In TIG welding, the flow of shielding gas that protects the weld area from the atmosphere plays a crucial role in ensuring stable welding quality. In this article, Dr. Reiji Tamaki from Daihen Corporation explains the physical and quantitative relationship between the flow of shielding gas and welding current in TIG welding. During welding, complex phenomena such as arcs and gas flows occur, which are difficult to grasp visually. Visualizing and quantitatively evaluating these phenomena contributes to a better understanding of the welding process and improvements in quality. Observing high-speed phenomena with high-speed cameras plays an important role in the research and development of welding technology and phenomenon analysis.

One of the important technologies that supports the safe operation of aircraft is lightning protection technology, which protects the airframe and onboard equipment from lightning strikes. This article introduces research and technology related to aircraft lightning protection by Professor Hiroki Saito from Tohoku University. Lightning strikes to aircraft can affect not only the surface of the airframe but also the internal electronic devices and various systems. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately capture the phenomena that occur during a lightning strike and assess their impact. Technologies that visualize these invisible, fleeting phenomena can lead to improved safety in aviation and new research and development. This is a topic that highlights the latest research in the aviation field and the anticipated future technological advancements.

This article introduces visualization examples using a high-speed camera for laser welding technology utilizing TRUMPF's fiber laser "TruFiber FD45." In laser welding, capturing phenomena that occur in extremely short time frames, such as the formation of the molten pool and metal spatter, is essential for achieving a high-quality welding process. By using NAC's high-speed camera, it is possible to observe fine phenomena during welding in slow-motion footage, which is difficult to capture with standard imaging. This can aid in evaluating welding quality and optimizing the process. Combining the latest laser technology with high-speed imaging supports further quality improvement and research and development in laser welding.

In a column by Nack Image Technology, a hands-on lesson taught by Professor Kazuhiro Kozuka, an emeritus professor at Aichi Institute of Technology, is introduced, focusing on the dangers of "smartphone use while walking" utilizing gaze measurement. When operating a smartphone while walking, a person may feel they are looking around, but in reality, they may not be fully aware of the necessary information. This article introduces efforts to visualize gaze movements and attention direction, which are often difficult to consciously recognize, through gaze measurement technology, and to consider the dangers lurking in "smartphone use while walking." Gaze measurement is an effective technology for understanding human behavior and cognitive characteristics. Its application is expected in various fields such as safety education and ergonomics.

nac Image Technology held the "AICE Expert Seminar 2026" at our facility. This seminar welcomed experts, researchers, engineers, and university representatives from the industry to introduce the latest high-speed imaging technologies used in automotive research and development. The presentations covered various technologies and application examples, including visualization of engine combustion, fuel injection and spray analysis, observation of flame propagation, high-speed imaging using borescopes, temperature measurement, and fluid visualization (PIV). Additionally, demonstrations using actual equipment were conducted, showcasing combustion imaging and spray visualization using UV light, high-magnification imaging with long working distance lenses, and synchronization of pulse lasers with high-speed cameras. Through technologies such as high frame rates, high resolution, high sensitivity, short exposure, precise synchronization, and quantitative analysis, NAC supports advanced visualization and measurement in automotive research and development as well as combustion analysis. We sincerely thank all participants for attending.

nac Image Technology introduced high-speed camera solutions for automotive testing and research and development at "Vehicle Tech Week North America 2026," held in Novi, Michigan, USA, from October 27 to 29, 2026. Nac's high-speed camera "MEMRECAM" series is capable of visualizing high-speed phenomena occurring in milliseconds and microseconds, such as automotive crash safety tests, airbag deployment, and the motion analysis of vehicles and various components. Furthermore, by combining with technologies such as 2D and 3D motion analysis, 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) measurement, and digital image correlation (DIC), the captured footage can be utilized as quantitative measurement data. We support the advancement of testing and measurement through high-speed imaging, from automotive safety evaluations to material testing and combustion analysis.

We have renewed the overseas website of nac Image Technology. In this renewal, we have revamped the design and site structure to make product information, including the high-speed camera "MEMRECAM" series, and various shooting and measurement applications easier to understand. The website is also enriched with content that highlights product features, application information, and resources to assist in camera selection. Please take a look at the newly updated nac Image Technology overseas website.

【Advanced Research Supporting Aircraft Lightning Protection Technology】 Aircraft may pass through thunderstorm areas during operation and are estimated to be struck by lightning 1 to 2 times per year. In recent years, the adoption of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), a lightweight and high-strength material, has been advancing in aircraft. However, it has the challenge of lower electrical conductivity compared to metals, making it easier for lightning currents to concentrate locally. Professor Hiroki Saito from the Advanced Materials Strength Science Research Center at Tohoku University conducts artificial lightning strike tests aimed at improving the lightning resistance of CFRP, analyzing damage behaviors such as arc discharge, resin decomposition, and interlayer delamination. To capture phenomena that change on a microsecond scale during the tests, high-speed cameras from NAC are used to visualize the moment of the lightning strike with high precision, advancing the acquisition of foundational data that contributes to the safety enhancement of next-generation aircraft. 【For case studies, click here】 https://www.nacinc.jp/column/category/20260422.html

From July 15 (Tuesday) to July 20 (Sunday), 2025, the "42nd Daihatsu Japan Open 2025 Badminton Championships" was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. We would like to report on the motion capture experience session conducted by Yonex Co., Ltd. at the venue. During the experience session, participants were asked to swing three different types of rackets from different generations, focusing on whether there were differences in their top speeds. The measurement was conducted using the same Raptor-12HS system utilized at the Yonex Performance Innovation Center (Blue Lab). This was a valuable opportunity to experience the research equipment that is not currently open to the public and to see what kind of measurements are being conducted! ---[Yonex Co., Ltd. Experience Session Report Here]--- https://info.nacinc.jp/report_yonex_badminton_motioncapture -------------------------------------------------------------------------

On November 6th (Thursday) to 7th (Friday), 2025, we held the "Human Body Day 2025" at the NAC Image Technology Akasaka Multi-Purpose Space. We have uploaded videos of the highlights from each company and the presentations that took place on the day to our website. We encourage you to take a look. ---[Report on Human Body Day 2025 is here]------------------- https://info.nacinc.jp/jintaiday2025-report ------------------------------------------------------------------------- On the day of the event, participants were able to experience a wide range of products in a hands-on session format, including motion capture, force plates, eye tracking, and human body analysis software. We received numerous comments from attendees expressing high satisfaction, saying, "It was great to gain various information all at once," which makes us very happy. NAC Image Technology will continue to provide "valuable products to our customers." We hope you will join us for our next event as well.

We exhibited at "Photonix (Photon and Laser Technology Exhibition)" held at Makuhari Messe from November 12 (Wednesday) to 14 (Friday), 2025. We sincerely thank many customers for visiting us during the event. At our booth, we showcased the following: - Point measurement using coaxial imaging of laser processing heads - Visualization of welding conditions and temperature measurement - Visualization of gas using digital Schlieren We have published an overview of the exhibition and example videos as a report. Please take a look at it during this opportunity. ---Photonix Exhibition Report here------------------- https://info.nacinc.jp/photonix2025.html ---------------------------------------------------------------- NAC Image Technology will continue to provide "valuable products for our customers" at academic conferences and exhibitions. When you visit, please be sure to stop by our booth.

At Nack Image Technology, we have developed a system called "Pupil Reaction Analysis KIKU-NAC" that can measure "what people are paying attention to." This system determines and visualizes items of interest based on pupil and gaze data. --KIKU-NAC can be utilized in the following fields---- ・Content evaluation in marketing ・Assessment of health conditions in industrial sectors ・Evaluation of autonomic nervous system in the medical field -------------------------------- For data measurement and analysis, we recommend our measurement outsourcing service. Dedicated engineers for eye tracking will handle the measurement and analysis.

We would like to introduce a case study on the use of eye tracking by our customer, "Shizutetsu Just Line." Shizutetsu Just Line is committed to training bus drivers, and the eye tracking technology "EMR-10" from Nack Image Technology is used as a tool for educating these bus drivers. The case study page features a video that showcases the specific applications of eye tracking in the educational setting. You can view the eye tracking case study at the following URL or related links. https://info.eyemark.jp/case-skill-shizutetsu.html

On June 6, 2025 (Friday), we held a study session on high-speed cameras at Jiken Center Co., Ltd. Jiken Center Co., Ltd. provides information to support the improvement of knowledge and skills for those involved in automobile repair and damage investigation, as well as conducting research on rational repair techniques and advanced safety technologies. They already have a track record of purchasing and operating equipment from NAC Image Technology, and this time we introduced everything from the basics of high-speed cameras to practical demonstrations using the actual equipment. ---[Report on the study session at Jiken Center Co., Ltd. here]--- https://info.nacinc.jp/report_jikencenter2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAC Image Technology will continue to provide "valuable offerings to our customers" at events such as academic conferences and exhibitions. We have also posted information about upcoming events, so please be sure to stop by our booth when you visit.

We exhibited at the "2025 YOKOHAMA International Automobile Technology Exhibition" held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 21 (Wednesday) to May 23 (Friday). We are very pleased to have had many visitors. Thank you very much. We have uploaded videos of the "Image Analysis System" and "Body Measurement System" that were presented at our booth to the web. Please take this opportunity to check them out. --- [Click here for the report on the 2025 YOKOHAMA International Automobile Technology Exhibition] ------------------- https://info.nacinc.jp/aee-expo2025-yokohama.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can also access it from the "Related Links" at the bottom of the page. NAC Image Technology will continue to provide "valuable products for our customers" at academic conferences and exhibitions. When you visit, please be sure to stop by our booth.

From March 12 (Wednesday) to 14 (Friday), 2025, we held an equipment exhibition at the "2024 Shock Wave Symposium" at Tohoku University Institute of Fluid Science. We are very pleased that many customers visited us. Thank you very much. We have published a report on the "Photography Examples Related to Shock Waves" that was displayed at our booth on our website. We invite you to take a look at it. ---[Click here for the Shock Wave Symposium Exhibition Report]------------------- https://info.nacinc.jp/jssw2024.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can also access it from the "Related Links" at the bottom of the page. NAC Image Technology will continue to provide "valuable offerings to our customers" at academic conferences and exhibitions. When you visit, please be sure to stop by our booth.

In March 2025, we released the latest firmware Ver. 2.18 for the MEMRECAM ACS-1 and ACS-3, which we manufacture and sell. ■ Activation of Black and White Boost Mode for Color Camera Models The "Black and White Boost Mode," which was previously only available for black and white camera models, can now also be used with color camera models. ■ Quality Priority Mode This feature allows for high-quality shooting by significantly reducing noise by limiting the camera's maximum sensitivity. It captures details of the subject clearly while maintaining brightness and darkness, making it ideal for image analysis such as PIV and DIC. ■ Increased Shutter Speed The shutter speed during shooting has been increased, achieving a maximum exposure time of 100ns for the ACS-1 and 400ns for the ACS-3. ■ Increased Resolution for High-Speed Shooting Previously, when shooting at 400,000 frames per second in the boost mode of ACS cameras, the maximum recording resolution was 1,280×192. By updating to Ver. 2.18, the vertical resolution increases by an impressive 67%, allowing shooting at a resolution of 1,280×320.

In this seminar, we will introduce specific examples for understanding true feelings, judgment, and decision-making, starting from the basics of pupil response. We will guide you through the analysis flow and case studies using the KIKU-NAC Analyzer, so if you are interested in research using pupil response, please join us. 【Content】 　■ Introduction to eye tracking products 　■ Specific examples presented by KIKURA 　　1. Basics of emotional analysis (the relationship between pupil response, brain waves, and facial expressions) 　　2. About pupil response (the difference between eye tracking and attention level (pupil)) 　　3. Measurement methods (structure of the emotional analysis system) 　　4. Principles of pupil response analysis (calibration methods, what attention level is) 　　5. Introduction of experimental examples of pupil response

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a seminar on packaging testing technology, organized by Shin-ei Technology Co., Ltd. To optimize packaging design, various tests and measurements are necessary, including quantifying the transportation environment, assessing product impact durability, selecting cushioning materials, structural design, and conducting packaging cargo tests. In this seminar, four related companies will come together to provide specialized techniques to support appropriate packaging design from the following perspectives: - Concepts of appropriate packaging design and specific examples of product durability testing - Simulation analysis techniques in the design process - High-speed image analysis to support packaging cargo testing - Latest trends in transportation vibration testing This seminar will be conducted as a web seminar using Zoom. Live presentations will be broadcast on September 18 (Wednesday), with recorded videos rebroadcast on September 25 (Wednesday) and October 8 (Tuesday). After registration, you will automatically receive a confirmation email containing the participation URL. *Please note that participation from competing companies may be declined.

Our company has held several seminars on emotional analysis using eye-tracking devices. This time, we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a seminar in Nagoya for the first time. If you are interested in research using pupil response, please join us. 【Participation Fee】Free 【Content】 　■ Introduction to eye-tracking products 　■ Case studies presented by KIKURA 　　1. Basics of emotional analysis 　　　・Relationship between pupil response and brain waves or facial expressions 　　2. About pupil response 　　　・Differences between eye-tracking and attention (pupil) 　　3. Measurement methods 　　　・Overview of the emotional analysis system 　　4. Principles of pupil response analysis 　　　・Calibration methods 　　　・What attention means 　　5. Introduction of experimental examples of pupil response 　■ Demonstration of the KIKU-NAC system 　　　・Demonstration using actual content 　　　・Exhibition of KIKU-NAC system equipment

NAC Image Technology will exhibit at the "Automotive Engineering Exposition 2024 YOKOHAMA" held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 22 (Wednesday) to May 24 (Friday), 2024. We will showcase visualization methods used in automotive development utilizing "high-speed cameras," "gaze measurement devices," and "motion capture," as well as our unique quantitative analysis system based on years of image analysis technology. We will propose measurement tools suitable for improving "safety," "fuel efficiency," and "comfort" through video analysis. Additionally, we will display the Active Safety (AD/ADAS) testing evaluation tools from the German company MESSRING. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

We will solve such questions! - Is it possible to easily digitize and compare human movements? - Are there motion capture systems that are easy to handle? - Are there motion capture systems that do not put a burden on the subjects being measured? - Can motion analysis be done without specialized knowledge? We will provide a clear explanation even for those who have no experience with motion measurement or motion capture. After explaining the system, we will actually measure walking movements and demonstrate the analysis of basic walking patterns and the quantification of movements. -------- -------- -------- -------- "Digi2" is a service that consistently performs everything from "motion measurement to analysis and report output" without requiring specialized knowledge or skills. Traditionally, motion analysis using motion capture was aimed at professional athletes and required the cooperation of experts such as trainers, analysts, and technicians. With "Digi2," which automates the output of analysis reports, it can be utilized for more familiar individuals in areas such as sports proficiency, rehabilitation of motor functions, and early detection of injury risks. Please feel free to join us.

Recently, as the technological competition in the materials field intensifies year by year, the verification and consideration of material strength and durability to enhance competitiveness have become increasingly important. We have received many inquiries from companies that want to conduct material testing but are unsure of what experiments to perform or how to obtain useful data. Therefore, we have decided to invite Associate Professor Hiroyuki Yamada from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, System Engineering Group, National Defense Medical College, who has been engaged in research on impact engineering for many years, to hold a seminar on the fundamentals and applications of impact engineering. He will provide a clear explanation of the concept of stress waves, which is crucial in impact engineering, and methods for testing material deformation, making this seminar highly recommended for researchers involved in material strength research and testing. We encourage you to participate. Additionally, for attendees present at the venue, we plan to conduct a demonstration of stress wave experiments after the lecture. *Please note that participation from competing companies may be declined.

In this seminar, we will introduce how the movement of the pupils affects emotions and interests using the KIKU-NAC system, focusing on the following two themes: - Does pupil dilation contribute to the feeling of attraction? - When analyzing pupil responses while separating "shizuru-kan" into auditory and visual components, can we gain new insights? Additionally, we will provide information on experimental results and applications regarding methods to generate interest and curiosity. If you are interested in research using pupil responses, please join us.

■ Seminar Overview Pupil response is one of the psychological and physiological reactions and serves as a valuable source of information about a person's inner state. In this seminar, we will provide a detailed explanation of the procedures for analyzing pupil responses. The analyzed data obtained from pupil responses can be utilized in a wide range of fields, including healthcare, medical applications, content evaluation, education, mobility comfort, mobile and game content, consumer behavior, occupational safety and suitability assessment, and specialized research projects. If you are interested in research using pupil responses, please join us.

We will be exhibiting at the "International Welding Show" to be held at Intex Osaka from April 24 (Wednesday) to April 27 (Saturday), 2024. [Highlights /1] "Collaborative exhibition with the Toyama Joining Technology Promotion Association" This association has achieved joining of aluminum materials, which are considered difficult to weld, from thin plates to thick plates using various techniques. We will showcase their high-speed and high-precision welding techniques through videos, along with technical information and joining sample products. - Booth: 2-70 (Intex Osaka, Hall 2) [Highlights /2] "Visualization and Image Analysis Seminar using the Latest High-Speed Cameras" We will introduce visualization methods that help elucidate welding phenomena such as arc welding, laser welding, and cladding, as well as image analysis related to strain, displacement, and temperature, using the latest footage. - Venue: Intex Osaka, Hall 6, Conference Room F (within the same venue) - Date and Time: April 25 (Thursday) 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM - Capacity: 60 people (registration will close once full) - Cost: Pre-registration required (free)

We will be exhibiting at "Photonix (Photon and Laser Technology Exhibition)" held at Intex Osaka from May 8 (Wednesday) to May 10 (Friday), 2024. We will introduce visualization examples and image analysis systems using high-speed cameras for laser processing such as welding and layering. Additionally, we welcome consultations on systems that best solve our customers' challenges. Please register in advance on the official website and visit us.

Nack Image Technology Co., Ltd. has been selling the pupil response analysis system "KIKU-NAC System," developed in collaboration with KIKURA Co., Ltd., since December of last year. Our company has held several seminars on emotional analysis using gaze measurement devices. In this seminar, we will introduce the differences between appearance and inner self using visualized data from the pupil analysis software KIKU-NAC Analyzer, which utilizes pupil response. Additionally, we will also present other examples, such as auditory responses to sound and response confidence rates to general surveys. If you are interested in research using pupil response, please join us.

We will be exhibiting at the "Automotive Technology Exhibition 2023 YOKOHAMA" held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 3 (Wednesday) to 26 (Friday), 2023. We will introduce video measurement systems related to automotive development. This time, we will showcase new products for both high-speed cameras and eye trackers. We will also conduct an online exhibition, so if you cannot come to the venue, please visit the online venue. *On-site registration will not be available on the day. Please be sure to register in advance on the official website before attending.

We will be exhibiting at the "Automotive Technology Exhibition 2023 YOKOHAMA" held at Pacifico Yokohama from May 3 (Wednesday) to May 26 (Friday). We will introduce video measurement systems related to automotive development. This time, we will showcase new products for both high-speed cameras and eye trackers. We will also conduct an online exhibition, so if you cannot come to the venue, please visit the online venue. ■ Exhibited Products - Collision test system including testing equipment and high-speed cameras from Germany's MESSRING - Active safety products from Germany's MESSRING - Driver measurement system utilizing eye trackers - Compact high-speed camera system for driving tests - Temperature analysis and strain measurement systems for laser welding and 3D printer development - High-speed camera visualization for engine combustion and battery destruction - Introduction of new products for high-speed cameras