Astronomy learning is one of the most difficult topics in Science education because it requires learners to understand phenomena from both a ground-level perspective and a space perspective. We are developing a software to learn diurnal motion of the Sun using collaborative AR technology. Especially, we are interested in Embodied Design Theory and gamification.

This is a collaborative research with Tamagawa University, The open University of Japan, and Ibaraki University.

LINKS

• Paper: HAI 2014

• Paper: 科学教育研究（2019）

One of the drawbacks of online learning is its high dropout rate. We have been studying virtual environment (VE) to tackle this issue. Specifically, we are interested in the self-determination theory (SDT) and exploring how VE design affect self-motivation of distance learners.

This is a collaborative research with Fujitsu Laboratories and University of Tsukuba.

LINKS

• Paper: INTERACTION 2020 (in Japanese)

• CSCW 2017 Workshop position paper (PDF)

We have conducted various CSCW (Computer Supported Cooperative Work )and HRI (Human-Robot Interaction) research. Specifically, we focused on telepresence robot, museum guide robot, video communication system for remote assistance, science education, mental health care, etc.

For other demonstration videos, please refer to the YouTube channel.

A long-standing challenge in video-mediated communication systems is to represent a remote participant’s gaze direction in local environments correctly. To address this issue, we developed ThirdEye, an add-on eye-display for a video communication system. This display is made from an artificial ulexite (TV rock) that is cut into a hemispherical shape, enabling light from the bottom surface to be projected onto the hemisphere surface. 

LINKS

• Papers: CHI 2017, CHI 2018

• Poster: HRI 2020, [video]

Agora is a video conferencing system that simulates face-to-face conversation across a table. A participant can see a remote participant's pointing gesture projected directly on a real paper document.

iRIS is a telepresence robot that facilitates mutual reference to a physical object over the distance. The robot has a display that shows remote participant’s head. The display is mounted on a 3-DOF neck. The robot also has a built-in projector enabling a remote participant to show his/her actual hand gestures through a physical object in the local environment.

Digital but physical surrogates are tangible representations of remote people positioned within an office and under digital control. Surrogates selectively collect and present awareness information about the people they represent. By having them react to physical actions of people, surrogates can control the communication capabilities of a media space. This enables the smooth transition from awareness to casual interaction while mitigating concerns about privacy.