Laboratory Introduction - Ryukyu University Faculty of Engineering, Intelligent Information Course / Graduate School of Engineering, Information Engineering Department

Table of Contents

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Internet Systems & Learning Environment Systems Laboratory (Nagata & Taniguchi Lab)

Overview

The Nagata & Taniguchi Lab engages in various research and development related to the internet and information systems. Specifically, we work on fundamental research and development at the protocol level, as well as research and development of practical systems applying foundational technologies. Our work spans from digital content distribution systems, regional internet exchange, to system development for education and welfare fields. The research and activities in our lab aim to be valuable for future students aspiring to become system engineers and for those pursuing advanced skills through graduate studies (consider enrolling in a graduate school to enhance your value).

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Research on content delivery systems to establish a self-distribution infrastructure for digital content in Okinawa Prefecture
  • Research on improving the quality of real-time video streaming communication
  • Research on integrated and high-speed transport protocols
  • Research on P2P systems
  • Research on regional internet exchange (IX)
  • Research on internet security
  • Research on encryption and coding of communication data
  • Research on autonomous distributed system management using mobile agents
  • Research on WWW cache systems
  • Research on internet quality measurement
  • Research on utilizing wireless LAN for internet infrastructure
  • Research on GPS-based mobile devices with tourism guide functionality
  • Research on the use of information technology (IT) in education fields
  • Research on the use of information technology (IT) in welfare fields
  • Research and development of university information archives
  • Research on the use of information technology in school education from kindergarten to university
  • Research on Web-Based Training (WBT) and its effectiveness indicators for educational materials
  • Research on internet-based human communication
  • Research on the utilization of Okinawa regional internet exchange

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Spatio-Temporal IoT Systems Laboratory (Tamaki Lab)

Overview

The Tamaki Lab has been researching the optimal placement of devices within the world of the internet since its inception. This has evolved into energy, environmental, and agricultural production systems based on IoT technology. In particular, environmental control during agricultural production is crucial. Currently, we employ IoT to produce mangoes, strawberries, salad greens, and other agricultural products. We analyze their quality from an agricultural perspective in collaboration with professors from the Faculty of Agriculture. Additionally, we use rainfall radar for environmental measurement to predict the birth and disappearance of torrential rainfall. These findings can be applied to the prediction of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Our ultimate goal is to actively utilize spatio-temporal IoT in the subtropical region of Okinawa.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Development of IoT-based agricultural production systems (aiming for energy conservation, labor saving, and high efficiency)
  • Environmental control to improve the early harvesting and quality of mangoes
  • Development of an optimal irrigation system during crop growth (based on three-dimensional visualization of soil moisture levels)
  • Development of a fruit and leafy vegetable quality discrimination system (measuring photosynthesis promotion rate)
  • Analysis of the mechanism of torrential rain using a high-performance rainfall radar
  • Development of high-efficiency and strong wind zone-specific small-scale wind power generation systems

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(Continuing for other labs)

Digital Systems Laboratory (Fire Wada Lab)

Overview

The Digital Systems Laboratory conducts research on technologies to realize digital systems and is currently focused on constructing digital wireless communication processing systems and computationally intensive Deep Learning systems. While the lab previously worked on digital broadcasting, wireless LAN, and mobile phone-related technologies, the recent discovery of underwater resources near Okinawa Prefecture has led to the exploration of underwater communication systems as one of its targets. One approach involves acoustic communication for underwater wireless communication, but sound propagation underwater is much slower (around 1500m/sec) compared to radio waves. Therefore, the lab collaborates with companies inside and outside the prefecture to conduct joint research and development of systems that heavily employ digital signal processing in challenging real-world underwater communication environments. Additionally, the lab has begun to explore methods that utilize light as an alternative approach.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Realization of underwater wireless communication using acoustic communication, similar to mobile phones
  • Realization of acoustic communication systems between deep-sea exploration vessels at depths of around 2000 meters
  • Research on OFDM communication technology in multi-reflection environments
  • Research on visible light OFDM communication using LEDs for underwater applications
  • Research on new communication methods, such as OCDM (Orthogonal Code Division Multiplexing)
  • Research on simplified implementations of Deep Learning systems

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Image Processing & Applied Computational Engineering Laboratory (Nagayama Lab)

Overview

The Image Processing & Applied Computational Engineering Laboratory pioneers the field of “Applied Computational Engineering,” which combines image processing, information media engineering, systems engineering, computer engineering, cognitive engineering, quantum computing, biological systems, and more. The laboratory seeks to explore new applications and theories without being confined to conventional frameworks, integrating information technology and science and utilizing them in various ways. It especially focuses on utilizing the functions of “seeing” and “visual information” through the integration of image processing and artificial intelligence/machine learning. This is applied in research and development to enable automatic detection of criminal behavior and achieve security, as well as automatic search for distressed individuals using drones from the sky. The laboratory aims to develop systems that will be valuable for the next generation of society.

Additionally, through problem identification, idea generation, and awareness of students and faculty, the laboratory actively publishes research results as papers to contribute to society’s knowledge and social welfare. Publishing research results as reviewed papers plays an essential role in the laboratory. Published peer-reviewed papers remain in human society as long as it endures. Through research at the undergraduate and graduate levels, students learn new knowledge and information technology, acquire engineering skills for practical applications, and engage in academic activities actively after entering graduate school.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Development of intelligent security camera systems
  • Research on autonomous rescue drone systems
  • Motion estimation system research
  • Research on high-speed deep learning neural networks
  • Quantum computer theory
  • Research on high-performance quantum-based machine learning algorithms
  • Research on motion rehabilitation simulators
  • Research on medical image processing

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Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory (NAL Lab)

Overview

The Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory is a seminar group that gathers for tea after the session. Professor Toma has a strong interest in themes related to complex systems engineering and artificial intelligence, particularly in how to achieve technology that supports specific users’ work. For example, even in document summarization, it is essential to consider whether it targets graduate-level students in a specialized field or high school students. Outputs naturally vary depending on the target audience, and the lab is strongly oriented towards guiding research in that direction. For more concrete examples, please take a look at the materials for students interested in joining the laboratory. It is also recommended to visit the student laboratory (Engineering Building 1-712) and listen to candid talks from seniors.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Modeling individual emotions that arise when reading novels (wanting to recommend novels based on individual preferences)
  • Discourse identification on Twitter (grouping together empty replies as a single discourse)
  • Article organization, such as extracting purposes from papers (wanting to support paper reading)
  • Dialogue-based user interface (finding information from an extensive Q&A list can be challenging)
  • Text generation (challenging), context understanding (challenging), and data construction support (challenging)
  • Explanation of reasons (aiming to explain why certain results are obtained in a way that humans can understand)
  • Learning support (wanting to understand learners’ situations and provide appropriate support)

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Autonomous Distributed Systems Laboratory (Nakamura Lab)

Overview

The Autonomous Distributed Systems Laboratory focuses on research and development of methods, algorithms, and system development for modeling, analyzing, and optimizing systems with characteristics such as distribution, cooperation, and parallelism. The lab mainly utilizes network theory and graph theory to abstract large-scale complex systems and make problem-solving easier. It also conducts research on machine learning and optimization processing technologies for large-scale data. The application fields cover a wide range, including efficient execution of computer systems, smart agriculture, bioinformatics processing, IoT sensor networks, and more.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Research on automatic generation of mathematical programming based on network theory
  • Research on highly efficient processing of large-scale graph algorithms
  • Research on parallel processing techniques for large-scale optimization calculations
  • Research on extensions of the stable marriage problem and its mathematical model
  • Research and development of smart life using IoT sensor networks and AI technology
  • Application research on machine learning and optimization processing (SNS, bioinformatics, agriculture, civil engineering)

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Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory (Endo Lab)

Overview

The Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory is currently developing a robot in the shape of a sea starfish found in Okinawa’s ocean. The lab aims to construct systems using groups of computer-controlled programs called “agents” to mimic the complex functional organization and phenomena found in nature. Systems in nature that have been shaped by environmental interactions, such as the sea starfish in the ocean, possess sophisticated capabilities despite not having high intelligence. Compared to programs or robots created by us, they are simpler yet exhibit advanced functions. The lab focuses on “knowledge” and “embodiment” generated from the interactions among humans, software, robots, and the environment. It examines the adaptability and improvement of robots and software agents’ learning capabilities.

In the near future of a robot society, this involves tackling questions such as how to teach things to robots, how to utilize robots, and how to interact with robots. Ultimately, this research will lead to the study of human interaction mediated by robots.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Development of intelligent security camera systems
  • Research on autonomous rescue drone systems
  • Motion estimation system research
  • Research on high-speed deep learning neural networks
  • Quantum computer theory
  • Research on high-performance quantum-based machine learning algorithms
  • Research on motion rehabilitation simulators
  • Research on medical image processing

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Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory (Akamine Lab)

Overview

The Complex Systems Engineering Laboratory conducts research on simulations of natural and social phenomena, as well as studies on automatic generation of sound and images using computers. The lab also develops tools for efficient construction of simulators.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • New advertising media: Conducting research to use cameras installed in electronic displays to capture pedestrians’ images and perform image processing to create effective advertising media.

  • Automatic generation of sound effects: Developing tools to automatically generate sound effects (e.g., in videos) similar to computer-generated images (CG).

  • Traffic simulation: Simulating traffic congestion situations in road networks using various data to study measures for traffic congestion relief. Evaluating new methods, such as avoiding traffic congestion through exchanging congestion information among vehicles equipped with communication devices.

  • Forest fire simulation: Analyzing data from satellite images to simulate the spread of forest fires, aiming to contribute to more effective firefighting activities.

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Parallel Reliable Systems Laboratory (Kawano Lab)

Overview

The Parallel Reliable Systems Laboratory conducts research “from the bottom to the top of computer programming.” Emphasizing programming skills, the lab believes that practical experience with coding, upstream design methods, project management, documentation, and library development are essential. Research themes include the following:

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Development of CbC, a programming language suitable for state transition description: Developing a language that allows describing processing at the state transition unit (code) level, excluding function calls, for loops, and while loops in the C language.

  • Development of infrastructure for large-scale network games: Developing communication platforms for network games that can accommodate millions of users. It aims to achieve processing and communication for games on PCs using agents instead of traditional client-server models, similar to home gaming consoles.

  • Development of Suci, a low-level communication library using UDP: Aiming to develop a high-speed communication library that is faster than traditional TCP by adding reliability to UDP and allowing users to control congestion and flow control.

  • Research on program verification using temporal logic: The lab also offers the “Game Development using PlayStation2 Linux” course for third-year students. Games developed in this course and by students in the lab are exhibited as demonstrations at events like multimedia fairs and industrial festivals. Additionally, game development using GameBoy Advance has started recently.

Reference Link: Parallel Reliable Systems Laboratory

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Information Statistics Laboratory (Okazaki Lab)

Overview

The Information Statistics Laboratory conducts research on the estimation of mathematical models related to the occurrence of various phenomena, including natural and social phenomena, human behavior, and more. It involves extracting factors that constitute events and inferring their relationships based on data collected through experiments or surveys. The lab builds systems to replace scientific hypotheses with statistical hypotheses based on the generated models, aiming to clarify the mechanisms of event occurrence. The research also focuses on developing data analysis skills necessary to become a data scientist.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Development of clustering methods for similarity and non-spherical distributions.
  • High-precision assembly method for DNA sequences.
  • Inference and modeling of gene networks.
  • Consumer behavior analysis and trend forecasting using distribution data.
  • Solution methods for tour guide allocation problems as multi-objective function optimization.
  • Inference of pronunciation data transition models.
  • Various analyses related to hotel information.
  • Inference and visualization of groundwater distribution and storage capacity.

Reference Link: Information Statistics Laboratory

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Fault-Tolerant Systems Laboratory (Yoshida Lab)

Overview

The Fault-Tolerant Systems Laboratory mainly focuses on research related to high-performance and high-reliability architectures. The term “architecture” refers to the internal structure and design methodology of hardware. By ingeniously designing architectures, hardware with various characteristics can be realized, such as high processing speed, compactness, and low power consumption. High-performance and high-reliability architectures aim to achieve high-performance or high-reliability hardware. In this lab, students work diligently to devise new architectures.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Research on high-performance processors using SD representation.
  • Research on small and power-efficient processors based on approximation computation.
  • Research on the application of BDD in logical compression.
  • Design and development of high-speed cryptographic devices.
  • Research on highly reliable sequential circuits resistant to transient faults.
  • Research on highly reliable sequential circuits resistant to delay faults.
  • Research on the architecture of highly reliable asynchronous sequential circuits.
  • Research and development of educational processors.

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Intelligent Control Engineering Laboratory (Kang Lab)

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Optimal tourist route problem considering the temporal change of value: Defining the optimal tourist route problem considering the time-varying travel time and the value of tourist spots based on a complete graph, where each node corresponds to a value and stay time, and each edge corresponds to

travel time. The specified arrival time is set as the time limit, and the problem is to search for the optimal route that can reach the destination from the starting point within the time limit.

  • Construction of an Okinawa tourism guide system using Google Maps API: With the widespread use of the Internet, travelers are increasingly planning their trips themselves. Therefore, a tourism guide system is constructed using Google Maps API to assist travelers in planning their trips.

  • Question control for learning support systems: Performing question control to efficiently memorize and minimize forgetting of English words. Analyzing the related structure of problem items using fuzzy theory and conducting an analysis of learner characteristics, such as understanding and achievement, based on the learner’s response results. This provides an efficient and effective order of questions.

  • Development of an English word search algorithm based on pronunciation: English has many words where pronunciation does not match the spelling, making it difficult for non-native English speakers to search for words whose spelling they do not know. Therefore, an English word search method is being developed to find words with “similar” pronunciation even when the correct pronunciation symbol string cannot be input.

  • Analysis of acoustic and image signals of banknotes: Distinguishing between genuine banknotes that should be circulated in the market and damaged banknotes that should not be circulated. Many damaged banknotes are generated due to dirt and damage, so it is necessary to inspect the condition of banknotes and exchange worn-out banknotes for new ones. Therefore, an algorithm is being developed to recognize worn-out banknotes by measuring the sounds and digital image signals generated from the banknotes.

  • Extraction of features and development of discrimination algorithms in music genres: Extracting features from musical notes, transitions, and time axes to develop a discrimination algorithm for music genres, aiming to improve the accuracy of genre discrimination.

Reference Link: Intelligent Control Engineering Laboratory

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Network Control Lab (Miyazato Lab)

Overview

To solve various problems for the convenience of society, most cases require expressing the targets in mathematical formulas. This work is called modeling and is an essential technology for the development of science and technology. The Network Control Lab conducts research to solve various problems in the information and communication field through data-based modeling. For instance, to improve the quality of communication on the Internet (e.g., line speed and stability), it is necessary to model information networks. However, the internet is complex due to its scale and diverse components, making it difficult to model. It remains an unsolved problem that many researchers are currently working on. Moreover, wireless LANs and nearly practical ultra-high-speed internet satellites (WINS) are technologies necessary for establishing network infrastructure in island regions such as Okinawa. To improve their performance, it is necessary to clarify the mechanism of radio wave propagation by modeling radio wave propagation.

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Movement of Living Organisms Lab (Kunita Lab)

Overview

(1) The Movement of Living Organisms Lab studies the “way of movement” of living organisms. Specifically, they conduct research on the learning ability and physical mechanisms of morphogenesis in unicellular organisms. They explore various academic fields such as biophysics, animal behavior, information science, mathematical science, and complex systems science while investigating the “way of movement” of living organisms.

(2) The lab aims to apply the mechanisms of living organisms’ movement to engineering research and development. They target welfare fields and physiological psychology to study how human physical burden can be reduced by specific movements and how support devices can efficiently facilitate learning movements. By acquiring a wide range of knowledge from hardware to software, students can engage in human-friendly product development.

Research Examples & Keywords

  • Physical mechanisms of spatial learning ability in unicellular organisms.
  • Physical mechanisms of behavior and morphogenesis in cellular slime molds.
  • Understanding cell motion through soft matter physics.
  • Development of communication support devices for deaf-blind individuals and the general population.
  • Development of devices to reduce physical burden for wheelchair users.
  • Effects of biofeedback on muscle tension.

Reference Link: Movement of Living Organisms Lab

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HCI (Human Computer Interaction) (Tamashiro Lab)

Reference Link: Researchmap

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