Title | Time-offset interaction with a Holocaust survivor |
Publication Type | Conference Paper |
Year of Publication | 2014 |
Authors | Artstein, R., D. Traum, O. Alexander, A. Leuski, A. Jones, K. Georgila, P. Debevec, W. Swartout, H. Maio, and S. Smith |
Conference Name | Intelligent User Interfaces |
Date Published | 02/2014 |
Publisher | ACM |
Conference Location | Haifa, Israel |
Abstract | Time-offset interaction is a new technology that allows for two-way communication with a person who is not available for conversation in real time: a large set of statements are prepared in advance, and users access these statements through natural conversation that mimics face-to-face interaction. Conversational reactions to user questions are retrieved through a statistical classifier, using technology that is similar to previous interactive systems with synthetic characters; however, all of the retrieved utterances are genuine statements by a real person. Recordings of answers, listening and idle behaviors, and blending techniques are used to create a persistent visual image of the person throughout the interaction. A proof-of-concept has been implemented using the likeness of Pinchas Gutter, a Holocaust survivor, enabling short conversations about his family, his religious views, and resistance. This proof-of-concept has been shown to dozens of people, from school children to Holocaust scholars, with many commenting on the impact of the experience and potential for this kind of interface. |
DOI | 10.1145/2557500.2557540 |
Refereed Designation | Refereed |