
Toppan pilots life-size display with photorealistic virtual humans
Toppan in Japan is piloting a life-sized photorealistic display with AI-enabled virtual humans.
The VH Signage system was developed with 3dig and allows users to converse and interact with the with life-size, photorealistic virtual humans created using automated generation technology.
Toppan and 3dig will launch a pilot test in April this year at Toppan’s Kanda Izumi Building in Chiyoda, Tokyo. The test will look into how people are affected by interacting with virtual humans designed to be more realistic, their feelings about it, and how to ensure the best possible user experience.
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High-definition data from biometric scanning on the Light Stage at the Toppan Virtual Human Lab is fused with 3dig’s AI-powered “anma” system for automated generation to enable efficient production of virtual human versions of real people (“real VH”). A high-definition, photorealistic “real VH” can be combined with conversational AI to deliver a natural experience similar to conversing with the actual person.
The 86-inch large format signage (D35.7 x W192.5 x H117 cm) includes built-in human recognition sensors to enable the virtual humans to communicate with users in front of the screen by facing and talking to them. This delivers a natural experience similar to being spoken to by a real person and makes it possible for virtual humans to provide users with diverse services through conversation that replicates everyday human interaction.
“By creating photorealistic virtual humans and offering interactive signage, we want to deliver something that is user-friendly for everyone,” said Shu Tanabe, Business Innovation Manager in Toppan’s Business Development Division. “This pilot test should demonstrate the effectiveness of the system while also enabling us to identify what we need to do to provide the best possible solution going forward.”
The VH Signage will interact with visitors, Toppan new recruits considered to be members of Generation Z, and employees aged 60 and above. The pilot test will be explained to participants and their consent will be obtained prior to taking part. Participants will be asked to respond to a simple questionnaire, based on which quantitative and qualitative analysis will be performed to guide future functional enhancement as well as consideration of quality and cost (pricing) for commercialization.
Toppan and 3dig intend to provide VH Signage and other solutions using high-definition virtual humans to commercial facilities, local governments, and a range of other customers and to develop a business focused on managing data obtained from the scanning of people for the virtual humans.
3dig.net/anma/; www.toppan.com
