Saori Kitaguchi

Evaluating contrast sensitivity

The problem for proper rendering of spatial frequencies in digital imaging applications is to establish the relative contrast sensitivity of observers at suprathreshold contrast levels in typical viewing environments. In an experimental study two methods of evaluating spatial contrast sensitivity were investigated, using targets of graded tonal modulation, at which observers were asked to point to the perceived threshold locations. The results produced by these two methods were rather different from those of the classical methods of vision science, showing a much lower sensitivity over a broader range of spatial frequencies. These may be regarded as complementary to CSF data derived from single- frequency Gabor stimuli and prove to be better suited to the needs of practical imaging applications.

Demonstration of Pedestrian Movement Support System Using Visible Light Communication

We constructed a pedestrian support system for the visually impaired that uses visible light communication (VLC) from self-illuminating bollards. To achieve this goal, we conducted a visibility evaluation using pedestrians with low and normal vision to determine the best bollard lighting pattern for pedestrian navigation systems. Furthermore, we designed a receiving terminal that is easy to manage and can be operated by touch alone. Moreover, we constructed a sidewalk model to evaluate the navigation system, and the communication area of the system was experimentally determined. We then created a prototype of the navigation system using VLC. The prototype was evaluated by visually impaired users, clarifying the effectiveness of the system.

Perceptions on Clothing by Elderly Females

The perception on clothing of elderly female were compared with that of youth, especially focusing on the sense of cool. The information were collected through the questionnaires given to the groups of elderly females in their 60, 70, and 80s and also to the female in their 20s for a comparison. In terms of the color taste, opinions and feelings about clothes, the sense of “cool” seems to be received in a different way between the youth and the elderly. However, when their lifestyle (behavior and information sources) were concerned, the perception of the 60s was closer to 20s. The 70 and 80s were divided by two groups. It could be by the sensitivity to information.

Visibility evaluation experiments of optical wireless pedestrian-support system using self-illuminating bollard

We proposed a pedestrian movement support system using visible-light communication (VLC) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the people of weak eyesight and the elderly. It provides the user safety information in the neighborhood or the route information, and receives a request from the user and traffic information by the LED light. We conducted visibility evaluation experiments with visually impaired people to satisfy the quality of experience for flickerfree. We created three-types of hands-free receiver (neck, arm, and white cane) of the navigation system to inform danger condition and/or obstacles such as steps and signals. The prototype was evaluated by visually impaired users, clarifying the effectiveness of the system.