How we can define common & simple index to classify A4 document layout.

In the A4-nizing era, the key to efficient document management exists in how we can make it possible to define common & simple index, which can classify A4 document layout effectively. There may be various possibilities. But the first & common step might start with the definition of variable number group corresponding to the rectangle position & shape in the A4 sheet. (Fig)

The word processing software will have to contain a layout-similarity evaluation algorithm. To find the most similar layout document from the web, in my opinion, its index-code should be contained in the filename. It means that when you save the document file you’ve created, the word processing software automatically assign a calculated variable. If I save as ‘application form-A.doc’, the word processing software automatically saves it as ‘application form-A-F6B7AEF.doc’ .

The hexadecimal value 'F6B7AEF' contain the layout index information. And we only put 'F6B7AEF' into search engines dialog box. We can get the most similar layout document from web.

The Uko ferry abolition: Even Shinkansen can't ～

The news about the abolition of Uko ferry, the connection between Takamatsu and Tamano, is very shocking. (*As of 5th March, partial continuation after 26th March is announced.)

Major newspapers introduce an opinion that the confusion of national policy has caused this time abolition. But it seems to me that multiple factors have affected. Therefore, this case is difficult to solve and it also suggests the fate of the transportation system in Japan.

What kind of factors affect in this matter?

In my opinion, below factors seem to affect.

1) The advancement in means of communication:

The necessity of direct meeting itself is shrinking due to the appearance of Internet and cellar phone.

2) The advancement in energy-efficient automobile:

Hybrid cars and kei cars have enabled us to move with less gasoline consumption.

3) The actualization of well-developed traffic information systems and flexible trip planning.

4) Falling population due to the decrease in the number of children.

5) As ever-increasing economy ends, incomes have been decreasing.

6) The improvement in the comfort of the highway shuttle bus trip.

If complete deregulations of highway-related matter were done under these conditions, perhaps, the highway shuttle bus would finally achieve super-low price.

The ferry abolition of this time seems to be the inevasible consequence caused by above factors.

This logic is entirely applicable to the Shinkansen case too.

If complete deregulation and innovation around highway shuttle bus were done, Shinkansen would be the train only for big company's business trip. Ordinary people will manage to make a shuttle bus trip, which would be much cheaper than today.

Even Shinkansen wouldn't be able to keep today's popularity.

How can we place an IPAD on a messy desk?

This Elecom's PC-desk (Photo) has mini drawers embedded underneath the desk top panel. Starting next month, I guess, such desks with partially transparent area & embedded drawer will become required. Mightn’t it be so bad, on this occasion, to reinvent i-Desk and add it to the option list of IPAD? In the far future, IPAD itself might become one component of i-Desk. Sooner or later, integration of PC and desk would be an interesting issue. In the far far future, i-Desk might become one component of i-Room.

A foldaway wood desk sold by Craft Voice (co) also is equipped with embedded mini drawers. As this desk is made of wood, its processing may be relatively easy and possible within the range of DIY. With thick acrylic panel, plug terminal and AC cord, an attractive and convenient desk would be produced. For Japanese, the integration of wood design and iron-covered PC body seems to become an important theme.