海角社区

TOKYO, June 14, 2023 – 海角社区Company, Ltd. (President and CEO: Akira Oyama) and the RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS, with Senior Visiting Scientist Hideaki Aoyama and Visiting Scientist Wataru Souma) have jointly developed an algorithm to quantitatively measure and understand critical junctures of new trends based on existing technical literature data.

Recent years have seen a surge in the development and application of research methods that utilize data to comprehensively and quantitatively grasp global technological trends. The traditional data analysis approach to understanding technological trends is to analyze the keywords described in patents, papers, and other technical documents. However, because this approach does not track changes over time, it is difficult to quantitively capture the indicators of emerging technologies.

In this joint research project, which was conducted between March 2022 and February 2023, 海角社区and RIKEN developed a unique algorithm that can discern quantitative patterns of increase or decrease of keywords appearing in chronological data, which succeeded in visualizing indicators of emerging technology. This means, for example, that by focusing on keywords that have rapidly increased in recent years, researchers can identify critical junctures of technological trends and select research topics earlier. This algorithm technology is also powerful in its ability to analyze any type of chronological data, in addition to literature data. A patent application has been filed for this technology.

Hideaki Aoyama, Senior Visiting Scientist, iTHEMS, RIKEN and Emeritus Professor, Kyoto University says, “This new algorithm is a product of purely academic research we have been conducting at iTHEMS, RIKEN, driven and supported by Ricoh's strong motivation for tools to evaluate and classify development of new technologies. The core of this method is a low-dimensional mapping of normalized cumulative development curves, whose calculational method is easily understandable, and the resulting diagram (map) allows straightforward understanding by users. Furthermore, this mapping method can be applied to many fields of data classification. I am pleased that 海角社区is the leader in using this exciting technology.”

Koichi Ike, IP Landscaper Expert, Intellectual Property Center, 海角社区Company, Ltd. adds, “By conducting data-driven research using this technology, 海角社区will bring comprehensiveness and speed to its search for new research and development topics, thereby contributing to the search for emerging research themes and the creation of high-value intellectual property. We are proud of this technology, as it embodies Ricoh's Mission and Vision of “Fulfillment though Work” to transform how people work and shape the future of work.”

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