This paper presents a study of a method for estimating the position and orientation of a photo-shoot in indoor environments for augmented reality applications. Our proposed localization method is based on registered frame data of virtualized reality models, which are photos with known photo-shoot positions and orientations, and depth data. Because registered frame data are secondary product of modeling process, additional works are not necessary to create registered frame data especially for the localization. In the method, a photo taken by a mobile camera is compared to registered frame data for the localization. Since registered frame data are linked with photo-shoot position, orientation, and depth data, 3D coordinates of each pixel on the photo of registered frame data is available. We conducted experiments with employing five techniques of the estimation for comparative evaluations.

Various systems for hand tool skill training have been developed in the domain of haptic displays. These systems typically present force to a learner's palm by directly actuating the tool. However, this approach is sometimes ineffective because learners have difficulty sensing the haptic feedback from the tool when they are holding it tightly. Thus, we propose a different approach (OCHD) that effectively guides the learner's hand by presenting force to the back of his/her hand as if an instructor is holding it. A preliminary experiment showed that OCHD effectively guides users with less actuator drive force than cases where the tool is directly actuated.

An information-presenting robot is expected to establish an appropriate spatial relationship with people. Drawing upon sociological studies of spatial relationships involving "F-formation" and "body torque," we examined the effect of a robot rotating its body on the reconfiguration of the F-formation arrangement. The results showed that a robot can change the position of a visitor by rotating its body. We also confirmed that to reconfigure the F-formation arrangement, it is more effective to rotate the whole body of the robot than only its head.

Auctions, both traditional and electronic, are a pervasive social organisation for the valuation and exchange of goods and services. Despite the long-standing interest in integrating internet contributions into the more traditional auction such initiatives have remained problematic. We consider the organization of interaction of sales of fine art and antiques and develop a prototype 'intelligent' gavel system that is designed to enhance remote participation and ease the flexible ways in which internet contributions are legitimately integrated into live auctions. We present the findings of a quasi-naturalistic experiment involving the use of the system by auctioneers and its consequences for the general development of technologies to support internet participation in live co-located events.

Recently a number of researchers have uncovered various ways in which paper documents support everyday work practice and have suggested how these may be reflected in the design of new technologies. In this paper we consider how activities on and around paper documents may be supported when participants are remote from each other. When we consider the uses of an experimental system that provides a number of resources for supporting work over documents, it becomes apparent how critical it is to support apparently simple pointing and referencing, and how complex such conduct can be. This suggests some considerations both for developers of enhanced media spaces and analysts of everyday conduct.Clarified descriptions of technology and fragments including changes to figures. Added points concerning the scope of the technology the conception of sequence and calrified the requirement regarding redundancy. Revised descriptions of fragments in an atempt to make thsee less dense Corrected several typographic errors including those mentioned by the reviewers' gesture.

This paper describes the methodology and prototype for an all-around display system for video avatar presentation in the real world. This system enables us to reconstruct a video avatar which users can look at from all around, by spinning a flat panel display which has a small viewing angle and changing the image on the display panel depending on the display's orientation.