Man-machine collaborative work based on visual communication

A new concept of a multiagent system is proposed in this paper in which, not only the entities equipped with actuators, but also static objects take the role of agents by recognizing their own situations and broadcasting their requests. It is expected that in future a computer will be manufactured in the form of a smaller and thinner entity like a bar code film with some sensors. This style of computer will be attached to every industrial product, which may result in such static agents as proposed in the present paper. A case study is described which shows a man-machine visual communication system for those who need help to manipulate things such as aged or handicapped people. Roles of static object agents in the system are shown and their significance is discussed as well as the performance of the entire system