B}}New Developments for an Information-Oriented Society{{/B}}
The astounding technological progress that is being achieved recently with electronics as the centerpiece is providing our society with sophisticated means for information processing and distribution. Information channeling technology is undergoing rapid progress and has, in reality, become a decisive factor determining the very future of our society and economy. in our society, "information" is gaining relatively greater significance compared with material resources.
Backed by civilian factors such as diversification of philosophies of value and sophistication of needs and preferences in concert with the nation's rising living standard, Japanese society is presently undergoing changes in the extension of economic services and in the industrial structure. Meanwhile, newly coined words such as "information channeling, " "software-based operations" and "de-industrialization" have come into use to make these changes tangible, and whet can be said commonly in connection with these words in that.{{U}} (9) {{/U}}.
The trend toward and information-oriented society is becoming apparent even in industry, with personnel engaged in information channeling professions increasing at a fast pace recently in all sectors of industry. These trends in both society and industry have been made possible primarily through poplar acceptance of the computer, communications equipment and data processing equipment, but further reliance on sophisticated computerized systems can be seen not only in the sector of industry but also in our daily lives.{{U}} (10) {{/U}}.
Information channeling is undergoing remarkable progress an various sectors of society-in industrial activities, public services and, more recently, in daily living.
In the sector of industrial activities, automations is continuing with the aim of increasing productivity-introduction of computers for process control by the manufacturing industry, end introduction of NC machine tools, industrial robots, CAD/CAM systems and, more recently, FMS by the processing and assembling industries.
Meanwhile, in offices, rapid office automation is presently in progress, stimulated by the popular acceptance of computerized systems, expansion of communications networks and the remarkable technological progress achieved in related equipment such as Japanese word processors.{{U}} (11) {{/U}}Information channeling is being utilized actively in the field of public services. For example, large-capacity computers were introduced from an early stage for the control of railway trains and for extending seat reservation services, and more recently diagnostic systems utilizing computers have become commonplace in medical care to cope with the steady an aging society, research is in progress to develop technologies related to medical information systems with the aim of improving efficiency in medical services.{{U}} (12) {{/U}}.
In the sector of administration, efficiency of clerical work is being improved through the introduction of computers, and huge volumes of administrative data are more recently being stored in data base systems. "In the wore of these, computers have become indispensable for advancing large-scale R&D projects as in connection with space development and atomic power development, and also in the field of basic research in life sciences.{{U}} (13) {{/U}}.
To cope with civilian needs for more convenience in home living and in order to meet the needs raised by growing diversification of lifestyles, active research is presently in progress to develop and commercialize new media incorporating sophisticated data processing functions for use in addition to existing media involving the television, radio and telephone. In concert, research is being directed at developing technologies related to automation in the home.
Progress of Science and Technology Supporting Information Channeling
Electronic element technology, the foundation for progress of the computer as well as communications equipment, has undergone a steady transition form the vacuum tube, followed with the transistor and IC, to the current LSI. Progress has been so dramatic in integration rates that, today, super LSIs integrating more than 100. 00 elements on a single circuit are being developed one after another elements on a single circuit are being developed one after another.{{U}} (14) {{/U}}.
A The Current State of Information Channeling in Japan.
B In our society, "information" is gaining relatively greater significance compared with material re- sources.
C Rapid automation and efficiency improvement are also being achieved in the sector of commodity distribution through the introduction of advanced POS systems.
D Dally living is also a sector in which information channeling is taking firm root.
E This progress has led to remarkable improvements in system economy and reliability, leading to the successive development of microcomputers and elements designed for the widest range of applications.
F Introduction of Information Systems in Various Sectors Sectors of Society.
G This has resulted in computers today that feature performances that were unimaginable in the early days of the computer.
H Regarding education, computerized systems including the CAI system and CMI system are presently being put to trial operation.