Reliable Web-Based CSCW Systems Using Information Fusion of Various Multiple Biological Sensors

Abstract

In Web-based CSCW (Computer-Supported Cooperative Work) often including cooperative learning, remote members communicate their intentions in cyberspace, using textual sentences, pictures and voice. However, often, communication between members cannot be correctly done and interface errors occur. Different from face-to-face communication, partners' situations including their interest, concentration, boredom, and tiredness cannot be easily transmitted. Oversight and mishearing of remote partners is often overlooked. Besides, it is further difficult to understand their real intentions sufficiently. To overcome these problems, ¿Augmented Cyberspace¿ for dependable Web-based CSCW Systems, is proposed, which is also applicable to system such as e-learning. This assesses situations of remote users through fusing information of multiple biological sensors and the related general contexts. By transmitting and using information of such users¿ situations, the system augments the cyberspace through stressing or providing warnings in conventional media such as text, image, and voice.Experimental results showed the necessity and feasibility for information fusion of multiple sensors.