[Topic-1] 自由外出マスク / Distancing-Free Mask

次のパンデミックやロックダウンの発生時期は予測困難であり，社会的・経済的に大きな影響をもたらすロックダウンに代わる対策が求められています．本研究では，その解決策として「自由外出マスク（Distancing-Free Mask）」を提案します．このマスクは，高性能な電動ファン付き呼吸用保護具（Powered Air-Purifying Respirator, PAPR）の優れたエアロゾル遮蔽性能を保持しつつ，一般市民が利用可能な低コスト設計を実現しました．

The timing of the next pandemic or lockdown is difficult to predict, and alternative measures to lockdowns, which have significant social and economic impacts, are urgently needed. In this study, we propose the "Distancing-Free Mask" as a solution. This mask retains the superior aerosol-blocking performance of a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) with an electric fan while being designed to be affordable and accessible for the general public.

従来の医療用PAPRは，感染リスクの高い環境で働く医療従事者向けに開発され，高価（10万円以上）で一般市民には実用的でありませんでした．しかし，本研究では，1万円程度で製作可能な高性能PAPRのプロトタイプを開発し，その有用性を数値シミュレーションを通じて検証しました．このシミュレーションでは，一般市民がこのPAPRを装着することで，空気感染リスクを大幅に低減でき，ロックダウンの代替手段として機能する可能性が示されています．

Traditional medical-grade PAPRs are developed for healthcare workers operating in high-risk environments and are expensive (over 100,000 JPY), making them impractical for widespread use by the public. However, in this study, we have developed a prototype of a high-performance PAPR that can be produced for approximately 10,000 JPY and validated its utility through numerical simulations. These simulations demonstrate that equipping the general public with this PAPR can significantly reduce the risk of airborne infections and serve as a viable alternative to lockdowns.

また，本研究が提案するアプローチは，感染拡大防止と経済活動の維持という難しい課題を同時に達成する道を開くものであり，パンデミック対策における新たな視点を提供します．この自由外出マスクの導入により，社会的負担を軽減しつつ感染症対策を効率化する可能性が期待されます．

Moreover, the approach proposed in this study offers a pathway to simultaneously address the challenging goals of curbing infection spread and maintaining economic activity, presenting a novel perspective on pandemic countermeasures. The introduction of the Distancing-Free Mask has the potential to enhance the efficiency of infection control measures while alleviating societal burdens.

さらに，この工学的アプローチは，政策立案者や技術開発者にとって，より実用的で持続可能な感染症対策を設計する上での重要な指針となると考えられます．本研究の成果は，今後のパンデミック対策における基本概念を再定義し，持続可能な社会づくりに寄与するものです．

Additionally, this engineering approach provides policymakers and technology developers with valuable insights for designing more practical and sustainable infection control strategies. The findings of this study redefine the fundamental concepts of pandemic preparedness and contribute to building a more sustainable society.

これまでの経緯として，2020年7月7日(火)のプレス発表以来，この革新的なコンセプトは，試作機の開発や新聞・TVでの紹介を通じて社会的な関心を集めてきました．しかし，これまで学術的な認知には至らず，実現可能性の評価が課題とされてきました．2024年には，以下の２つの論文掲載により，自由外出マスクの科学的妥当性が明確に証明され，次のパンデミック対策としての広範な認知と実用化が期待されます．

Since the press release on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, this innovative concept has garnered social attention through the development of prototypes and coverage in newspapers and on television. However, it has yet to achieve academic recognition, and evaluating its feasibility has remained a challenge. In 2024, the publication of the following two research papers is expected to clearly demonstrate the scientific validity of the "Free Movement Mask," leading to widespread recognition and practical adoption as a countermeasure for the next pandemic.

[1] Y. Fujii, “An Engineering Alternative to Lockdown During COVID-19 and Other Airborne Infectious Disease Pandemics: Feasibility Study”, JMIR Biomedical Engineering, Vol.9, 2024.
https://biomedeng.jmir.org/2024/1/e54666/PDF

[2] Y. Fujii, “Examination of the requirements for powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) utilization as an alternative to lockdown”, Scientific Reports, Vol.15, 1217, 2025. (Published: 7 Jan. 2025)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82348-0

これまでの取り組み（Past Efforts:）：
試作機開発: 自由外出マスクの試作とプレス発表を実施．メディア露出43件 (TV12件含む)．
Prototype Development: Prototyped the Free Movement Mask and conducted a press release, resulting in 43 media appearances (including 12 TV features).

学術論文: 2024年、英文学術誌に掲載（上記[1][2]）．
Academic Papers: Published in an English academic journal in 2024 (referenced above [1][2]).

特許: 特許取得．(特許第7515044号, 他)
Patents: Secured two patents (Japanese Patent No. 7515044, among others)

研究資金: 1,898万円の科研費を獲得し研究推進中．
Research Funding: Secured \18.98 million in KAKENHI grants to advance research.

企業連携: PAPRメーカー（複数）との議論を進行．
Industry Collaboration: Engaged in discussions with multiple PAPR manufacturers.

2025年は，以下の各項目を同時並行で進めて行きます．本提案の実現に向けて，最大限の努力を継続したいと思います．
[a] 研究費の獲得 （=現在，申請中予算が採択されなかった場合．）
[b] コンセプト自体，試作機開発，実証実験に関する論文発表
[c] [b]に関するプレス発表，世界主要メディアのOp-Edでの発表．
[d] 企業との共同研究
[e] 政府機関，国際機関との共同研究

In 2025, we will simultaneously pursue the following tasks. We are committed to continuing our utmost efforts to realize this proposal.
[a] Securing research funding (in case the currently applied-for budget is not approved).
[b] Publishing research papers on the concept itself, prototype development, and demonstration experiments
[c] Issuing press releases and presenting Op-Ed articles in major global media outlets regarding [b]
[d] Conducting joint research with private companies
[e] Collaborating on joint research with government and international organizations