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Two computer-generated
mermaids function as individual agents for two viewers. Each mermaid
agent moves in sync with the heart rate detected by an electrode
attached to the collarbone of its viewer. Then, using a synchronization
interaction model that calculates the mutual heart rate on a personal
computer, the two mermaids express hidden non-verbal communication.
The data of relax-strain calculated from the heart rate and the
interest calculated from the variation in the heart rate are mapped
on the model. The synchronization interaction model reveals the
communication codes in the hidden dimension that do not appear in
our superficial communication.
For example, when two
persons are in a situation where they are highly strained and highly
interested, they are assumed to have stress and feelings of shyness,
and the animation generates CG-reactive embodiments that behave
shyly. When both people are in a situation where they are highly
strained and less interested, unfriendly communication is generated.
For a high degree of
synchronism, the agents mimic the hand gestures of their subjects.
For a low degree of synchronism, the agents run away. When one mermaid
agent touches the other, a pseudo-touch can be felt through a vibration
device. For background sound, the heart sounds of the subjects are
picked up by an electronic stethoscope and proccessed for output
on personal computer.
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