Poster: Power spectrum analysis of reflected waves with ultrasonic sensors indicates "what the target is"

We consider that ultrasonic waves can be used not only for measuring the distance to a target but also for comprehending what the target is simultaneously. We assumed that the physical characteristics of a target object (especially, surface information) are embedded in the power spectrum structure of the ultrasonic waves reflected from the target. The results of our investigation to analyze the characteristics of the power spectrum structure of waves reflected from various kinds of target materials showed whether target objects are soft and deformable or hard and undeformable

FutureBody: Design of perception using the human body

金沢大学理工研究域電子情報学系We created a new interactive design concept "FutureBody" that generates or augments new perceptions for users. The concept of FutureBody consists of two elements, "active searching" and "embodiment, " allowing users to search their environment actively and to emit indirect feedback to activate users\u27 embodiments. We believe this concept will form the basis for a new perception design methodology for people. Copyright 2011 ACM

RAISE-3 for Agile On-Orbit Demonstration of Innovative Satellite Technologies: Mission Definition and Conceptual Design

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has selected on-orbit demonstration missions for the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 project in May 2020, as part of the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program. Seven on-orbit demonstration missions were selected in a category of parts, components and subsystems and those missions will be demonstrated onboard the RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-3 (RAISE-3). This 100kg-class satellite developed by JAXA is a flagship of the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-3 fleet. This paper describes an overview of the demonstration missions and system specifications of RAISE-3, as well as results of conceptual design of the satellite and a partial application of digital development process to an initial phase of the project. Further, project plan and technical challenges to be studied in a project implementation phase are also discussed

A model relating transpiration for Japanese cedar and cypress plantations with stand structure

Previous studies have revealed that changes in forest structure due to management (e.g., thinning, aging, and clearcutting) could affect the forest water balance. However, there are unexplained variability in changes in the annual water balance with changing structure among different sites. This is the case even when analyzing data for specific species/regions. For a more advanced and process-based understanding of changes in the water balance with changing forest structure, we examined transpiration (E) observed using the sap-flux method for 14 Japanese cedar and cypress plantations with various structure (e.g., stem density and diameter) in Japan and surrounding areas and developed a model relating E with structural parameters. We expressed E using the simplified Penman–Monteith equation and modeled canopy conductance (G[c]) as a product of reference G[c] (G[cref]) when vapor pressure deficit is 1.0 kPa and functions expressing the responses of G[c] to meteorological factors. We determined G[cref] and parameters of the functions for the sites separately. E observed for the 14 sites was not reproduced well by the model when using mean values of G[cref] and the parameters among the sites. However, E observed for the sites was reproduced well when using G[cref] determined for each site and mean values of the parameters of the functions among the sites, similar to the case when using G[cref] and the parameters of the functions determined for each site. These results suggest that considering variations in G[cref] among the sites was important to reproduce variations in E, but considering variations in the parameters of the functions was not. Our analysis revealed that G[cref] linearly related with the sapwood area on a stand scale (A) and that Alinearly related with stem density (N) and powers of the mean stem diameter (d[m]). Thus, we proposed a model relating E with A (or N and d[m]), where G[cref] was calculated from A (or N and d[m]) and the parameters of the functions were assumed to be the mean values among the sites. This model estimates changes in Ewith changing structure from commonly available data (N and d[m]), and therefore helps improve our understanding of the underlying processes of the changes in the water balance for Japanese cedar and cypress plantations

Optically active single-walled carbon nanotubes

The optical, electrical and mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are largely determined by their structures, and bulk availability of uniform materials is vital for extending their technological applications1. Since they were first prepared2, 3, much effort has been directed toward selective synthesis and separation of SWNTs with specific structures. As-prepared samples of chiral SWNTs contain equal amounts of left- and right-handed helical structures4, but little attention has been paid to the separation of these non-superimposable mirror image forms, known as optical isomers. Here, we show that optically active SWNT samples can be obtained by preferentially extracting either right- or left-handed SWNTs from a commercial sample. Chiral ‘gable-type’ diporphyrin molecules bind with different affinities to the left- and right-handed helical nanotube isomers to form complexes with unequal stabilities that can be readily separated. Significantly, the diporphyrins can be liberated from the complexes afterwards, to provide optically enriched SWNTs