Measurement and Visualization of Drowsiness for Nonverbal Communication using Avatars

抄録

Several educational institutions have opted to implement distance learning such as online classes because of COVID-19. However, students turn off their camera for privacy reasons when they are online. Non-verbal communication is difficult when the camera is turned off; however, it can be conducted if avatars are used substitutes. It is crucial to combine multiple nonverbal languages for nonverbal communication. In this study, we attempted to communicate drowsiness using just the eye closure rate, and we asked the subjects to observe its expression on the avatars to verify whether it was communicated. The results indicated that drowsiness could be transmitted using single nonverbal information. Multiple nonverbal information should be combined for more accurate transmission. Furthermore, it must be verified in an online situation.