Makoto J. Hirayama

An emergency communication pad for hearing impaired persons

In case of emergency, hearing impaired persons require assistances of communication because they are hard use aural speech usually used as the main communication method of between a rescue staff and injured persons. SOS card originally developed by the Architectural Association of Japanese Deaf is a communication aid by finger pointing pictures and texts on the card. An electronic pad device version of the SOS card is implemented. By using the electronic pad, more flexible and functional usages can be achieved.

A virtual Kanji puzzle game based on 3D graphics and an intuitive inputting device

Nowadays, many people are concerned about their Kanji education level, when a child asks the parents about Kanji, or when they have to use Kanji expression in their works. For this reason, many computer games have been developed for learning and practicing Kanji.

Beading design diagram reading system for visually impaired persons

A beading design diagram reading system was implemented for supporting handicraft by visually impaired persons. Beading is one of popular handicraft done by visually disabled persons as a recreational activity. However, it is not possible for them to watch symbols on design diagram. Sighted volunteers read diagrams for them but the work is hard and it takes several days to convert patterns to texts. The developed software recognizes symbols on design diagram automatically thus the heavy loads of volunteers can be reduced.

Web programming education through developing online shop web application

A class of web programming held in a university is introduced. After learning and practicing PHP and SQL languages, students develop online shopping web sites. After completing the development, the web applications are run in university intranet, and then, students enjoy playing online shopping by visiting some online shops developed by other teams in class. Web programming skills are well acquired by student through experiencing realistic web application development.