Advancing Research on ICT support systems in the home

TAN Laboratory
Professor：TAN Yasuo

E-mail：
［Research areas］
Computer Networks, Computer Systems, Ubiquitous Computing, Smart Grid
［Keywords］
IoT, M2M, Home Networks, Information Appliances, Smart House, International Standardization

Skills and background we are looking for in prospective students

Skills necessary for the implementation of ideas such as programming, and hardware prototyping are required. Basic knowledge of operating systems, computer architecture as well as network protocol stacks is also an advantage.

What you can expect to learn in this laboratory

You will become able to identify, observe, understand and analyze real-world problems, and solve them using various techniques and approaches. Furthermore, you will learn how to systematically gather information and acquire knowledge, how to realize and evaluate your ideas as well as how to communicate your work to others and disseminate it to the rest of the world.
More specifically, students who graduate from our lab will have deep knowledge regarding computer systems and computer networks. You will be able to solve problems by using various methods and techniques, such as theoretical analysis, simulation, implementation, evaluation strategies and others. By participating in academic conferences and standardization activities, you will learn how to effectively disseminate the results of your work to the world. Finally, you will learn how to conduct and advance real-world research by participating in and experiencing collaborative research in jointly conducted industry projects.

【Job category of graduates】
Information and communication industry, manufacturing industry (information communication, home appliances, etc.)

Research outline

IEEE 1394-ATM connection device as SONY TL-100

Due to popularization of personal computers (PC) and realization of broadband connections, networks are everywhere, including our homes. However, most of these technologies originate from office and research environments. Thus, it may be difficult for non-expert users to utilize such solutions in a typical home environment. Our research emphasizes interconnectivity with existing devices and infrastructure in the home and focuses on advances regarding future home networks and devices.

Example of projects:

* JAIST Video LAN
Question: If the video camera becomes digital, can it connect to the digital network as usual? Solution: Introduce and IEEE 1394 and ATM connectivity device (practical for academic institutions).
Achievement: Commercialization of connected devices is achieved through collaborative research with companies. It is widely used at universities. Received Industry Contribution Award at Japan Gigabit Network.

* Architecture of heterogeneous video network interconnectivity.
Question: Why computers, broadcasting systems, and communication networks cannot interoperate even though they are all used to stream video and audio?
Solution: Introduce an interconnected architecture, based on the most important basic functions.
Achievement: Adopted for industry-university cooperation project of communication and broadcasting organization.

* Home network with legacy devices
Question: In order to live a convenient life with networked home appliances; do I have to replace all household appliances?
Solution: Create a system in which legacy devices that you bought ten years ago can also connect to the home network.
Achievement: Developed a system with which legacy devices can connect to networks utilizing existing communication paths (power line, antenna wire), wireless networks, based on modeling infrared control and finite states of each electric appliance. Currently, it is under consideration for practical application with enterprises.

Collaboration with outside organizations:

Professor Tan is a steering committee of ubiquitous and information appliance related academic societies, such as IPSJ IAC, IPSJ UBI, IPSJ MBL, IEICE NGN, IEICE URON, etc.
He is a leader of industry forums, such as Smart IoT Acceleration Forum Technical and Standardization subcommittee, and DC Alliance. In addition, he has deep connection with industry, because he compiled technical commentaries of standards establishment and technologies for standardization bodies, such as Telecommunication Technology Committee and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Key publications

1. Development of various technologies of cloud type home network system and international standardization (ITU-T J.190, Y.2070, etc.)
2. Development of smart house simulator and smart community simulator and its open source
3. Development and commercialization of audio / visual network connection device using home appliances as terminals

Equipment

Two-story experimental house × 1
Prefabricated experiment house × 2
ECHONET Lite development environment
Large scale simulation with cluster system
Network analyzer, network equipment, etc.