Design information is important for software development projects because it determines their cost and product. In this research, a model has been made which can trace how information moves in a project by paying attention to the design information which is hard to trace by process-centric project management. On the basis of the model, a traceability matrix method has been constructed which quantifies the complexity of the traceability. It has been confirmed that high quality information-centric project management is realized by applying the model and the method to software development projects.

View full abstract

We have succeeded in developing a product of a circulatory support centrifugal pump which can be utilized to bridge within a period of four weeks before implanting an artificial heart for a long-term use. A monopivot bearing has been adopted, which was originally proposed for the first time in the world. In order to verify the validity of the apparatus design before animal tests, blood compatibility has been evaluated quantitatively and improved through flow visualization amid collaboration between a medical team of a university and an engineering team. Also, antithrombogenicity has been evaluated and improved through in vitro antithrombogenic testing proposed originally by us. Consequently, we have been able to evaluate the biocompatibility of the developed apparatus with a minimum number of animal tests. Not only has succeeded in developing a product with an original technology seed, but also has established and distributed engineering evaluation methods to other institutes for productization, and cooperated in the formulation of guidelines of medical equipments. These activities have contributed to related industries.

View full abstract

A simple and reliable analysis method has been developed to measure oxygen impurity in magnesium (Mg) and its alloys. Instead of directly analyzing oxygen impurity of an analyte, a multi-step heating-up method has been invented, in which oxide, compound of oxygen impurity with metals, is first separated from an analyte and then oxygen content analysis is carried out. The oxygen analysis of the oxide has been performed by Inert Gas Fusion-Infrared Absorptiometry widely used as a method for oxygen analysis in metals. We verified that analysis with adequate accuracy can be achieved with temperature calibration of each equipment. In parallel with R&D of the analysis method, we performed international standardization activity. It has been shown that consistent data can be obtained both in Japan and Korea through our technical assistance to Korea, and a proposal to the ISO technical committee for Mg and its alloys has been submitted smoothly.

View full abstract

The methodology of synthesis has been studied by analyzing 70 papers published in the academic journal, Synthesiology, launched in 2008. As a result, it has been found that each technological field has its distinctive features, e.g. there are many break-through type syntheses in biotechnology and nanotechnology, and the strategic selection types are commonly observed in the metrology and measurement field. In addition, we have found a common synthetic method as a whole. A kind of methodology called “technological synthesis” has been found to be important in the Full Research, and continuous follow-up process called “synthesis for social introduction” is also found to be one of the features to introduce the research results to society. Both the former and the latter involve feedback processes, and moreover, in the latter case, a dynamic synthetic method that can be called a spiral-up process is observed, where many feedback processes are repeated successively through social trials.

View full abstract

Co-generation system using clean and compact PEFC which makes highly efficient power generation possible, promotes considerable energy savings at home since it provides both heat and electricity together. Therefore, its commercialization has been expected. The goal of 40000-hour-operation has been set as a practical target. In order to realize it, the durability of PEFC has been technologically prospected and the accelerated aging test protocol of PEFC has been developed within the frame of the consortium of PEFC makers, energy companies, academia and AIST. AIST has shown the rationality of the accelerated aging test protocol of PEFC through the experimental verification of hypothetical degradation mechanism. The application of the developed accelerated aging tests to actual fuel cells has made it possible to get a clear view of practical durability, and this has led to the commercialization of residential PEFC co-generation.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract