Research[2005-2006]:
An Approach to Detecting Shill Bids in Combinatorial Auctions,
Combinatorial auctions have been studied very widely. The Generalized Vickrey
Auction (GVA) is one of the most important combinatorial auctions because
it can satisfy the strategy-proof property and Pareto optimality.
As Yokoo et al. pointed out, false-name bids and shill bids pose an emerging
problem for auctions, since on the Internet it is easy to establish different
e-mail addresses and accounts for auction sites. Yokoo et al. proved that
GVA cannot satisfy the false-name-proof property. Moreover, they proved that
there is no auction protocol that can satisfy all three of the above major
properties. Their approach concentrates on designing new mechanisms. As a new
approach against shill-bids, in this research, we propose a method for
finding shill bids with the GVA in order to avoid them. Our algorithm can
judge whether there might be a shill bid from the results of the GVA's procedure.
However, a straightforward way to detect shill bids requires an exponential
amount of computing power because we need to check all possible combinations of
bidders. Therefore, in this research we propose an improved method for finding
a shill bidder. The method is based on winning bidders, which can dramatically
reduce the computational cost. The preliminary results demonstrate that the
proposed method successfully reduces the computational cost needed to find shill
bids.
Q-SEE: A Learning Support Method in Qualitative Simulation-based Economic Education,
E-learning has been recognized as a promising field in which to apply
artificial intelligence technologies.
We proposed an economic education support system, which helps users learn
about economic dynamics based on qualitative simulation.
We discuss, in our research, how our system should support end-users learning
in the economic education. The advantages of qualitative reasoning
in education are as follows. Student knowledge is formed and developed
through learning conceptual foundations. If there are any mechanisms
in the (dynamic) system, the user can understand these mechanisms using
qualitative methods. Generally, students also understand dynamic systems
through qualitative principles, rather than through mathematical formula.
In our study, we developed our approach in least formula and took learning
by non-specialist users into consideration. The feature of our study is
that users can learn without teacher. Our goal is developing a system in
which users can understanding economic dynamics through their self-learning.
We consider an approach and system in which non-specialist naive and novice
users can use our system based on simple input. The contribution of our research
is the integration of theory and shows an approach to support method for
qualitative simulation-based education system.
A Lecture Allocation Support System for Elective Subjects-based Curriculums,
We propose a lecture allocation support system based on users'
utilities in elective subjects. Elective subjects systems are employed in many
universities and colleges and students select subjects based on their interests
and preferences. Generally, educational institutions (universities) determine
members of elective subjects based on only one simple rule, such as the order
of grade, random selection, and so on. Current determination systems have
strong limitations in terms of reflecting users multiple preferences. We
propose a new determination algorithm and a user support system based on users
multi attribute preferences. We employ the multi-attribute utility theory to
show as formula and calculate users multiple preferences. Furthermore, our
system takes the manager's intention into consideration. When users preferences
are not reflected in algorithm-based determination, a coordination agent
decides lecture allocation cooperatively. Advantages of our system are mainly
as follows. Lectures are allocated effectively, that is reflected users'
multiple preferences. Managers can operate the class organization based on
their intentions.
Research[2004-2005]:
An Efficient Combinatorial Allocation Mechanism based on Volume Discount,
Volume discount is seen as an effective form of
electronic commerce and a promising field for applying
agent technologies. In current volume discount mechanisms,
items are not allocated efficiently to buyers. Namely,
social surplus is not maximum in existing volume discount schemes.
To solve this problem, we propose a volume discount
mechanism based on the seller's reservation price and the
degree of the buyers' contribution to the volume discount.
First, a seller registers his/her items with the
evaluation value functions. Price gradually falls from
initial value to reservation value until the deadline time
(as in a Dutch auction). After the deadline, the
mechanism determines the allocation of bundles of items. A
tentative price is decided and the degree of contributions
is calculated. Finally, the payment amount is calculated.
Our mechanism has some key advantages. First, the
mechanism is Pareto efficient. Second, our mechanism is a
strategy-proof mechanism, that is, it has the incentive
compatibility. Third, our mechanism provides individual
rationality. Fourth, our mechanism is made based on the
volume discount system, where the seller can give a signal indicating a
discount for buyers. Finally, our mechanism weakens the
influence of false name bids.
An Approach to Forming Multiple Classes in Elective Subjects,
We propose a class organization support system based on users' utilities in
elective subjects. Elective subjects systems are employed in many universities and colleges
and students select based on their interests to attend the lectures [Fujimoto PCC-2004]. Generally, educational
institutions (e.g. schools, universities, colleges) decides members of elective subjects based on
only one simple rule. Some employ a rule based on first arrival, others employ a rule based on
grades, or at random. Current decision systems have strong limitations in terms of reflecting
users multiple preferences. We propose a new decision algorithm and user support system
based on users multi attribute preferences. We employ the multi attribute utility theory to
show as formula and calculate users multiple preferences. Our system mainly consists of
user profile data base and utilities calculation module. We conducted an experiments
to show the effectiveness of our system. Result of simulation, users multiple preferences are
reflected effectively.
Research[2003-2004]:
LSDM: e-Learning Support System for Assisting Buyers' Decision Making,
In this research, we propose an e-learning support system (LSDM) for assisting buyers' decision making
by applying artificial intelligence technology. When buyers purchase an expensive item,
they must carefully select it from many alternatives [Matsuo IEA/AIE-2004, QR04]. The learning support system provides useful
information that helps consumers to purchase goods [Matsuo AAAI-2004]. We employed qualitative simulations because the
result of output of simulation is useful. It consists of a qualitative processing system and a
quantitative calculation system. When buyers use the system, they first input goods information
they want to purchase. The information input by buyers is used in the qualitative simulation. Next,
they fill out a form concerned with the details of their budgets, the rate of loans, and several other
factors. After that, the system integrates the results of simulation and the buyer's input data and
proposes plans to help their decision process. The system has several advantages: buyers can use it
by simple input on the Internet, they can understand process of simulation, and they can base their
decision making on synthetic results.
E-Commerce Support Systems based on Multiple Auctions,
In this research, we propose a method of coalition formation using designated bid reverse auction protocol.
The coalition formation is a promising field of agent technology and the technology
has made rapid progress. In general, coalition formation problems for multiple agents are NP hard problems.
When number of agents increase, solution spaces are extended exponentially.
We propose a coalition formation protocol in task allocation using an auction mechanism in which a buyer
selects sellers based on their ability to carry out the task [Matsuo IEICE-AI 2004]. We also employ a combinatorial auction
protocol to decide successful sellers. We show the procedure of the task allocation using our protocol.
We show the extended version protocol for task allocation in which social surplus is maximum.
Our mechanism reduces of number of combination in the combinatorial task allocation and can be
useful in the coalition formation among multiple agents.
A Method of Class Organization based on Users Utilities in Elective Subjects,
This research focuses on the importance that class-formation of optional subjects in school
education can affect learners [Fujimoto CIEC 2004]. And it will point out problems about conventionally 'mechanical' class-formation,
and suggest 'a method of class-formation based on users' utilities ', which is taken into consideration students'
favorite. Therefore, this research exercises experiments by a new method and a conventional one,
and demonstrates its priority. This also constitutes a prototype-system.
Research[2002-2003]:
CooperationMarket: Buyers' Cooperation Support System in First Price Auctions,
In many existing auction sites, some sellers deal in the same sort goods or their imitations.
Buyers bid for each item on sale. Buyers cannot always purchase goods at a lower price,
because buyers compete but do not cooperate with each other.
Buyers need to search hard to find the goods they can purchase. In this research, we propose a
bidder support system to cooperate in auctions on the Internet [Matsuo IEA/AIE-2003]. In our system,
buyers can purchase goods at a lower price in cooperation with each other. In our system, each buyer
selects a good based on his/her multi-attribute preferences. Our system supports buyer's decision
making by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Advantages of the bidder support system are described
as follows [Matsuo IFICT-2003, SICE-2003]. First, each buyer can purchase a good at a lower price.
Second, buyer's multi-attribute utilities are reflected. Third, our auction support system is superior
to existing Internet auctions regarding rates of successful trade.
GroupBuyingMarket: Users' Groups Integration Support System in Group Buying,
In electronic marketplaces, group buying is seen as an effective form of electronic commerce and a
promising field for applying agent technologies. When buyers cooperate with each other, a seller can
discount the price of a good. In many existing group buying sites, some sellers deal in the same sort
goods or their imitations. Buyers form coalitions for each item on sale. However, buyers cannot always
purchase goods at a lower price, because buyers' sub-groups are distributed. Thus, buyers need to search
hard to find the goods they can purchase. In this research, we propose a group buying marketplace on the
Internet [Matsuo WWW-2002]. In our marketplace, buyers can purchase goods at a lower price by forming
coalitions. In our system, buyers are integrated based on buyers' multi-attribute preferences. Our system
supports buyers' decision making by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. We propose three methods for
group integration. First, simple group buying is tried. Second, all buyers are integrated. Third, some buyers are
integrated. Advantages of our market can be described as follows [Matsuo SIG-ICS-2003][Matsuo WWW-2003].
First, buyers' multi-attribute utilities are reflected effectively in group integration.
Second, buyers can purchase goods at a lower price. Third, buyers' payments are decided based on
their degree of compromise. Fourth, a successful seller can sell goods in their stock.
E-Commerce and Data Mining,
Recommendation Systems based on Buyers' Preferences.
Research[2001]
REVauction: Designated Bid Reverse Auction for Agent-Based Electronic Commerce ,
We propose an alternative, the REVauction, in which a buyer can select sellers before conducting
the auction
[Matsuo IEA/AIE-2002, SCI-2002]. We implemented an experimental e-commerce support system based on the
REVauction. Experiments demonstrated that the REVauction increased the number of successful
trades. The advantages of the REVauction are described as follows. First, since a buyer selects
sellers, the quality of goods and the buyer's preferences can be reflected. Second, collusion is difficult.
Third, the REVauction has a positive evaluation system. The point system helps the buyer to select
sellers who perform well. In our experiments, we showed that the REV auction can realize more trades than
the Vickrey auction.
Research[1999-2001]:
Dynamic System and differential Equation,
1. Existing of solution, uniqueness of the solutions and differential equations dependence on parameter.
2. Stability of Fixed Points in Non-linear Systems. In dynamic system, characteristics of fixed points are decided based on the stability or non-stability. The characteristics are analyzed by using the theory of linearization on nonlinear systems.
Elementary School Education,
Homemaking Course in Primary School Education. I programmed some lectures and had discussions about dietary life in the elementary school. I planned and carried on cooking courses to reform pupils' eating habits.
Pedagogy,
Subjects of primary education and lifelong education are handled. This reserach was focused philosophical meanings in human education(Philosophie der Erziehung), particularly we considered the following 4 phases like W. Flitner's "Allgemeine Paedagogik". (This research was supervised by Prof. Yoshio Tsuruda, a specialist of child education, adult education, nurse education, education in community college, philosophy of education, and several others.)
~die biologische, anthropobiologische Betrachtungsweise. (Aristotle, Rousseau, J. Dewey, Brain Science, .....)
~die Erziehung ald geistige Erweckung. (German Idealism, J. Dewey, N. Hartmann, E.Spranger, ......)
~die personale Betrachtungsweise. (K. Jaspers, M. Heidegger, W. Flitner, Confucius, .....)
~die geschichtlich-gesellshaftliche Betrachtungsweise. (E. Durkeim, E. Krieck, T. Brameld, .....)
Research[1996-1997]:
Researches for Local Histories,
Historical Sites in Omuta.
~In this research, cultural assets in Omuta were surveyed and researched. Some collaborator and I investigated and discussed the sites, the historical data, the historical meanings and so on.
~The report of the Investigation was published from Masunaga-Insatsu as a booklet over 100 pages.
