Yasutomo Takano

Unconnected component inclusion technique for patent network analysis: Case study of Internet of Things-related technologies

In this study, we propose an unconnected component inclusion technique (UCIT) for patent citation analysis. Our method generates a cluster solution that includes unconnected and connected components of a direct citation network, enabling a more complete analysis of the technology fields. Case studies of Internet of Things-related technologies were conducted to test the effectiveness of our proposed method. We observed that UCIT increased the number of nodes especially in relatively small networks. Additionally, we analyzed how the clusters changed by adding unconnected patents to the citation network and identified four types of clustering phenomenon. Our method can be used by patent officers, R&D managers, and policy makers when they want to understand the technology landscape better.

Trends and Typology of Emerging Antenna Propagation Technologies: Citation Network Analysis

The detection of emerging technologies is vital for RD hence, the bibliometric approach to analyzing papers and patents was developed. In this study, we proposed a new method, the research classification schema (RCS). We used citation network analysis to classify technologies into four categories: change-maker, breakthrough, matured, and incremental. Each technology is then plotted on the RCS based on its publication profile. A case study in the field of antennas was undertaken to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of the RCS. The RCS method demonstrates the usefulness of the identification process of promising technologies, and therefore, the convenience of target designing research projects in universities and companies. We also discussed the effect of the resolution limit of clustering algorithms on the RCS to improve reliability.

Estimation and measurement of cylindrical wave propagation in parallel plate with honeycomb spacer for the use in mm-wave RLSA

Analysis of non-metallic honeycomb structures to be used as the waveguide at 32 GHz in a satellite on-board Radial Line Slot Antenna (RLSA) was carried out. Incorporating honeycomb structure for the waveguide is indispensable to meet the requirements for space-use while maintaining the electrical characteristics. At 8.4 GHz this was successfully done using Quartz honeycomb structure, where the cell size was much smaller than the guided wavelength. At 32 GHz, with the design frequency 4 times larger, estimation of propagation characteristics in the millimeter wave region was a necessity. Simulation results anticipated anisotropic propagation around 32 GHz for larger cell sizes and significant material loss for smaller cell sizes. These results were partly confirmed by measurements of honeycomb structure and antenna measurements supported significant material loss.

An equivalent two-layer model for a fast design of a high gain multi-layer Radial Line Slot Antenna using MoM

A simple but reliable two-layer model of the waveguide structure was introduced to replace a real, complex four-layer model in the design of Radial Line Slot Antenna (RLSA) for satellite on board antenna in 32GHz band. Fidelity of this equivalent model was examined experimentally by several test antennas. A fast analysis method using the Method of Moment (MoM) was also applied on the equivalent model to estimate the antenna performance. Finally, an RLSA having φ = 900mm diameter was fabricated and characterized by the near field measurement. A directivity of 48.3dBi correspond to 73% aperture efficiency was obtained at 31.9GHz.

OppOrtunities and Potential of the Internet of Things for solving social issues

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to change society, although it is a general-purpose technology and its concrete application, value, and feasibility are still obscure. In this study, we explored plausible social issues to which IoT solutions can be applied. First, we extracted promising research areas of IoT by measuring text correlations between citation networks of papers and those of patents. Then, semantic linkages between extracted research areas and social issues were investigated. In this research, we targeted social issues proposed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, WEHAB (i.e. water, energy, health, agriculture, and biodiversity). On the basis of the results, we discuss potentials and challenges for IoT to solve social issues.

‘State-of-the-art’ of ‘state-of-the-art’: Extracting science-social issues interface

Science and technology had contributed to solve various social issues like vaccine for preventing disease and internet for exchanging information. It is important for technology intelligence to comprehend social issues and candidates of technologies for solving them from a vast stream of information flow. However, as the amount of information has been exploded, it has become quite difficult to grasp the current status of advancement of scientific research and technologies. In this study, we proposed and demonstrated that “state-of-the-art (SOTA)” was an effective term for extracting interface between science and social issues. First, in order to test effectiveness of the proposed approach, papers of sustainability fields were collected. Those papers were divided into three types: SOTA papers, review papers and the others. Then, some characteristics of those types of papers were surveyed. We analyzed what kinds of impact the term had, the possibility of comprehensiveness of usage. The results showed that paper of SOTA was technically characteristic term when researchers and practitioner set their direction.