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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Professor
- Michiyuki WATANABE
- Research Field
Mathematics, Analysis, Mathematical Physics
- Keyword(s)
Partial differential equations, Scattering theory, Inverse problems
- Research theme
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- Inverse problems for partial differential equations
- Nonlinear waves and partial differential equations
- Scattering theory and its relevance to the elastic wave equation for seismic waves
Outline of research activities
My research explores the mathematical connections between quantum mechanical scattering, nonlinear waves, and seismic waves to understand how mathematical methods and analysis can potentially gain new insights and develop novel approaches.
Finding and understanding the mathematical connections that exist between different fields and phenomena is what makes mathematical research so fascinating.- Desired cooperation
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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Associate professor
- Masakazu ONITSUKA
- Research Field
Qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations
- Keyword(s)
Ordinary differential equations, Qualitative theory, Stability
- Research theme
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- On the stability of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations
Outline of research activities
The field of my research is part of the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. In this research, we focus on the behavior of all solutions of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations. How does the variable coefficients of ODE influence the stability of the solutions? The main purpose of this research is to answer this question. In particular, we deal with the problem on the stability in the Lyapunov sense. For example, we treat asymptotic stability, uniform asymptotic stability and exponential stability. By understanding these essence, we aim to contribute to the development of ODE.
- Desired cooperation
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- Applications to control theory
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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Science
- Professor
- Takanobu KAMATAKI
- Research Field
sedimentology, natural disaster, disaster education
- Keyword(s)
tsunami deposit, flood deposit, natural disaster, disaster education
- Research theme
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- Study on paleo-tsunami history and inundation in coastal lowland area
- Study on disaster assessment based on tsunami and flood deposits
Outline of research activities
Tsunami deposits are useful in attempted reconstructins of prehistoric tsunamis. Geological analyses of tsunami deposits can provide estimates of several parameters of tsunamis, such as recurrence intervals and inundation areas. To assess the history of paleotsunami, we investigate the tsunami deposits around the coastal lowlands on the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan. These studies provides useful information for advancing tsunami disaster risk assessment in coastal lowlands.
In addition, we are active in the practice of disaster education.- Desired cooperation
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- tsunami and flood survey
- disaster education
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Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology
- Associate professor
- Atsushi NAKAMOTO
- Research Field
Animal Ecology, Behavioral Ecology, Conservation Science
- Keyword(s)
Fieldwork, Wildlife, Ecosystem services, Biocultural diversity
- Research theme
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- Ecology of flying foxes
- Animal-plant interactions (seed dispersal and pollination)
- Ecology of urban wildlife
- Distribution and ecology of mammals in Okayama Prefecture
Outline of research activities
We focus on the ecology of wild animals, including endangerd species, and their function in the ecosystem using direct observation or research tools such as camera trap. We explore better conservation methods and way for a sustainable coexistence with people.

- Desired cooperation
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- Ecological survey and conservation activities of endangered animals
- Wildlife management
- Citizen science
- Research on biocultural diversity (collaboration with cultural anthropology and folklore)
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Koji YOSHIDA
- Research Field
Control Engineering, Robotics, Measurement engineering
- Keyword(s)
Multi-body systems, Dynamics, Control, Dynamic mass measurement
- Research theme
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- Studies on Control Strategy for Multi-body Systems
- Studies on Dynamic Mass Measurement
Outline of research activities
Studies on Control Strategy for Multi-body Systems
We can take each of the machines as a system that is composed of many parts including adjacent parts that are connected by a joint so that they can move relative to each other. We can typically assume that each part is rigid enough that it will never bend or twist while in motion. Such a part is called a rigid body. We can consider industrial robotic arms and even automobiles as systems with rigid bodies. When the rigid bodies in the system move, various forces are applied to the system from the inside. Then, we must ask, what is the relationship between the forces and the motions of the rigid bodies? In the control engineering laboratory, we study such problems for mechanical systems and try to control or measure the mechanical values of the system in order to obtain effective control methods.
Studies on Dynamic Mass Measurement
We also try to obtain effective estimation methods for some mechanical values of the system (including total mass) based on dynamics. Solving the problem of measuring the weights of heavy in-motion vehicles with high precision belongs to the field of dynamic mass measurement.
- Desired cooperation
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- Control of mechanical systems
- Dynamic muss measurement
- Application of robotic technology
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Akihiro TAKEMURA
- Research Field
Plastic Deformation, Metal crystal Structure, Corrosion Proof
- Keyword(s)
Metal material, Material Property, Maching Process, Productivity
- Research theme
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- Influence of maching on chemical property of material
- Influence of heat treatment on heat-transfer performance of material
- Reserch of metal maching performance
Outline of research activities
In the case of metal materials are machined, the surface of materials are plastic defomed. Cristal structure of metal surface is strained by plastic deformation. The crystal structure strain changes the chemical property of surface. This phenomenon is called a mechano-chemical reaction. We study the mechano-chemical reaction and the relationship of machining process and material property.

- Desired cooperation
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- Improving the machinability of metal materials
- Anticorrosion engineering of metal surface treatment and processing
- Improvement of metallic materials productivity
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Information and Computer Engineering
- Professor
- Hideyuki SHIMADA
- Research Field
Applied computer engineering
- Keyword(s)
Computer graphics, Image processing, GIS
- Research theme
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- Visualization of measurement results
- Development of cloud oriented GIS
Outline of research activities
With the spread of Mobile Mapping System (a vehicle equipped with GNSS, laser scanners and cameras), huge point clouds are being accumulated rapidly. My study is to make effective use of this data in current road-related measurement system. And also I’m trying to display this as a high-speed 3DCG via the Internet.

- Desired cooperation
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- GIS
- Visualization of measurement results
- Road-related measurement systems
- Disaster-related information systems
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Information and Computer Engineering
- Professor
- Kengo KATAYAMA
- Research Field
Computational Intelligence, Mathematical Optimization, Algorithm Engineering
- Keyword(s)
Intelligent Algorithms, Machine Learning, Scheduling
- Research theme
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- Optimization Algorithms for Graph, Routing, Scheduling Problems
- Development of High-Performance Algorithms such as Evolutionary Computations, Metaheuristics, and Local Search
- Development of Effective Machine Learning Algorithms
- Development of Smart Information Systems, Disaster Prevention Systems, etc.
Outline of research activities
Metaheuristic algorithms such as simulated annealing, iterated local search, genetic evolutionary algorithms are known to be effective optimization methods that can be used for various problems in engineering field. Our research interests are developments, improvements and analyses of high-performance evolutionary algorithms and metaheuristic algorithms based on local search for optimization problems such as Maximum Clique Problem, Graph Coloring Problem, Quadratic Assignment Problem, Facility Location Problem, Vehicle Routing Problem, Scheduling Problems, etc.

- Desired cooperation
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- Solutions and Optimizations for scheduling, routing, selections, and placements in business
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Information and Computer Engineering
- Professor
- Noriaki NISHIKAWA
- Research Field
Multi-Agent Simulation
- Keyword(s)
Crowd Dynamics, Simulation
- Research theme
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- Constructive understanding of crowd behavior
- Societal implementation of crowd simulation technology
Outline of research activities
I am currently conducting researches on pedestrian flow modeling, simulation, and optimization. There are two reasons for investigating pedestrian flow. One is to solve the day-to-day problems of crowded public spaces, such as stations, shopping malls, pavements and many other places. The other is to optimize evacuation procedures from densely buildings and urban centers in case of an unpredicted event.

- Desired cooperation
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- Simulation researches on human behavior
- Researches on multi-agent simulation
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Information and Computer Engineering
- Assistant professor
- Ryoichi SATO
- Research Field
Information Security, Computing System, Information Network
- Keyword(s)
IoT System, Information Security, Cryptography, Random Numbers
- Research theme
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- Improvements to FPGA-implementable physical random number generation circuits
- Analysis considerations for generating cryptographic-quality random numbers
- Research on building secure IoT systems
Outline of research activities
IT technologies are advancing at breakneck speed, driven in particular by advances in AI and IoT. While connecting vast amounts of information to the internet has enhanced convenience, it has also increased the risk of personal data and corporate confidential information being compromised. This laboratory focuses on securing IoT devices—which typically have limited computational resources and pose significant security challenges—and develops and implements security measures. We primarily concentrate on cryptography and random number generation, exploring applications of these technologies in IoT devices including FPGAs, as well as encryption for various communication channels and device authentication. Furthermore, we are committed to the real-world deployment of IoT technology.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of prototypes for socially implementing IoT technologies
- Social implementation of cryptographic circuits and random number generation circuits
- Information acquisition and visualization using IoT devices for DX initiatives
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Professor
- Hiroyuki HOTTA
- Research Field
Foundation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Disaster Engineering
- Keyword(s)
Foundation, Ground, Performance Evaluation, Disaster Survey
- Research theme
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- Deformation of ground and structures during construction and usage of buildings
- Performance evaluation and reuse of existing piles
- Disaster survey and analysis of buildings and foundations
Outline of research activities
In order to ensure safety during construction and to assure quality and performance of buildings, I am conducting research on methods to predict and to evaluate deformation of ground and structures accurately.
Also, to reduce cost, period, and environmental load of re-building, I am researching survey or evaluation methods of existing piles and foundation design reusing them.
In case of disasters such as earthquakes or heavy rains, I quickly survey on site, analyse the cause of damage, and utilise the results for subsequent disaster prevention and mitigation.
- Desired cooperation
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- Rationalisation of foundation design and underground construction
- Disaster survey and diagnosis, restoration and reconstruction plan
- Research on optimization methods in the life cycle of buildings
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Associate professor
- Daiu MABUCHI
- Research Field
Architectural Planning, Architectural Design Methodology, Architectural Design
- Keyword(s)
Virtual Reality, Measurement by Psychology and Physiology, Subject Experiment
- Research theme
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- Exploring techniques for creators and users to co-create
- Method Development to reflect users' viewpoints to creation based on their stress index
- Exploring a design methodology using virtual reality and algorithm design
Outline of research activities
The way of manufacturing is undergoing major changes. One of the changes is co-creation. Development of a new manufacturing method beyond the gap between the creator and the user is a big challenge.
In my laboratory, I am studying a method to eliminate the barriers between creators and users as much as possible using Stress Index, Virtual Reality and so on. And we aim to construct a place where co-creation is possible.

- Desired cooperation
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- Practice of manufacturing using stress index and VR
- Joint development of interior and exterior design
- The architectural design of small scale building
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Associate professor
- Kiho YAOITA
- Research Field
Urban planning, Cultural heritage conservation, International cooperation, Community development
- Keyword(s)
Historic district and cultural landscape conservation, World Heritage, Ecomuseum
- Research theme
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- Historic district protection and utilization
- Cultural landscape protection and utilization
- Community development based on cultural heritage
Outline of research activities
The landscapes of traditional townscapes and villages are based on the natural conditions of the land, such as climate and topography, and are the tangible manifestations of social characteristics such as history and livelihoods, which have been inherited through traditional lifestyles and local traditions. In our laboratory, we are conducting research to clarify what kind of background has formed such a beautiful landscape, and what kind of elements it is composed of, fucusing on the characteristics of the traditional architecture of the region. We are also examining methods of heritage conservation that involve local residents in order to inherit these cultural heritages to future generations.

- Desired cooperation
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- Fundamental surveys for historic district and cultural landscape conservation
- Protection and utilization of cultural heritage
- Development of Master Plan and Action Plan for the Preservation and Utilization of Historical and Cultural Heritage
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Associate professor
- Toshio YADA
- Research Field
Architectural Design, Urban Design
- Keyword(s)
Design Method, preservation and utilization
- Research theme
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- The study and the practice of the architectural design
Outline of research activities
Study and practice on design methods of architecture in the context of urban space, public space, strategic urban regeneration by micro-intervention.
The main emphasis of my laboratory is to grasp architecture in the context of urban space and social situation, and use this for the basis for constructing both a new design theory and practical architectural projects.- Desired cooperation
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- Architectural Design
- Urban Design
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Associate professor
- Yuki SATO
- Research Field
Architectural environmental engineering, architectural equipment engineering
- Keyword(s)
Indoor environment improvement, energy conservation, building equipment systems, functional building materials
- Research theme
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- Research on air-powered floor heating and cooling systems that balance comfort and energy efficiency.
- Research on environmental control and energy conservation in buildings using renewable energy.
- Research on improving the temperature and humidity environment of houses using humidity control and heat storage building materials
Outline of research activities
Aiming to achieve both comfort and energy efficiency, which are essential for future architecture, we are conducting research to realize safe and healthy living spaces. Specifically, we are working to improve the efficiency of “air-based floor heating and cooling systems,” which excel at heating and cooling large spaces. We are also advancing research on environmental control utilizing natural energy and energy-saving renovations of existing buildings. Furthermore, we are working to improve the temperature and humidity environment of homes and reduce the air conditioning load through the development of “functional building materials” with moisture absorption and release and heat storage properties. Through these practical approaches using the optimal combination of air conditioning equipment and building materials, we are promoting research aimed at creating sustainable and high-quality buildings and living environments.
- Desired cooperation
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- Research on air conditioning systems for large-span buildings
- Research on the use of natural energy and improvement of indoor environments
- Research on improving the efficiency of air conditioners using functional building materials
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Lecturer
- Michisato IKEDA
- Research Field
Architectural Design, Architectural Theory, Architectural Spatial Theory, Studies of Architects
- Keyword(s)
Space Design, Community Development, the Islamic world, Venetian Architecture, 3D Scanning, Photogrammetry
- Research theme
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- Spatial Design and Preservation/Use through 3D Surveying of Historic Architecture
- Community Development in Collaboration With Industry, Government, Academia, and Local Communities
- Practical Research Through Architectural Design, Urban Design and Product Design
Outline of research activities
Using 3D scanners and photogrammetry, I conduct research on spatial design, preservation and utilization of architectural works designed by Le Corbusier and Kiyonori Kikutake, as well as cultural heritage sites in the Islamic regions such as Jordan.
My research also focuses on understanding the current state of cultural heritage/architecture as “living heritage,” as well as methods for their preservation and utilization.
Additionally, I am conducting practice-based research on community planning/development in collaboration with local governments and researching on Italian cities and architecture, with a particular focus on Venice.- Desired cooperation
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- 3D Surveying and Research on Methods for the Preservation and Utilization of Cultural/Architectural Heritage
- Community Development and Design in Collaboration With Industry, Government, Academia, and Local Communities
- Collaborative Research and Production in Architecture, Urban Design, and Product Design
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Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Professor
- Kazunori OYAMA
- Research Field
game engineering
- Keyword(s)
Game programming, Social contribution through games
- Research theme
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- Real-time rendering
- Behavioral changes brought about by games, etc.
Outline of research activities
Computer games have grown along with technology, incorporating various cutting-edge technologies. Among them, our research focuses on real-time rendering technology that supports interactivity and immersion, and networks that support connections with others. Through research on the mechanisms of getting hooked on games and social media, I would like to work on social contribution through games (education, community revitalization, aesthetics, public relations, etc.) and the role that games play in society.

- Desired cooperation
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- Programming education, support for local information education
- Games and monitoring systems for the elderly
- Community revitalization, aesthetics, public relations, etc. through games
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Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Professor
- Michio SAKAKIHARA
- Research Field
Numerical scientific computation,
- Keyword(s)
Discretization method, Mathematical modelling, Optimization method
- Research theme
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- Alternative least sqear method,
- Simple function evaluation for embedded software
- Extending the concept of differentiation to develop
- optimization methods for more complex targets.
Outline of research activities
There are many application fields for the development of rational methods for inferring desired information from observed data. One of the techniques is the alternating least squares method for decomposing a matrix. This method is used in a wide range of fields from analysis of psychological data to image processing. However, the theoretical background of this approach does not seem to be fully clarified. I am conducting research with various interests, centering on research to clarify the theoretical background of the alternating least squares method.

- Desired cooperation
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- General problems for which no mathematical model has been established.
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Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Associate professor
- Hiroaki KUNO
- Research Field
Bioengineering, Electrical engineering
- Keyword(s)
Biological Information, Measurement, Analysis, Virtual Reality, Robot
- Research theme
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- Development of remote control robot using body motion
- Development of human action recognition software using security camera images
- Development of sports training software using virtual reality
- Development of biological information measurement system for animals
Outline of research activities
The theme of our laboratory is to measure biological information obtained from humans and animals. Measured biological information is used in the development of various sensors, equipment, and software.

- Desired cooperation
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- Downsizing of system
- Development of application software
- Development of telecommunications technology
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Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Associate professor
- Wataru KOBAYASHI
- Research Field
Control, Rehabilitation, System Engineering, Fluid mechanics
- Keyword(s)
Fluid Power System, Rehabilitation, Life Support System, Green Drive Source
- Research theme
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- Control of tap-water drive artificial muscles
- Assist orthosis for under-water gait training
- Pure tap-water drive system for emergency drive source
- Support systems for musical instruments
Outline of research activities
Water hydraulic systems which use tap-water as working fluid are called aqua drive systems and they can realize novel green drive sources with 100% oil-free characteristics. In our laboratory, we study to realize a clean and safe system for rehabilitation, power assist, and life support. In addition, we have developed pure aqua drive systems, which can be driven without any power source, by controlling fluidic flow and have applied such systems to emergency drive sources and disaster prevention systems. We have also developed support systems to play musical instruments by only one hand.

- Desired cooperation
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- Application of aqua drive systems for rehabilitation and life support systems
- Development of emergency drive source and disaster prevention systems using pure aqua drive systems
- Development of support systems for musical instruments


