Naoya Koizumi

Animated paper: A toolkit for building moving toys

In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of available rapid prototyping tools, making it easier than ever to create functioning prototypes with minimal technical background and at a low cost. However, most of these tools do not have the flexibility to allow for immediate physical modifications once a prototype has been built or programmed, and are often limited in movement by the size or range of the wired system. Accordingly, simple paper remains one of the most pervasive creative platforms in the world due to its low cost, light weight, freedom of physical spatial manipulation, disposability, and low interaction overhead. In this article we introduce “Animated Paper,” a new wireless prototyping platform which combines paper, shape memory alloy (SMA), retro-reflective material, and copper foil. This platform makes it possible to create moving toys out of ordinary print paper with minimal modification to the physical composition of the paper itself, facilitating simple trial-and-error modifications. We also introduce a laser control system which allows for precise, wireless motion control of the SMA-enhanced paper by tracking retro-reflective markers on the paper using a laser and photo sensor. Lastly, we present the results of a preliminary user study to demonstrate the usability of our prototype system and also provide possibilities for how to further develop our wirelessly controlled, moving paper platform.

A teddy-bear-based robotic user interface

A robotic user interface (RUI) is part of a concept in which a robot is used as an interface for human behavior. Our RUI is a system for interpersonal exchange that uses robots as agents for physical communication. In this article we propose a new type of RUI for interactive entertainment. This RUI enables people to directly interact with the information world.

Slow display

How can we show our 16 megapixel photos from our latest trip on a digital display? How can we create screens that are visible in direct sunlight as well as complete darkness? How can we create large displays that consume less than 2W of power? How can we create design tools for digital decal application and intuitive-computer aided modeling?

Animated paper: a moving prototyping platform

We have developed a novel prototyping method that utilizes animated paper, a versatile platform created from paper and shape memory alloy (SMA), which is easy to control using a range of different energy sources from sunlight to lasers. We have further designed a laser point tracking system to improve the precision of the wireless control system by embedding retro-reflective material on the paper to act as light markers. It is possible to change the movement of paper prototypes by varying where to mount the SMA or how to heat it, creating a wide range of applications.

Inkantatory paper: dynamically color-changing prints with multiple functional inks

We propose an effective combination of multiple functional inks, including conductive silver ink, thermo-chromic ink, and regular inkjet ink, for a novel paper-based interface called Inkantatory Paper that can dynamically change the color of its printed pattern. Constructed with off-the-shelf inkjet printing using silver conductive ink, our system enables users to fabricate thin, flat, flexible, and low-cost interactive paper. We evaluated the characteristics of the conductive silver ink as a heating system for the thermo-chromic ink and created applications demonstrating the usability of the system.

EnchanTable: Displaying a Vertically Standing Mid-air Image on a Table Surface using Reflection

We propose a novel display method, EnchanTable, that can augment a table surface with mid-air images. Users can interact with visual images displayed on the table by using real objects. In our optical design, we place an optical imaging device behind a table so that the light from the device forms a vertically standing mid-air image reflected at the table surface. This design displays the image right on the table. The merit of our method is that the only requirement is for the table to have a reflective surface. Utilizing this, we can place any devices, such as touch sensors, around the table, or display mid-air images on a tablet whose surface is sufficiently reflective. Owing to its compactness, this method can be applied to other tabletop-interaction systems.

Passive Mid-air Display

We propose a passive mid-air display in which an image is made visible by illuminating an empty space with a flashlight. In this study, we design an optical configuration that reacts to the light source of the user. This design has an inconsistency of illumination that surprises the user. We confirm the basic operational principle and measure the brightness. We also observe user behavior to consider the possibility of this technique for entertainment. With this work, we make three research contributions. First, we design a passive mid-air display that can be used for entertainment displays. Second, we confirm its operational principle and measure the brightness. Third, we observe user behavior. We also summarize the advantages of our display as well as the issues that remain.

Teddy-bear based robotic user interface

A Robotic User Interface (RUI) is part of a concept in which a robot is used as an interface for human behavior. Our RUI, which we have been developing for communications, is a system for interpersonal exchanges that uses robots as agents for physical communication. In this paper, we propose a new type of RUI for interactive entertainment. This RUI enables people to directly interact with the information world.

Sunny Day Display: Mid-air Image Formed by Solar Light

We propose a mid-air imaging technique that is visible under sunlight and that passively reacts to light conditions in a bright space. Optical imaging is used to form a mid-air image through the reflection and refraction of a light source. It seamlessly connects a virtual world and the real world by superimposing visual images onto the real world. Previous research introduced light emitting displays as a light source. However, attenuation of the brightness under a strong light environment presents a problem. We designed a mid-air imaging optical system that captures ambient light using a transparent LCD (liquid crystal display) and a diffuser. We built a prototype to confirm our design principles in sunlight and evaluated several diffusers. Our contribution is three-fold. First, we confirmed the principle of the mid-air imaging optical system in sunlight. Second, we chose an appropriate diffuser in an evaluation. Third, we proposed a practical design which can remove disturbance light for outdoor use.

FunCushion: Fabricating Functional Cushion Interfaces with Fluorescent-Pattern Displays.

We introduce FunCushion, a digital fabrication method for customized fluorescent-pattern displays on cloths of cushion interfaces with push detections. The displayed patterns are printed out onto cloths by an inkjet printer with transparent fluorescent ink, and the patterns can interactively be made to glow with an ultraviolet light source embedded inside the cushion. Furthermore, push detection using infrared light can be easily integrated with the display for interaction. The displays are adaptable to 3D shapes, illuminate with multi-color and gradation, and can be integrated with static visual print and embroidery. This method enables end-users and designers to create soft, everyday products with fluorescent-pattern displays in a lab. Technical evaluations revealed effective materials for the display. Application examples demonstrate FunCushion’s applicability.