Kenzi Watanabe’s research while affiliated with Hiroshima University and other places

In this study, we have developed a handwriting learning system using the LCD pen tablet in order to help dysgraphia children to learn Kanji. Teaching materials with a handwriting interface are available on the market. However, these materials have been developed for healthy people. The degree of the writing difficulty is different for each child. Therefore, the guidance adapted for each child is necessary to teaching materials. In this research, in order to perform detailed guidance in accordance with the degree of writing difficulties, we have realized functions of handwriting learning support, as described below. Firstly, we have realized the function of practicing the character, while looking at the model. For children unable to write correctly only by looking at the form of the final character, our system includes a function to display the model along the stroke order sequentially depending on the process of handwriting. Secondly, we have realized the function of tracing a model for children who can not transcribe it. These two functions are able to use at the same time. Furthermore, our system also have a function to support handwriting learning by evaluating each written stroke automatically whether it is right order or a shape of stroke and giving feedback. Currently, we are evaluating our system in using for instruction to dysgraphia children at a special support classroom of a primary school.

We used an eye tracker to record and analyze the gaze of learners watching text and drawings being written, as in the case of a teacher writing on a blackboard. Many teachers and learners understand the benefit of using blackboards, but there remains insufficient scientific evaluation of their use. Course content presentation that includes in-process writing of text is highly characterized by the sequential presentation of the writing processes. We believe that this presents a visualization of the thought process, and is thus far richer in educational information than simple presentation of completed forms. We focus on gaze during the presentation of graphs and equations as fundamental research to elucidate the benefit of presenting the writing process.

In recent years, teaching using information technology has been widespread. In Saga University, lecture videos for review is provided. However, many kinds of video formats exists. Therefore, administrator is required great care to convert to suitable video formats. In addition, we think there is a need to support smartphones, which are currently popular. In this study, we have developed lecture videos delivery system using HTML5 video element. By using video element, this system doesn't depend on the environment and support smartphones. So you can watch lecture videos wherever you are. In addition, this system can convert from some major video formats to mp4 and webm formats, which is suitable for HTML5, automatically. In short, the administrator can complete the preparation just to upload lecture videos. To provide lecture videos smoothly, not user, but administrator can easily use.

Although a university is a public space, only members can use the network of the university. Therefore, when members use the network, it is necessary to authenticate. We are using Single Sign-On authentication by shibboleth authentication in Saga University. On the other hand, the concept of SDN (Software Defined Network) came out. This is a way of thinking that we can control a network by software. "Open Flow" is new implementation to control a network and well known as a standard of SDN recently. In this research, we have developed a flexible network user authentication system by combine shibboleth authentication and OpenFlow-controller which has been programmed.

We have developed a WiFi users' information indicating system with AR (Augmented Reality). In a campus LAN, each WiFi user connects nearest WiFi Access-Point (AP). The system provides an AR based interface for indicating users' information. When an administrator points his/her Android Smart Phone at an AP, the interface shows associated user-ids superimposed into a real video view of the AP. Using this system, the administrator can find where users are.

The authors have been developing a Web based network user authentication system “Opengate”. In the system, a user is required to type his/her password through the Web page before connecting to the Internet. Recently, types of terminal devices have been diverse, while the number of devices has been increasing. Some devices require full-time connectivity, some are not easy to type passwords smoothly, and some do not have Web functions. In this paper, the authors propose an alternate authentication system “OpengateM”, which is applicable to campus-scale networks where the users want to use various types of mobile devices. The proposed system inspects packets at the gateway, and opens the firewall when the source MAC address in the packet is found in the management database. The firewall is closed when the packet having the address is not captured for a while. User devices can be registered, expired and confirmed semi-automatically. By this implementation, the system can work even in the network having many users and devices and can maintain convenience, high device compatibility, and sufficient performance.

In this research, we develop a supporting system for nature observation and investigation activities around users using smartphones. By using smartphones equipped with GPS and a camera for nature observation, users can record the target pictures and position information to observe. Users can share many data by uploading these records with the others. Moreover, it is useful to data map creation of observation information by performing continuous use. We are developing the system which users enable to learn about natural environment by observation and investigation activities of dragonflies, being familiar with the nature around users using smartphones equipped with GPS. Since dragonflies are one of the index insects of waterside environment, users enable to learn about natural environment through observation and investigation activities of dragonflies. We aim at visualization of changes of natural environment by performing natural observational-research activities using this system.

Web Mailer is an Web based E-mail client. We have developed various Web Mailers as themes of bachelor's or master's thesis. During developments of Web Mailers, students studied a lot such as programming, networking, user interface issues and so on. According to the deployments of new technologies, Web Mailers have evolved and enriched. This paper introduces our Web Mailers and its technologies.

We have developed a field work type topographical map learning support system using mobile terminals. Our system is a field work type system that learners move around a set up multiple check points. They enable to learn topographical map at each check point. Features are points which learners can answer characteristic quizzes according to check points about a topographical map on places. Moreover, learners can receive advices from teachers and find situations of other learners by server communication. We expect these motivate learners.