Masayoshi Kamijo

On‐demand production system of apparel on the basis of Kansei engineering

This paper argues for the immediate use of Kansei engineering to help deal with the chaotic situation of poorly implemented and disconnected technologies. A theoretical criticism of the current industrial capitalism, together with the promotion of a new post‐industrial form of capitalism, lays the foundation for an explanation of how this transition can be achieved through a proper understanding of Kansei. A detailed explanation of the interactive production system apparel demonstrates the benefits to both manufacturers and consumers. The paper concludes that the application to apparel is just one of the many potential applications to improving the lifestyle and enjoyment of individuals in the entire society.

Analysis of Finger Motion in Evaluating the Hand of a Cloth using a Glove-type Measurement System

When people evaluate cloth by handling it, they use a special finger motion depending on the purpose of their evaluation. Such sensory evaluation includes resilience, roughness, flexibility and softness. We observed and compared the finger motions of both sensitive and non-sensitive users. We used a glove-type measurement system with pressure sensors to investigate the characteristics of finger motion while evaluating the hand of a cloth. The sensor provided data on the applied force used, as well as finger motion patterns. This allowed us to identify and analyze the differences between sensitive and non-sensitive users. The results show that the finger motion varied according to the users ability to discriminate, with expert users finger motion being better suited to sensory evaluation.

Facial expression measurement for detecting driver drowsiness

This paper presents the method of detecting drivers drowsiness level from facial expressions. Our method is executed according to the following flow: taking a drivers facial image, tracing the facial features by image processing, and classifying the drivers drowsiness level by pattern classification. We found that facial expression had the highest linear correlation with brain waves as the general index of drowsiness during monotonous driving. After analyzing the facial muscle activities, we determined 17 feature points on face for detecting driver drowsiness. A camera set on a dashboard recorded the drivers facial image. We applied Active Appearance Model (AAM) for measuring the 3-dimensional coordinates of the feature points on the facial image. In order to classify drowsiness into 6 levels, we applied k-Nearest-Neighbor method. As a result, the average Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) among 13 participants was less than 1.0 level. Our method also detected the drivers smile.

Classification of fingerprint images using a neural network

Fingerprints are an effective means of identifying individuals, and several fingerprint comparison systems have already been developed. However, since it becomes difficult to recognize fingerprints with ease as the number and diversity of fingerprint patterns increases, it becomes desirable to create an efficient database for fingerprint matching with the goal of developing an automatic fingerprint classification system. Here an automatic classification system is imposed for fingerprint images in which the discrimination system is a multilayer neural network composed of five subnetworks to carry out macrofeature extraction on the fingerprint image. A total of 50 training examples, 10 per category, and 500 testing samples were presented to the network. According to the obtained results, the network achieved an 86 percent classification rate for the first candidate and a 99 percent classification rate for the first two candidates. The state of the network was analyzed after training, and the reasons for the system effectiveness and its classification error were studied.

Experiences and problems with hygiene masks reported by Japanese hay fever sufferers

Purpose – In Japan, one of the countermeasures used to avoid the symptoms of hay fever (HF) is a hygiene mask; however, a mask can cause discomfort. The authors believe that co-occurrence analysis, which has been widely in the sciences, will be valuable to this issue. The purpose of this paper is to identify problems associated with the use of hygiene masks and recommend improvements in their function and comfort. The goal of this study was to obtain information for the development of effective hygiene masks for HF sufferers and therefore, improve their quality of life. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a survey of university students with HF (n=1,519) to identify problems with hygiene masks. Students completed self-report questionnaires and co-occurrence analyses were used to examine the data from a holistic perspective. Moreover, technical data, relative to the problems of wearing a mask were acquired experimentally using thermal, hygroscopic, and airflow properties. Findings – Among J...

Effectiveness of the “Tezawari” and “Hadazawari” sensory test methods in the evaluation of fine-textured knitted fabrics: Part I: Coolness and moistness discrimination

“Tezawari” and “Hadazawari” are two sensory test methods used for fabric texture evaluation in Japan. In this study, the effectiveness of the two sensory test methods in coolness and moistness discrimination was investigated. Three types of single jersey fabrics that were distinct from each other in thermal and moisture properties were chosen as the samples. The coolness and moistness differences between the three types of samples were evaluated by 20 university students with both “Tezawari” and “Hadazawari” test methods. The comparative analysis of “Tezawari” and “Hadazawari” test results revealed that the coolness differences between samples were even more detectable when discriminated with the “Hadazawari” test method; the between-sample differences in perceived moistness correlated very well with the between-sample differences in perceived coolness in both “Tezawari” and “Hadazawari” tests. In conclusion, compared with the “Tezawari” test method, the “Hadazawari” test method is more suitable for coolness and moistness discrimination.

Investigation of Wearing Comfort of Eyeglasses with Emphasis on Pain around the Ears

Eyeglasses are commonly used to correct poor vision and also need to be comfortable enough to wear. It is necessary to have a fitting at the time of purchase to determine the appropriate glasses position. Unfortunately, these fittings are usually performed based on the engineers experience and quantitative evaluation of the fitting process has not been well examined. In this study we investigate wearing comfort of glasses by measuring clamping force of various glasses frames and pain around the ears when wearing those glasses. From results of measurements, we found a relatively strong positive correlation between the clamping force and the pain around the ears, indicating that the pain degree increases with the clamping force. It is possible to reduce the clamping force and the level of pain around the ears based on measurement of head dimensions and adjustment or fitting of frame when purchasing eyeglasses.

Differences in Psychological and Physiological Responses by Clothing Pressure to Abdomen in Closed Eyes and Open Eyes Conditions

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of clothing pressure on physiological and psychological responses, to create an evaluating method of the clothing comfort. We have investigated the physiological and psychological responses to the clothing pressure in both situations which eyes open and eyes closed. The pressure amounting to 90% of the subjects’ waist size was applied to their abdominal region by the waist belt. The influence of clothing pressure on physiological and psychological responses were evaluated by the following measurements: sensory test, electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram and blood pressure. Consequently, when subjects were fastened by waist belt, sympathetic nerve activity increased in case of eyes closed. On the other hand, parasympathetic nerve activity increased in case of eyes open. The physiological and psychological responses are different in eyes closed and eyes open conditions. The results mean that the clothing comfort on the pressure requires a sensory multimodality evaluation.

Kansei Measurement in Cooperative Development Techniques

This chapter concentrates on topics of “Kansei” measurement to create the new criterion through measuring human’s action and psychological and physiological responses. “Kansei” is the ability to receive the variety of information coming from another party, understand, and then apply this information to one’s own thoughts. Kansei is absolutely indispensable to interactive dialogue. For interactive co-creation, consumers and manufacturers creating products through mutual and consensual dialogue and discussion are completely necessary. Nevertheless, it is extremely difficult for us humans to communicate our thoughts and consider others’ desires. We must create a new criterion for understanding each other via physiological response. The availability of diverse methods of interaction promotes interpersonal communication and deepens mutual understanding.

Relationship between Facial Expression and Facial Electromyogram (f-EMG) Analysis in the Expression of Drowsiness

Various approaches have been utilized in the overall study of facial expressions. And while the results of such research have been reported, little is known about the actual mechanism of how facial expressions are formed. Ishida et al. studied the facial expression of drowsiness. In their study, they discovered that contraction of the frontal is muscle raises the eyebrows when a person is sleepy. However, the correspondence between activity of the frontal is muscle and rising of the eyebrows is not very clear. This study investigated the relationship between them by using non-contact measurement systems and facial EMG. As a result, the relationship between frontal is muscle activity and displacement of rising eyebrows was found to be a linear relationship (R = 0.994). The possibility was also suggested that major changes in expression can occur through coordinated action of muscles on the opposite side.