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| Study for Energy and Bio-system; Realization of peaceful safe Society |
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Shigehiko Kaneko, Prof., Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering The motto is "Study to contribute safety and peace to society ". The practical study theme is about control of motion and dynamic problems occurred from vibration , noise or some other mechanical systems. I've been focusing on small size distributed energy system. I'm especially studying the elements of micro-gas turbine and gas engine control system that I believe will be the core for the distributed energy society in the future. Here in COE, my study is about biomass energy conversion system. I study the way how biomass energy with lower calories and unstableness, could be applied to small size energy conversion system. Also I work for development of technology for sensing phenomena occurring in bio-system. My study class was successful to develop a doze preventive seat in a joint project in 2007. As a driver gets seated, measurement begins on heart rate and respiratory rate through magnetic circuit sensor and pressure sensor. The sensor functions as alarming for some time before the driver falls into doze. The corroboration work brought us a fruit in medical aspect that we found out that a sign was appeared about 10 minutes before driver's doze by measuring pulse and breathing; that the more the driver exercised the shorter time to doze became; that 33 degree is the position for keeping the driver awaken with less fatigue physical and mental. Now pulse/pressure monitoring system with high precision and other function is under development. I'm emphasizing on a new industrial education method(PBL: Problem based learning). The method provides programs for the participants. In the programs they get grouped and given the problems that are taken from the real world; and eventually helps them promote solution ability. Through the programs, they can acquire knowledge and skill of "judgment for technology" in the process to goal, while top-viewing studies of their class mates as well as himself with sensitive feeling. The "close communication" with various kinds of people like the people from foreign countries or companies could be precious experiences. I like seeing students growing with successful experiences piled through PBL. |
I was born at a smith in Yuda Spring of Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is also the birthplace of Dr. Yamao Youzou, founder of the Imperial College of Engineering leading to the School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo, called "Father of engineering". So I was close to engineering and manufacturing. I belonged to Astronomy club in Yamaguchi High School, where I was interested in phototube devices while studying relation between sparkling of stars and passing of low pressure. I entered the engineering department of the University of Tokyo, where I met Prof. Fujii Sumiji. He was giving classes by only chalk. It was fun to me. Then I entered studies of vibration, or its measurement and control. As I was in work places for research on vibration or noise, I found few researchers were caring the standpoints of the working people there. So I decided to make use of my expertise from their stand points, for solving problems they were facing. For examples, it was a truck driver. They had time pressed and sometimes are to blame for the accidents. I wish the doze preventive seat could work for them well. It could be interesting to simulate the phenomena that could happen if last trains could be set earlier by 30 minutes. When I find myself nearly pressed with work, I try to read again "Techniques to leave work at regular time ,Laura Stack" to ensure time controlled. I always keep time for gardening and dripping morning coffee because I think it is precious time for relaxation for me. I'd like young people to have curiosity rising, sense polished, simple questions and simple feeling cherished to keep trying to review problems possibly to be the needs of the coming future. In time, I will set up web-site where I present used devices for young people. I think I will help them not with money but things. |
 Magnetic circuit sensor and pressure sensor are programmed in the seat. Posture, heart rate and respiratory rate of a driver can be measured upon his sitting on the seat. Alarm is raised with some signs, such as decline of respiratory rate, unique to drivers right before falling asleep. Co-research with the Univ. Tokyo., Oita Univ., Shimane Institute of Health Science , Deltatooling , Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency . |
<Personal Background> 1981 PhD, The University of Tokyo, Lecture, The University of Tokyo, 1982 Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo, 1985-1986 Visiting Associate Professor, McGill University, Canada, 2003-present Professor, The University of Tokyo, Academic interest:Small Size Distributed Energy Systems, Biomass Gas Turbine and Engines, Dynamics and Control of Energy Systems, Flow Induced Vibration, Noise and Vibration Control |
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