Proposal of seamless interaction enabling direct conversation between video content viewer and CG generated performer

We propose a conversation method called seamless interaction where the viewer can query a CG generated performer at any time while viewing video content based on CG, and can interrupt video content for direct conversation with the performer. In this paper, we explain the important requirements for achieving seamless interaction, and show an example mounting these requirements. Then, we use a subjective evaluation test to compare seamless interaction with images of interaction with CG characters using dedicated conversational CG characters. From these results, we show that seamless interaction is an effective method for viewers when engaged in passive viewing, such as viewing a television program, in terms of ease of interaction and ease of familiarity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 38(13): 1–14, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20833