Smart Information Systems
Program

Training talented people with a world-class level of education and specialist knowledge

Features of the program

The objective of the Smart Information Systems Program is to provide solutions to various issues that arise as smart information systems interact with the earth, humankind, and society, by equipping students with a broad knowledge in the field of smart information systems and enabling them to pursue global careers as specialists in various fields.
This program provides a well-developed education and research environment in which students are able to study a wide range of knowledge and technology, from basic knowledge related to computer software and hardware to the cutting-edge information processing technology and the advanced network technology that support smart information systems such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, big data, and robots.

Program of education

The curriculum of “Smart Information Systems Program” is aimed at equipping students with a wide range of knowledge related to smart information systems and allowing them to pursue global careers as specialists in various fields.

In the first year, students receive an introduction to the program through basic subjects related to the field of engineering, allowing them to cultivate a wide outlook and deep insight and develop an understanding of the social and ethical responsibilities of technical experts. They also acquire the basic knowledge and skills in computers and programming for the preparation of the specialist subjects in the curriculum.

From the second year onward, students take specialist subjects in the field of smart information systems, which cover the fundamental topics of mathematics, computers, software, and computer networks. They are also allowed to take applied subjects such as artificial intelligence, multimedia, and human assistance technology. Through the laboratory works, practical classes, and graduation research projects, students acquire communication skills and the abilities to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned to research and development.

The program provides students with opportunities to be a member of various small communities through small group works, seminars, and research works. In these communities, they can receive close guidance from faculty members, regarding not only their studies but also their lives in general.

Introduction to classes

Computer networks

There are various kinds of technology that support the information-oriented society we live in today. While it goes without saying that computers and software (such as operating systems and applications) are a key part of such support, computer networks are an equally important form of technology. A typical example of a computer network is the Internet. We regularly use the Internet for services such as emails, accessing webpages, social networking services, and online shopping, and it is reasonable to suggest that such services have become an indispensable part of our lifestyles.
In addition to lectures on computer hardware and software, the Smart Information Systems Program teaches students about networks (computer networks and network engineering). The lectures on computer networks allow students to learn the fundamentals of computer networks, such as the history of computer networks, basic concepts, and the basic technology and services. While studying the mechanisms of communication based on the use of “packets”-which is becoming a common term-and communication protocols (rules and procedures for communication) such as TCP/IP, which ensure the function of the Internet, we consider the mechanisms that enable us to access the web, emails, and other such services that we use on a regular basis. The program includes not only lectures, but also laboratory work that allows students to develop their understanding of computer networks.

Figure 1: On the Internet, data is divided into packets, and is transferred to the appropriate destination using a device known as a router. The destination computer reorganizes the packets it has received and extracts the information.
Figure 2: Network experiments

Advanced research pursued
by the program

Researching means of detecting similar trademarks using search systems in step with the diversification of forms of expression

Associate Professor
Takahiro Hayashi

When purchasing products and selecting services to use, we generally use trademarks-such as company logos or product and service names-as a guide for making choices. Trademarks are the “faces” of companies and their products, and with the progressive globalization of our society, the protection of these trademarks is becoming ever more important.
Trademarks are managed in the Japan Patent Office database, and it is not permitted to register a trademark that resembles an existing trademark. With a growing number of trademark registrations every year, a huge amount of labor is involved in screening new applications to ensure that no similar trademarks already exist. In recent years, it has also become possible to register not only text and graphics, but also movement, sound, and combinations of colors as trademarks. As the number of trademark registrations rises, and the forms of expression used in trademarks becomes increasingly diverse, it has become impossible to screen such a diverse range of trademarks using human labor alone, and it is essential to draw on the support of computers.
In our laboratory, we engage in the research and development of means of detecting similar trademarks using search systems that are in step with the diversification of forms of expression. This involves the use of state-of-the-art smart information systems, such as image and video processing, audio signal processing and other such multimedia information processing technology and technology for searching huge databases at high speed.

Figure 1: Development of systems for searching similar trademark graphics
Figure 2: Assisting trademark screening using systems for searching for similar trademarks

Smart Information Systems Program

Research on solar activity based on big data analysis Solar activity has a great impact on the Earth and its prediction is called “Space Weather Forecast”. Huge amount of homogeneous image and physical data have been accumulated by satellite observations. We aim at progress in space weather forecast and information science through the development of new effi cient analysis method for such unprecedented data.

Study on the use of radio waves in the oceanm

The ocean has long been called the second universe, but there are few applications that use radio waves. The use of radio waves in the ocean is now expected to contribute to the development of marine resources. Since the radio wave experiment in the ocean is costly, we propose a pseudo-scale model that enables indoor experimentation and contribute to the acceleration of undersea development of radio waves.

Licenses and qualifications that can be acquired

  • Licenses
    First class upper secondary school teacher's license (industry)
  • Qualifications
    Safety manager(application possible with two years of practical work experience),etc.