Sanae H. Wake

Global Asynchronous Distributed Interactive Genetic Algorithm

We have already proposed Parallel Distributed Interactive Genetic Algorithm(PDIGA) that enables Interactive Genetic Algorithm (IGA) to be done at the same time by two or more people. In PDIGA, the synchronization of the generations is necessary among the subpopulations or users. Therefore, PDIGA is not appropriate for the situation with a large number of people in separate areas. In this paper, we propose Global Asynchronous Distributed Interactive Genetic Algorithm (GADIGA) as an algorithm for creating better design solutions with many people without synchronization. It is found that the asynchronous evolution is effective for making satisfying design solutions with the use of a database of elite individuals. Moreover, it is found that the users can generate more excellent design solutions by repeating the design process because better elite solutions are accumulated in the elite database. For two groups with different sensibilities, it is found that the exchange of design solutions between the groups is less than the one in the groups, but the exchange between the groups plays an important role. From the experimental results, GADIGA is found to be effective for creating better design solutions with many people in separate areas.

Non-verbal mapping between sound and color-mapping derived from colored hearing synesthetes and its applications

This paper presents an attempt at ‘non-verbal mapping’ between music and images. We use physical parameters of key, height and timbre as sound, and hue, brightness and chroma as color, to clarify their direct correspondence. First we derive a mapping rule between sound and color from those with such special abilities as ‘colored hearing’. Next we apply the mapping to everyday people using a paired comparison test and key identification training, and we find similar phenomena to colored hearing among everyday people. The experimental result shows a possibility that they also have potential of ability of sound and color mapping.

Timbre Image Scale for Designing Feedback Sound on Button Operation

The purpose of this study is to build an image scale for operation feedback sound. When a sound designer designs the operation feedback sound, the scale could be used as a tool to share the sound image with the product developers. We evaluated the impression of the sound using the semantic differential method. Then, we carried out factor analysis, and obtained four factors: (1) artificiality, (2) liveliness, (3) gorgeousness, and (4) gentleness. From this result, we built two image scales, an artificiality-liveliness scale and a gorgeousness-gentleness scale, and put the 72 feedback sounds on these scales. These could be used to design or choose feed-back sounds that could be adapted to the product design image.

The Loss of Concentration by the Effects of the Timing of Commercial Breaks

We conducted a psycho-physiological experiment with an index of concentration to evaluate the influence of the timing of television commercial breaks on children’s attention. As the result of the experiment, it was shown that concentration, blinking, and breathing are mutually related. Furthermore, disturbing the concentration has the tendency of delaying the recovery of concentration. Therefore, by watching television programs over and over, we are afraid that the number of children who cannot maintain their attention may increase. Moreover, from the point of view of presenting commercials effectively, it is advisable that commercial breaks occur after the end of a story rather than during the climax.