Keio Research Institute at SFC

* This laboratory has been completed.

Objectives

In this research project, we will monitor the air around human populations with stationary and mobile sensors, and construct a sensor platform to share that data via communication technologies. We will also develop data interpolation and visualization techniques for the purpose of providing spatiotemporal information in an exhaustive way. In concrete terms, we will conduct fixed-point monitoring with installed sensors, including Geiger counters, in locations such as stores and schools, and seek to use other measurement methods, including car-mounted sensors. Through these methods, we plan to create a platform for sustainable radiation measurement, with the monitored and collected information transmitted via the Internet to servers and open to the public via a web API. At the same time, we will develop spatiotemporal analysis technology for monitored information to spread information under visualized conditions via a portal site.

This project’s main research areas are as follows:

1. Development of networked sensing devices
   We will develop networked sensing devices to measure radiation and meteorological conditions, make provisions for a data depository to gather varied atmospheric information, and develop a framework for certifying devices. We will also develop a transmission protocol for these devices.
2. Development of sensor network technology
   We will develop network technology to collect the data monitored with sensors. We will also develop a DTN protocol for gathering information from mobile sensors and a standard condition protocol for servers.
3. Development of air analysis technology
   There is a limit for the installment of stationary and mobile sensors. To cover all areas, we will develop technologies for interpolating data from existing reading points based on an understanding of the characteristics of each sensor’s information. We will also look into the use of API to spread such data more widely to the public.
4. Development of visualization technology
   In order for people to take advantage of monitored data, it is essential to realize easy-to-understand visualization of such data. Some monitored data are best visualized with zero-dimensional displays, some with one-dimensional, some with two-dimensional, and some in three dimensions. We will develop air visualization technology to suit each characteristic.

The eventual goal of our consortium is to acquire wider understanding of the outcome of the research and provide it as support to society’s infrastructure. The members of the consortium will be able to obtain a deeper knowledge in the field through conducting collaborative research and also benefit from the advantages such privileges impact on business outcomes.

Outline of the Research Activity Plan (First year)

Development and installment of networked sensing devices

• Development of networked sensors, which are existing Geiger counters connected to smartphones
• Development of stationery and mobile networked sensors that use the Geiger-M?ller tube
• Development of remote updated function for firmware
• Installment of the abovementioned sensors in stores and logistics vehicles

Development and operation of sensor network technology

• Development of servers to which information collected by stationary and mobile sensors is transmitted
• Installment and operation of data collection servers at SFC
• Public release of raw data

Development of air analysis technology

• Study in forecasting models for spatiotemporal interpolation of radiation
• Development of prototype
• Off-line provision of information

Development and provision of visualization technology

• Realization of easy-to-understand visualization for radiation
• Provision of information to famous portal sites

Researchers, managers and professors