| Degree Project Theme | Write freely and save your time |
| Degree Project Overview | The aim is to develop a device that digitizes handwritten notes and memos to improve productivity—using a pen-shaped device, creating a function that converts handwritten characters into text in real-time and saves them on a computer. This will help students, business professionals, and researchers efficiently manage and store information. |
Solving everyday “inconveniences” with IoT technology
The perseverance developed through this project is a valuable asset
The theme of this project came from a real inconvenience I faced. I often took handwritten notes in class but was frustrated that I couldn’t save the contents as digital data. A device that digitizes handwritten notes and memos would allow students and business professionals to manage information more efficiently.
Solving this problem using IoT technology would make note-taking more convenient. Through the “Essential Programming” and “Problem Solving with IoT” classes, I felt a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment when the IoT device worked, and I wanted to learn more about IoT. So, with the advice of my primary advisor, I devised a system that would attach a device to a pen to recognize characters in real-time and save them to a computer.
During the project, I developed a basic program using Python. In the process, I also used the internet and AI, and I felt I had grown beyond my limits. I also researched appropriate IoT accessories to improve accuracy and made various efforts to make the device smaller.
In addition, to solve the problem of “taking notes,” I visited a professor who specializes in technology, obtained a lot of knowledge and advice, and started developing the device.
As for the progress of the project, there are still issues that require knowledge and skills in electronics, such as embedded batteries, as well as programming issues. For this reason, we decided that our goal for the final presentation would be to “present a prototype.”
When the program for starting the camera and reading images on the pen-type device was successful during the project, I was satisfied with the results and thought the project was complete. However, after receiving advice from the professor, I realized that the device functions could be further improved, and I am now continuing to research and improve the text detection function.
Feedback at the final reporting session
I gave a progress report on my project at the “Degree Project Final Reporting Session” held on Monday, November 11, 2024. At the session, we invited stakeholders from companies and government as external evaluators to give feedback on the projects from the perspective of novelty and feasibility.
I received feedback on my project from Mr. KAMACHI Kiyoshi, Director of the Tourism Promotion and Hospitality Department of the Hiroshima Convention ＆ Visitors Bureau, and Mr. TOMOIKE Daisuke, Chushikoku regional div. sales team & HR team leader of H.I.S.Co., Ltd.
・This project is an excellent initiative that is meaningful from the perspective of efficiency in terms of study and business.
・If other companies are making similar products, please investigate them and try to incorporate their strengths.
Personal growth through degree project
Through this project, I realized the importance of time management and project management. I also grew a lot in terms of developing my patience. I’m naturally impatient, and I often give up on things halfway through because I was in such a hurry to get results, but I learned the importance of enjoying the process of problem-solving. The ability to take action that I developed through the project also improved my sense of self-affirmation. The sense of achievement I felt from developing new technology made my interests clearer, and I want to continue to delve deeper into this field in the future.
After graduating, I will go on to graduate school and continue researching information technology. I want to continue to challenge myself to create the future I imagine, aiming to become a person who can contribute to society by acquiring further knowledge and skills.
