Yoichi Ochiai

University of Tsukuba · College of Knowledge and Library Sciences

We propose a novel graphics system based on the expansion of 3D acoustic-manipulation technology. In conventional research on acoustic levitation, small objects are trapped in the acoustic beams of standing waves. We expand this method by changing the distribution of the acoustic-potential field (APF). Using this technique, we can generate the grap...

We present a method of rendering aerial and volumetric graphics using femtosecond lasers. A high-intensity laser excites physical matter to emit light at an arbitrary three-dimensional position. Popular applications can thus be explored, especially because plasma induced by a femtosecond laser is less harmful than that generated by a nanosecond las...

We propose a novel method of spatial audio rendering using ultrasound. An ultrasonic phased array generates one or more focal points in air, and they act as point sources of audible sound when the ultrasound waves are modulated. Our sound-point loudspeaker has two major advantages over conventional ultrasound-based sound-beam (superdirectional) lou...

We present a new method of rendering aerial haptic images that uses femtosecond-laser light fields and ultrasonic acoustic fields. In conventional research, a single physical quantity has been used to render aerial haptic images. In contrast, our method combines multiple fields (light and acoustic fields) at the same time. While these fields have n...

In this study, we propose a novel head-mounted display (HMD) design for near-eye light field display which achieves a see-through and wide field of view for augmented reality. In the past years, many optical elements such as half-mirror, beamsplitter, and waveguide were employed for an optical see-through display. We use a transmissive mirror devic...

Acoustic levitation is essential in many scientific and engineering applications to realize non-contact manipulation using sound waves. Traditional methods use standing waves from opposing sound sources, which limits manipulation to enclosed spaces. Single-sided levitation with twin traps has limited reach near phased array of transducers (\textles...

A convolutional neural network (CNN) is useful for overcoming the trade-off between generation speed and accuracy in the process of synthesizing computer-generated holograms (CGHs). However, methods using a CNN have limited applicability as they cannot specify the propagation distance when synthesizing a hologram. We developed a distance-adaptive C...

In a realm where virtual and real worlds converge, we present "Float" as a digital-physical mixed entity and the findings through the preliminary study. This research has uncovered the "Physical-Digital Continuous Illusion"---a phenomenon in which users perceive impressions of objects existing across different spaces, building on reports of digital...

We propose See-Through Face Display, a display that facilitates mutual gaze communication with remote users through the display. This display comprises a transparent display that repeatedly turns on and off and a camera installed behind the display so that the user's gaze and the optical path of the camera are closely aligned. This display is desig...

User studies are crucial for meeting user needs. In user studies, real experimental scenarios and participants are constructed and recruited. However, emerging and unfamiliar studies face limitations, including safety concerns and iterative efficiency. To address these challenges, this study utilizes a large language model (LLM) to create generativ...

Despite the common use of visual aids for spatial guidance, the extensive use of visual elements can lead to interface overcrowding and visual overload. In contrast, tactile navigation presents a vision-free alternative in assisting way-finding tasks. However, previous studies kept directional cues constantly active in experiments, overlooking pote...

The need for the accurate generation of acoustic holograms has increased with the prevalence of the use of acoustophoresis methods such as ultrasonic haptic sensation, acoustic levitation, and displays. However, experimental results have shown that the actual acoustic field may differ from the simulated field owing to uncertainties in the transduce...

The Ainu are an Indigenous group currently living primarily in Japan. Following the cultural revitalisation of laws and social movements and the appropriation of new technologies, Ainu communities are increasingly using social media to disseminate their culture. However, research on the Ainu people has rarely discussed their communication strategie...

Laboratory automation is critical in improving productivity and data quality. Droplet-based microfluidic systems offer a solution that enables parallel handling of small samples with high reconfigurability and scalability. The most common technique is electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), which manipulates droplets by exploiting the imbalance of wet...

Introduction: This study aims to comprehensively understand the existing literature on immersive technology in museum exhibitions, focusing on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the visitor experience. The research utilizes a bibliometric approach by examining a dataset of 722 articles with two main research objectives. Firstly, it s...

Visually impaired individuals face significant challenges in mobility and acquiring information, resulting in difficulties with education, employment, and daily life. Human-computer interaction technology, such as screen readers and digital libraries, have the potential to improve accessibility and transform the lives of visually impaired people. I...

Gaze information plays an important role as non-verbal information in face-to-face conversations. However, in online videoconferences, users’ gaze is perceived as misaligned due to the different positions of the screen and the camera. This problem causes a lack of gaze information, such as gaze awareness. To solve this problem, gaze correction meth...

In this paper, we present a novel approach using the Auto GPT system alongside Design Sprint methodology to facilitate board game creation for inexperienced users. We introduce the implementation of Auto GPT for generating diverse board games and the subsequent optimization process through a customized Design Sprint. A user study is conducted to in...

Applications in chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering require the large-scale manipulation of a wide range of chemicals, samples, and specimens. To achieve maximum efficiency, parallel control of microlitre droplets using automated techniques is essential. Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD), which manipulates droplets using the imbalance o...

This study introduces a novel approach to generate dance motions using onomatopoeia as input, with the aim of enhancing creativity and diversity in dance generation. Unlike text and music, onomatopoeia conveys rhythm and meaning through abstract word expressions without constraints on expression and without need for specialized knowledge. We adapt...

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to establish a connection between linguistic objects and classes in Large Language Model Machines (LLMMs) such as GPT3.5 and GPT4, and their counterparts in high level programming languages like Python. Our goal is to promote the development of Digital Nature: a worldview where digital and physical realiti...

Non-contact measurement devices, such as laser Doppler vibrometers(LDV) and high-speed cameras, have been developed to measure various forms of vibrations. LDVs are expensive, and high-speed cameras have a significant trade off between resolutions and sampling frequency. Herein, we propose a non-contact, simple, and inexpensive approach to measure...

Social interaction begins with the other person's attention, but it is difficult for a d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) person to notice the initial conversation cues. Wearable or visual devices have been proposed previously. However, these devices are cumbersome to wear or must stay within the DHH person's vision. In this study, we have proposed SH...

During COVID-19, people often wear masks in daily activities or communication. To solve the problem of generating faces with expressions under masks, we propose a framework of methods, including detecting the shape or locations of masked faces, generating the facial expressions under masks. Further, due to synthesizing quality facial expressions, w...

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the exhibition of artworks in museums and galleries. Many have displayed their collection online. In this context, experiencing an online exhibition is essential for visitors to appreciate and understand the artwork. Compared with offline exhibitions, visitors to online exhibitions are often unable t...

In this study we implemented Kuchibashi, the New Caledonian Crow beak-like tweezers, and conducted a user study to evaluate the prototype's usability. We proved that Kuchibashi is superior in interacting with large spherical objects than hands and tweezers. Also, impressions of security and safeness were perceived positively by the participants.

An aspirational goal for virtual reality (VR) is to bring in a rich diversity of real world objects losslessly. Existing VR applications often convert objects into explicit 3D models with meshes or point clouds, which allow fast interactive rendering but also severely limit its quality and the types of supported objects, fundamentally upper-boundin...

In this study we implemented Kuchibashi, the New Caledonian Crow beak-like tweezers, and conducted a user study to evaluate the prototype's usability. We proved that Kuchibashi is superior in interacting with large spherical objects than hands and tweezers. Also, impressions of security and safeness were perceived positively by the participants.

Access to audible information for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people is an essential component as we move towards a diverse society. Real-time captioning is a technology with great potential to help the lives of DHH people, and various applications utilizing mobile devices have been developed. These technologies can improve the daily lives of DH...

One of the pleasures for guests at a wedding reception is viewing the event and the gorgeous outfits. However, many of these events are visually dependent, making it difficult for guests with low vision to enjoy them. This study proposed two systems to assist in such a situation: one is a real-time event viewing system that uses a video conferencin...

It is difficult for the visually impaired to understand landscapes and visual arts. Since 2010s, technology development for converting visual information into tactile or auditory information has been investigated to improve the contents understanding of visually impaired. From this background, applications describing user’s surroundings from image...

This paper presents a prototype of a new type of electronic viewfinder (EVF) that uses a retinal projection system. A viewfinder that enables users to preview an image is one of the characteristics and important interfaces of a camera. However, people who require glasses or contact lenses face a problem when using a viewfinder as they cannot see th...

We propose a learning support system with extremely low latency and low cognitive load to correct the user’s motion. In previous studies, visual and haptic feedback has been mainly used to support motion learning, but there is a delay between the presentation of the stimulus and the modification of the action. However, this delay is due to reaction...

The COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to have an unprecedented impact on museums and exhibition galleries worldwide, with online visitors to museums and exhibitions increasing significantly. The most common method used by web user experience researchers to study user engagement is questionnaires, usually conducted after the user has completed...

With reduced prices of VR device, consumers are increasingly purchasing VR devices. As a result of this, increase in the popularity, device makers are seeking new methods for VR interaction. Current haptic feedback gloves such as CyberGrasp, Haptx glove, and Demo focus on the positioning of the hand in the virtual environment, as well as the feedba...

In the context of the COIVD-19 pandemic, everyone must maintain social distances in public. Our ability to perceive each other through “distances” in public places has been compromised. However, “distance” is an essential factor in communication that cannot be ignored, like “facial expressions” and “body movements”. This paper reflects on the curre...

We introduce Calmbots, insect-based interfaces comprising multiple functions (transportation, display, drawing, or haptics) for use in human living spaces by taking advantage of insects’ capabilities. We utilized Madagascar hissing cockroaches as robots because of advantages such as mobility, strength, hiding, and self-sustaining abilities. Madagas...

We are currently living in an age of COVID, where we wish to reduce physical contact as much as possible. It is even more important for patients who live in nursing homes and need wheelchairs. It is noticeable that people who live in nursing homes usually have an elder average age, and are more likely to have some underlying disease. Therefore they...

Museums and galleries are places that stimulate the imagination and creativity of people. However, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, many museums have been forced to close. As a result, more visitors have had to start visiting online exhibitions. Under this trend, the quality of the online exhibition experience is facing unprecedented...

To provide flexible support ways and intelligent support contents for users in VR contexts, compared with the existing support ways of either single or combination of sensing functions, e.g., support of gesture, head or body movement. In our proposal, to provide flexible support functions conditioned on VR contexts or user’s feedbacks, we propose t...

Co-creation with AI is trending and AI-generation of images from textual descriptions has shown advanced and attractive capabilities. However, commonly trained machine-learning models or built AI-based systems may have deficient points to generate satisfied results for personal usage or novice users of painting or AI co-creation, maybe because of d...

Phased array transducers (PATs) are used in many applications, from airborne ultrasonic tactile displays to acoustic levitation. Acoustic holograms play a significant role in determining the performance of these applications. Many PATs and optimizers have been developed; however, only the following have been demonstrated in the literature: “phase”...

Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) is a popular method in data-driven 3D reconstruction. Given its simplicity and high quality rendering, many NeRF applications are being developed. However, NeRF's big limitation is its slow speed. Many attempts are made to speeding up NeRF training and inference, including intricate code-level optimization and caching,...

This study proposes an auditory-centered training system using solmization to artificially acquire and train absolute pitch by providing vocal feedback of musical notes through a musician’s voice. Most current training systems and applications for absolute pitch acquisition have focused on providing visual feedback. However, many people having perf...

This study proposes a telepresence system controlled by mobile devices consisting of a conference side and a remote side. The conference side of this system consists of a puppet-type robot that enhances the co-telepresence. The remote side includes a web application that can be accessed by a mobile device that can operate the robot by using a motio...

This study proposes the design of a communication technique that uses graphical icons, including emojis, as an alternative to facial expressions in video calls. Using graphical icons instead of complex and hard-to-read video expressions simplifies and reduces the amount of information in a video conference. The aim was to facilitate communication b...

Air flow is a ubiquitous phenomenon that can provide important insights to extend our perceptions and intuitive interactions with our surroundings. This study aimed to explore interaction methods based on flow visualization using background-oriented schlieren (BOS) in three case studies. Case 1 involved visualization of the airflow around humans or...

We propose an attachment creation framework that allows foot access to existing physical interfaces designed to use hands such as doorknobs. The levers, knobs, and switches of furniture and electronic devices are designed for the human hand. These interfaces may not be accessible for hygienic and physical reasons. Due to the high cost of parts and...

In order to reduce the burden on caregivers, we developed an intelligent electric wheelchair. We held workshops with caregivers, asked them regarding the problems in caregiving, and developed problem-solving methods. In the workshop, caregivers’ physical fitness and psychology of the older adults were found to be problems and a solution was propose...

This research is to develop a NN system that generates smooth frames for VR experiences, in order to reduce the hardware requirement for VR therapy. VR is introduced as a therapy to many symptoms, such as Acrophobia, for a long, but not yet broadly used. One of the main reason is that a high and stable frame rate is a must for a comfortable VR expe...

This paper proposes a system for recognizing flying objects during a ball game in blind sports. “Blind sports” is a term that refers to a sport for visually impaired people. There are various types of blind sports, and several of these sports, such as goalball and blind soccer, are registered in the Paralympic Games. This study specifically aimed a...

Indoor navigation systems guide a user to his/her specified destination. However, current navigation systems face the challenges when a user provides ambiguous descriptions about the destinations. This can commonly happen to visually impaired people or those who are unfamiliar with new environments. For example, in an office, a low-vision person as...

Printed Absorbent is a novel concept and approach to interactive material utilizing fluidic channels. In this study, we created 3D-printed objects with fluidic mechanisms that can absorb fluids to allow for various new applications. First, we demonstrated that capillary action, based on the theoretical formula, could be produced with 3D-printed obj...

Additive manufacturing has the potential to become a standard method for manufacturing products, and product information is indispensable for the item distribution system. While most products are given barcodes to the exterior surfaces, research on embedding barcodes inside products is underway. This is because additive manufacturing makes it possi...

Acoustic holograms are the keystone of modern acoustics. They encode three-dimensional acoustic fields in two dimensions, and their quality determines the performance of acoustic systems. Optimisation methods that control only the phase of an acoustic wave are considered inferior to methods that control both the amplitude and phase of the wave. In...

No PDF available ABSTRACT Acoustic holography underpins the number of modern acoustics applications. The usage of multi-focal acoustic holograms with phased array transducers (PATs) in ultrasonic tactile displays and acoustic levitation are increasing, and achieving a high-quality hologram are of significant interest. Inspired by the latest optical...