Ms. Yoriko Matsuda (D2) and Mr. Hikaru Higashiyama (alumnus, M2 at the time of presentation) have received the Media Experience and Virtual Environment (MVE) Award from the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers (IEICE) MVE Technical Group.
The MVE Technical Group, affiliated with IEICE, provides a platform for presenting research findings related to the creation of new experiences using media and the resulting discoveries, as well as research on human-interface foundations utilizing virtual environments such as VR. It also facilitates exchanges of ideas among experts. The MVE Award aims to revitalize the group’s activities by recognizing outstanding research presentations in terms of content and delivery. Typically, about one out of every ten presentations is selected for the award. The research results presented by Ms. Matsuda and Mr. Higashiyama at the March 2023 meeting were selected for the 2023 MVE Award.
Award-Winning Papers
- Yoriko Matsuda, Yutaro Hirao, Monica Persquia Hernandez, Hideaki Uchiyama, and Kiyoshi Kiyokawa (NAIST),
“Study on Drama Therapy Using Virtual Reality Technology: Examination and Analysis of Session Content”(Abstract) Drama therapy is a form of group psychotherapy where participants learn how to interact with others through improvisational theater. However, this therapy faces challenges such as a shortage of therapists, participants’ embarrassment about acting, and location constraints. To address these issues, this study aims to develop AI-driven drama therapy in an XR environment (XRDT). Using a custom-built world in VRChat®, the content of XRDT sessions was examined. Analysis of surveys and interviews revealed that participants showed improved cognitive empathy, including compassion for others and flexible thinking. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of XRDT sessions.
(Awardee’s Voice) I am deeply honored to receive this award. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentors, research collaborators, and lab members for their guidance and support. This recognition motivates me to continue striving to integrate psychotherapy with VR technology in my research.
- Hikaru Higashiyama, Yutaro Hirao, Monica Persquia Hernandez (NAIST), Naoya Isoyama (Otsuma Women’s University), Hideaki Uchiyama, and Kiyoshi Kiyokawa (NAIST),
“Effects of Temperature Stimulation on Seat Surfaces on the Center of Gravity in Sitting Postures”(Abstract) This study focuses on posture deterioration and health issues caused by prolonged sitting during VDT tasks, investigating the potential of temperature stimulation to improve sitting posture. Traditional approaches using physical devices or informational cues are limited by constraints such as restricted freedom, stress, and the need for attention. In this study, the effects of temperature stimulation on seat surfaces on the center of gravity and perception were evaluated. Experimental results showed that participants’ center of gravity shifted and their perception tilted toward the direction of the cooling stimulus. These findings suggest that non-invasive and direct temperature stimulation could be applied to improve sitting posture.
(Awardee’s Voice) I am truly honored to receive such a prestigious award. This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance of my mentors and the support of my lab members. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank them all.
