English

Efforts and Achievements of Stage 2 Initiative

English — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:03:41 +0900

Past Efforts and Achievements

　The foundation of Knowledge Cluster Initiative has triggered various effor ts and developments. Listed are the achievements so far.

■Accumulation of companies
　The accumulation of system LSI-related companies of the prefecture, par ticularly in Fukuoka area and Kitakyushu Science and Research Park has augmented to approximately 9 times, amounting to 190 companies since the project inception.

■Human Resource Development
　Approximately 5,150 system LSI engineers (2001-2008) have been trained in Fukuoka and Kitakyushu Science and Research Park.

Main research achievements

Development of model checking tool ‘Garakabu’
Professor Akira Fukuda, Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
CATS (Co., ltd) is working on research and development of model checking tool, 'Garakabu', using ZIPC (state transition matrix based CASE tools). By validating the model “behavior”in the upstream of software development process, it can improve system quality and contribute significantly to reducing man-hours. This research aims to contribute to the automotive industry by studying the model checking technology that is suitable for automotive embedded software. Consequently, 'Garakabu' has already been adopted by Denso (Co., ltd) as a model checking tool.
Small, palm-sized relay base station for creating wireless LAN area by only placing a node.
Professor Hiroshi Furukawa, Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
A Kyushu University-centered group that works on a research theme of “Development of MIMO-MESH point”, has developed a device called “PicoMesh Lunchbox” that extends wireless LAN communication area without costly cable constructions. A venture company, PicoCELA Inc., has then been founded to lead the commercialization of this research achievement. 　The effort has been evaluated and the innovation has been awarded with the “The 3rd Creation Partnership Grand Prix Award "sponsored by THE NIKKAN GOGYO SHIMBUN,LTD". In the fiscal year of 2009, the project team aims for a successful development of PicoMesh SHELL, a high-performance version evolved from Lunch Box. Furthermore, the development of SHELL has attracted participation from Tokyo based IT firm, Win One’s Way Co., that works on the same research theme.
Construction of Next-generation Social Information Infrastructure in the Years of Digital Convergence
Associate Professor Kiyotaka Fujisaki, Graduate School of Information Science and Electrical Engineering, Kyushu University
With Value and Rights Circulation control System as the core technology that manages rights and authority safely, securely and flexibly, this research aims to build a social information infrastructure dedicated for this digital convergence era. So far, elemental technology such as various VRICS-supported readers and related electronic lock system has already been commercialized. In an effort to take advantage of the digital broadcasting, we have obtained a digital terrestrial broadcasting licence for experiment to carry out empirical experiments in broadcasting and communications integration network environment. Simultaneously, we have also developed the prototype of a broadcasting station for supplying useful information in various scenes. To improve the functionality and reliability of social information infrastructure, we are performing examination of a practical design and usefulness. Furthermore, using external funds, various experiments are being conducted at inside and outside Japan.
Commercialization of chip for live cell 3-dimensional culture (microsphere array)
Associate Professor Kohji Nakazawa, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, The University of Kitakyushu
This research on "R&D High-performance Technology for Biomarker Sensing" using microfabrication and surface modification technique was undertaken by As an achievement of this research, new cell chip (microsphere array) for three-dimensional culture of living cells has been commercialized by STEM Biomethod Co., a company established in Kitakyushu Science and Science Park under the Knowledge Cluster Initiative (stage 1).
Development of TEG and RS for Next-generation Semiconductor Assembling and Packaging Evaluation
Professor Hajime Tomokage, Faculty of Engineering, Fukuoka University
This Fukuoka University-centered research group, who participated in the "R&D of System Integration Platforms for Semiconductor Assembling and Packaging", has developed test element group (TEG) wafers with low-k (low permittivity) insulating materials and reference substrate (RS) for mounting TEG chips in order to evaluate the assembling and packaging processes such as dicing, mounting, bonding and molding. This technology is deployed to the characterization of chip damage due to the mechanical and thermal stresses during the assembling process. This group also has developed the electronic design automation (EDA) tool for three dimensional System-in-a-Package (SiP), and the tool is now commercially available as STEERSIP.
Synthesis of High-Speed Pattern Matching Circuit for Communication
Professor Sasao Tsutomu, Graduate School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology
Consist of mainly researchers from Kyushu Institute of Technology, this group works on "Synthesis of High-speed Pattern Matching Circuits and Their Applications". To date, they have invented a new type of CAM (content-addressable memory) emulators using standard RAM. Also, they developed exact matching, LPM (longest prefix match) matching, and regular expression matching systems. The photo shows the system that quickly detects internet virus, composed of FPGA and SRAM. The SRAM can stores more than 50 million virus patterns.
Commercialization of “Devices to Prevent Dispensing Errors” and Establishment of Venture Business
Professor Seiichiro Kamata, Graduate School of Information, Productions and System, Waseda University
Pharmacists are under pressure when carrying out an accurate check of prescriptions, the final preparation stage for dispensing medication, due to long-hours and apprehension about prescription errors. To reduce this psychological burden on pharmacists with regard to dispensing errors, a device has been commercialized to prevent such errors by checking the prescription information and the consistency of the type and amount of medicine that has been prescribed. This device is highly accurate and can rapidly recognize tablets and other types of medication using an ultra-high-density camera with a device that can be set up even on small surfaces. The device determines and displays the consistency of the medication with the prescription information. This function can also recognize consistencies in cases where a variety of tablets are in one packet, which has been difficult to recognize to date, as well as single variety tablets. The results of this study were used in the development of a venture company, Hybrid Recognition Technologies, Ltd., in July 2009.
Development of low power, multi-format, full high definition video decoder LSI
Professor Satoshi Goto, Graduate School of Information, Productions and System, Waseda University
Satoshi Goto laboratory of Waseda University, with the collaboration of researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who undertook the “R&D on Information & Communication Technology and its Applications” have successfully realized a world-leading low power consumption chip that supports full high definition (1920x1080) decoder LSI and fulfills all 3 standards (MPEG2,H264, AVS). The new LSI has been downsized to 50% of the traditional circuit-wide and its pins have been reduced to 70-pin, also half of the conventional external pin count. In comparison, it has achieved the power consumption of 468mW, 38% lower than before. By realizing a small-scale, low power LSI circuit, we can expect a larger market development beyond the traditional home videos and video surveillance segments.

Expansion Program

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:46:14 +0900

We work to further strengthen collaborative ties among areas of the Silicon Sea Belt by implementing international joint R&D with research institutes in these areas through the full use of a network we built.
This network is made up of associations of the semiconductor industry and other groups in these areas.
More specifically, through the launch of the Internationalization Team, we invite researchers from abroad to conduct international joint research, and we promote direct, mutual investment and exchange of the world’s latest information in hopes of accelerating the creation of the Fukuoka Advanced System LSI Technology Development Hub, which features international leadership and numerous advantages.

Expansion Program Further Internationalization

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:44:34 +0900

We work to further strengthen collaborative ties among areas of the Silicon Sea Belt by implementing international joint R&D with research institutes in these areas through the full use of a network we built. This network is made up of associations of the semiconductor industry and other groups in these areas. More specifically, through the launch of the Internationalization Team, we invite researchers from abroad to conduct international joint research, and we promote direct, mutual investment and exchange of the world’s latest information in hopes of accelerating the creation of the Fukuoka Advanced System LSI Technology Development Hub, which features international leadership and numerous advantages.

　Silicon Sea Belt (SSB) Fukuoka Project
　Potential of Fukuoka Prefecture (Kyushu)
　Outline of the Second Stage of the Project: 2007 to 2011
　　Base project (1) Promotion of strategic R&D
　　Base project (2) Further emphasis on human resources development
　　Expansion Program Further Internationalization

Base project (2) Further emphasis on human resources development

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:42:48 +0900

In the Fukuoka and Kitakyushu areas, efforts to foster engineers in the system LSI field have been made jointly by industries, academia and the government, including the College of System LSI, Fukuoka. Additionally, the project aims to open new courses to train embedded software engineers. With the cooperation of the other human resource development project in Fukuoka region, the courses will become a major supplier of LSI-related human resources. We are stepping up the integrated training system, which will include students ranging from new employees to design leaders as well as engineers coming from abroad.

Local human resources development projects

College of System LSI, Fukuoka
Established through the cooperation of industry, academia, and government, the college offers courses for the training of system LSI design engineers. In addition to these specialized courses, the college also offers basic training for new employees.

Hibikino Semiconductor Academy
The academy offers comprehensive yet practical courses on analog technology-based design, production and testing to employed members of the society as well as students.

Kyushu University System LSI Research Center
The center offers training to design leaders through the Q-shu University Hardware/Software Borderless System Design Education Program (QUBE).

Kyushu Institute of Technology
The institute holds technology-related seminars for the training of company engineers and members of the general public.

Waseda University
The university conducts the International Research and Education Center for Ambient SoC Project.

Outline of the Second Stage of the Project: 2007 to 2011

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:40:51 +0900

Creating an Advanced System
LSI Technology Development
Hub to Lead the World

The Fukuoka-Kitakyushu-Iizuka region has witnessed an amassing of intellectual resources from universities and research institutes as well as from semiconductor-related companies and the auto industry in northern Kyushu.
Our aim is to take advantage of this momentum and maximize the area’s potential to build and accelerate the progress of the Silicon Sea Belt Fukuoka Project. Through this project, we will create a hub for world-class advanced system LSI technology development. This hub will assume a key role in the Silicon Sea Belt that has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer and consumer of semiconductors.
We have set a goal “to cluster 300 companies in the field of system LSI technology development in five years,” and we are prepared to promote three strategic pillars in our work: (1) promotion of strategic R&D, (2) further emphasis on human resources development, and (3) further internationalization.

Five-year objective	To cluster 300 system LSI development-related companies (from 110 companies in 2007 to 300 companies in March 2012)
Strategic pillars	①【Promotion of strategic R&D】To carry out industry-academia-government R&D projects covering 100 themes each year ②【Further emphasis on human resources development】To train 1,000 engineers related to system LSI each year ③【Further internationalization】To conduct 20 joint R&D projects with overseas organizations in the next 5 year

Base project (1) Promotion of strategic R&D

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:36:58 +0900

Based on the basic technologies of system LSI design and development accumulated until now, we will carry out R&D on 22 themes in the following three major fields:

① Fundamental technologies Embedded software, information & communication ② Applications Automobile, biosensor, robotics ③ LSI packaging technologies and others Packaging, design and advanced materials In carrying out R&D, we ensure that our research seeds will lead to the creation of products for mass production based on the needs of companies and the market by adhering to the following four points: 　◆ Strict selection of research themes 　◆ Utilization of research resources across borders 　◆ Strict evaluations 　◆ Support for commercialization

◆24 Projects◆

Message from Project Director -

English — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:24:58 +0900

Promotion of Silicon Sea Belt Fukuoka Project
To be a world-class cluster

To achieve the aforementioned goals after 5 years, we will focus on the following three items as a pillar of our strategy in the second stage.
　・promotion of strategic R & D
　・Enhancement of human resource development
　・Strengthening of global expansion.
Based on market needs and potential in the region, we actively promote R & D of advanced system LSI in 22 (selected project) major strategic fields such as the automobile and robot industry. In addition, the automobile-r elated industry in the Fukuoka area is growing rapidly, especially as indicated by automotive electronics . We are offering lectures to train engineers in embedded software at the Fukuoka Institute of System LSI and collaborating with the Automotive Electronics Center of Kitakyushu.
Strengthening our international competitiveness in the region, we have established a Te am to Promote Global Expansion at the Fukuoka IST Foundation to work within institutes or companies throughout domestic and international organizations.

Access

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:55:48 +0900

Office

System LSI Division
FUKUOKA INDUSTRY,
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION
〒814-0001
3-8-33, Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka City
Fukuoka Institute of System LSI Design Industry
TEL :＋81 (92) 832 7155
FAX :＋81 (92) 832 1700
http://www.ist.or.jp/lsi/
http://www2.lab-ist.jp

Cooperative support organization

Knowledge Cluster Division,
Industry-Academia Cooperation Department,
Industry-Academia Cooperation Center
Kitakyushu Foundation for
the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology
〒808-0135
2F,Industry-Academia Cooperation Center
Kitakyushu Science and Research Park
2-1, Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
TEL :＋81 (93) 695 3440
FAX :＋81 (93) 695 3439
http://www.ksrp.or.jp/fais/

Data download

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:55:01 +0900

The following data are available in PDF format.

	Fukuoka Cluster for Advanced System LSI Technology Development (PDF) The brochure of "Knowledge Cluster Initiative (The Second Stage)" Download (Japanese ver.) 7MB 　　Download (English ver.) 3MB
	Introduction of Fukuoka Cluster 22 Research Projects (PDF) Introduction of 22 Projects in one PDF file. You can also access the introduction of each project separately from the right top icon. Download (Japanese ver.) 20MB 　 Download (English ver.) 3MB
	Changing Social Infrastructure and Roles of Universities　　Chief Scientis　　 Hiroto Yasuura 　　(PDF 6.79MB)
	e-World Project　　Chief Scientis　　 Hiroto Yasuura 　　(PDF 5.46MB)
	Dependable VLSI for Social Information Infrastructure　　Chief Scientis　　 Hiroto Yasuura　　(PDF 3.24MB)

Download Adobe Reader to view PDF fiiles.
Adobe Reader Download site

Organization

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:54:31 +0900

Organization of Cluster’s Head Office

President	Wataru Aso	(Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture)
Project Director	Eisaku Ohtsuru	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)
Chief Scientist	Hiroto Yasuura	(Trustee (Vice President), Kyushu University)
Consultant	Toyoki Kunitake	(Vice President, Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology)
Deputy Project Director	Tomotsugu Rikitake	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)
Deputy Project Director	Reiji Oda	(Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology)
Deputy Chief Scientist	Yukitaka Murakami	(Trustee (Vice President), Kyushu University)

	Yasunori Matsufuji	(Vice President , The University of Kitakyushu)
	Yuji Oie	(Trustee (Vice President), Kyushu Institute of Technology)
Science and Technology Coordinator	Masato Tsuru	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)
	Toshihiko Ohta	(Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology)
	Yoshikazu Mikuriya	(Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology)
	Kiyoshi Fujimoto	(Kitakyushu Foundation for the Advancement of Industry, Science and Technology)
Human Resources Development Coordinator	Kazuyuki Hirakawa	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)
Leader of Expansion Program	Megumi Takata	(Associate Professor, Kyushu University Business School (QBS) Director, Technology Transfer Department, Intellectual Property Management Center of Kyushu University)
International Science and Technology Coordinator	Akihiro Kawaguchi	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)
International Business Coordinator	Eijun Go	(Fukuoka Industry, Science, and Technology Foundation)

Core Organization

Participating Research Organizations

【Industry】	IBC Co., Ltd. WALTS Co., Ltd. NEC Micro Systems, LTD CATS Co., Ltd. Jedat Innovation Inc. Central Uni Denso Corporation Toshiba Semiconductor Company Toyota Motor Corporation Nakaya Microdevices Corporation Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Vitec System Engineering Inc. Mazda Motor Corporation Miyazaki Oki Electric Co., Ltd. Renesas Technology Corp. Radrix Co., Ltd. RoboPlus Hibikino CO., LTD and others
【Academia】	Kyushu University Fukuoka Institute of Technology University of Kitakyushu Fukuoka University Waseda University and others
【Government】	Fukuoka Industrial Technology Center Fukuoka Industry, Science & Technology Foundation and others

24 Projects

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:53:57 +0900

Field of focus	Type of System LSI	Research theme
	Embedded Software	R&D of State Transition Matrix Model Checking Technology for Automotive Embedded Software
	ICT	Development of MIMO-MESH Point
		R&D of Digital Cinema Streaming System over Wireless Mesh Network
		Construction of Next-generation Social Information Infrastructure in the Years of Digital Convergence
	Automotive	Intelligent Sensor LSI for Safety
		R&D of Safety Sensor Systems Utilizing Vehicle-installed Cameras
		R&D of Intelligent Sensing Technology Using Visual Images and Microwave Range-profiles
		R&D of Engine/Cruise Control Systems for Next-generation Automobiles (Low-environment Burden / Traffic-jam Avoidance / Fuel-saving)
	Bio/MEMS Sensors	R&D of Bioelectronics Technologies for Safety and Security and Its Applications for Sensing
		R&D of High-performance Technology for Biomarker Sensing
		R&D of Technologies for Conversion to High-sensitive and Systematized MEMS Sensor Devices
		R&D of Multi-sensory Bio-composite Materials Utilizing the Structures and Functions of Living Organisms
	Robotics	R&D of the Mechanism and Control Technologies of Autonomous Mobile/Working Robots
	Advanced Packaging	R&D of System Integration Platforms
		R&D of High-yield Platform for LSI Circuits
		Inter-chip Micro-connection Technology Driving System LSI for Hetero-function Integration
	Advanced Design IP	R&D on the Synthesis of High-speed Pattern Matching Circuits and Their Applications
		R&D of ICT Application LSI IP and Its Cutting-edge Design Technology
		R&D of Mixed-signal LSI IP and Its Cutting-edge Design Technologies
	Advanced Mat	R&D of the Basic Technology for Creating Advanced Functional Si Devices for Car Electronics
		R&D of High-performance Packaging Technology and LSI Application Utilizing Polymer Nano-composite
		R&D of High-performance Nanotech Inorganic Materials and LSI Application

Project Overview

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:53:30 +0900

Fukuoka Cluster for Advanced System LSI Technology Development

Creating an Advanced System LSI Technology Development Hub to Lead

The Vision for the Fukuoka Cluster for
Advanced System
LSI Technology Development

The Fukuoka region actively promotes research and development of advanced system LSI technology. We will further promote and accelerate our project by making the most of our potential resources such as the intelligent resources of universities or semiconductor-related companies and automotive-related companies in the Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, and Iizuka areas. We aim to become a world-class hub of advanced system LSI technology development to serve as the core of the Silicon Sea Belt region (connecting Kyushu, South Korea, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, etc.), which has grown to become the world’s largest area for semiconductor manufacturing and consumption.

Silicon Sea Belt (SSB) Fukuoka Project

Within East Asia, the Silicon Sea Belt manufactures and consumes over 50% of the world’s semiconductors, and further growth is expected. This Sea Belt spans across Fukuoka (Kyushu), Gyeonggi (South Korea), Beijing, Shanghai, Hsinchu (Taiwan), Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangalore (India) and beyond the regions of East Asia. As semiconductors have come to serve as a base for our
information-oriented society, through the Silicon Sea Belt Fukuoka Project, we are aiming to create a hub for the development of advanced system LSI technology that will produce higher value in the semiconductor industry and lead the world.
To facilitate the project, the Promotion Committee for the Fukuoka System LSI Technology Development Hub was organized in 2001 with the cooperation of industries, academia and government agencies. The committee has been engaged in five tasks: R&D support, human resources development, venture creation and support, promotion of networking and collaboration, and cluster promotion.

Potential of Fukuoka Prefecture (Kyushu)

Fukuoka Soft Research Park

Located in the western part of Fukuoka City in Sawara Ward, the research park
has one of the largest concentrations of information & communication-related
companies in Japan. It employs about 10,000 people and is comprised of 200
companies including major computer manufacturers from home and abroad as
well as local information- & communication-related companies.
[Main academic (R&D) institutes in the Research Park & nearby area]
・System LSI Research Center, Kyushu University
・JST Innovation Plaza Fukuoka,
Japan Science and Technology Agency
・Institute of Systems &
Information Technologies/KYUSHU
・Fukuoka Institute of System LSI Design Industry

Kitakyushu Science and Research Park

Located in the western part of Kitakyushu City (Wakamatsu and Yahatanishi
Wards), Kitakyushu Science and Research Park attracts an increasing number of
universities, research labs and companies specialized in science and
engineering and is aiming to become a core for scientific research in Asia.
Currently, including the students from the Faculty of Engineering of the nearby
Kyushu Institute of Technology, about 6,000 undergraduate and graduate
students and researchers are engaged in training and research on cutting-edge
IT, nanotechnology and biotechnology. These intellectual resources interact with
the various industrial technologies accumulated in the city of Kitakyushu to
create new industries in information- and environment-related fields and work
for advanced local industries.
[Main academic (R&D) institutes]
・Center for Human Quality of Life through IT, Kyushu Institute of Technology
・Technology Development Center, The University of Kitakyushu
・Information, Production and Systems
Research Center, Waseda University

Iizuka area

Iizuka is about one-hour away from Fukuoka and Kitakyushu cities. The area’s
strength lies in its intellectual resources of about 5,000 undergraduate and
graduate students and researchers in science and engineering fields. These
students and researchers account for around 4% of its population. Iizuka is
working to become a city that embraces the information industry and takes full
advantage of the support available for industrial endeavors.
[Main academic (R&D) institutes]
・Center for Microelectronic System (CMS), Kyushu Institute of Technology
・Center of Iizuka R&D (CIRD)
・e-ZUKA Try Valley Center
・Fukuoka Software Center Co., Ltd

Advantages of creating a hub in Fukuoka

● Availability of brilliant students majoring in science and engineering fields
・The prefecture produces annually about 26,000 students of which 1/3
are majoring in science and engineering fields.
・Among Japan’s public universities, Fukuoka has the 2nd highest quota for
science and engineering students.
● Opportunities to collaborate with Kyushu University, the Kyushu Institute of
Technology, the University of Kitakyushu and Waseda University, all of which
host a large number of system LSI researchers
● Active R&D, implementing the Knowledge Cluster Initiative
(in its second stage) and other projects

● Chance to collaborate with fast-growing industries clustered in the area;
industries such as bio- and robot-related industries and an auto industry
aiming to produce 1.5 million vehicles a year
● Ample public support for venture businesses
・Business matching by the Fukuoka Venture Market (FVM)
・Investment and promotion by the Kyushu Venture Partners 1(KVP1), Limited
Partnership, etc.
● Proximity to other Asian cities facilitates international business expansion

Message from Project Director

English — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:53:01 +0900

Promotion of Silicon Sea Belt Fukuoka Project
To be a world-class cluster

Project Director
Eisaku Ohtsuru

　As a result of various approaches in the past, about 110 system LSI-related companies have accumulated in the Fukuoka area and Kitakyushu Science and Research Park. The number of these firms has increased over 5 times compared to the number at the beginning of the project.

To achieve the aforementioned goals after 5 years, we will focus on the following three items as a pillar of our strategy in the second stage.
　・promotion of strategic R & D
　・Enhancement of human resource development
　・Strengthening of global expansion.
Based on market needs and potential in the region, we actively promote R & D of advanced system LSI in 24 (selected project) major strategic fields such as the automobile and robot industry. In addition, the automobile-r elated industry in the Fukuoka area is growing rapidly, especially as indicated by automotive electronics . We are offering lectures to train engineers in embedded software at the Fukuoka Institute of System LSI and collaborating with the Automotive Electronics Center of Kitakyushu.
Strengthening our international competitiveness in the region, we have established a Te am to Promote Global Expansion at the Fukuoka IST Foundation to work within institutes or companies throughout domestic and international organizations.