Joint Development of Smartphone App "Takashimadaira Greenery Collection (MidoColle)"

Chiba Institute of Technology (President: Osamu Setokuma) and Oodako Inc. (Representative Director: Keisuke Yoshida) have jointly developed and released the smartphone app "Takashimadaira Greenery Collection" (Abbreviation: MidoColle).

This app will be utilized in Takashimadaira Greenery as part of a social experiment for Itabashi Ward's "Takashimadaira Greenery Redevelopment Plan Formulation." It allows users to find and photograph plants within the green space and enjoy them as their own personal collection.

Chiba Institute of Technology and Oodako Inc. entered into a joint research agreement for the development of this app. The development leveraged the plant recognition technology research that Chiba Institute of Technology's Artificial Intelligence and Software Technology Research Center (SteaLab) has been pursuing, as well as the knowledge gained from developing apps such as "Hanonona," "Jindai Rose Collection," "Old Furukawa Rose Collection," and "Dr. Makino Tomitaro's Flower Collection."

[Background of Development]

In 2017, Chiba Institute of Technology released "Hanonona," a web service that identifies plant species from photos. In 2020, a smartphone version was released, receiving significant attention, including temporarily ranking second in the Apple App Store free app rankings. Usage continues to expand, particularly during spring and autumn flower seasons, and is projected to surpass 1.8 million cumulative downloads by early 2026.

"Hanonona" has evolved into an app for citizens to engage with nature in their daily lives, based on AI-driven plant identification technology. Many users have shared feedback such as "My walks have become more enjoyable," "I go out more often," and "I started looking for flowers with my children," highlighting its role in increasing interest in nearby nature through plants.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, the university developed "Jindai Rose Collection" in 2022, set in Jindai Botanical Gardens, and "Old Furukawa Rose Collection" in 2023, set in the Old Furukawa Garden. Additionally, as a joint project with the Makino Botanical Garden of Kochi Prefecture and Hokuryukan Co., Ltd., the app "Dr. Makino Tomitaro's Flower Collection" was released in 2023. These collection-type apps have each surpassed 6,000 cumulative downloads and are enjoyed by many users.

Moreover, utilizing the numerous rose images provided by users through "Jindai Rose Collection" and "Old Furukawa Rose Collection," the smartphone app "Baranona," capable of identifying 330 rose varieties, was released in 2023. "Baranona" has achieved 12,000 cumulative downloads.

This "MidoColle" is a new initiative born from the knowledge gained through the development and operation of plant apps like "Hanonona," and the experience in developing collection-type apps where people can enjoy learning about nature.

[Overview of "MidoColle"]

"MidoColle" is a smartphone app that allows users to find and photograph plants growing in Takashimadaira Greenery and record them as their own collection.

Users can accumulate their collection by exploring the green space, finding plants, and taking photos. They can also create their own personal field guide through the recorded plant information.

The app includes a map function of the green space to encourage exploration and circulation, as well as user participation mechanisms such as a function to post unregistered plants.

This app aims not only to provide knowledge about plants but also to enhance interest and attachment to the local green space through the "joy of discovery" and the "joy of sharing with others."

[Future Prospects]

Chiba Institute of Technology continues to advance research and development in plant recognition technology and has been returning its achievements to society as a means for people to engage with nature close to home.

"MidoColle" is a new initiative that extends beyond parks and botanical gardens to be deployed in everyday local green spaces.

Moving forward, by analyzing the usage status of this app and the observation records submitted by users, the university will continue to research and develop mechanisms that make nature observation more enjoyable, while also working to create new ways for people to interact with their local natural environment.