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Agriculture, fisheries, medicine, literature... Converting “unknown” into data to open new worlds



Dr. Masashi Toda
Professor, Research and Education Institute for Semiconductors and Informatics (REISI)
 
Kumamoto University is focusing on various research projects utilizing digital technology. Among these, Professor Masashi Toda of the Research and Education Institute for Semiconductors and Informatics (REISI) is developing new systems using image processing technology to support industries like agriculture, fisheries, medicine, and other fields. In this interview, we talked about how essential research is in creating foundational data across various fields!
 
 Using automatic image analysis to clarify what was previously unknown

First, could you tell us about your research?
 
Our laboratory specializes in signal processing technology, with a particular focus on image processing technology. One of our distinctive features is that we continue to develop technologies aimed at supporting industries like agriculture and fisheries.
 
In primary industries such as fisheries and agriculture, it is importance to measure how much resources are currently available and how much can be harvested in the future. Until now, this has relied on the experience of those involved, but we are developing technologies that uses image processing to automatically analyze this and are implementing them on-site.

Can you give an example of how these technologies are applied?
 
Before joining Kumamoto University, I worked at a university in Hokkaido, where I worked on measuring scallops and kelp in the fisheries sector. This technology analyzes images of the seabed to determine how many scallops and starfish, which are predators of scallops, are present. By automatically detecting scallops and starfish in the images, we can confirm how much can be harvested in the future and how much damage will be caused by starfish. This technology is currently being used by several fisheries along the Sea of Okhotsk.
 


In Kumamoto, this technology is being applied to estimate the yield of tomatoes and strawberries. Cameras that can observe fields 24 hours a day are installed, and by automatically detecting the timing of leaf appearances to forecast future harvests.
 
We are also working on red tide prediction. By automatically identifying types and quantities of plankton in seawater, we can forecast the onset of red tides and issue early warnings.



It sounds like your work is being applied in various fields.
 
Yes, in fact, our technology is also being used in the fields of medicine and literature. In the medical field, we are collaborating with a professor in the Department of Cardiology at the School of Medicine to develop technology and for analyzing heart cell images.
 
In the field of literature, we are working with professors of Chinese literature to analyze the back of old manuscripts, so-called “paper-back documents”. Many ancient documents were often written on the back of used paper, and these documents often contain everyday matters and notes from the time. They often contain important information which provide insight into the past, and analyzing the characters written on them through image processing is expected to lead to various new discoveries.
 
We are also developing systems to detect muscle myoelectric signals to evaluate fatigue and apply this to rehabilitation, and we are working on 3D recording of genetically modified plants’ growth. These technologies are being utilized to create foundational data that supports research across various fields.


Even things that may seem difficult to understand at first glance can be useful once turned into data.

Why did you start this research?
 
I originally began my research in the field of mathematical engineering. Mathematical engineering is a specialized field that deals with the measurement and data conversion of various things in the world. Converting data into images or signals is one method of data conversion.
 
By quantifying something, even things that are initially difficult to understand can be clarified from an engineering perspective. I found this process fascinating, which kept me pursuing this research. Currently, many of my targets are living organisms, because this is a field where the techniques we have developed over the years – ensuring stable recognition rates from data with significant individual differences – can be applied.
 
Living organisms vary greatly from one individual to another in terms of their habitats and appearances. Additionally, many of them hide, use camouflage, or have other features that make them difficult to recognize. Despite the wide variety of subjects, the amount of information available is limited, and there is a lot of noise. In such situation, it would be important to ensure stable recognition rates.
 
Once data is digitized in this way, it can be utilized in various fields. It becomes data that can clarify things that were previously unknown. That is what I find interesting.

Collaborative research across various fields must also be exciting.
 
Yes, I often collaborate in fields I am not initially familiar with, so I always study and acquire knowledge in those areas myself. Of course, my collaborators are experts in their respective fields. We have regular meetings, and I often ask them questions about things I am thinking or don’t understand. It feels like I am attending a lecture every time.

It sounds like you genuinely enjoy research.
 
I do. I don’t really think of it as hard work. It is incredibly enjoyable to uncover things that weren’t known or exist before. As engineers, our core is in creating things. Our mission is to create something and contribute to the world in some small way. The most fulfilling part of my work is being able to feel that contribution.
 
It is also exciting when our technology helps people see things differently. For example, when we showed our underwater images to fishermen, one of them said, “So, this is what the ocean looks like. With this information, we can think of new ideas.” It was a moment when our engineering solution changed the status quo and sparked fresh thinking, and that made me very happy.


Striving to be the top in the world in any field.
We want our students to become such individuals.



What are your future plans?
 
In addition to my role at REISI, I am a faculty member of the Graduate School of Science and Technology, as well as a professor at the Graduate School of Social Sciences and Cultural Sciences, where I also serve as the head of the Division of Instructional System Studies. This program focuses on curriculum design, and I am currently exploring ways to use visual data, such as footage of the ocean floor or organs, to enhance education, particularly for elementary and junior high school students.
 
Some of our visual data include rare data that is not easily accessible. By integrating it into subjects like social studies, science, and mathematics, I believe we can contribute to the development of the next generation. If we can design educational curricula that incorporate these data, it will broaden the potential applications of our research and its impact. Being involved in two seemingly different fields, education and engineering, I believe there are many more possibilities that can be explored.

Do you have a message for Kumamoto University students or prospective students?
 
Research at the university is about seeking answers to questions that don’t yet have answers. It requires deep thinking and a lot of exploration. That is why I encourage students to aim to be the top in their fields. While becoming the best in a broad area might be difficult, being the best in a more specific field is absolutely achievable. But to do that, you must think deeply and consistently.
 
Our role is to run alongside students in this process. I consider my students as my co-researchers, so let’s think hard together and aim for the top!
  
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