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KITAGAWA Hiroshi

    Major in Community Design, Department of Applied Sociology　Associate Professor
Last Updated :2024/05/15

Researcher Information

Degree

  • Master of Engineering（1993/03 Kobe University）
  • Doctor of Engineering（2004/06 Kindai University）

URL

Research funding number

  • 10257967

ORCID ID

J-Global ID

Profile

  • 1993 - 1999 Kindai University
    1999            Institute of Systems Science Research
    1999 - 2005 Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology
    2005 - 2020 The Hyogo Institute of Assistive Technology
    2020 - 2022 Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Center at Nishi-Harima

Research Interests

  • Built Environment   Inclusive Society   Accessible Design   Universal Design   Gerontology   Transportation Planning Elderly and People with Disability   Older Driver   Rehabilitation Engineering   

Research Areas

  • Life sciences / Medical and welfare engineering
  • Social infrastructure (civil Engineering, architecture, disaster prevention) / Architectural and city planning
  • Social infrastructure (civil Engineering, architecture, disaster prevention) / Civil engineering (planning and transportation)
  • Humanities & social sciences / Home economics, lifestyle science
  • Life sciences / Rehabilitation science

Academic & Professional Experience

  • 2022/04 - Today  Kindai UniversityFaculty of Applied Sociology Department of Applied SociologyAssociate Proffesor
  • 2020/04 - 2022/03  Hyogo Prefectural Rehabilitation Center at Nishi-Harima研修交流センターManager
  • 2005/09 - 2020/03  The Hyogo Institute of Assistive TechnologyChief Research Officer / Manager
  • 1999/07 - 2005/08  Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of GerontologyResearcher
  • 1999/04 - 1999/06  Institute of Systems Science Research
  • 1993/04 - 1999/03  Kindai UniversityFaculty of Science and Engineering Department of Civil EngineeringResearch Associate

Education

  • 1991/04 - 1993/03  Kobe University  Graduate School of Engineering  Civil Engineering Couese
  • 1987/04 - 1991/03  Kindai University  Faculty of Science and Engineering  Department Civil Engineering

Association Memberships

  • Japanese Society of Public Health   Architectural Institute of Japan   Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society   Japan society of Traffic Engineers   The City Planning Institute of Japan   Japan Society of Civil Engineers   Japan Socio-Gerontological Society   交通科学研究会   Rehabilitation Engineering Society of Japan   The Japan Association of Applied Psychology   

Published Papers

  • Noboru ISE; Takao YANAGIHARA; Emi MINATO; Hiroshi KITAGAWA
    交通工学論文集 10 (3) A_1 - A_8 2024/04 [Refereed]
  • Yasuo Tomita; Takao Yanagihara; Hiroshi Kitagawa
    Traffic Science 53 (1) 42 - 50 2023/03 [Refereed]
  • Takao Yanagihara; Kiyohiro Omori; Kitagawa Hiroshi
    Journal of Accessibility and Design for All 12 (2) 335 - 353 2022/11 [Refereed]
     
    For low-vision people and elderly people with decreased vision and cognitive function, the legibility of signs (character size, position, etc.) is an important issue. Graphic floor signs are considered more effective for low-vision people and elderly people than typical hanging signs because they are closer to pedestrians and can be larger in size. There is a growing number of improved graphic floor signs, but there are no guidelines for character sizes, colour scheme, and layout. Therefore, this study considers the character size ofgraphic floor signs that are legible for elderly people. In this study, we aimed to verify the legibility of characters installed on the floor. The test was conducted on 30 non-elderly and 30 elderly people, about Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) S 0032 “Guidelines for the elderly and people with disabilities-Visual signs and displays-Estimation of minimum legible size for a Japanese single character”. Experiments on minimum legible sizes of characters and experiments on readability were conducted in that order. In the experiment on the minimum legible sizes of characters, we found that the minimum legible sizes of characters written on the vertical surface can be converted to the minimum size of legible characters written on the floor surface by multiplying with the coefficient of minimum legible characters on the floor surface by 2 to 3 times. In the experiment on readability, we found that the optimum character sizes are about 90 mm and 80 mm in height at a minimum for vertical and horizontal characters, respectively. These results showed that the optimum size of characters on graphic floor signs is about 90 mm.
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Hisatoshi Ueda; Ikuo Yoneda; Masayuki Booka
    Studies in Health Technology and Informatics IOS Press 242 778 - 781 1879-8365 2017 [Refereed]
     
    The efficiency and the rolling resistance in wheelchair propulsion play an important role in the comfort and the health of wheelchair users in daily life. Here we identify these fundamental interactions of wheelchair-user system on treadmill and on track. We measured the oxygen uptake (input) and the propelling torque (output) as the parameters with velocity and tire pressure. The efficiency increased about 9-13% as the velocity increased on treadmill and it increased around 11-12% as the tire pressure reduced on track. The mean coefficient of rolling resistance was 0.012 on treadmill and that were 0.016 (200 kPa) and 0.026 (30 kPa) on track. Our experimental results indicated that the efficiency and the rolling resistance were strongly dependent on the velocity and tire pressure.
  • Kiyohiro OMORI, Takao YANAGIHARA, Hiroshi KITAGAWA and Norihiro IKEDA
    Infrastructure planning review(Web) Japan Society of Civil Engineers 72 (5) I_1105‐I_1113(J‐STAGE) - I_1113 2185-6540 2016 [Refereed]
     
    In recent years, barrier-free of public transportation facilities is promoted and sign systems also make progress. However, some people with low vision and elderly people hard to use some guiding signs because they cannot get near these signs. The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of graphic floor signs from a viewpoint of visual search characteristics of elderly pedestrians. An experiment was carried out around a railway station by elderly pedestrians wearing an eye tracking system. As a result, the graphic floor signs had lower marks by elderly participants for an inducibility than that of ordinary suspended signs. On the other hand, the signs had higher marks for a readability and get good impressions that the signs were useful for themselves. Moreover, after they found one of the signs, their visual search characteristics tended to change to pay more attention to the road surface. In addition, the difference between elderly and younger pedestrians was verified by comparison to our previous research. It was found that elderly pedestrians enabled to read guiding information from the graphic floor signs although their average gaze time and average discovery distance of the signs were shorter than that of younger pedestrians.
  • Kiyohiro Omori; Takao Yanagihara; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Norihiro Ikeda
    Studies in Health Technology and Informatics IOS Press 217 398 - 404 1879-8365 2015 [Refereed]
     
    Some people with low vision or elderly persons tend to walk while watching a nearby floor, therefore, they often overlook or hard to read suspended signs. In this study, we propose two kinds of voice guides, and an experiment is conducted by participants with low vision using these voice guides and graphic floor signs in order to investigate effectiveness of these combinations. In clock position method (CP), each direction of near facilities are described in using an analogy of a 12-hour clock. Meanwhile, in numbering method (NU), near facilities are put the number in clockwise order, however, each direction are only illustrated in a crossing sign. As a result of an experiment, it is showed that both voice guides are effective for pedestrians with low vision. NU is used as a complement of graphic floor signs. Meanwhile, CP is used independently with graphic floor signs, however, there is a risk in the case of using in the environment where pedestrians are easy to mistake the reference direction defined by the sounding speaker.
  • Takao Yanagihara; Kiyohiro Omori; Hiroshi Kitagawa
    Studies in Health Technology and Informatics IOS Press 217 1065 - 1069 1879-8365 2015 [Refereed]
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Hokyoo Lee; Hisatoshi Ueda; Ikuo Yoneda; Masayuki Booka
    Studies in Health Technology and Informatics IOS Press 217 447 - 454 1879-8365 2015 [Refereed]
     
    A vertical slope of sidewalks significantly inhibits to the mobility of manual wheelchair users in their daily life. International guidelines of the vertical slope are specified approximately 4% or 5% (1:20) gradient or less as preferred, and allow 8.3% (1:12) as its maximum when it is impossible. Relevant research of the physical strain for wheelchair users with pushing on slopes, and the validity assessment of slope guidelines have been investigated. However, the analysis for the effect of a slope distance and their transient performance are still remained. The purpose of this study is to clarify the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of manual wheelchair users that propelling a wheelchair on an uphill slope. We measured these data by a metabolic analysis system, a heart rate monitor system and an instrumented wheelchair wheel. Sixteen unimpaired subjects (non-wheelchair users) were examined to investigate the effect of a long slope with 120m distance and 8% gradient. And five wheelchair users with cervical cord injury were examined to evaluate the influence of different gradients (5%, 6.7%, 8.3%, 10% and 12.5%) with 3m length in laboratory. Our experimental results of the long slope showed that wheelchair propulsion velocity and power increased considerably at the beginning of the slope where the peak mean value of them were 0.96 m/s and 70.8W and they decreased linearly to 0.55m/s and 33.6W at final interval. A mean oxygen uptake and heart rate were increased as the distance increased and their results indicated the extremely high exercise intensity at a final interval that were 1.2liter /min and 152bpm. While wheelchair pushing cadence reduced after an initial interval, mean of strokes per10m increased to compensate the decrease of upper limb's power. The results of different gradients indicated that the normalized power of subjects with cervical cord injury was significant difference between each subject in the ability to climb a slope. Mean normalized power were 0.23W/kg on a 5% slope, 0.24W/kg on 6.7%, and 0.26W/kg on 8.3% respectively. Based on these findings, we examined the relationship between the theoretical normalized power and the lowest velocity to climb a slope, and we might indicate the ability to push on an uphill slope for the persons with manual wheelchair user.
  • Kiyohiro OMORI, Takao YANAGIHARA, Hiroshi KITAGAWA and Norihiro IKEDA
    Infrastructure planning review(Web) Japan Society of Civil Engineers 70 (5) I.961-I.969 (J-STAGE) - I_969 2185-6540 2014 [Refereed]
     
    Recently, sign system standardization in public pedestrian space is going on as part of a promotion of barrier-free space. The purpose of this study is to investigate effectiveness of graphic floor signs for pedestrians with low vision and normal vision in order to accumulate expertise about an effective installation of the signs. An experiment was conducted at a railway station, and as a result, the signs were effective at readability for low vision and normal vision participants, and both participants gave the signs a good evaluation that the signs were useful for oneselves. On the other hand, there was a difference between each participants in their discovery rates of the signs, and the sign discovery rate of normal vision participants tended to be higher in the second half of the walking path. Additionally, it was suggested that there were different causes of dismissing the signs between them.
  • LEE Hokyoo; 米田郁夫; 繁成剛; 高橋良至; 河合俊宏; 橋詰努; 北川博巳
    福祉のまちづくり研究 Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society 15 (1) ROMBUNSHU,1-12 - A12 1345-8973 2013/03 [Refereed]
     
    Moving freely is one of the most important and fundamental activities in leading everyday life. So, when walking becomes troublesome by aging, a certain technological solution must be needed. So, we developed new personal mobility device which elderly person rides on and move by pedaling similar to bicycle. The new personal mobility device has four wheels and is equipped with electric power assist system. Our conviction that the new personal mobility we developed is useful for persons of advanced age was confirmed on the basis of utility evaluation and measurement of load in operating the new personal mobility.
  • Kiyohiro Omori; Takao Yanagihara; Hiroshi Kitagawa
    Assistive Technology Research Series 33 374 - 379 1383-813X 2013 [Refereed]
     
    Some people with low vision or elderly people walk looking down at a floor, thus, they often pass without finding or hard to read suspended signs. Therefore, it is required for them to establish a sign system which makes good use of floor or road surfaces in order to provide for more information. This paper proposes a new graphic floor sign system which consists of two designs. A crossing sign is set on a floor of a crossover point, and indicates a direction of neighborhood facilities. A direction sign is set on a floor of a walkway, and indicates a direction and distance to a destination facility. An experiment was conducted at a railway station in order to clarify effectiveness of proposed sign system for people with low vision and the difference of usage between low vision participants and normal vision ones. As a result, it is showed that the floor signs are effective at readability for both participants. However, they have different factors to pass without finding the floor signs. © 2013 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved.
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Hokyoo Lee; Hisatoshi Ueda; Tadayoshi Miyamoto; Ikuo Yoneda; Shoichiro Fujisawa
    Assistive Technology Research Series 33 183 - 189 1383-813X 2013 [Refereed]
     
    A vertical and cross slope, waves (unevenness) of a sidewalk are significant barrier to the mobility of wheelchair users. In Japan, the Law for Promoting Barrier-free Transport and Facilities for the Elderly and the Disabled specifies that a cross slope in sidewalk is recommended to be 1% gradient or less and it is allowed to be no greater than 2% when it is unavoidable. However, it is necessary to clarify the evidence for the guidelines how changes in a cross slope gradient affect the accessibility and the physical load of wheelchair users. And the objective assessment of barrier-free road construction to resolve wave-road should be investigated. The objective of this study was to experimentally clarify the relationship between the cross slope of an actual sidewalk environment and the physical load of wheelchair users by the oxygen uptake and the wheelchair propelling force. Our experimental results showed that the physical load of a wheelchair user in the 2% cross slope was not so strong statistically compared with the level surface. On the other hand, the required force of a downhill side handrim was significantly greater than that of an uphill side handrim. This unbalance of propelling force caused by the cross slope would increase the physical load of wheelchair users especially with hemiplegia. The reduced oxygen cost index indicated that the barrier-free road construction was effective for improving the accessibility of wheelchair. Based on these findings, we propose the evidence of a wheelchair user's physical load while propelling a cross slope and a wave-road. © 2013 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved.
  • 柳原崇男; 北川博巳; 大森清博; 北山一郎
    交通工学 交通工学研究会 46 (4) 75 - 84 0454-4595 2011/09 [Refereed]
  • Kiyohiro Omori; Yoshimi Sugimoto; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Ichiro Kitayama; Takao Yanagihara
    EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY FOR INDEPENDENCE AND CARE IOS PRESS 29 626 - 631 1383-813X 2011 [Refereed]
     
    Objective Many people with low vision have walking difficulty at darkened conditions because it is hard to get sufficient contrast from road surface. We have proposed the walking support system with LED lighting. This system irradiates some beams of the light on road surface at regular interval, and low vision pedestrian uses the spots on the road to find one's way. However, it is difficult for low vision pedestrian to distinguish variations of color or shape of the spots. In this study, we propose the method to give walking support information for the pedestrian to the LED beam at the right time by using visible light communications (VLC). Main Content Proposed system adds the information to the light by modulating an applied voltage of the LED at high speed. The fluctuation of the luminance is indistinguishable to a human sight. On the other hand, a receiver of the VLC consists of a receiving unit, a controller, and an information presentation unit. The receiving unit is mounted on the edge of a white cane of a pedestrian. The controller is mounted on the grip. The information presentation unit is composed of a vibration motor and battery cells, and this unit is separated from the white cane. When the receiving unit catches direct beam with the fluctuation, the vibration motor vibrates for a given period of time. This vibration means "warning surfaces" which warn of a potential hazard. Results We conduct an experimental test in order to determine the level of the reception. Test course is 20 meters long. Five LED lightings are installed along the side of the course, including three lightings with VLC. 12 subjects make 10 round trips. As a result, total reception rate is 78%, and the reception rate by irradiating direction represents the highest performance when the pedestrian is irradiated from diagonally forward right. On the other hand, there is weak negative correlation between walking speed and reception rate. Conclusion It is found that VLC are effective to give walking support information to low vision pedestrians without dependence on one's visual function. Additionally, the result of reception rate by irradiating direction leads to the suggestion that LED lightings with VLC should be installed in consideration of moving direction of pedestrians as well as surrounding environment.
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Taichi Mohri; Hisatoshi Ueda; Tadayoshi Miyamoto; Ikuo Yoneda; Shoichiro Fujisawa
    EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY FOR INDEPENDENCE AND CARE IOS PRESS 29 796 - 803 1383-813X 2011 [Refereed]
     
    Objective The vertical slope in sidewalk is a big barrier for the wheelchair users. In Japan, the Law for Promoting Barrier-free Transport and Facilities for the Elderly and the Disabled and it's guideline indicate that the vertical slope in sidewalk is expected to be 5% gradient or less and it can be allowed 8% or less when it is unavoidable. Grounds of this guideline depended from existing studies and related documents reported that most of wheelchair users were able to climb up 5% gradient slope and 24/25 subjects were able to climb up 8% slope. However, the research on the relationship between the feature of slope with gradient, distance, ascending speed and the physical load of wheelchair users was still remained. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physical load of the wheelchair users by the oxygen uptake values and the wheelchair driving force while they are propelling a wheelchair upward on a slope, and to realize barrier-free environment. Methods The dynamic wheelchair driving force was measured by using a torque meter equipped on a wheelchair to analyze the required force when ascending on a slope. The oxygen uptake values and heart rate were measured with the portable metabolic analysis system and the heart rate monitor system. Unimpaired adult subjects were asked to propel the wheelchair on the slope that was used for the emergency escape route of the handicapped person's sports facilities. The profile of the slope was 8% gradient, 120m distance, and 7.6m height. The strokes and speed to propel the wheelchair was set to be free of each subject. Results and Conclusion The Oxygen Cost Index of the wheelchair users while propelling manual wheelchair upward on the slope indicated approximately 0.017 (liter/one meter) and it was about three times higher than that of by flat floor in the room (0.006 l/meter). The averaged heart rate value at the summit of the slope showed an increase of 150bpm, and was equivalent to the Borg Scale 15 (hard). It was corresponding to the feeling of physical load (it was a very hard, limit) with all subjects. The averaged wheelchair driving power while ascending the slope presented approximately 58W, and it was needed by about four times as large as flat floor (15W). We conclude that 8% gradient and 120m distance of the slope cause extremely high physical load for the wheelchair users even in the case of unimpaired persons. So, we should pay attention to the slope gradient of guideline, and should improve the slope of sidewalk to reduce the physical load of wheelchair users. The Oxygen Cost Index and the power of wheelchair driving force are useful index for the assessment of barrier-free road environment, route selection with lower stress, and the universal design of slope.
  • Takao Yanagihara; Keisuke Saito; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Akihiro Mihoshi
    Infrastructure planning review 27 893 - 902 2010 [Refereed]
  • HASHIZUME Tsutomu; YONEDA Ikuo; KITAGAWA Hiroshi; FUJISAWA Shoichiro; SUEDA Osamu
    SICE Journal of Control, Measurement, and System Integration 公益社団法人 計測自動制御学会 2 (4) 199 - 205 1882-4889 2009/07 [Refereed]
     
    Gaps and steps between platforms and trains reduce the accessibility and mobility of people with wheelchairs in railway transportations. Using an experimental platform, the observations are performed how gaps and steps influence their capabilities for manual wheelchair or electric powered wheelchair users with spinal cord injury. A quantity of Normalized Driving Force (NDF) is introduced to evaluate the manual wheelchair user's abilities in the case of getting on or off the trains. Three types of electric powered wheelchairs are also tested under the same experimental conditions as the manual wheelchair. The dynamic wheelchair driving force is measured by using a torque meter equipped on a wheelchair to analyze the required force when getting on the trains. To improve practical accessibility of such people, an assistive device for boarding the trains is designed and its effect is verified.
  • Takao Yanagihara; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Kiyohiro Omori; Ichiro Kitayama
    Assistive Technology Research Series 25 463 - 467 1383-813X 2009 [Refereed]
     
    Many people with low vision have waking disability at night in the road environment. In this study, it is proposed the guidance system using LED (Light Emitting Diode) for supporting a walk in low illumination environments. We experiment in the walk supporting system using LED, and clarify the effect and problem of this system. In order to experiment, two kinds of walk supporting systems using LED were installed in the road, and the walk experiment was conducted on 21 people with low vision. Two kinds of systems are the type which attaches LED to poles, and makes the mark of light, and another type embeds LED on the ground. The result of comparison of two types, it is almost the same the walk speed and the swerved distance from a straight line. But the result of the questionnaire survey, evaluation of the embedding type is better than the irradiation type. © 2009 The authors and IOS Press. All rights reserved.
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Masatoshi Takami; Ikuo Yoneda; Minoru Kamata; Shoichiro Fujisawa; Osamu Sueda
    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FROM ADAPTED EQUIPMENT TO INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS IOS PRESS 25 455 - 460 1383-813X 2009 [Refereed]
     
    Wheelchair users are always exposed to the body vibrations in daily life caused by various mad conditions. Some extended exposure to such vibrations may cause secondary disorders for the wheelchair users. It is important issue to reduce the vibrations of the wheelchair users and also to improve the walking environments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the body vibration as a measure of the physical strain for wheelchair users when the manual wheelchair is running over sidewalk and curb The subjects were asked to drive the wheelchair over the sidewalk surfaces and curbs at the experimental model course, while body vibrations were measured at the seat of wheelchair It was clarified quantitatively that the sidewalk surface and curb design have a significant influence on the body vibration, and we should pay attentions to reduce such a risk.
  • Kiyohiro Omori; Yoshimi Sugimoto; Satoru Maeda; Hiroshi Kitagawa
    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FROM ADAPTED EQUIPMENT TO INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS IOS PRESS 25 31 - 35 1383-813X 2009 [Refereed]
     
    This paper proposes new assistive functions for the joystick of electric wheelchairs in order to reduce some difficulties in the early stage of training The functions are implemented as three modes, and each mode restricts driving duration or directions of the electric wheelchair These functions prevent the wheelchair from running out of control, and ensure the safety of the user Three children who have multiple disabilities without any experience of driving an electric wheelchair were asked to drive the electric wheelchair at their schools As a result, the assistive functions are effective to the Improvement of driving abilities Additionally, it is found that the electric wheelchair is useful for the teachers because the restriction of driving duration enables to drive It at narrow space Furthermore, the results give suggestions that the electric wheelchair is available as educational aids of sensory integrations of multiple disabled children
  • Yanagihara Takao; Kitagawa Hiroshi; Saito Keisuke; Mihoshi Akihiro
    Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshuu D Japan Society of Civil Engineers 25 (2) 525 - 533 0913-4034 2009 [Refereed]
     
    Visually impaired persons tend to be considered to totally blind person. Therefore, improvements of the walk environment for the low vision are not progressing. The purpose of this study is obtaining data applicable to the plan and evaluation of guidance systems for visually disabled The questionnaire survey was conducted about visual performance and mobility problems of people with the low vision. Consequently, when people with low vision are walked, important visual performance is field of view and contrast sensitivity. Moreover, people with low vision have problems in a walking at night, obstacles and steps.
  • 北川 博巳; 桝井 敦; 橋詰 努
    交通工学研究発表会論文報告集 交通工学研究会 28 317 - 320 2008/10 [Refereed]
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Ikuo Yoneda; Masatoshi Takami; Shoichiro Fujisawa; Osamu Sueda; Minoru Kamata
    Proceedings of the SICE Annual Conference 1273 - 1276 2008 [Refereed]
     
    The design of the boundary curb between pavement and roadway constructed in the crosswalk is requested to secure safety and smooth traffic for all passing people. It is preferable to set the step of curb to be about 2cm for the visually handicapped persons to ascertain the boundary. However, this step is a barrier for the wheelchair user. This research aims the quantitative evaluation of the typical existing curbs from wheelchair user's viewpoint, and the final proposal of the universal design of an easy-to-use curb for all. The wheelchair user's body vibration and body load were examined by using the three directional accelerometers and the torque meter equipped wheelchair. It was shown to be able to evaluate the curb objectively by assuming the body vibration and the wheelchair driving torque as a measure. © 2008 SICE.
  • LEDを用いた夜間の歩行誘導システムに関する研究
    北山一郎; 柳原崇男; 大森清博; 北川博巳
    兵庫県総合リハビリテーションセンター紀要 1 - 6 2007/09 [Refereed]
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Ikuo Yoneda; Shoichiro Fujisawa; Osamu Sueda
    Proceedings of the SICE Annual Conference 494 - 498 2007 [Refereed]
     
    The gaps and steps between platforms and trains reduce tie accessibility and mobility of persons with wheelchair in railway transportations. Using an experimental platform, tie observations were performed how gaps and steps influence their capabilities for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries. A quantity of Normalized Driving Force (NDF) was introduced to evaluate the abilities of getting on/off trains. Dynamic wheelchair driving force was measured by using torque meter equipped on the wheelchair to analyze the power boarding on trains. To improve practical accessibility of persons with wheelchair, an assistive device for boarding trains was designed and verified. © 2007 SICE.
  • Tsutomu Hashizume; Ikuo Yoneda; Hiroshi Kitagawa; Saki Kasuya; Minoru Kamata; Shoichiro Fujisawa; Osamu Sueda
    CHALLENGES FOR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY I O S PRESS 20 65 - 69 1383-813X 2007 [Refereed]
     
    The gaps and steps between platforms and trains reduce the accessibility and mobility of people with wheelchair. Using an experimental platform, the observations were performed how gaps and steps influence their capabilities for wheelchair users with spinal cord injuries. A quantity of Normalized Driving Force (NDF) was introduced to evaluate the abilities of getting on/off trains. Dynamic wheelchair driving force was measured by using torque meter equipped on the wheelchair to analyze the power boarding on trains. To improve practical accessibility of persons with wheelchair, an assistive device for boarding trains was designed and verified.
  • 目黒 力; 溝端 光雄; 北川 博巳; 木村 一裕; 西田 泰
    土木計画学研究・講演集 Vol.30(CD-ROM) 2004
  • 溝端 光雄; 北川 博巳; 西田 泰; 木村 一裕; 目黒 力
    土木計画学研究・講演集 Vol.30(CD-ROM) 2004
  • Mizohata Mitsuo; Kitagawa Hiroshi
    Journal of the City Planning Institute of Japan The City Planning Institute of Japan 38 (38-2) 41 - 51 2003 [Refereed]
     
    This paper considers the issues and measures caused by wide use of invalid carriages with 3 or 4 wheels. As a result, three measures are proposed on the basis of a nationwide questionnaire survey carried out for the users and the shop assistants. One is to improve pedestrian traffic environment. Two is to revise traffic safety education. Three is to remodel invalid carriage.
  • 北川 博巳
    交通工学研究発表会論文報告集 交通工学研究会 20 121 - 124 2000/10 [Refereed]
  • 岡本 英晃; 三星 昭宏; 北川 博巳
    交通工学研究発表会論文報告集 交通工学研究会 20 161 - 164 2000/10 [Refereed]
  • 北川博巳; 土居聡; 三星昭宏
    土木計画学研究・論文集 Japan Society of Civil Engineers 17 (17) 981 - 987 0913-4034 2000/09 [Refereed]
     
    In this study, it is considered about the bench as the walking supporting facility under the aging society. Therefore, it is analyzed about the consciousness of thewalking circumstance and the need of the bench by using research data targeting the elderly who has difficulty. Next, it is carried out research about observation and hearing targeting the elderly user in the actual condition of the bench use Furthermore, it is considered aboutthe scale of the bench establishment and a degreeof setting up, and it aims at examining about "the high mobility facilities for sidewalks and pedestrians under the aging society".
  • 北川博巳; 岡本英晃; 三星昭宏; 松本直也
    土木計画学研究・論文集 Japan Society of Civil Engineers 16 (16) 617 - 625 0913-4034 1999/09 [Refereed]
     
    The purpose of this study is to set service levels under mixing wheel chairs in actual sidewalks. It is analyzed different width of sidewalks (3.25m and 4.0m) from point view of density, speed, avoidance behaviors of pedestrians under mixing of wheelchairs. For an index of conformity, it is established service level of these sidewalks. Finally, it is considered service level under considerations of width of sidewalks, density of pedestrians, number of wheelchairs.
  • 北川博巳; 三星昭宏
    土木計画学研究・論文集 Japan Society of Civil Engineers 15 (15) 747 - 754 0913-4034 1998/09 [Refereed]
     
    In Japan, the speed of aging is so quick that becomes one of the most important social problem. This indicates some steps of high aging society that is not unusual in other countries. Factors that relate to elderly's mobility using Osaka Habikino Area Trip Survey Data. And elderly's unmet demands matrix and unmet demands are analyzed. As a result, countermeasure of mobility groups for each different persons.
  • 北川 博巳; 三星 昭宏; 松本 直也
    交通工学研究発表会論文報告集 交通工学研究会 (17) 13 - 16 1997/11 [Refereed]
  • KITAGAWA HIROSHI; SUGA YOSHIKI; MIHOSHI AKIHIRO; MATSUMOTO NAOYA
    土木計画学研究・論文集 Japan Society of Civil Engineers 14 (14) 889 - 894 0913-4034 1997/09 [Refereed]
  • ETOH Takeharu; HANASHIMA Atsuko; KITAGAWA Hiroshi; MIHOSHI Akihiro; SHINOHARA Osamu; TAKEHARA Kousei; TAKEDA Shinji
    土木学会論文集 土木学会 569 (569) 9 - 27 0289-7806 1997/07 [Refereed]
  • 北川博巳; 竹原幸生; 武田慎治; 三星昭宏; 江藤剛治; 篠原紀
    土木計画学研究・論文集 Japan Society of Civil Engineers 13 (13) 381 - 390 0913-4034 1996/08 [Refereed]
     
    Volunteer activities in Hanshin-Awaji earthquake disaster were dispatched in Kinki University civil engineering course. Volunteer work held to the civli engineering course student. And its purpose which consider environment and welfare is cultivated.
    In this study, this activities give what kind of educational effects to a student and attempt a grasp of the Volunteer welfare activities that was necessary an earthquake disaster. Also, analyzing the educational effect in the announcement meeting.
  • 鎌田晃嘉; 三星昭宏; 柘植章英; 北川博巳
    交通科学 24 (2) 14 - 22 0288-1985 1996/02 [Refereed]
  • 土井勉; 木内徹; 三星昭宏; 北川博巳; 西井和夫
    土木計画学研究・論文集 12 (12) 367 - 374 0913-4034 1995/08 [Refereed]
  • 土井勉; 三星昭宏; 北川博巳; 西井和夫
    都市計画論文集 (29) 565 - 570 0916-0647 1994/11 [Refereed]

Books etc

Conference Activities & Talks

  • 高齢者の外出行動を支える休憩空間整備の課題  [Not invited]
    日本建築学会大会2010年度大会（北陸）学術講演会  2010
  • 視覚障害者の歩行支援に関する研究－音によるバリアフリーとその特性－  [Not invited]
    日本福祉のまちづくり学会第13回全国大会  2010
  • 視覚障害者のための音声案内システムの現状と課題に関する調査  [Not invited]
    日本福祉のまちづくり学会第13回全国大会  2010
  • アンケート調査による高齢者 の外出・休憩空間の利用の実態とニーズの把握  [Not invited]
    日本福祉のまちづくり学会第13回全国大会  2010
  • 災害発生時における視聴覚障害者向け避難情報支援システムに関する研究  [Not invited]
    日本福祉のまちづくり学会第13回全国大会  2010
  • ロービジョン者の懐中電灯を用いた夜間歩行に関する研究  [Not invited]
    日本福祉のまちづくり学会第13回全国大会  2010
  • LED境界表示灯を用いた視覚障害者歩行支援システムの評価  [Not invited]
    第11回計測自動制御学会システムインテグレーション部門講演会(SI2010)  2010
  • 路面埋め込み型スピーカーを用いた音響誘導装置の特性評価  [Not invited]
    第11回計測自動制御学会システムインテグレーション部門講演会(SI2010)  2010
  • LED誘導鋲を用いた視覚障害者歩行支援システムの評価  [Not invited]
    第11回計測自動制御学会システムインテグレーション部門講演会(SI2010)  2010
  • 光と音を用いたロービジョン者向け夜間歩行誘導システムの有効性に関する研究  [Not invited]
    第42回土木計画学研究発表会（秋大会）  2010
  • 移動制約者の視点から見た交通基本法の準備に向けて  [Not invited]
    第41回土木計画学研究発表会（春大会）  2010
  • 高齢者の外出行動を支援する休憩空間設置に関する課題－公共施設利用を支援する休憩空間の設置にむけた検討と提案  [Not invited]
    第52回日本老年社会科学会  2010
  • What Kind of Physical Load is Placed for Wheelchair Users in Sidewalks  [Not invited]
    The International Conference on Ageing, Disability and Independence (ICADI )2010  2010
  • Driving Recorder And Safe Mobility For Older Drivers  [Not invited]
    International Conference on Aging・ Disability and Independence(ICADI)  2008
  • Development Of Guidance System Using LED Marks For Low Vision At Night  [Not invited]
    International Conference on Aging・ Disability and Independence(ICADI)  2008
  • The validity of safety driving using driving recorder for STS volunteer drivers  [Not invited]
    4th International Conference on Traffic & Transport Psychology  2008
  • THE VALIDITY OF DRIVING RECORDER FOR OLDER DRIVERS  [Not invited]
    International Conference on Mobility and Transort for Elderly and Disabled People (TRANSED)  2007
  • Research on physically handicapped person's ability and choice of social mobility support systems  [Not invited]
    International Conference on Mobility and Transort for Elderly and Disabled People (TRANSED)  2007

MISC

Industrial Property Rights

Awards & Honors

  • 2005/11 三井住友海上福祉財団 三井住友海上福祉財団賞
     参加型・福祉の交通まちづくり JPN 
    受賞者: 土木学会土木計画学研究委員会/交通エコロジーモビリティ財団/国土技術研究センター
  • 1998/11 Japan Society of Civil Engineers JSCE Annual Meeting by Excellent Presentation Award 1998
     THE PROBLEMS OF WHEEL CHAIR MIXING IN SIDEWALK JPN 
    受賞者: Hiroshi KITAGAWA

Research Grants & Projects

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
    Date (from‐to) : 2019/04 -2022/03 
    Author : Omori Kiyohiro
     
    In this study, several research and development efforts were conducted both in terms of environmental improvement and manufacturing to address the issue of building living spaces that enable elderly people with dementia to continue living at home. From the manufacturing perspective, a whiteboard that uses light and sound to convey information to prevent mistakes through prompting and a chair-type system that evaluates motor function based on standing and sitting movements were developed. In addition, to address the issue of remote communication in COVID-19 pandemic, a video communication system that can be used with simple operation was developed. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of environmental improvement, spatial restrictions and items to be considered when using a mobile lift in a home toilet space were organized, and a system was developed to enable quantitative evaluation of nursing care movements in the laboratory.
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research
    Date (from‐to) : 2013 -2015 
    Author : Kumagai Yasuhiko; Oka Koichi; Park Kechon; Kitagawa Hiromi; Kataoka Motomune
     
    The information providing and warning of road traffic status were mainly done by the visual information such as road sign so far. But, it is in sufficient in the case of wrong way driving especially for aged drivers. Therefore it is desired to develop new dissemination methods besides the sight from the infrastructure base. This research considers the method not only visible but also audible and haptic methods. We adopted the dynamic pictogram for visible, parametric speaker for audible and dynamic hump for haptic method and evaluated each other. For drivers we took MRI data by measuring the Leukoaraiosis and Cerebral shrinkage degree. By the questionnaires to aged drivers we found that 3 out of 4 aged drivers do not use or see curve mirrors while driving and so we developed new intelligent curve mirror system.
  • 生活機能を考慮した地域福祉交通システムの構築方法に関する研究
    科学研究費補助金
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2013 
    高齢者・障害者の生活機能を考慮した上で、現状の交通システム分析を行い、新たな地域福祉交通システムとして構築する方法を考察する
  • 高齢者・障害者のための交通バリアフリー環境整備に関する研究
    受託研究
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2013 
    高齢社会に向けた地域福祉交通環境整備のあり方についてバスおよび鉄道を中心にバリアフリーの面から考察する
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(B))
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2013 
    Author : Kaechang PARK; Yasuhiko KUMAGAI; Kimihiko NAKANO; Hiroshi KITAGAWA; Motomune KATAOKA; Mitsuhiro NAGAHARA
     
    Leukoaraiosis, approximately 30% of middle-aged and older people, has been regard as a sign of brain-aging. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between bilateral leukoaraiosis and traffic accidents, especially crossroad crashes. Older drivers with bilateral leukoaraiosis possessed a significant increasing in steering entropy of an automobile, which means smooth handling of steering, in comparison with those without leukoaraiosis, when turning right in the driving course of Kochi Driving License Center. A new driving ability test has been developed for quantitative evaluation of frontal function, composing of cognition, judgment, and manipulation, necessary for safe driving. According to cross-classification of dichotomy of high age and leukoaraiosis, this test could predict a specific type of traffic accidents. Leukoaraiosis may be one of dangerous driving characterization like high aging.
  • A Study on the Provison of Infrastructures for the Mobility-Limited People
    0113 (Japanese Only)
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2012
  • A Study of mobility for Elderly
    Contract Research
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2012
  • An Experimental Study on the Design of Urban Facilities for people with disabilities
    Contract Research
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2012
  • 高齢者・障害者に配慮した駅の乗り換え誘導に関する研究
    委託研究
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2011 
    鉄道駅間連携のためのサイン計画づくりとその評価を行う
  • 携帯電話を活用した知的障害児、発達障害児のコミュニケーション支援に関する研究
    委託研究
    Date (from‐to) : 2011 -2011 
    個人用コミュニケーション支援として、携帯電話を活用したアプリケーションの評価および開発を行う
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(挑戦的萌芽研究)
    Date (from‐to) : 2010 -2011 
    Author : Kaechang PARK; Yasuhiko KUMAGAI; Mitsuhiro NAGAHARA; Motomune KATAOKA; Hiromi KITAGAWA
     
    We found out a significant association between leukoaraiosis and traffic crashes for healthy drivers who underwent MRI surveys as one of general health checkups and answered road traffic crash questionnaire. In particular, crossroad crashes were significantly involved in leukoaraiosis among various types of road crashes. The multiple regression analysis showed that adjusted odds ratios for involvement in crossroad crashes were 2.937 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.260-6.847] for subjects with multiple leukoaraiosis. We also examined the relationship between leukoaraiosis and brain functions with driving simulation test making examinees move their right legs from an accelerator pedal to a brake pedal according to blue and red signal. Leukoaraiosis brought about a significant decline of accuracy and incline of processing speed fluctuation. Quantitative analysis of leukoaraiosis with MRI may be one of the useful measurements to prevent from traffic crashes.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 2009 -2011 
    Author : Tsutomu HASHIZUME; 北川 博巳; 上田 喜敏
     
    The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physical load of the wheelchair users while they are propelling a wheelchair on road, and to realize barrier-free environment. We evaluated the physical load using the oxygen cost index from oxygen uptake, workload and power from wheelchair driving force. The oxygen cost index and the power of wheelchair driving force are useful index for the assessment of barrier-free road environment, route selection with lower stress, and the universal design of slope.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(B))
    Date (from‐to) : 2009 -2011 
    Author : Yasuhiko KUMAGAI; Masataka TAKAGI; Fumitaka KURAUCHI; Hiromi KITAGAWA; Kenji OKAMURA; Motomune KATAOKA; Mitsuhiro NAGAHARA
     
    This research tries to establish the evaluation method for promoting the suitable quasi-2-lane roads. By using microscopic traffic simulator, the method, which specifically can calculate the number of retreats when two opposite oncoming vehicles meet at the narrow point and also can judge the prospect of the existence of an oncoming vehicle, were built. Moreover, not only direct effect such as traffic smoothness but also indirect effect such as QOL, were necessary to consider, total evaluation method considering those effects were built.
  • 文部科学省：科学研究費補助金(萌芽研究, 挑戦的萌芽研究)
    Date (from‐to) : 2008 -2010 
    Author : 三星 昭宏; 柳原 崇男; 北川 博巳; 池田 宏史
     
    2006年12月に施行されたバリアフリー新法では、精神・知的・発達障害者を対象に含めており、公共交通を中心とした環境整備が重要となる。一方、彼らに配慮した整備手法については関連する情報が少なく、模索段階にある。この研究では、知的・精神・発達障害者のモビリティ確保のための外出実態から交通需要を把握し、各種バリアフリー整備への提案を目的としている。これまで障害当事者を対象としたヒアリング調査を中心に、交通手段および潜在交通需要に関する特徴やバスおよび鉄道利用時の職員対応をはじめとするソフト的なアプローチの調査を実施した。さらに、欧州で近年このテーマに類似したレポートがあり、本研究の調査結果との比較を行っている。今年度の知見として、発達障害者について、路面を活用した道案内は非常にニーズが高いことがヒアリング調査から得られ、認知を高める整備の必要性が示された。また、従来研究を活用する形ではあるが、路面案内サインの提案をすることができた。同様に、券売機のひらがな対応、従業員の接遇トレーニングの実践、わかりやすいマップなど関係各位のヒアリングを通じてそのヒントを得ることができた。また、券を購買するときの障害者手帳提示などについても一定の配慮をしてほしいなど、行政的な配慮についても必要と分かった。海外事例においても対応は少ないが、Cognitive Impairmentについて、ICTを活用した道案内などいくつかの先行的なプロジェクトが存在することが分かった。また、学校教育の一環で交通することを学習することの必要性やボードゲームを活用したプロジェクトが存在しており、活用する価値のあることが分かった。
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(B))
    Date (from‐to) : 2008 -2010 
    Author : Akihiro MIHOSHI; 柳原 崇男; Hiroshi KITAGAWA; Hiroshi IKEDA; Takao YANAGIHARA
     
    For wheelchair drivers, when driving on the curve section which requires speed and steering control at the same time, they receive greater driving load, and the vehicle swerves strongly on the section from leaving the curve to a straight course. There is a reduction in controlling the body trunk, and the driver has to drive with an unstable seating posture, therefore, an instructional method of entering the curve and also some extra space for the section of leaving the curve are necessary. The measure for the vehicle is a development of body support equipment which is able to provide stable seating style with no change to posture and operation depending on the driving conditions.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 2007 -2008 
    Author : Hiroshi KITAGAWA; Tsutomu HASHIZUME
     
    近年、「利用者の疲労軽減や快適性への配慮」や「バリアフリーの面的評価方法」などの研究も必要である。本研究は車いすユーザーを中心に、路面のすべりを点的に評価し、路面と疲労との関係を線的に評価した上で、これらのデータを用いた面的なバリアフリー評価の実現を目的とした。その結果、車いす利用者による評価、計測器を用いた路面のすべり評価と振動の評価を実施し、面的評価に至るまでのマップづくりができた。
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 2006 -2007 
    Author : Akihiro MIHOSHI; Hiroshi KITAGAWA; Takao YANAGIHARA
     
    Special transport service became lawful by partial amendment of the road transport law in 2006. It became possible for NPO to offer onerous service of Special transport service by this. But there are many problems of special transport service. In the one of those problems, the issue of risks such as accidents. For example, a wheelchair user falls to from the lift and many drivers are volunteers who are insufficient driving skill. So, the purpose of this study is to analyze the risk about special transport service. Therefore three investigations were performed. (1)It was a questionnaire for NPO groups or drivers. And the content such as accidents became clear. (2) It was a questionnaire for drivers who transport mentally-disabled person or mental patients. And the use situation of mentally-disabled person and mental patients, the content of the accident became clear. (3)The details of the danger behavior of special transport service were became clear by putting the Drive Recorder on the vehicle. From results of these three investigations, that it is necessary for the contents of the risk management manual to be subdivided is supposed. Item to subdivide are [user attribute], [the presence of user], [having dangerous behavior or not at the difference of the service route], [driver attribute], [risk of according to the situation].
  • 文部科学省：科学研究費補助金(萌芽研究)
    Date (from‐to) : 2004 -2005 
    Author : 三星 昭宏; 北川 博巳
     
    本研究では,傾斜の調整が可能なトレッドミルを用い,車いす利用の走行と車いす介助者,健常者の歩行による水平移動およびスロープ移動に対する身体的な影響を運動生理学的(運動によって起こる生体の反応を学ぶ学問)見地から調査した.またその結果より勾配の変化が及ぼす身体的負担の変化の定量化を試みるとともに,それを用いた工学への応用例の提案を行った.以下に調査結果を述べる.(身体的負担の分析)・歩行者の負担の変化は水平移動時に対して勾配の増加に伴い緩やかな直線的に増加するのに対して,車いす利用者は二次曲線的に増加することがわかった.同様に,車いす介助者に関しても車いす利用者ほどの増加量はなかったが,二次曲線的に増加した.・車いす利用者において現行規定である勾配5%および8%は,水平時と比較するとかなり高い身体的負担度(5%:4.1倍,8%:7.5倍)になった.(調査結果を用いた工学への応用)・車いす利用者にとって身体的負担からみた最適な勾配は,3.9%の勾配のスロープが理想的であると提案した.・調査結果をもとに,車いす利用者,車いす介助者および歩行者が駅やターミナル等の乗り換えや移動の際に生じる身体的負担を推定することができた.・移動に生じる負担を定量化する事により,EVやESといった移動補助施設の設置による,身体的負担低減効果の定量化や設置位置の優先順位を提案することができた.以上のように,本論文は運動生理学から車いす利用者等がスロープに移動に生じる身体的負担の量化を行い,工学へのアプローチを試みたものである.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(B))
    Date (from‐to) : 2002 -2004 
    Author : Mitsuo MIZOHATA; Yoshifumi MAEKAWA; Hiroshi KITAGAWA; Kazuhiro KIMURA; 目黒 力; Yasushi NISHIDA; Tutomu MEGURO
     
    This study aims at finding how to show guide signs from older drivers to older pedestrians. The gereral summary were as follows :1)The questionnaire survey was carried out for older and younger persons who have driver's license. Older subjects were 70 years and older and younger subjects were in twenties. Many of older subjects pointed out that closer distance to other vehicles on the same lane brought uneasy feeling and headlight of oncoming vehicles were so bright2)The experiment used a driving simulator was executed. The simulator had a driver's seat and three displays and presented a several types of mark on these displays. According to the results obtained by this experiment, older drivers had much time than younger drivers at seeing the mark presented on the left-side display and their such lag was longer at seeing a moving mark than a stationary mark. Moreover, Some of the older subjects had a slight cognitive impairment in the Behavioral Inattention Test. This means that drivers with such cognitive impairment exist in our older drivers population.3)The experiment used a driving recorder was executed. The recorder was installed under the front seats of vehicles in which older and younger subjects drive, and was recorded the vehicle motion beyond 0.2g for 1 week. The analysis of vehicle motion obtained showed that many of older subjects didn't make such stiffer or pressing motion but some of older subjects made a risky motion.4)The visual or cognitive driving performance degenerates with advancing age. Many of older persons have maintained the performances of safety driving but some of them seem to be involved in a risky traffic trouble. In this sense the countermeasures for older persons are a difficult issue. The interdisciplinary approach is necessary to support mobility and safety for older people. A collaboration study among driving trainers, rehabilitation specialists, car engineers, psychologists, urban planners, and psychiatrists should be executed.5)The guidelines on design of guide signs were as follows : if possible, the position is to install within the central visual field of older people, the contrast of some characters to its background is to be clear, and the desirable type of characters to reduce the reaction time is "KANJI".
  • 文部科学省：科学研究費補助金(奨励研究(A), 若手研究(B))
    Date (from‐to) : 2001 -2002 
    Author : 北川 博巳
     
    この研究は,高齢者・障害者の体機能と移動との関係を把握し,高齢者・障害者の移動性評価を行った上で,歩行空間上で必要な情報提供のあり方を考察することが狙いである.今年度は,昨年度に実施した移動に関する活動能力に関する調査結果をもとに,高齢者・障害者が歩行空間上で必要な情報について研究を進めた.これらの知見として(1)元気な高齢者でも何らかの持病(高血圧・糖尿病・関節痛など)を抱える高齢者がほとんどであり,従来のADL(日常活動能力指標)などの項目では何ら問題のない高齢者でも移動に際してはこれらの病気が負担となることが分かった.また,電動車いすの利用で高齢者のモビリティは2〜3kmに伸びるという予測が出来た.また,活動能力は高齢者のライフスタイルにも密接に関係しており,今回明確になった活動能力が高くても移動制約のある高齢者に対応しうるような移動能力評価の必要性が課題として挙げられた.(2)今回調査した高齢者の大部分はインターネットなどに興味を有しているが,使用していないことが分かった.しかし,興味を持っている高齢者も相当数おり,彼らは使用したいが出来ない層であることが分かった.日常の活動能力は問題のない高齢者もパソコンや携帯電話の利用に関してはだれかの援助が必要と感じている高齢者が多く,ITSなど高度な情報提供手段を高齢者が利用するには何らかの促進策を講じる必要なことが分かった.(3)とくに視覚障害者はITSなど高度な情報提供装置にもいくつか危険があることを指摘しており,現存の点字ブロックなどとの機能分担等が必要なことが分かった.(4)実際の駅ターミナルなどを対象として高齢者・障害者の属性ごとに移動性の負担評価をすることが出来た.その結果,各属性ごとにいくつかの特徴が把握でき,駅ごとの施設改善度を算出することが出来た.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(基盤研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 1998 -2000 
    Author : Akihiro MIHOSHI; 北川 博巳
     
    The purpose of this study is the attribution analysis of the old-people mobility using the person trip survey, creation of a total model and the attribution analysis of old-people nobility after conducting original investigation.Then, the acquired knowledge is shown below :First, it is by analysis of person trip survey data.1.An increase of old people's rate of employment and rate of going out may increase old-people trip.2.Old people's automobile trip does not decrease in 2025 as compared with population reduction.3.If estimation of trip by means of transportation is seen, trip of railroad use will decrease most.4.If old people's rate of employment is changed and is estimated, reduction of railroad trip can be suppressed.Next, it is at an original questionnaire.1. Going-out activity had fallen old people's going-out activity with older and older by the age group.2. The person's with a job activity is which the relation between the existence of working, and going-out activity higher than an unemployed person.3. It is thought that physical difficulty is a reason and is connected with the going-out fall as difficult.4. A community bus as the alternative means of transportation of public means of transportation, such as a taxi, a bus, and a railroad.5. It is thought that the thing with a strong maintenance request has much a community bus and potential demand as for welfare transfer service.
  • 文部科学省：科学研究費補助金(基盤研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 1996 -1996 
    Author : 三星 昭宏; 北川 博巳
     
    近年「福祉のまちづくり」に見られるようにこれまで移動制約者層とされてきた高齢者・障害者に配慮したまちづくりの概念が各地で見られるようになった.これまで外出の制限されていた高齢者・障害者はこれらの対策と生活様式の変化とともに,よりハイモビリティになるものと思われる.車椅子利用者も今後はこの方向に向かっており,活力あるまちづくりを構築してゆく必要がある.本研究は,車いす利用者の立場からみた歩道整備について考えることを目的とした.まず,実際車椅子利用者はどのような意識を持って歩道上を通行するのかについて把握するために,車椅子利用者を対象とした意識調査を実施した.つぎに,車椅子が歩道に混入することによって,歩行者の速度にどの程度の影響があるのかについて分析を行った.これより,車いす利用者からみた歩道整備のあり方について考察することができた.得られた知見として,1.アンケート調査から,「歩道」,「交通機関」,「ターミナル」の3つは車いす利用者の外出を低下させる要因として考えられる.とくに,歩道に関しての問題点として,「歩道幅員の狭さ」,「路面の凹凸」,「路面の傾斜」,「路上の障害物」,「溝ぶた」といったものが挙げられた.2.実際の歩道に車椅子を走行させたときの実態調査より,歩道を車椅子が通行することにより,歩行者の速度は約4.5%低下することがわかった.また,歩行者速度-密度からのアプローチにおいて,本研究の分析では正の相関が認められた.また,歩行者が車いすを追い越す場合の回避幅について分析したところ,歩行者が歩行者を追い越す場合よりも前方で回避を開始しており,歩道幅員拡幅の必要性を考察することができた.
  • 文部科学省：科学研究費補助金(奨励研究(A))
    Date (from‐to) : 1996 -1996 
    Author : 北川 博巳
     
    近い将来のわが国は,人口に高齢者の占める割合が高くなり,超高齢社会の到来が予想されている.高齢者・障害者の現在の移動性や外出に対する潜在的な需要を把握し,交通活性を高めてゆくことはこれからの重要な課題である.この研究は,高齢者・障害者の潜在的な交通需要を把握することにより,高齢者・障害者の移動が増加する要因について分析し,潜在的交通需要を高めるような施策について考察をした.この研究では,まず,高齢者の潜在交通について,いくつかの要因を考え,過去の調査から現状を把握した.つぎに,今回は車いすを利用している人を対象に潜在交通が顕在化するための要因について考察するために,アンケート調査を実施した.得られた知見として,1.生活スタイル・就労環境・移動の困難性から高齢者交通の実態を見た.その結果,高齢者は加齢とともに交通活性が低下し,外出に関して困難を感じている一方で,日常生活で外出の多い高齢者は交通活性の高いことがわかった.とくに,無職者よりも有職者の方が外出頻度が高く,就労に関する環境によって外出の活性は高まってくるものと思われる.2.車いす利用者を対象とした調査から,バス,鉄道,タクシーに関して「利用したことがない」という人がかなりいること,整備希望として,「交通機関」,「公共施設」,「歩道」,「店舗」の改善が望まれていることから,公共交通機関の整備が外出需要を増加させる要因であることがわかった.また、車いす利用者が外出するときの「情報不足」が車いす利用者の外出を妨げる一要因であることも分かった.今回の研究から,施設に対する個別の整備だけでなく,就労に関する環境や生活スタイルの変化を考慮に入れた,一体的な環境整備によって,高齢者・障害者交通の潜在需要は顕在化することがわかった.
  • Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology：Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research(一般研究(C))
    Date (from‐to) : 1994 -1995 
    Author : Akihiro MIHOSHI; Hiroshi KITAGAWA
     
    In this research, trip survey result was analyzed by using the questionnaire that considered a change of life style. It is evaluated an eldery mobility when leisure activity increases. The eldery that gets active leisure is frequent going out. It was confirmed that a correspondence of pedestrian space is necessary, when a transportation activity of an eldery group that carries out a leisure activity is improved. It was confirmed the needs that is related to an establishment of the bench as a rest facility, a reduction of the walk distance by a short interval of a bus stop. These are common desire beteen a low and high mobility in eldery. A going out activity of an eldery increases by these facility improvement even if a mode of life of an eldery changes. In this reserach, transportation of the eldery was analyzed that increases by a change of life style, from the point of view consciousness. It is able to be seen not only transportation actual condition of an eldery, but also the equipment of a rest facility and the increase of a leisure activity. There is a necessity that eldery transportation must recognize as a viewpoint of a transportation plan to a future.

Teaching Experience

  • UNiversal DesignUNiversal Design Kindai University
  • Introduction to StatisticsIntroduction to Statistics Kindai University
  • Special Field PracticeSpecial Field Practice University of Hyogo

Committee Membership

  • 2012/06 -2018/06   Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society   Vice-president
  • 2007/06 -2012/06   Japanese Association for an Inclusive Society   Director

Other link

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