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December 25, 2024.
NEC Corporation.
NEC will provide the DID/VC solution "NEC Digital Identity VCs Connect" that ensures reliable identity verification by utilizing a combination of decentralized ID technology (hereinafter DID, note 1) and biometric authentication technology for the signature pavilion "null2" (Nul Nuru) produced by media artist Yoichi Ochiai at the Japan International Expo (Osaka-Kansai Expo) to be held in 2025.
Exterior image of the signature pavilion "null2".
Background
In recent years, with the rapid penetration of DX, it is expected that by digitizing various information related to individuals, not only IDs and attributes but also qualifications, backgrounds, appearances, voices, and health conditions, it will be possible to enjoy the benefits of digital technology more fully. Furthermore, in the future, it is anticipated that individuals will have a digital counterpart known as a "digital human" beyond their physical body, which is considered to occupy an important position as a foundation in an increasingly developed digital society.
VC is a technology developed to digitize various information such as personal information and qualification data and to ensure its reliability. Traditional paper-based certificates have a high risk of forgery and loss, making information management difficult; however, VC utilizes DID, allowing for online verification as a digital certificate, thereby improving the transparency and reliability of personal information. This enables individuals to manage their own information autonomously, reducing third-party intervention and contributing to the realization of a society where digital services can be utilized safely.
About "Digital Human" in the Signature Pavilion "null2".
"null2" is a pavilion themed around mirrors, aimed at reflecting the digital humans of visitors as a digital mirror. Producer Yoichi Ochiai believes that a world where humanity possesses its own digital human will arrive in the near future. These digital humans are capable of autonomous activities utilizing AI and network infrastructure. At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, "null2" will enable visitors to create digital humans using generative AI and 3D scanning technology, allowing for a real experience of digital nature.
Overview of the provided technology.
NEC will provide the DID/VC solution "NEC Digital Identity VCs Connect" utilizing biometric authentication technology in "null2". This supports the realization of a self-operating digital human aimed at by producer Yoichi Ochiai. The technology combines API and web applications to issue VCs by verifying the authenticity of visitors' facial images online. By using Facial Recognition technology, it constructs digital humans that can respond to social activities and provides a secure foundation for their use. This technology allows visitors to manage their digital information with self-sovereignty.
Regarding this technical sponsorship, we have received the following comments from producer Yoichi Ochiai.
Heartfelt thanks to NEC for their cooperation. Facial Recognition technology is one of the key elements supporting authentication in the digital society. At the "null2" pavilion, the digital human experience of visitors will improve through Facial Recognition, and NEC's advanced biometric authentication technology will contribute to building the infrastructure for future society. Together with everyone, we will continue new challenges toward the Osaka-Kansai Expo. Let's do our best to demonstrate Japan's technological prowess to the world.
Features of the provided technology
1. VC utilizing Facial Recognition Technology
NEC uses Facial Recognition Technology to achieve high reliability and Security in the digital world. In "null2", visitors' digital IDs are securely managed and stored in an immutable form in the smart device's Wallet. This helps prevent fraud such as impersonation and supports the enhancement of the pavilion experience.
2. Provide an experience of data utilization for self-sovereign identity.
By utilizing NEC's DID/VC solution, visitors can experience a "self-sovereign identity" where they manage digital information at their own discretion. This provides an environment where individuals can manage their own data, including personal information, without relying on others.
3. Achieve a seamless user experience.
In the application "Mirrored Body" (Note 3) for creating digital humans, the user interface is intuitively designed, allowing visitors to register and use a digital ID that includes facial information without requiring complex operations. It offers a highly operable UI/UX aimed at the future where digital humans become widespread.
Image of Use
About the Future
NEC will support the operation of the Signature Pavilion 'null2' in a technical sponsorship role and will contribute to the success of the 'null2' exhibition at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. After the Expo concludes, the insights gained from this project and feedback from visitors will be used to accelerate the development of use cases for industries such as Health Care, Entertainment, Retail, and Tourism, promoting further enhancement and development of the DID/VC business utilizing biometric authentication technology to support the construction of a decentralized society.
Regarding DX, NEC offers end-to-end services, including offering that leads from strategic conceptual consulting to implementation based on three axes: Business Model, Technology, and Organization/Human Resources. Furthermore, aiming to evolve from a traditional SIer to a 'Value Driver,' the value creation model has been organized as 'BluStellar.' With advanced cross-industry insights and refined cutting-edge Technology, it aims to transform business models and lead to the resolution of social issues and customer management challenges.
That's all.
- (Note 1)An abbreviation for Decentralized Identifier. It is a system that allows individuals to manage their own digital ID. Unlike regular IDs (such as SNS IDs or driver’s licenses), which are managed by companies or governments, DIDs are recorded on decentralized networks such as Blockchain Technology, allowing individuals to control their IDs without relying on third parties.
- (Note 2)An abbreviation for Verifiable Credentials. It refers to certificates that can be safely managed in digital format, allowing the holder to manage information that has been verified for reliability by a third party and to prove it to others as needed. A major feature of VC is that users can manage their information on their own and that the authenticity of that information can be verified by third parties when presented.
- (Note 3)
- (Note 4)
"Bio-IDiom" is a general term for NEC's biometric authentication, including face, iris, fingerprint, palm print, finger vein, voice, and ear acoustics. Utilizing world-class technology and abundant achievements, it aims to create a world where everyone can confidently utilize digital technology by tailoring and combining biometric authentication according to needs.
- (Note 5)
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BluStellar is a value creation model that leads customers to the future, solving social and customer management challenges by realizing business model transformation with industry-leading cross-industry expertise and NEC's cutting-edge technology, refined over many years of development and operation, backed by achievements.
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About the DID/VC solution utilizing NEC's biometric recognition technology.
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Contact information for customers regarding this matter.
NEC Biometrics Vision AI Division
E-Mail: dpf-pr@dpf.jp.nec.com
NEC aims to create social value based on safety, security, fairness, and efficiency.
It seeks to realize a sustainable society where everyone can fully express their humanity.