Buddhist monk collaborates on computing project

A researcher from the Applied Computing Division has just returned from a visit to Japan to investigate how advanced computing technologies could benefit the elderly and disabled. Dr Norman Alm worked with Japanese colleagues during the trip, which was part of his latest research project that also involves collaboration with a poet and a Buddhist monk.

"The trip was a wonderful opportunity to discuss new ideas for collaborative projects", said Norman. "My primary host there was Professor Kenryu Nakamura who is a leading figure in Japan in the field of technical assistance for people with disabilities.

"We are working together on mobile multimedia communication for people with communication impairments. I also visited the ATR Institute near Kyoto, which is trying out a whole range of innovative ideas for the application of technology in our everyday lives."

Norman's visit to the ATR Institute provided an opportunity for him to give a seminar about his development of the CIRCA system. CIRCA, which stands for Computer Interactive Reminiscence & Conversation Aid, supports communication for people with dementia by means of multimedia reminiscence material accessed by a touch screen.

Hiroshima and Kyoto Universities, and Tsukuba Institute of Technology were a few of the other institutes Norman visited during his trip. While in Kyoto, Norman visited an ancient Buddhist temple to pass on greetings from the ROKPA Centre in Dundee.

He explains, "The research connection there may not be obvious, but we have a new project called ‘Living in the Moment’ which is exploring ways that people with dementia can take part in enjoyable activities for which memory is not needed.

"The state of living in the moment is of great interest and importance to Buddhist practitioners, and the ROKPA Centre is involved in advising us on this project, along with a poet, and professionals working in dementia care."

A number of visits to Dundee by Japanese researchers are now being planned as an outcome of Norman’s tour. He added, "The nature of this work is certainly multidisciplinary, but we think we can gain valuable insights from cross-cultural comparisons as well."

January's issue of eContact included a feature on the CIRCA and Living in the Moment projects. To read the feature visit: www.dundee.ac.uk/externalrelations/press/eContact/circa.html