埼玉大学 List of Products and Services

Organic synthesis is one of the scientific technologies that supports material civilization, and it is used in the production of various products and materials that are beneficial to our lives, such as fuels, oils, fibers, rubber, resins, pharmaceuticals, and food additives. An essential component of organic synthesis is the "reaction," which transforms one molecule into another. In our laboratory, we conduct research with the goal of "developing new reactions that are useful for organic synthesis." In reaction development, we aim to efficiently produce only what we want and to create it in an environmentally friendly manner without waste from readily available raw materials. We also emphasize the originality of our research and chemical discoveries, focusing on the development of novel reactions that have not been seen before, rather than merely improving existing reactions. Various reagents and catalysts are used in organic synthesis, but our laboratory pays particular attention to the reactivity of silicon compounds and halides, as well as the catalytic effects of platinum and palladium. With the aim of making new discoveries, we engage in reaction development with excitement every day.

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High voltage (generally electrical equipment over 600V) is used in various places, starting from power transmission and distribution. This is because it allows for efficient use (transport) of electricity and makes it easier to generate high electric fields. When attempting to use electricity at high voltage, unexpected breakdowns in electrical insulation (preventing electricity from flowing) can occur, leading to discharges (similar to small lightning) that can cause power outages or damage to equipment. It is important to prevent such occurrences, and to ensure that electricity can be used safely and securely, proper electrical insulation must be maintained. If electrical insulation is completely compromised and a large current flows, it can lead to catastrophic accidents such as fires or explosions, as well as equipment failures. Even if such incidents occur, it is also crucial to have protective devices that can immediately cut off the large current (referred to as disconnection in electrical terms) to minimize accidents. In our laboratory, we conduct research on electrical insulation using "vacuum," which has excellent insulating properties. We are also researching fuses to protect equipment when a large current flows due to electrical accidents.

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Electric devices and power electronics technology are one of the fields that Japan can be proud of. Among them, wireless power transfer, which is gaining attention with the spread of electric vehicles (EVs), is a technology that can safely transmit energy regardless of contact failure. The principle involves a transformer with a large air gap, where alternating current is passed through the primary coil to generate a magnetic flux, which is then transmitted to the secondary coil to induce electromotive force (electromagnetic induction). By using an alternating power source with a frequency of several tens of kHz or higher and connecting appropriate resonant capacitors to both the primary and secondary coils, energy transmission can be achieved with over 90% power efficiency. In our laboratory, we have published numerous papers on theoretical analysis of input-output characteristics and maximum efficiency conditions, as well as comparisons of power transfer characteristics with various coil shapes. We are particularly focused on developing wireless charging systems that are effective for electric mobility such as EVs. Additionally, we are conducting research on the advancement and intelligence of welding equipment, including high-performance arc welding robots that utilize external magnetic fields as a magnetic application.

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There are often discussions about losing the ability to smell or taste due to the new coronavirus, but even though we usually do not pay much attention to our sense of smell, it provides us with a remarkably diverse range of information in our surroundings, not just related to food and drink. For example, the first indication of a fire in an unseen location or a malfunctioning device can often come from smell. Additionally, dogs with keen olfactory senses are active as detection dogs in airports and police work, and research is being conducted to diagnose diseases based on the odors present in the breath of sick individuals. While it is challenging to develop technology that can match a dog's sense of smell for everyday use, we have developed a new two-dimensional electrochemical sensor and built a system that utilizes a large number of sensors simultaneously. Ordinary sensors increase sensitivity by enhancing their ability to capture odors, but we aim to achieve high-sensitivity electronic noses from a new perspective: even if a sensor captures an odor, it releases it so that the next sensor in line can capture it and produce a signal, repeating this process.

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Silicon carbide (SiC) can form a SiO2 film on its surface through thermal oxidation, and with the mass production of 8-inch wafers and the development of device fabrication technology, it is a semiconductor material that is as easy to apply in devices as Si semiconductors. Additionally, it possesses properties similar to diamond, such as wide bandgap, high radiation resistance, high thermal resistance, and robustness. SiC truly is a material that takes the best of both Si and C (diamond)! Furthermore, recent research over the past few years has revealed that SiC contains single defects similar to diamond NV centers, which can be utilized as single photon sources or spins, opening up pathways for applications in quantum computing, quantum photonics, and quantum sensing.

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To visualize the welding phenomenon and achieve high-quality welding, we use visual sensors (CMOS cameras) to capture the welding process, which is then processed through image processing to analyze the phenomenon. We have successfully visualized welding phenomena that are difficult to see due to intense arc light by establishing appropriate imaging techniques. Furthermore, by utilizing AI technology (deep learning), we identify the welding state and control it to achieve good welding results. We are working on building real-time control technology that can be implemented without incurring high costs. In resistance welding, the welding occurs instantaneously, making it difficult to estimate the internal state. Therefore, we conduct numerical simulations using the finite element method (FEM) to realize optimal welding conditions and visualize and analyze complex welding phenomena. We are also actively working to expand the technologies developed for online control of welding phenomena to other fields, enabling us to address challenges not only in welding but also in robot control, IoT, and AI.

• Welding Machine

Until now, information such as the expiration date, place of origin, and contained allergens of food has typically been printed on packaging or other items outside of the food itself. If data could be embedded directly into the food, it would allow for the verification of this information even after the packaging has been opened, right up until the moment of consumption. However, printing on the surface of the food would alter its appearance. On the other hand, in the field of food tech, which utilizes the latest technologies in food, food 3D printers are gaining attention as a new cooking technique. By using food 3D printers, it has become possible to design not only the external shape of food but also its internal structure freely. This research achievement enables the digital transformation (DX) of food itself, improving food safety through enhanced food traceability. Information such as expiration dates and contained allergens is usually lost after removing the packaging, but it has now become possible to read this information right up until consumption, thereby enhancing food safety.

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In the manufacturing of high value-added products such as molds, aircraft parts, and medical devices, cutting processes using numerically controlled machine tools are primarily employed. In recent years, there has been a demand to further enhance the intelligence of computer-equipped numerically controlled machining tools to create shapes that include complex structures and freeform surfaces defined by CAD software, as well as to develop functions that allow for processing in response to variations in various phenomena. In our laboratory, we are conducting research in collaboration with various companies on computer-aided techniques for cutting processes that manufacture high value-added metal parts with high shape accuracy by partially removing material. This involves predicting in advance the tool movement paths, tool postures, and the state of material removal by the cutting edge of the tool through simulation, in order to optimize the operation of numerically controlled machine tools such as machining centers and multi-tasking machines. We are also working on the development of new technologies such as skyving, a next-generation gear cutting technique, and cutting using vertical articulated robots.

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We are developing technology that enables the shaping of metals using a device known as a 3D printer. This technology allows for the direct creation of target shapes from three-dimensional design data by locally melting and solidifying metal, and it is referred to as Additive Manufacturing (AM). There are several methods within AM technology, but among them, the method that applies welding technology enables low-cost and high-efficiency production suitable for manufacturing large products such as aircraft components and molds. Specifically, it allows for the creation of lightweight and high-strength structures that are difficult to achieve with other processing methods, as well as the manufacturing of products with unprecedented material properties through integrated shaping using multiple types of metal materials. We are engaged in elucidating the shaping principles of AM technology, evaluating shaped objects, developing processing technologies to create products with high added value that are impossible to achieve with existing processing methods, and proposing process design methods that include finishing processes.

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Acoustic Emission (AE) technology is a non-destructive testing method that detects not only sounds from cracks, friction, and leaks within materials but also biological sounds, such as joint sounds. It is used in various fields including construction, civil engineering, manufacturing, medicine, and material evaluation. The AE method detects sounds (AE sounds) generated within materials using AE sensors installed on the surface, similar to the relationship between earthquakes and seismometers. Therefore, like earthquakes, information such as the location of AE sound generation, sound intensity, and sound frequency can be obtained from multiple seismometer data. The frequency characteristics of AE waveforms are said to represent the types of damage, and our laboratory conducts evaluations of damage accumulation behavior primarily focused on carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP). By interpreting the conditions under which damage occurs not only from a materials mechanics perspective but also from a thermodynamic perspective, we also perform residual life evaluations based on entropy assessment.

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We are conducting research to estimate the state of fluids from observational data and control their flow. As specific examples, I will introduce research on estimating urinary flow rate and the internal state of turbo machinery. First, we apply the phenomenon of fluid interface instability as a non-contact method for measuring urine flow. Specifically, when liquid flows out from a nozzle with a cross-section that is not circular but elongated elliptical, we can observe the phenomenon where the major and minor axes of the elongated elliptical cross-section switch immediately after the outflow. This phenomenon, called "axis switching," is also observed in actual urination, and there is a correlation between the wavelength of urination and the urine flow rate. By recording the time series data of the wavelength, it becomes possible to estimate the urine flow rate. Furthermore, by combining not only the wavelength but also the width of urination and sound information, we enhance the accuracy of urine flow rate estimation. In addition, by using data science, we accurately reproduce the state variables (pressure, flow velocity) inside turbo machinery from data collected at limited observation points.

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I am studying the movement of surfaces between liquids and gases, such as bubbles and droplets. I am particularly focused on the sudden generation of bubbles that occurs when there is a decrease in pressure or an increase in temperature in a liquid, which is related to phase changes. These bubbles expand very vigorously and eventually collapse. It is said that even at sizes of just a few millimeters, they can generate enough impact to damage metal surfaces. Therefore, methods to accurately control the shock caused by bubbles are extremely important from an engineering perspective. On the other hand, if this shock can be properly controlled, it may be utilized in surface processing, or the momentum from the expanding bubbles could lead to the development of new fluid transport technologies. I aim to contribute to solving societal needs through research approaches that include theoretical reasoning, experimental validation, and precise high-speed visualization, primarily focusing on liquid flow, including the aforementioned multiphase flow.

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Detonation is an explosive combustion that propagates through combustible gas at speeds of 2 to 3 km per second, generating extremely high temperatures (up to 3000 K), pressures (up to several tens of atmospheres), and flow rates (up to 1000 m/s) due to the integrated nature of shock waves and combustion. This is a significant difference from normal combustion, where pressure changes little before and after the reaction. We are researching detonation application technology for aerospace propulsion engines that leverages this characteristic. By rapidly increasing pressure with strong shock waves and igniting combustion instantaneously, we expect to achieve miniaturization and higher efficiency of engines. Particularly, since detonation is more likely to occur in hydrogen combustion, it is an important phenomenon not only in the aerospace field but also from the perspectives of engineering applications and safety engineering in a hydrogen society. We have a comprehensive understanding of application technologies that utilize the characteristics of detonation, including foundational research that supports these applications.

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As high-performance products are born in accordance with the times, production processing technologies are increasingly required to achieve higher precision, miniaturization, and efficiency, leading to the daily development of new technologies. In this context, free and flexible thinking is essential. In the laboratory, we are challenging areas of processing technology that no one has yet realized. During the development process, even good ideas often fail. This is because there are phenomena that no one knows about yet. By considering failure as the foundation of success and using observation and insight to uncover the causes, new possibilities begin to emerge. In this way, entirely new processing technologies are born. To realize this research style, a research environment is essential, including precise experimental equipment to test one's ideas, evaluation devices that can provide accurate assessments, and colleagues studying specialized fields for discussion. In the laboratory, new technologies are being developed daily through the enhancement of experimental facilities and collaborative research with external partners. For example, we are cutting hard, unprocessable semiconductor materials without generating waste. Additionally, a method has been discovered that allows polishing with a soft resin at a rate 100 times more efficient than conventional methods.

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Semiconductors are incorporated into everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and AI, but as our lives become richer, global warming continues to progress. This is where next-generation power semiconductor materials are gaining attention. Compared to conventional materials, they are ideal materials with high efficiency and durability, but they are extremely difficult to process, with processing costs being tens to thousands of times higher. In response, our research laboratory has developed laser slicing technology. By transmitting laser light through the material, we utilize the heat generated to form countless microscopic cracks. By creating a fine chain of these cracks, we have developed a technique to slice the material thinly. In our previous research, we have successfully sliced various materials, achieving reductions in processing time and material loss that surpass conventional technologies. Once the material is set, it can be cut instantly without sound or vibration. We aim to achieve a processing technology that is truly like magic.

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The research fields are broad, including quiet engineering, seismic and vibration engineering, acoustics, sports engineering, and bioinformatics. In general, the research focuses on vibrations, sounds, and movements. Vibrations and sounds exist in our daily lives. Some of them can be harmful to us, while others enrich our lives. For example, the earthquakes that have been frequent in recent years have caused damage to people and structures. Additionally, harmful vibrations and noise are generated in factories, automobiles, railways, aircraft, and countless other sources. On the other hand, there are also many applications that utilize vibrations. Various uses of vibrations include transportation, rock drilling machines, and in the realm of sound, music and alarm sounds, among others. Harmful vibrations and sounds should be reduced, while usable vibrations and sounds should be effectively utilized. This requires understanding their characteristics through observation and measurement, modeling and simulation, as well as establishing design guidelines and evaluating human perception and sensitivity. Currently, research is being conducted on increasing rigidity by twisting thin plates and evaluating human comfort using brain waves.

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In recent years, the decrease in the agricultural workforce and the aging of workers have led to increased burdens on operators and decreased work efficiency. As a result, numerous agricultural machines have been developed, allowing for a reduction in labor through automation and enabling tasks to be performed more efficiently. This trend is expected to continue in the future. Therefore, I am focusing my research on sensing technologies that can be used in agricultural fields. For drones and robots to operate accurately in farmland, it is necessary to measure the conditions of crops and fields correctly. While there are many existing measurement techniques, the environment is different from that of residential or manufacturing sites, as it involves nature. My research aims to increase knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages in agricultural fields. For example, I am currently considering surface position detection and validating methods for detection using ultrasonic waves that travel underground, as well as evaluating the followability of methods that involve pressing an elastic body into direct contact.

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To prevent landslides in mountainous areas and to inspect the aging of buildings and infrastructure in urban areas, workers access the site directly using ropes to carry out their tasks. These operations are dangerous, and the cost of training specialized workers is also a significant issue. Our research group is engaged in the development of bio-inspired robots, which incorporate the excellent functions and structures of organisms in nature to enhance robot performance. Currently, we are developing a robotic system that can move freely on uneven steep slopes by combining a six-legged walking robot with a mobility assistance device that compensates for the robot's weight using wire towing, inspired by the movement patterns of spiders. Although spiders are small creatures, they possess exceptional mobility, allowing them to climb up and down rocks and trees many times their size using their long legs and silk they produce themselves. This innovative robotic system performs dangerous tasks in place of human workers.

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Pumps that transport liquids and gases use rubber valves to prevent backflow and employ bearings to support rotating parts. Since these components are constantly rubbing against each other, they can be a source of failure. Additionally, using rubber makes them unsuitable for low-temperature environments (where the rubber hardens) and high-temperature environments (where the rubber melts). By eliminating the rubbing parts, the probability of failure decreases, and they can be used in both low and high-temperature environments. By exciting high-frequency vibrations, which are inaudible to the human ear, on the surface of a solid and positioning another surface a few tens of microns apart, with some clever modifications to those surfaces, the fluid in the gap flows in one direction, functioning like a pump. There are no rubber components used, and there are no rubbing parts. Research is being conducted to increase pressure and flow rate with this type of pump configuration. The introduction of an ultrasonic non-contact rotating mechanism is also being considered.

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As the aging population increases, accidents caused by errors in operating machinery have become a social issue. For example, while the number of traffic accidents has been on a declining trend in recent years, the number of accidents due to pedal misapplication has remained constant, indicating that measures are necessary. In particular, the issue of pedal misapplication by elderly drivers is a concern; however, in rural areas where public transportation is underdeveloped, cars are an indispensable means of transportation for daily life. It is important to have systems in place that ensure safety even when human errors, such as operational mistakes, occur, but it is even more crucial to design systems that minimize the likelihood of human error. In such a market, the development of widely adopted devices with universal design is essential, and research is being conducted on designing devices that are easy for everyone to use, as well as specifications that allow for adjustable flexibility according to the user.

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According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, it has been reported that the top three factors leading to the need for support are frailty due to aging, fractures and falls, and joint diseases. These are related to a decline in walking ability, making it important for active seniors to prevent this decline. However, there are challenges such as the need for specialized equipment and guidance from experts for walking training, as well as the tendency for motivation to decrease due to the monotonous nature of walking exercises. Therefore, we are developing a walking evaluation and training system that does not require expert intervention, can be used in daily life, and allows for enjoyable training. Specifically, we are building an AI for generating target walking patterns that takes into account individual physical differences, developing a walking feedback training system, and creating a walking motivation support system using VR video generation AI that reflects real-world spatial information. Additionally, we conduct gait assessments through motion analysis and emotional evaluations through biometric information measurement for each assessment.

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The figure shows the performance of a nose flute and a graph of the experimental results. It is an instrument that produces music using breath, but it has a very simple structure. We investigated the reasons why it can be played with such a simple structure. In addition, we are also examining the characteristics of string vibrations in bowed instruments like the violin. We are also researching propulsion methods for skateboards and similar devices. There are many vibrating objects around us, regardless of machinery. Although these vibrating phenomena share common characteristics, it is often difficult to identify their causes due to various factors in the actual phenomena. We aim to unravel these causes like a mystery and consider their applications based on an understanding of their mechanisms.

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We are engaged in research aimed at achieving smooth motion of machine moving parts to contribute to the high efficiency (energy saving) and improved quietness of machines. To enhance machine efficiency, we have developed an experimental device that utilizes optical interference to measure the oil film thickness formed between contact surfaces with a resolution of 0.1 nm (the length of a single molecule of fatty acid additive is about 2 nm), in order to reduce friction losses in moving parts. This supports the creation of lubrication systems using new materials and the development of new lubricants. Additionally, to improve the quietness of machines, we have established a vibration control design method focusing on the magnitude and direction of frictional forces to suppress vibrations and noise generated by friction, and we are considering its application to automotive-related machine components where the demand for quietness is increasing.

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The synchronization phenomenon refers to the occurrence where entities with different rhythms are drawn into the same rhythm through some means. This phenomenon is characterized by the ability to align to the same rhythm without special control and has been applied in a wide range of fields, not only in mechanical vibrations but also in electrical and electronic engineering. However, there are issues regarding the unknown mechanisms of occurrence and the methods to achieve the desired frequency and amplitude, necessitating trial-and-error approaches using intuition and empirical rules to find optimal design values for effectively applying synchronization phenomena in vibrating machines. In this research, we proposed a method to efficiently investigate the parameters that lead to the occurrence of synchronization phenomena by focusing on the energy consumed by the entire system and the energy exchanged. The proposed method allows for the estimation of optimal design values using formulas to achieve the desired frequency and amplitude. Currently, we are developing optimal design methods for vibrating conveyors and other applications of synchronization phenomena based on this proposed method.

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Compounds formed by the combination of metal ions with various organic or inorganic compounds are generally referred to as "metal complexes" (or "complex ions" in high school textbooks). The properties of a complex are determined by the structure surrounding the metal ion (what is bonded and what shape it takes) and the state of its electrons. Even with the same metal ion, completely different colors and properties can be obtained depending on the environment. In particular, the differences in color are vivid and are a very intriguing phenomenon. Moreover, these compounds are not only visually appealing but also highly functional, existing in both industrial products and natural substances. While it is enjoyable to develop methods for designing compounds that exhibit desired properties and synthesizing them as intended, I am also interested in the unexpected new properties that can sometimes be discovered, which drives my research. Through these studies, I am also working on improving various analytical techniques that can accommodate a wide range of applications.

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The advantage of electrochromic (EC) materials lies in their ability to reversibly change color through electrochemical oxidation and reduction, which allows for the application of electronic paper that can display color without the need for color filters. However, most of these materials are polymer-based and have issues with response speed and contrast. We are investigating liquid crystal materials with EC properties, and we expect that if such compounds can be developed, it will lead to improved response speeds due to easier orientation control. Furthermore, previous research on EC materials has primarily focused on changing color through either oxidation or reduction. Therefore, we are considering applications as color display devices and are developing liquid crystal EC materials that can change color tones through electrochemical control on both the oxidation and reduction sides.

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In this research laboratory, we develop and propose experiential teaching materials, tools, and curricula for use in school education and social education. Our research aims to improve school lessons by focusing on the application of cutting-edge science and technology in education and exploring teaching methods that reinforce foundational knowledge and skills. The areas of focus for this research laboratory include: (1) Research related to technology education, science education, and information education (2) Research related to teacher education (3) Research related to environmental education and energy education (4) Class analysis based on cognitive psychology (5) Improvement of academic ability through effective use of ICT We aim to provide teaching materials and curricula that enable the knowledge and skills acquired through experiential learning activities, which hone sensitivity, to be transferred as "wisdom" in response to an unpredictable future.

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There is still a significant gap between tasks that require skilled craftsmanship and those that can be automated with robots. In our laboratory, we are advancing efforts to measure the delicate force adjustments involved in skilled movements in order to investigate the mechanisms by which artisans perform dexterous tasks. If the motion analysis technology of skilled craftsmanship and machine learning for reproducing it are integrated, it could fundamentally reduce the teaching costs for polishing and assembly, potentially expanding the range of automation technology to accommodate small-batch, high-variety production. As key technologies, we are developing: (1) HDR 6-axis force sensors that can measure weights from 0.5g to 100kg, (2) signal processing technology to estimate the force adjustments of tools, (3) technology to autonomously generate command data that should be reproduced in skilled movements from a database of position and force motion data.

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Currently, with the rapid development and application of various wireless communication systems such as smartphones, Wi-Fi, and IoT devices, efforts are being made to efficiently utilize existing electromagnetic wave frequency resources and to explore unused high-frequency resources. Various new research challenges associated with the development of new businesses using radio waves and the transition to even higher frequencies are gaining attention. In this context, our research laboratory is addressing these challenges through the research and development of high-frequency circuits that are essential for wireless communication devices, particularly compact, high-performance, multifunctional microwave and millimeter-wave filters, antennas, power dividers, and their composite circuits. We are conducting a wide range of research, from fundamental theory to engineering applications, including the proposal of circuits with excellent functionality, the elucidation of their electromagnetic wave phenomena, and the establishment of new design methodologies.

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We are engaged in the research and development of planar antennas for microwave and millimeter-wave applications, which are key devices in wireless communication technology. The microstrip antenna, a representative example of planar antennas, is widely used because it can be easily fabricated using printed circuit board processing technology. In our laboratory, we are working on enhancing the functionality and performance of microstrip antennas through multi-band, wideband, miniaturization, and characteristic variable technologies using semiconductor elements. We are also advancing research on a new planar array antenna that combines waveguide slot antennas and planar antennas, which demonstrate high gain and high efficiency characteristics in the quasi-millimeter to millimeter wave range. Our research is being promoted from both electromagnetic field simulation and experimental perspectives.

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In our country, which is experiencing declining birth rates and an aging population, the small working-age population must support the increasing elderly demographic through various forms of assistance (such as caregiving and transportation), raising concerns about the impact on the productive activities that the working-age population should ideally be engaged in. Considering that the ratio of the working-age population in our country is expected to decline further in the future, it is believed that more measures will be necessary than ever before. This research aims to develop a system that naturally guides users towards temporal and spatial peak shifts, focusing on facilities where user demand tends to concentrate, in anticipation of a further decline in the working-age population ratio. By dispersing user demand through this system, we aim to optimize staff allocation and reduce costs, as well as minimize the significant capital investments in facilities (such as buildings and installed equipment) required to meet peak demand, while also improving sustainability, which is one of the issues facing our country.

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LSI (Large Scale Integration) refers to digital circuits created by combining nanoscale circuit elements (transistors) on semiconductor wafers approximately 1mm to 10mm in size, with some large-scale devices exceeding 100 million elements. They are embedded in various information communication devices, home appliances, and automobiles, handling signal processing, image processing, numerical calculations, control, and storage. Compact and low-power LSI is an essential technology for realizing IoT. LSI enhances processing performance through parallel processing utilizing a large number of elements. By identifying the characteristics of the processing to be executed by the LSI, we devise processing methods that can be executed quickly and with low power consumption, proposing excellent designs that allow the LSI to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, to obtain the desired LSI more quickly, we automate the LSI design process. Considering the parallelism of numerous calculations involved during processing, we explore combinations of execution order and allocation using computers, developing automated designs for the best LSI in terms of area, speed, and power consumption in a short time.

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In manufacturing production lines, it is essential to detect defects on the surfaces and coatings of all products to maintain quality and reliability. However, the reality is that existing measurement devices are not practical due to reasons such as slow inspection speeds or vulnerability to vibration environments. To overcome these challenges, our laboratory is conducting research and development on a device that enables non-contact and non-destructive three-dimensional shape measurement at high speed using light. For example, when scanning a space by projecting a two-dimensional tomographic image onto a two-dimensional camera in real time, completing the imaging in microseconds (one millionth of a second) allows for the clear capture of fine surface shapes of objects that are moving or vibrating quickly without blurring. This is called single-shot three-dimensional depth cross-sectional imaging and can be applied to inline total inspection. Furthermore, by advancing this technology, spectral information can be obtained for each position, structure, and layer. In other words, it is also possible to perform composition and material analysis for each structure that makes up the object.

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In our society, digital images are used in various places. There are many types, but now it has become possible to automatically evaluate the quality of each image simply by inputting the image itself. This is the technology called Image Quality Assessment (IQA). Until now, the quality of an image could not be evaluated without the original reference image, because the machine needed to know what the best image quality was. However, now machines can learn. When they demonstrate their learning ability, the quality of a degraded image can be quantified and output simply by inputting the degraded image. This numerical value is almost the same as the values evaluated by up to 1,000 people. Reference images are no longer necessary. This IQA technology can also be used to search for similar images. If processing speeds up, it could be implemented in various systems.

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Recently, excellent AI technologies have emerged in areas such as voice recognition, image recognition, and data processing. On the other hand, when these technologies are actually applied in the field, it is often felt that their performance is not as high as expected. This is due to a discrepancy between the data used to train the AI model and the actual data. The causes of this discrepancy arise from differences in sensor characteristics, such as microphones and cameras, as well as differences in sensing environments, meaning variations in types of noise, among other factors. In my research, I am developing data analysis and noise reduction techniques to minimize such discrepancies and maximize the performance of AI models. Additionally, through collaboration with various companies and institutions, I have accumulated know-how regarding sensor placement and environmental setup to minimize the intrusion of noise and unnecessary data. As a "jack of all trades" in signal processing, I solve problems related to various signals, including audio and images, from multiple angles, so please feel free to reach out.

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Have you ever hesitated about whether to avoid a person walking towards you to the left or right? The autonomous robots that will become more common in the future will also need to move safely in harmony with the movements of people around them. We are developing collaborative robots, such as robotic wheelchairs that can move together with companions and robotic shopping carts that come to you when you give voice commands or when you want to put in your bags, by integrating technologies that measure human movement using sensors like cameras and LiDAR with autonomous mobility technology. Additionally, we are working on supporting communication between people using robots and information devices. For example, we are creating systems that IoT-enable penlights used at concerts, allowing people to feel the excitement of being at a live venue even while at home. The design of these systems leverages sociological insights into the relationships between people and between people and systems.

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Even in the remarkable recent developments of robots and AI in society, there are many situations where people feel that robots and AI are difficult to handle and decide to postpone their introduction. In particular, high-performance AI represented by ChatGPT not only generates text but also demonstrates advanced functions such as the automatic recognition of objects in images; however, there are often doubts about the safety and reliability of its outputs. I aim to realize a function that clearly communicates to users, who are humans, what robots and AI can and cannot do at an intuitive level, striving for the creation of "truly user-friendly" robots and AI. I am conducting research to develop socially viable robots and AI at the level of social implementation using the power of engineering, while also investigating the impact on users by utilizing insights from sociology. Additionally, since contextual information about users and their surrounding environment, such as user intentions, emotions, and areas with high foot traffic, is also necessary, I am simultaneously conducting research to estimate the less visible states of people and environments from data collected by various sensors, including camera footage, LiDAR, and temperature sensors.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are utilized in applications such as image recognition and internet advertising, becoming essential technologies in our lives. On the other hand, machine learning requires prior preparation in the form of training. The significant amount of computation time and power consumption needed for training has become a major issue in recent years. A new technology called reservoir computing aims to solve this problem. The major advantage of reservoir computing is that it allows for easy training, enabling implementation with low computational requirements and low power consumption. This makes machine learning on devices such as smartphones and home appliances (edge computing) easily achievable, and it is expected to become increasingly widespread in the future. Our research laboratory is engaged in the research and development of reservoir computing using light. When an input signal is applied to a laser, it produces a complex optical output signal, and we utilize this complex response waveform to realize reservoir computing.

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The non-contact camera, which can acquire a lot of information, is a useful device; however, there is a problem that the spatial resolution decreases when the subject being photographed is far away, which has limited the usability of user interface (UI) systems and virtual reality (VR) systems that use cameras. In response to this, we are advancing the development of UI/VR systems that surpass the constraints of conventional hardware by using an ultra-fast active camera that can rapidly switch gaze directions. By using this camera, not only is wide-range, high-resolution sensing possible, but it also allows for simultaneous acquisition of zoomed images from multiple locations through multi-threaded control. So far, we have developed an aerial multi-touch interface that enables operation using fine finger movements even from a distance, and a VR remote magnification viewing system that allows users wearing HMDs to enlarge and view images from remote locations. Through these technologies, we aim to open up new possibilities for UI and VR.

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Software that serves as social infrastructure, such as airplane control programs and bank ATMs, is a system that provides services while interacting with users. Such systems are called reactive systems. The design specifications, which serve as blueprints for building and verifying reactive systems, are crucial. By verifying whether the software operates according to the specifications, we ensure the safety of the software. However, if there are deficiencies or inconsistencies in the specifications themselves, the verification becomes pointless. Therefore, research is being conducted to investigate whether there are any errors in the specifications themselves. In particular, when various requirements for different software are included in the specifications, it is possible that the software does not exist. Thus, research is also being conducted to determine whether software that operates according to the specifications exists. As a development of this, research is also being conducted on the automatic synthesis of software from specifications. By automating the synthesis, we can efficiently create safe software.

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Around us, various information and communication devices have become widely used, allowing communication to take place in different locations and situations. Additionally, as exemplified by communication using web conferencing systems, there are increasing opportunities for communication involving multiple senders and receivers, rather than just a single sender and receiver. In response to these diverse forms of communication, I am researching theoretical limits regarding how fast communication speeds can be achieved and how small the compression ratio of data compression used during this process can be made. So far, I have clarified the theoretical limits of communication under assumed real-world conditions, such as when senders communicate asynchronously or when auxiliary cache memory, which can store part of the communication data in advance, is available on the receiver's side. By elucidating these theoretical limits, we can establish benchmarks for developing communication systems that facilitate such communication and gain insights into communication methods that can achieve these theoretical limits.

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In today's world, where information with location coordinates is explosively increasing, a wide variety of geographic information is generated daily. The utilization of this information is being sought in both academic and business contexts. Traditionally, geographic information has been centrally managed and utilized through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), but a challenge with such systems is their difficulty in handling big data. Therefore, through an informatics approach called geocomputation and GeoAI, which combines AI, we are working on efficiently analyzing geographic information big data to address various social and environmental issues.

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Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and simulation technologies are greatly changing our lives. On the other hand, there are issues such as environmental burdens from massive electricity consumption and the large-scale nature of training data. In order to significantly improve the efficiency of these information processing methods, I am conducting research that broadly explores various fields of mathematics, identifies usable technologies, and refines them into forms that can be applied in engineering. Although I am still in the research phase, I am able to accelerate predictions and controls by dozens of times using mathematics known as duality and Koopman operators, and I can compress neural networks used in artificial intelligence technologies. I am also aiming for machine learning with small amounts of data utilizing knowledge about the subject. Additionally, I am involved in research related to quantum computers known as annealing types, as well as simulations and estimations of probabilistic phenomena. Finding and refining usable mathematics can be challenging, but I aim to develop foundational technologies based on mathematics that are unique to universities.

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There are many problems around us that require finding the optimal answer. For example, route planning for deliveries, scheduling work in factories, and designing the structure of automobiles are some of them. To solve these "optimization problems," I am researching a type of artificial intelligence technology called evolutionary computation. Evolutionary computation mimics the mechanisms of biological evolution to find excellent answers through trial and error. It has the strength of being able to solve complex optimization problems, which are difficult to tackle with mathematical approaches, with high precision and in a general manner. I am studying methods to find optimal answers more efficiently by accelerating evolutionary computation using parallel computing and by combining evolutionary computation with machine learning. Additionally, I am working on research to develop algorithms that efficiently seek solutions for multi-objective optimization problems, where there are multiple goals.

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The term "network" can be applied to various subjects; some people may associate it with computer networks like the internet, while others may think of networks of human relationships, whether online or in real life. The essence of a network is a data structure that visualizes the relationships and connections of things like a web. In addition to the aforementioned examples, various elements such as map information, atomic bonds within molecules, communities on social media, within companies, or among customers, and the relationships between products, content, and intellectual property can all be represented as network data. In our research lab, we specialize in analyzing and predicting such network data by leveraging the power of generative AI. Examples of applications of this technology include analyzing map data to predict traffic congestion and recommend tourist destinations, or analyzing data on human relationships and product correlations on social media to forecast sales and enhance marketing strategies.

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