In recent years, information communication systems tend to be large-scale and complex systems which consist of many kinds of sensors, sensor networks, hand-held devices, wireless networks, etc. In order to utilize these systems effectively in our daily lives, the new system construction methodology based on a new design paradigm beyond user-centered computing should be essential. We are promoting the research and development to establish the communication environment where each entity in human community, society and environment performs high level mutual collaboration.

  To utilize many kinds of entities such as computers, devices, networks, software components, etc, effectively, we have proposed the methods to combine those entities with software agents. The human-harmonic information communication infrastructure can be constructed with the cooperative behavior of the agents. Based on these methods, we are developing the design methodology and middleware for cyber-physical integration systems, the advanced multimedia information resource processing technologies, and also investigating several application systems (e.g., supervisory system for elderly people, green-oriented ICT, cyber-real integrated spaces, disaster-resistant information communication systems, etc.).