Computer Networks Laboratory

Sigaku Tei Professor	Hirokuni Kurokawa Assistant Professor

Research Web-based e-learning support systems In this research, we have been developing several systems which can provider personalized learning supports to a learner according to his/her situations. Specially, a support system for analysis of correct/wrong answers in test of multi-choice type is developed. Ubiquitous learning In this research, we have designed a ubiquitous learning framework based on behavior analysis. Based on the framework, we have been developing ubiquitous learning applications and a set of ubiquitous learning tools, such as ubiquitous pupil's bags, ubiquitous learning scheduler, ubiquitous laboratory, etc. Ubiquitous service infrastructure In this research, we have designed a ubiquitous service framework based on situation theory. Based on the framework, we have been developing ubiquitous service description and detection systems, so that users' situation-aware services can be provided to the users. Realtime Education Environment In the research of RIDEE(Realtime Interactive Distance Education Environment), our RIDEE system has been enhanced with Understanding Information Management). function which can immediately send the understanding information of the learners to the presenter/lecturer, during a real time distance lecture or seminar. Furthermore this system has been improved in its stability, performance and teaching material management. Network Camera Control In this research, we enhanced the network camera control simulator for multi-camera control last year. Based on this idea, a new function, "Synchronized Operation", for leading all the network cameras in the same object space to focus on one object has been developed. Education Courses Members of our laboratory taught the following courses in AY2004. Undergraduate courses Communication Networks Computer Languages Algorithm and Data Structure Graduate courses Computer Communications and Networking (801) Distributed Algorithms (808) Programming Languages (CV2) Supervising students 3 Ph.D students, 7 master students, 13 seniors did their research work under the supervision of the professors in the lab. Some of them made presentation in international conferences, and other in domestic conferences. Theses 3 Masters and 13 seniors finished their theses in AY2005 and graduated. SCCP SCCP titled "ubiquitous network service" in the 1st and 2nd semesters were held. Around 10 students attended the projects, and there were 15 times meetings totally. Contribution to local region Professors of this laboratory helped for preparation and operation of U. Aizu Computer Science Summer Camp. A professor in this laboratory made big contribution to the PC KOSHIEN (PC contest sponsored by the Fukushima prefecture). A professor served as representative in Tohoku-Branch of Information Processing Society, Japan. A professor in the lab. gave around 10 open lectures to the general public, high school students, the prefecture assembly, Takeda nurse school, etc.

Refereed Proceeding Papers

[aiguo-01:2005]	Zaomin Zhang, Aiguo He, and Daming Wei. Implementation of Teleconference System for Homecare Services Based on Mobile Communication Technology. In T. Tamura D. Wei and K. Park, editors, Proceedings of the joint meeting of International Workshop on E-health & 2nd International Conference on Ubiquitous Healthcare 2005 (WEICONU2005), pages 41-44, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, JAPAN, Nov. 2005. The University of Aizu, The University of Aizu Press.
	This paper presents the implementation and experiences with a teleconference system for homecare services via wireless mobile network.
[aiguo-02:2005]	Zaomin Zhang, Aiguo He, and Daming Wei. A Mobile Teleconference System for Homecare Services. In Y.T.Zhang and L.X.Xu, editors, Proceedings of 27th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC05)(CD-ROM), pages 1883-1883, New Jersey USA, Sep. 2005. IEEE, IEEE.
	This paper proposes a teleconference system for homecare services via mobile Internet connection.
[aiguo-03:2005]	Y. Nitta, Aiguo He, and Z. Cheng. Automatic Inspection of Remote Classroom Using Network Camera. In Unknown, editor, Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (CHII2005)(CD-ROM), pages 1-4, Las Vegas, Nevada USA, July 2005. HCI International, MIRA Digital Publishing.
	Inter-site communication by video/audio is indispensable for real time and interactive distance education environment. Video/audio equipment control, especially camera remote operation to take these video pictures is very important to improve the efficiency of distance educational activities. This paper proposes a method to automatically inspect the remote classroom by using network camera. This method is one application of the Pseudo-surface based network camera control proposed by our research. The following are described in this paper: (1)Pseudo-surface based network camera control; (2)Composition of the camera control system; (3)Creation of automatic inspection path; and (4)Automatic control of zoom speed and angle(pan and tilt) speed.
[z-cheng-01:2005]	Shengguo Sun, Mizuo Kansen, Qiu Han, Tongjun Huang, Aiguo He, and Zixue Cheng. A Ubiquitous Education Support Method based on Analysis of Learning Patterns Using Rule-Based Reasoning. In AINA 2006 The IEEE 20th International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications, pages 663-668. Sponsored by IEEE Computer Society TCDP and Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria, Apr. 2006.
	accepted by AINA 2006 The IEEE 20th International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications at Feb. 2005
[z-cheng-02:2005]	Zixue Cheng, Qiu Han, Shengguo Sun, Mizuo Kansen, Tomohiro Hosokawa, Tongjun Huang, and Aiguo He. A Proposal on a Learner's Context-aware Personalized Education Support Method based on Principles of Behavior Science. In HWISE 2006 workshop with AINA 2006, pages 341-345. Sponsored by Vienna University of Technology, Apr. 2006.
	accepted by a workshop HWISE with AINA 2006 The IEEE 20th International Conference on Advanced Information Networking and Applications at Dec. 2005
[z-cheng-03:2005]	Zixue Cheng, Mizuo Kansen, Lei Jing, Shengguo Sun, Tongjun Huang, and Tomohiro Hosokawa. A Proposal on a Learner's Contextaware Personalized Education Support System. In IPSJ DPSWS13, pages 120-124. IPSJ, Dec. 2005.
	In this paper, we propose a ubiquitous learning system, which is based on principle of behavior science to provide suitable learning support by collecting the learner's data regarding the learner's learning behaviors, and provide guidance messages based on analysis of the data. The system can also provide personalized support in correspondence with learner's learning situations.

Unrefereed Papers

[z-cheng-04:2005]	Zixue Cheng, Shengguo Sun, Mizuo Kansen, and Tongjun Huang. Design of a Ubiquitous Learning Support System based on Behavior Analysis. In 1st Korea-Japan Joint Workshop on Ubiquitous Computing and Networking Systems (ubiCNS 2005), pages 187-192. IPSJ-UBI, IEICE-URON, Korean Institute of Communication Science etc, Jun. 2005.
	In this paper, we present the design of a ubiquitous learning support system based on the behavior analysis of a learner. In the ubiquitous learning environment, it is possible to sense and to observe every learner's behavior or learning habit. Based on the analysis of the behaviors, personalized support suitable for the learner's situation can be provided to the learner.
[z-cheng-05:2005]	Yoshihiro Hattori, Mizuo Kansen, Ishiyama Shoichi, and Zixue Cheng. Design of a Navigation System based on Collection and Analysis of Information in Real World Using Virtual Dockets. In The 4th workshop of Tohoku Branch of Information Processing Society, AY2005, Japan. IPSJ Tohoku Branch, Jan. 2006.
	We usually put a docket (post it) when we discover an important thing. The purpose of the paper is to develop a system which can stick a memo called virtual docket on actual objects. Virtual Docket (VD) is, so to speak, an invisible memo. It is stuck via RF-ID tags. It is a method of collecting information concerned with the real spaces. Moreover, the system named Virtual Docket Navigation System (VDNS) is for collecting, sharing, and analyzing virtual dockets to construct Relevant Links between objects. The goal is to navigate users using links in ubiquitous environment.
[z-cheng-06:2005]	Kouhei Ukai, Ishiyama Shoichi, and Zixue Cheng. A Ubiquitous Parking System Using Automatic Identification Techniques. In The 4th workshop of Tohoku Branch of Information Processing Society, AY2005, Japan. IPSJtohoku, Jan. 2006.
	In this paper, we investigate how to construct a ubiquitous parking system. This system provides the functions of automatic parking management and prevention of the parking slots for handicapped persons being occupied by others. The system makes matching between a user and the slots of the parking based on the situation of the user and conditions of the parking slots, for allocation of a slot to a user.
[z-cheng-07:2005]	Taihei Ichizawa, Masato Tosa, Mizuo Kansen, Ishiyama Shoichi, and Zixue Cheng. A Development Environment for Ubiquitous Services based on Positions and Properties of Persons and Objects using Automatic Switching of Antenna RF-ID Reader/Writer. In IPSJ SIG Technical Report, pages 109-114. IPSJ, Feb. 2006.
	In order to provide a user ubiquitous services adapted to his/her situations, a ubiquitous environment is developed. A situation is dependent on position and attributes a user, and the relations between the user and other uses or physical objects in the real world. In our environment, ubiquitous tiles are developed to grasp the attributes and positions of a user, and a system is developed for users to define a service on various situations, and for the system to detect whether a situation is happen and to provide the corresponding services when the situations happen.

Academic Activities

[z-cheng-08:2005]	Z. Cheng, Mar 2005. Program Committee member, AINA06
[z-cheng-09:2005]	Z. Cheng, Apr. 2005. Representative of university of Aizu in Tohoku Branch of Information Processing Society, Japan
[z-cheng-10:2005]	Z. Cheng, Apr. 2005. Member of DPS SIG Committee, Information Processing Society, Japan

Patents

[z-cheng-11:2005]	Zixue Cheng et al. Automatic Support Systems and Methods, Applicant: Fukushima Prefecture, Applied No.: tokugan. 2005-204019, Jul. 2005.
[z-cheng-12:2005]	Zixue Cheng et al. Automatic Support Systems and Methods, Applicant: Fukushima Prefecture, Applied No.: tokugan. 2005-204020, Jul. 2005.
[z-cheng-13:2005]	Zixue Cheng et al. Automatic Support Systems and Methods, Applicant: Fukushima Prefecture, Applied No.: tokugan. 2005-204021, Jul. 2005.
[z-cheng-14:2005]	Zixue Cheng et al. Tag information reading/writing system for wireless tags, Applicant: Fukushima Prefecture, Applied No.: tokugan. 2006-005599, Jan. 2006.

Ph.D. and Other Theses

[z-cheng-15:2005]	Ashraf Uddin Ahmed. PhD Thesis: A Study on a Zone-based Network Flow Model and Its Applications, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-16:2005]	Kouhei Ukai. Master Thesis: A Ubiquitous Car Parking Management System using Automatic Identification Technology according to User's Situations, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-17:2005]	Masato Tosa. Master Thesis: A Developer-Friendly Platform for Grasping Situations using RFIDs and Sensors in a Ubiquitous Environment, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-18:2005]	Taihei Ichizawa. Master Thesis: A Reliable System for Collecting Data on Users' Positions and Attributes by an RF-ID Antenna Switcher and Sensors, University of Aizu, 2005. Master Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-19:2005]	Noriko Yamamoto. Graduation Thesis: A School Bag with Personal Management System for Elementary School Pupils, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-20:2005]	Takayuki Seino. Graduation Thesis: Development of a Ubiquitous Dining Table for Personalized Nutritional Education and the Sharing of Knowledge about Food Culture, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-21:2005]	Mianxiong Dong. Graduation Thesis: A Ubiquitous Laboratory: A Research Supportl Environment for Ubiquitous Learning Based on a Sensor Network, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-22:2005]	Yoshihiro Hattori. Graduation Thesis: Navigation System based on Relevant Information Links using Virtual Dockets in Ubiquitous Environment, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-23:2005]	Kaoru Oota. Graduation Thesis: A Support Method for Managing a Learning Schedule using Behavior Analysis in a Ubiquitous Environment, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z
[z-cheng-24:2005]	Kyoji Arai. Graduation Thesis: A Personal Factors and Situations based Match-Makingl Support System in Ubiquitous Environment, University of Aizu, 2005. Thesis Advisor: Cheng, Z

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