Life Sciences
Information and Communication
Nanotechnology / Materials
Manufacturing Technology
Human and Social Sciences
Energy
Environment
Tourism / Community development
Arctic Research
Social Infrastructure
Open Facilities
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1. No Poverty
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2. Zero Hunger
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3. Good Health and Well-being
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4. Quality Education
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5. Gender Equality
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6. Clean Water and Sanitation
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy
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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
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9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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10. Reduced Inequality
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11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
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12. Responsible Consumption and Production
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13. Climate Action
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14. Life Below Water
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15. Life on Land
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16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
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17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: 101
- 1. No Poverty
- 2. Zero Hunger
- 3. Good Health and Well-being
- 4. Quality Education
- 5. Gender Equality
- 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
- 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- 9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- 10. Reduced Inequality
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- 13. Climate Action
- 14. Life Below Water
- 15. Life on Land
- 16. Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
- 17. Partnerships to achieve the Goal
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Monitoring the Output of Renewable Energy Generation and Measures Against Output Fluctuations
Real-time monitoring of fluctuations in solar and wind power output and control of such fluctuations
We have developed a method for extracting load power (A) and renewable energy output (B) from power flow information in which (A) and (B) coexist. Although (B) fluctuates greatly depending on the weather conditions, we have developed a control method to suppress fluctuations using storage batteries and a method to evaluate storage battery capacity.
Research
In this laboratory, we have developed a method to extract the output of renewable energy (RE) power generation hidden in the information of power flowing through distribution lines in real time by applying a signal analysis technique called independent component analysis (ICA). This method enables highly accurate output estimation without having to use preliminary information such as the installed PV capacity in the grid (Fig. 1).
We have also developed a control method to compensate for RE power output fluctuations using storage batteries (Fig. 2) and simulation technology to estimate the storage battery capacity required to suppress output fluctuations for individual wind farms and mega solar power plants.Hiroyuki Kita Professor -
Multi -beam Ultra-high Voltage Electron Microscope and Materials Research
Multi-beam science and engineering applications
At the High-Voltage Electron Microscope (HVEM) Laboratory of Hokkaido University, the world’s first multi -quantum beam HVEM has been developed. It enables in-situ observation of microstructural changes on an atomic scale using multi-quantum beam irradiation.
Research
The world’s first multi-quantum beam HVEM (left)
In 2014, we added an optical system that allows the use of multiple lasers, and developed a multi-quantum beam HVEM that allows in-situ observation at the atomic level under irradiation by multi-quantum beams, including ion, laser and electron beams. We are currently developing an in-situ spectroscopy system.
Nanocrystal growth by UV irradiation (right)
We have succeeded in growing ZnO nanocrystals by irradiating submerged plasma-treated Zn with UV light. We are now promoting research on the growth mechanism and its application.
Scientific Report, 5, 11429(2015), AIP Advances, 7(2017) pp. 035220, Other reference: Nano Letters, 17(2017) pp. 2088-2093Tamaki Shibayama Professor -
Multimedia Artificial Intelligence Technology Reaching Social Implementation
Approaching the practical application of AI technology through industry-university collaborative research!
With this research, we are developing artificial intelligence technology for multimedia data, mainly images, video, music, and audio. We are handling data related to medical images, social infrastructure data, materials science and other fields, mainly through industry-university collaborative research.
Research
We are not only conducting the world's most advanced artificial intelligence research, but also promoting research in interdisciplinary areas and taking on the challenge of solving real-world problems. Specifically, in medical imaging research, we have collaborated with many medical institutions in Japan to build AI technology that surpasses human diagnostic accuracy. In medical and civil engineering research, we have built Explainable AI (XAI), which not only enables learning of small amounts of data, a challenge in AI research, but also enables explanations of judgment results, making the technology usable in the real world. In recent years, we have also developed human-centric AI technology that can make decisions like humans by introducing information strongly related to human interests, such as human brain activity and eye gaze data, into the AI learning process.
Takahiro Ogawa Professor -
New Crystal Material Converts Sunlight into Laser Light
New Cr, Nd co-doped crystals for high efficiency solar-pumped lasers
The Nd:CaYAlO4 crystal exhibits a wide absorption band in the visible region and a large absorption cross section. Since the energy absorbed by chromium is transferred to neodymium, it is expected to convert solar energy to laser light with high efficiency.
Research
We have fabricated CaYAlO4 single crystals doped with chromium (Cr) and neodymium (Nd) using a technique called the floating zone melting method. By appropriately controlling the fabrication conditions, high-quality red transparent crystals were obtained (Fig. 1). The crystal has a very wide absorption range from the ultraviolet region to the visible region, and shows sufficient absorption even at the wavelength where the energy of sunlight is at its maximum (Fig. 2). We have also found that the absorption is 70 times or more that of conventional materials such as Cr and Nd:YAG. These properties are unique to the newly developed crystal and not found in existing materials. We have also demonstrated that neodymium can emit light upon excitation in the absorption band of chromium due to its fluorescence properties (Fig. 3). Based on this result, it is expected to convert solar energy into laser light with high efficiency.
Mikio Higuchi Specially Appointed Associate Professor -
New Developments in Combustion Reaction Fluid Simulation
Proposal of a highly efficient analysis method that enables the application of detailed reaction mechanisms
We are proposing a numerical analysis technique to efficiently incorporate detailed large-scale reaction mechanisms, such as those of hydrocarbon fuels that consist of hundreds of chemical species and thousands of chemical reaction orders, into thermo-fluid simulations.
Research
Until now, chemical reaction phenomena in thermo-fluid (CFD) analysis have been modeled simply by assuming an infinitely fast reaction or an overall reaction model consisting of a few chemical species and reaction equations due to computational load and lack of analysis techniques. On the other hand, when the interaction between chemical reactions and fluid phenomena is important, such as in the case of unsteady phenomenon prediction like the ignition timing of automobile engines or ultra-dilute combustion under extreme conditions, it is difficult to apply simple models. Our research group has solved the problem of applying detailed reaction mechanisms to CFD analysis. The proposed method consists of a time integration method (ERENA) that can significantly reduce the calculation time of chemical reaction equations, and a species bundling technique that combines similar chemical species. Depending on the conditions, the proposed method can be tens to hundreds of times faster than the conventionally used methods while maintaining equivalent accuracy.
Hiroshi Terashima Associate Professor -
New Ground Injection Material Using Calcium Phosphate
Ground-solidifying calcium phosphate compound, a major component of the teeth and bones of living organisms in nature, is an innovative low environmental impact injection material.
Focusing on calcium phosphate compounds (CPC) as a new cementing material for geotechnical grouting, we have investigated the optimum conditions for the precipitation of CPC and the solidification of sand by CPC, newly discovering two possibilities for their use: chemical grout and biogrout.
Research
To develop a new grout with low environmental load, we focused on minerals produced by living organisms in nature (biominerals), especially CPC, a major component of teeth and bones, and investigated the optimum conditions for CPC precipitation. We also conducted uniaxial compression tests on sand specimens solidified with CPC. In the CPC precipitation test, we have found that the precipitation volume tends to increase as the pH increases from weakly acidic to near neutral. This causes the uniaxial compressive strength of the CPC-solidified sand specimens to reach about 90 kPa, which is within the target range of 50 to 100 kPa for uniaxial compressive strength of sandy soil to prevent liquefaction. Electron microscopy of the specimens showed whisker-like CPC crystals (Fig. 1). These results indicate two possibilities of their usage: chemical grout using self-hardening property and biogrout using pH-dependent precipitation volume.
Satoru Kawasaki Professor -
Next-generation Visualization Technology for Sports Content
Creation of information presentation technology that accelerates knowledge sharing
We are building next-generation visualization technology to provide data that support sports watching and education. Using various data obtained from users and their surrounding environment, we will derive a theory that defines, “analysis data” and “presentation methods adapted to the usage environment” to enable information presentation that accelerates knowledge sharing.
Research
In terms of the present situation concerning sports, various forms of image and video distribution have spread, and a new environment for watching sports is being established, whereby related data along with images and video footing can be viewed via smartphones and other mobile terminals. However, with soccer, it is only possible to view basic data such as free kick success rate and running distance. This research analyzes various data obtained from users and their surrounding environment to help them understand and visualize the data to accelerate knowledge sharing, even when the relevant knowledge and experience are essential. Examples include ball passing and the degree of dominance. Since the visualization technology of this research can obtain various data surrounding the user and provide various kinds of information in a way that is adaptable to the user's environment, it has high potential for application to the fields of IoT and AI, and is expected to contribute to the creation of new technologies in these fields.
Sho Takahashi Associate Professor -
Nonlinear Compensator That Can Be Implemented Without Sensors
Nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID control systems
Currently, PID control is used as the main control method in industry, but the PID control technique has a problem that the control accuracy deteriorates due to the influence of nonlinear terms such as friction and gravity. We have proposed a nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID controllers.
Research
Digital acceleration control (DAC) is a robust control technique for systems with nonlinear terms and modeling errors that are difficult to model. DAC is a very effective controller, but it cannot perform position control by itself because it controls the target acceleration value. Therefore, we have combined DAC with a general PID control system. This PID-DAC combined control system allows both robust position control and acceleration control. In addition, as a new nonlinear compensator that can easily be added to PID controllers without sensors, we propose two controllers: the PID-DA0 control system, which sets the target acceleration value of the control object to zero, and the PID-DJ0 control system, which sets the target acceleration value to zero. Both controllers can easily be added to existing PID controllers without additional sensors, so they have the great advantage of improving system performance sensorless.
Takanori Emaru Associate Professor -
Numerical Simulation of Flow and Heat Transfer
Modeling and Simulation of Turbulent Drag Reduction Flow by Surfactant
Modeling and simulation of turbulent drag reduction is performed by adding a surfactant to clarify the resistance-reducing mechanism. Simultaneously, heat transfer analysis is performed to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics in detail.
Research
The significant drag reduction in turbulent channels due to the addition of a small amount of long-chain polymers or surfactants that form rod micelles in water, is known as Toms effect. A model that simulates polymers with small dumbbell-shaped elements was constructed, and direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent flow in a two-dimensional channel was performed using this model to reproduce Toms effect. It was shown that the discrete element has two mechanisms: one is a resistance reduction mechanism due to the longitudinal vortex damping, and the other is a resistance increasing mechanism due to the additional stress near the wall. Furthermore, by adding the effect of cutting the element to which a strong force is applied, we were able to reproduce the feature that drag reduction occurs in a specific Reynolds number range.
Akiyoshi Kuroda Associate Professor -
Open Advanced Research Facilities Initiative (Project for Creation of Research Platforms and Sharing of Advanced Research Infrastructure)
Microscopic imaging platform for atoms and molecules
Promotion and expansion of the isotope microscope system installed at the Equipment Management Center for shared use by industry, academia and government.
Research
We invite, select and implement proposals for the effective use of stable isotope imaging technology, which is a special feature of the isotope microscope system, to expand it to industrial innovation.
Upon hearing the word, “isotopes,” the concept of “age measurement” immediately comes to mind. Actually, until now, isotope microscopes have been used to analyze isotope ratios, primarily in minerals and other areas of space science. This is a result obtained by observing the as-is cross-section of the obtained sample. However, by changing the concept of the measurement method, we can expand the use of isotope microscopes to industrial application. In other words, by actively doping a target sample with an isotope element, rather than observing it “as such,” it becomes possible to measure the desired imaging we were unable to see before. The use of stable rather than radioactive isotopes also allows us to work safely.Hisayoshi Yurimoto Professor -
Optical Complex Amplitude Measurement Technology
Enabling the detection of spatial phase information of light: Technology for seeing the invisible
This technology enables precise detection of optical phase distribution in a single measurement without spatial completion error by using two sensors and a polarizing optical element, and is expected to have a wide range of applications such as 3D image measurement, 3D tomography, digital phase conjugation, 3D optical memory, and spatial mode optical communication.
Research
In holographic diversity interferometry, multiple image sensors are arranged in combination with a polarizing optical element to enable precise detection of optical phase distribution in a single measurement without spatial completion error. We have developed an interferometric optical system using two image sensors and have greatly improved the measurement algorithm to achieve highly accurate phase measurement and enable 3D information processing using the measured phase distribution data. This technology can be applied directly to the acquisition of 3D optical information, optical tomography by digital phase conjugation, and 3D optical memory. In this research, we have also succeeded in developing a reference light-free phase detection system that filters the signal light spatially filtered and re-interacts with the signal light. This is expected to find applications in next-generation ultrahigh-speed optical communication systems using spatial modes and in the field of remote sensing.
Atsushi Okamoto Associate Professor -
Optimal Design of Advanced Composite Materials
New functional composite materials with free fiber shape
Advanced composites (carbon fiber-reinforced composites) have come to be widely used as structural materials, but their anisotropic properties have not yet efficiently been exploited. In our laboratory, we are developing a method to optimally design the fiber orientation (linear or curved) of composites.
Research
Advanced composites (carbon fiber composites, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP)) are widely used as structural materials due to their high specific strength and stiffness. The development of fiber orientation technology has made it possible to arrange fibers not only in straight but also curved lines. Compared with straight fibers, design flexibility is greatly improved, and it is thus possible to produce CFRP components for specific part shapes and uses. In our laboratory, we have been producing composite specimens with curved fibers using a fiber stitching machine (Fig. 1), which is based on embroidery machine technology, to evaluate the mechanical properties of specimens and develop a unique method to optimize fiber shapes. For example, Figure 2 shows the optimum fiber shape to reduce the strain concentration around the holes in a wing model with multiple circular holes, and the strain distribution is shown in Fig. 3. It has been found that the strain concentration is reduced more than with straight fibers.
Shinya Honda Associate Professor -
Peptide and Glycopeptide Cyclization Technology
Significant improvement of peptide cyclization efficiency by controlling hydrogen bonds
By focusing on forming a hydrogen-bond network in the solvent, we have succeeded in both efficient peptide cyclization and improved solubility of poorly soluble peptides. This system can apply to drug discovery and molecular tool design.
Research
Cyclic peptides are an ideal molecular form for exploring biologically active compounds (drug discovery) and the design of molecular tools in life science. Cyclization of the peptide backbone can control their conformational stability, orientation, and symmetry. However, peptide cyclization requires specific dilution conditions and complex basic protection strategies. We found that combining a hydrogen-bond-controlled solvent system and a base-free condensation agent system enables the efficient cyclization of poorly soluble peptides under highly concentrated conditions. The simplicity of this technology gives a wide range of applications for drug discovery and life sciences by facilitating the free design and mass production of cyclic peptides.
Hiroshi Hinou Professor ProfessorPh.D. -
Prediction Model for Transport properties in Hardened Cement
Prediction of transport properties of cement-based materials
Concrete is widely used for infrastructure, and its longevity is essential for the construction of a sustainable society. To realize this, appropriate performance prediction technology is indispensable. In this study, we predicted the transport properties of hardened cement paste (HCP), which is a main component of concrete.
Research
The transport properties of porous materials such as concrete does not only depend on the porosity, but also on the spatial distribution of each phase. Therefore, the transport properties of HCP, which is a main component of concrete, was predicted. Figure 1 shows a cross section of HCP observed using a backscattered electron image, showing the distribution of each phase. We extracted each phase, calculated the autocorrelation function, and based on the results, distributed each phase in three-dimensional space to construct the three-dimensional spatial image model shown in Fig. 2. Figure 3 shows a comparison of the results of the diffusion coefficient calculated by the finite difference method and the measured values. The estimated and measured values agreed well with each other, even for different samples, indicating that the diffusion coefficients of hardened cement can be predicted using this model.
Kiyofumi Kurumisawa Associate Professor -
Quality Control in Crowdsourcing
Highly accurate decision-making using people’s confidence rating
We are conducting research to guarantee the quality of work results in crowdsourcing, which allows us to commission jobs to many people via the Internet. The use of workers’ confidence rating on the work results will be effective to ensure high-quality work results.
Research
With the advent of crowdsourcing services in recent years, it has become easy to commission jobs (tasks) to a large number of people via the Internet, and these services are being used in various fields of information science (image recognition, natural language processing, information retrieval, databases, etc.). In crowdsourcing, it is important to check the work quality because not all workers necessarily have the required skills and diligence to work on a task. We have proposed a method to ensure the work quality by asking workers to report their confidence (degree of conviction) in their work results. The technical feature of this method is that it does not trust the confidence rating reported by workers as it is, but performs statistical quality control assuming the existence of over- and under-confident workers.
Satoshi Oyama Associate Professor -
Real-time Video Processing Technology
Algorithm development and its hardware implementation
In this laboratory, we are promoting research and development of various image processing algorithms and their real-time implementation, focusing mainly on image smoothing and brightness correction of video images, which are recently increasing in capacity (high resolution and high frame rate).
Research
Since the amount of data handled during image processing is generally huge, it is essential to optimize the system as a whole by combining hardware and software. In this laboratory, we are investigating the configuration of image processing systems by studying image processing algorithms and their implementations complementarily. One of the results of our research is real-time adaptive brightness correction of video images based on the Retinex theory (Fig. 1), which can adaptively correct the brightness of video images taken under conditions of large changes in illumination, such as backlighting, in real time. We are also working on high-quality image smoothing (Fig. 2) based on cost optimization, which is expected to be applied to image processing such as photo illustration, pre-processing of various image processes, brightness correction, and detail enhancement.
Hiroshi Tsutsui Associate Professor -
Recognition and Modeling Technology for Laser Scanned Point Clouds
Toward more sophisticated analysis, maintenance and management, and planning of environments and structures where human activity takes place
We are developing theories and algorithms for point cloud processing to automatically recognize and create 3D models of objects and structures that exist in environments where human activity takes place, such as rooms, roads, pole-like objects (utility poles and street lights), street trees, and buildings, from 3D laser scanned point clouds.
Research
We are researching technologies for the automatic recognition and modeling of objects and structures in indoor and outdoor environments from point clouds obtained by ground-based and vehicle-mounted 3D laser scanning systems, as well as basic point cloud data processing methods. The objects to be recognized and modeled include a wide range of arbitrarily shaped objects, rooms, pole-like objects such as utility poles and street lights, trees, road surfaces, and buildings. In addition to the technology of generating mesh models, polygon models, and CAD models from point clouds, we also conduct research on point cloud registration, segmentation, shape feature extraction, machine learning, and procedural object recognition that serves as the foundation for the technology. This technology enables detailed recognition and analysis of the environment and structures, maintenance and management, various simulations and improvement plans using 3D models that faithfully reflect the current state.
Hiroaki Date Associate Professor -
Recommendation Techniques Using the Bandit Method
Online learning technology that maximizes cumulative gain while acquiring knowledge
We are researching a recommendation method that maximizes the user's cumulative satisfaction, not only by recommending items that the user may prefer (use of knowledge), but also items that may provide more information about the user's preferences (acquisition of knowledge) in a balanced manner.
Research
In today's internet society, recommendation technology, if it works well, can benefit both the provider and the receiver of the service. A recommendation service is not a one-time event, but an iterative process with feedback each time, and the feedback only concerns the items that are recommended. Therefore, to increase the accuracy of subsequent recommendations, it is not only important to recommend items that the user is likely to like based on the feedback history (knowledge utilization), but also items from which the user is likely to acquire more information (knowledge acquisition). The Bandit method attempts to maximize user satisfaction by balancing the use and acquisition of knowledge. We are developing a recommendation system using this method.
Atsuyoshi Nakamura Professor -
Remote Sensing of Ground Deformation in the Arctic
Detection of surface subsidence associated with permafrost thawing
Images of ground deformation can be detected from data obtained by the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) onboard the Daichi satellite. Conventionally, the main target has been ground surface displacement caused by earthquakes and volcanic activity, but detection of local ground deformation that is not associated with earthquakes or volcanoes in the permafrost regions of the Arctic Circle has also started.
Research
In the study of earthquakes and volcanic activity, the Earth's interior is sometimes estimated by capturing slight movement of the Earth's surface. This movement is called crustal movement, and efforts are still being made to improve the estimation accuracy and quality. Recently, interferometric SAR (SAR interferometry), which uses satellite SAR phase data, has made it possible to detect crustal movement in remote areas and overseas. In the Arctic, there is no so-called crustal movement, but as shown in the figure below, clear ground deformation has been detected in Western Siberia. This can be seen around so-called thermokarst terrain, which is often found in the Arctic, and is thought to represent subsidence of the ground surface due to the thawing of permafrost. Research on the formation process of thermokarst landforms, which has been largely untouched in the past, has just begun, and evaluation of the impact of global warming is an important issue for the future.
Masato Furuya Professor -
Research on Internal Communication in Organizations
Communication in risk and strategic systems
I am interested in the risk communication that is formed within management organizations. Risk can be broadly classified into pure risk and dynamic risk, and I am examining how these elements shape communication within organizations and define individual and group behavior.
Research
The primary purpose of my research is to identify the unique communication phenomena that form within organizations. In my research on pure risk, I explored internal/external organizational public relations, especially as pertaining to product accidents and the internal risk communication in organizations handling hazardous materials. I believe that communication that is created/disturbed/diffused/structured within an organization and that has some kind of inherent meaning/value for the organization will lead to novel organizational strategies, and that is what characterizes my research and makes it unique. In this regard, I have recently been examining how social organizations (e.g., photography) are organized and the intentions of it.
Atsushi Tsujimoto Professor
