Makoto Okada

Flexible Multi-agent Collaboration Using Pattern Directed Message Collaboration of Field Reactor Model

In this paper, we propose a flexible multi-agent model, called Field Reactor Model (FRM) for open system environment such as ubiquitous computing. FRM unifies indirect communication with an abstract medium and pattern-oriented message communication. The collaboration method among agents is pattern directed message collaboration that yields functional relations among patterns of agents. The pattern directed message collaboration enables agents on heterogeneous platforms to create collaboration each other and supports to change collaboration dynamically. We describe how to apply the computation scheme originated from dataflow to the pattern directed message collaboration. Also, we show the flexibility of FRM with an example of file format translations.

Learning methodology of innovation architecture using case example of development of contactless palm vein pattern biometric authentication technology

The learning methodology for technology roadmapping (TRM) described in this paper comes out of the work of a Japan Techno-Economics Society group. A practical example of TRM is the innovation architecture (IA) proposed by H. Tschirkys group at ETH Zurich. A contrasting approach for an IA is to require engineers to learn the theoretical background before they customize the IA for particular applications. The IA users would have to make great efforts to interpret IA theory for their daily tasks, described in the language of their professions. The approach to designing a learning methodology in this paper is to build an IA using a case study. Using the case study, engineers are able to learn how to develop the IA by assuming the roles of project members. The paper covers the implementation of the methodology by describing how an IA is built using a case study on the development of a biometric authentication technology (released by Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. in 2003). By using the methodology to follow the case example, an R&D organization was able to gain experience with the IA (TRM) and learn how to use it efficiently.

Collaboration among agents in logical network of peer-to-peer services

Mobile devices will have enough power to provide various kinds of services on themselves in the Internet. In these services, users buy and sell products by peer-to-peer contact on streets and shops. In order to realize the peer-to-peer services, we need a platform that satisfies the following requirements: describing a service independent of its location, and providing a service under dynamically changing network environment. This paper proposes a new framework, called virtual private community (VPC), for such services. VPC provides flexible collaboration and a new computation framework for the flexible collaboration, in order to realize such services.

Electron waves through quantum point contacts

This paper reviews the authors work on the experimental and theoretical analyses of the angular distribution of electrons injected through a single quantum point contact. They observed double peaks in the distribution with the point contact quantized in two modes. The authors calculation of the distribution using a Fraunhofer diffraction approximation through a quantized single slit agreed well with results. In this calculation they use a Greens function in weak magnetic fields and constructed mirror images there. They also investigated the possibility of observing interference in the angular distribution between the first and second modes, and found that the interference terms of the angular distribution were cancelled due to system symmetry. Another possible way to observe interference is due to electron waves through double point contacts. To measure this interference, the authors developed submicron air bridges to make double point contacts with independently controlled widths. The authors measured the controlled additivity of the conductance for four point contacts.

Large Scale Peer-to-Peer Experiments with Virtual Private Community (VPC) Framework

This paper describes service models for peer-to-peer services in a mobile environment. These days, mobile devices such as PDAs and mobile telephones have the power and the capability to support a variety of services independently. In the near future, peer-to-peer services, for mobile devices in a mobile environment, will be commonplace. However, the performance of these devices is not comparable to those of PCs. The CPU performance of mobile devices is ten times less than those of PCs. Likewise, the data storage capacity of mobile devices is quite limited. Thus, it is difficult for these devices to provide peer-to-peer services such as file sharing and the access of CPU power. Hence, we propose suitable peer-to-peer service models for mobile devices. We have performed a large-scale experiment, with six hundred participants. This paper also contains the results and discussions of this experiment.

Angular distribution of electrons injected through a quantum point contact

Abstract This paper reports on the measurement of the angular distribution of electrons injected through a quantum point contact. We observed double peaks in the distribution with the point contact quantized in two modes. Our calculation of the distribution using an approximation of Fraunhofer diffraction through a quantized single slit agreed well with results. This paper also discusses the interference between the first and second modes, and shows how the terms of interference in the angular distribution are canceled.

Electron transport properties in GaAs/AlGaAs quasi one-dimensional fets

Abstract A GaAs/AlGaAs modulation-doped FET with an n+-GaAs grating cap layer has been fabricated and characterized. By applying a negative gate voltage, the two-dimensional channel changes into an array of quasi one-dimensional channels. The quasi one-dimensionality of the channels is confirmed with I-V, C-V, and magnetoconductance measurements. Mobility in the channels is found to be enhanced and oscillatory which we think is the result of one-dimensional size-quantization.

A pattern language for living well with dementia: Words for a Journey

In this paper, we present a pattern language comprising 40 patterns for living well with dementia. These patterns have been developed based on interviews with people with dementia, their families and people who support them. This paper summarises the pattern language by providing an example and describing its development process. We also present the analysis of feedback from readers, indicating that this pattern language is acceptable to people with dementia and their families and care staff; moreover, these groups could imagine situations where they used the presented patterns to improve and talk about their life with dementia.

Individual Digital Rights Management in Multi-agent Information Trading Societies

This position statement identifies a number of future applications of multi-agent systems based on information trading economies for large-scale, file-sharing applications. To achieve mass user support, we identify the key requirement for the realisation of such applications as the representation and management of individual digital rights. We outline an academic-industrial, Anglo-Japanese research programme fusing a number of base platforms and technologies, whose long-term goal is the development of full-scale applications.

ADR Processes for Creating Strategic Networks for Social Issues: Dementia Projects

We present action-development-relationship (ADR) processes as a social innovation design methodology for creating strategic partnerships and networks. We describe our dementia project in relation to four practical cases: “Run Tomorrow,” “Futures,” “the Fujinomiya Project,” and “Words for a Journey.” These all consist of a series of ADR processes. We discuss how a series of ADR processes is suitable for addressing the ambiguous circumstances that make up social issues and the ways in which it is able to promote mutual understanding among multiple stakeholders.