TMS Application Case Studies Wanted!

The President's Discretionary Fund Project "Introduction and Utilization Project of Telepresence Mobile System (TMS)".

vision

The power of ICT will make TUFS a university that is more connected to the world!
The TMS project aims for a future in which a variety of classes and events are actively held at TUFS, a learning center for languages, cultures, and societies of the world, utilizing the strengths of telecommunication technology, such as inviting guest speakers from abroad to lecture online.

All locations in Gaidai University are transformed into "Remote Lecture Rooms".

For full-scale HyFlex classes (face-to-face & synchronous online classes), a dedicated classroom with an overhead camera, overhead microphone, wireless handheld microphone, and microphone switching switch is suitable. At TUFS, the "205 Remote Lecture Room" is suitable for this purpose, but even professors who are teaching in other classrooms may sometimes have questions such as, "I want to invite a guest speaker from overseas to my class! Or, "I want to communicate with other universities online. In such cases, please reserve TMS Versatile.

The TMS universal model is a system in which a complete set of specialized HyFlex equipment is mounted on a single workstation and transported to any location with high-performance casters for medical equipment and a high-capacity battery for camping.

With TMS, all of TUFS' classrooms and meeting rooms, including open spaces such as the Galleria, can be quickly transformed into a HyFlex environment equivalent to the "205 Remote Lecture Room.

glossary

Telepresence."is a technology that creates the sensation (presence) of a person in a remote location as if he or she were there.

Mobile.is a device or system that is portable and can be used on the move by using rechargeable batteries and wireless communications.

Telepresence Mobile System (TMS)is a battery-powered system for conducting remote classes and meetings that combines the above two concepts. We plan to consider a more familiar name for the system as it is developed and improved and as examples of its use are accumulated.

PTZ Camerais a camera that can be freely rotated horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), zoomed in and out, etc., by remote control.

TMS Project Contact

We are looking for examples of utilization for this project. If you are interested, please contact us at
Collaboration with extramural organizations is also possible. Please contact us for more information.

Telepresence Mobile System (TMS) implementation and utilization project

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Educational Informatization Support Office Attn: Kawasumi

Tel 042-330-5417
Email j-shien [at] tufs.ac.jp
Room 202, Research and Lecture Building, 3-11-1 Asahi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8534

TMS Application Examples (with photos)

  • Use of TMS in conference audio recording (for automatic AI transcription)
    TMS (Telepresence Mobile System) was utilized for voice recording at a campus meeting held on September 3, 2024. The University aims to improve the efficiency of future meeting minutes preparation through automatic transcription using Al...
  • Online School Exchange Connecting Children in Kenya and Japan
    On December 1, 2023, an event was held at the Commons Lab at the Institute of Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa, connecting elementary schools in Kenya and Japan online to present and ask questions of each other. The Commons Lab is home to these...
  • More and more classes are inviting guest speakers online.
    The class, held on December 11, 2023, was connected online to New York City and featured guest speakers who work in the field of international cooperation. since the introduction of TMS, we have had guest speakers from Bangladesh, Kenya, Russia, the U.S., na...
  • Classes available for both in-person and online participation
    In a small class held on November 10, 2023, the TMS was brought into the lab so that students participating in person and online could communicate as if they were sharing the same space. ...
  • Senior students from around the world participate in classes online.
    In a class held on November 6, 2023, a senior student from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, who is connected to Bangladesh online and active in the field of international cooperation, participated in the class as a guest speaker. This time, the class instructor gave a lecture entitled "Active in the World...
  • Use of TMS in Interviews
    TMS is a system that allows people at home or abroad to participate in classes, meetings, and events as if they were there in person. At an interview held at the end of September, one of the five interviewers used TMS to remotely on...
  • Use of TMS in online parent-teacher conferences
    TMS" is a system that allows students to connect online and engage in interactive communication anytime, anywhere. At the "Online Parent Information Session" held on July 15, 2023, President Hayashi delivered a speech and discussed the university's recent...
  • Use of TMS in classes with online participation by guest speakers
    Invite Online Guest Speakers to Your Classes The July 3, 2023 class featured several guest speakers participating in the class online, resulting in a lively exchange. TMS has a "simplified" and...

TMS Application Results

April 2023(3 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Tuesday, April 25all-purposemeetingSince the venue equipment was not able to be restored due to a malfunction, a mobile TMS all-purpose model with all the necessary equipment for the online meeting was brought into the conference room for the online meeting.
Thursday, April 27convenienceClasses (German)One online participant remotely operated the PTZ camera and participated in the class by alternating between the electronic blackboard and the whiteboard.
Friday, April 28convenienceseminarIn-person participants conducted the seminar in a circle. One online participant remotely operated a PTZ camera and communicated and participated by looking toward the speaker.

Total 3 cases

May 2023(16 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Monday, May 8convenienceClass (Philosophy)For students who were unable to attend classes due to teaching practice, classes were recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Thursday, May 11convenienceClasses (German)Continuing from the previous session, TMS was used, but this time there were no real-time on-run participants, so the camera was operated by a class member using a remote control and recorded on Zoom so that absent participants could view it later.
Monday, May 15all-purposeSeminar x 2Because the instructor urgently needed to conduct the seminar from home, the TMS universal model was moved to the classroom, connected to the venue screen, and the seminar was conducted remotely. The instructor remotely operated the PTZ camera on the classroom side to watch the students while speaking, but since the remote control could not convey the direction of the speaker's voice, a research assistant on site operated the camera with a remote control and assisted the student who was speaking to be captured by the camera, if necessary. (The TMS PTZ camera can be remotely operated from the online side and remotely operated in the field at the same time.)
Monday, May 15all-purposeClasses (Thai)As above, a TMS all-purpose model was utilized for remote teaching from home. The 360° microphone was used to pick up the sound of the entire classroom for the opening greeting, but during the class, only the hand microphone was used and the 360° microphone was muted so that the instructor could concentrate on teaching.
Tuesday, May 16all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Tuesday, May 16all-purposeClass (Economics)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Thursday, May 19all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Thursday, May 19convenienceClasses (Area Studies)Three online participating students attended the class using a simple TMS; only one TMS was operated, but since only one person can remotely operate the camera at a time, the three online students took turns remotely operating the camera. If necessary, a 360-degree camera was also used to view the entire classroom.
Thursday, May 25convenienceClasses (German)The class was recorded using TMS.
Friday, May 26all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, May 29all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, May 29convenienceClass (Philosophy)For students who could not attend class, the class was recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Monday, May 29all-purposeseminarThe class members connected online from home, and students met face-to-face for a HyFlex-style seminar.
Tuesday, May 30all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Tuesday, May 30all-purposeClass (Economics)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.

Total 15 cases

June 2023(33 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Thursday, June 1convenienceClasses (German)The class was recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Friday, June 2all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor. Since the YVC-1000 microphone child unit (360° microphone) currently installed in the TMS could not sufficiently hear the voices of students seated far away to the online-side class participants, two additional microphone child units were added for a total of three units. This made it possible to capture sound in the classroom over a wider area, but the situation continued to make it difficult for the instructor to hear the students' voices, so we will work to improve this situation.
Monday, June 5all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, June 5convenienceClass (Philosophy)The class was recorded on Zoom using TMS. Note that an issue arose where the text on the whiteboard was difficult to read due to white-out. Possible solutions to this problem include turning off the lights at the front of the classroom, closing the curtains, and using a remote control to adjust the brightness and exposure settings of the PTZ camera mounted on the TMS, which we will inform the class members in advance so that we can resolve this issue in the future.
Monday, June 5all-purposeseminarThe class members connected online from home, and students met face-to-face for a HyFlex-style seminar.
Tuesday, June 6all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Tuesday, June 6all-purposeClass (Economics)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Friday, June 9all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, June 12convenienceClass (Philosophy)For students who could not attend class, the class was recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Monday, June 12all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, June 12all-purposeseminarThe class members connected online from home, and students met face-to-face for a HyFlex-style seminar.
Tuesday, June 13all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Tuesday, June 13all-purposeClass (Economics)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
(Thursday, June 15)convenienceClasses (German)The class was recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Friday, June 16all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Friday, June 16convenienceClasses (Turkish)HyFlex classes were taught using TMS to allow one student to participate online.
Monday, June 19all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, June 19all-purposeseminarThe class members connected online from home, and students met face-to-face for a HyFlex-style seminar.
Tuesday, June 20all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Tuesday, June 20all-purposemeetingThe meeting was held in the HyFLex format with in-person participants and on-run participants.
Wednesday, June 21convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the class.
Wednesday, June 21conveniencelessonTMS was used to teach the class.
Wednesday, June 21convenienceClasses (Oceania)HyFlex classes were taught using TMS to allow one student to participate online.
Friday, June 23all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Friday, June 23convenienceClasses (Turkish)HyFlex classes were taught using TMS to allow one student to participate online.
Monday, June 26convenienceClasses (Turkish)For students who could not attend class, the class was recorded on Zoom using TMS.
Monday, June 26all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Monday, June 26all-purposeseminarThe class members connected online from home, and students met face-to-face for a HyFlex-style seminar.
Monday, June 26all-purposemeetingThe TMS was utilized to set up for a HyFlex-style conference with a mix of in-person and online participants. In addition to the TMS, a PTZ camera was installed in the center of the conference table area and preset positions were set so that the speaker could be projected smoothly.
Tuesday, June 26all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.
Wednesday, June 28convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS for students.
Thursday, June 29all-purposeClasses (Oceania)The guest speaker joined the class online, and the HyFlex class was conducted with the guest speaker's face displayed life-size on the TMS unit's screen, while the screen-shared slides were displayed on the classroom TV, allowing interactive communication. The 360° microphone in the classroom was turned off and only the clear sound from the handheld microphone was picked up to ensure that the guest speaker was comfortable with the sound.
Friday, June 30all-purposeClasses (Thai)The class was taught remotely from home by the instructor.

Total 33 cases

July 2023(12 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
July 3 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
July 3 (Monday)convenienceSeminar (Africa Region)A HyFlex-style seminar was conducted using TMS, with some students and guests participating on-running. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
July 3 (Monday)convenienceSeminar (Thesis)A HyFlex-style seminar was conducted using TMS, with some students participating on-running.
Tuesday, July 4convenienceClasses (English)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, July 5convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, July 7convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
July 10 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, July 12convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, July 13convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, July 13convenienceClasses (Asian and African Languages)Guests from abroad attended classes using TMS.
Saturday, July 15all-purposeEventsThe President's address was broadcast live from the 1st floor of the Research and Lecture Building at the online parent-teacher conference. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
Wednesday, July 19convenienceSeminar (master's thesis)A HyFlex-style seminar was conducted using TMS.

Total 12 cases

August 2023(0 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations

Total 0 cases

September 2023(3 in total)(First half: April-September, 67 cases in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Thursday, September 28all-purposeEvent PreparationFor the simultaneous face-to-face and online event, the TMS universal type was combined with the KAIGIO Cam360, a 360° camera for meetings owned by the department in question, to test the creation of a high-level hybrid environment that enables high-quality video using preset positions during presentations and quick speaker switching during discussions using automatic AI speaker identification. The hybrid environment was tested to create a high-level environment.
Friday, September 28conveniencemeetingIn order to improve the efficiency of the minutes preparation work, a TMS was set up at the meeting to record Zoom while using Zoom's automatic subtitling function to transcribe the minutes in real time.
Friday, September 29all-purposeinterviewOne of the interviewers participated online. two extension microphones were added to the YAMAHA YVC-1000 omni-directional sound collection microphones equipped on the TMS universal model, for a total of three sound collection microphones to pick up the voices of the interviewee and several interviewers in the interview room so that the online side could also hear the sound of the site clearly. The setup was designed to ensure that the online side could also hear the sound of the interview site. See also:Examples of support (with photos)

Total 3 cases
First half: April - September Total: 66

October 2023(22 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
October 2 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, October 3convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 4convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, October 5all-purposeEvent rehearsalThe participants confirmed the settings and checked the operation in preparation for the simultaneous in-person and online events.
Friday, October 6all-purposeEventsSimultaneous in-person and online events were held.
October 9 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, October 10convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 11convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, October 13convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
October 16 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, October 17convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 18convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 18all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, October 23convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, October 24convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 25convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, October 25all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, October 27convenienceClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, October 27convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
October 30 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, October 31convenienceClasses (Czech)The HyFlex-style class was conducted using TMS. The instructor used the whiteboard function of Zoom to teach the class, and the online students used a 360° camera, a sub-camera of TMS, to watch the face-to-face participating students seated around their desks and participate in the class.
Tuesday, October 31convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.

Total 22 cases

November 2023(26 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Wednesday, November 1convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, November 3convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, November 6all-purposeClasses (International Society)Guest speakers from abroad joined the class through an online connection to Bangladesh. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
Monday, November 6convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, November 7convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 8convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 8all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, November 10all-purposeClasses (Czech)One student joined the class online and taught the class in HyFlex format. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
Friday, November 10convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, November 13convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, November 13all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, November 14all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format. (Celebrating the 100th use of TMS)
Tuesday, November 14convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 15all-purposeClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 15all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, November 16convenienceClasses (Urdu)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, November 17all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, November 17convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, November 20convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, November 21all-purposeMeeting (Study Abroad Support Joint-Use Center)TMS was used to conduct HyFlex-style meetings with international guests.
Tuesday, November 28all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, November 28convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 29convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, November 29all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)The class was taught in HyFlex format, connecting with an outside instructor in Rwanda.
Wednesday, November 29all-purposeEvent Preparation (ILCAA)The participants confirmed how to operate the TMS all-purpose model in preparation for an event that will connect elementary schools in Kenya and Japan on-run.
Thursday, November 30convenienceClasses (Malaysian)Zoom recordings of classes were made using TMS.

Total 26 cases

December 2023(31 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
December 1 (Friday)all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
December 1 (Friday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
December 1 (Friday)convenienceClasses (Japanese)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
December 1 (Friday)all-purposeEvents (ILCAA)The exchange program connected elementary schools in Kenya and Japan through HyFlex connection, where students gave presentations and asked questions to each other. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
December 4 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
December 4 (Monday)all-purposeMeeting (Study Abroad Support Joint-Use Center)TMS was used to conduct HyFlex-style meetings with international guests.
December 4 (Monday)all-purposeConversation Event (PR & Student Circle)
  
Since the in-person event was a HyFlex on short notice, the TMS all-purpose type was utilized.
Tuesday, December 5convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, December 6all-purposeClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, December 7convenienceClasses (Malaysian)Zoom recordings of classes were made using TMS.
Friday, December 8convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, December 11all-purposeClasses (International Society)Online connection to New York, U.S.A., and guest speakers from abroad joined the class. See also:Examples of support (with photos)
Monday, December 11convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, December 11conveniencethesis presentationThe thesis presentation for the Master's Program in English for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention was held and critiqued in HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 12all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 12convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 12all-purposeMeeting (Study Abroad Support Joint-Use Center)HyFlex style meetings were held using TMS.
Wednesday, December 13convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, December 13all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach HyFlex-style classes with guests from abroad.
Thursday, December 14convenienceClasses (Malaysian)Zoom recordings of classes were made using TMS.
Friday, December 15convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, December 18convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 19all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 19convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, December 19convenienceClasses (Thai)He learned about TMS by word of mouth from another teacher and took on the challenge of using it in his classes, teaching HyFlex style.
Wednesday, December 20convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, December 20all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach HyFlex-style classes with guests from abroad.
Thursday, December 21all-purposeClasses (Oceania)Zoom recordings of classes were made using TMS.
Friday, December 22convenienceClasses (Turkish)Zoom recordings of classes were made using TMS.
December 25 (Monday)all-purposeEvents (joint projects)Collaborative projects with other prefectures were conducted in HyFlex format using TMS.
December 25 (Monday)all-purposeEvents (joint projects)Collaborative projects with other prefectures were conducted in HyFlex format using TMS.

Total 31 cases

January 2024(12 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Friday, January 12convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
January 15 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Turkish)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, January 16all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, January 16convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, January 17convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, January 17all-purposeClasses (International Liberal Arts)TMS was used to teach HyFlex-style classes with guests from abroad.
Friday, January 19convenienceConference (Doctoral dissertation review)A HyFlex-style doctoral dissertation review session was conducted using TMS.
Tuesday, January 23all-purposeClasses (Czech)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, January 23convenienceClass (International Law)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, January 24convenienceClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, January 25all-purposeClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
January 29 (Monday)convenienceConference (Doctoral dissertation review)A HyFlex-style doctoral dissertation review session was conducted using TMS.

Total 12 cases

February 2024(7 in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Thursday, February 8all-purposeEventsIn preparation for the event using Zoom's simultaneous interpretation function, we confirmed the operation method when using TMS and checked its operation.
Thursday, February 15all-purposepresentation (e.g. product launch)TMS was utilized for the presentation of the overseas fieldwork. As a byproduct of using TMS in the HyFlex format because three students had to participate online on short notice, parents of the students were also able to view the presentations of their overseas fieldwork online.
Tuesday, February 20all-purposeEventsTMS was used at a HyFlex event at the Ruhi Center building using Zoom.
Wednesday, February 21all-purposeEventsTMS was set up and checked for operation for the event using Zoom's simultaneous interpretation function.
Wednesday, February 21all-purposereview boardUtilizing TMS, we conducted a HyFlex-style thesis review meeting in which the reviewers participated both in person and online.
Wednesday, February 21all-purposeEventsTMS was utilized to conduct HyFlex-style events.
Thursday, February 22all-purposeEventsTMS was utilized at the event using Zoom's simultaneous interpretation feature.

Total 7 cases

March 2024(3 in total)(Second half period: October to March, 101 cases in total) (168 cases in total for FY2023)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Friday, March 8all-purposeEventsThe TMS was prepared for use at a weekend event.
Wednesday, March 13all-purposeEventsUsed TMS to conduct events that connect online with museums abroad in HyFlex format.
Wednesday, March 27convenienceEventsHyFlex-style events were performed using TMS.

Total 3 cases

April 2024(14 times in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
April 1 (Monday)Satellite specificationcheckIn connection with the installation of the TMS at the satellite campus, the TMS was explained to the parties concerned.
April 1 (Monday)convenienceClass PreparationThe students reviewed the use of TMS in preparation for the new semester's classes in the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 8convenienceClasses (German)HyFlex classes were set up and tested for delivery.
Monday, April 8convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 8convenienceClass PreparationThe use of TMS was confirmed for the implementation of HyFlex-style classes.
Monday, April 8all-purposebriefingTMS was used to conduct program briefings in HyFlex format.
Wednesday, April 10convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 15convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 15convenienceClasses (German)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, April 17convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 22convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, April 22all-purposebriefingTMS was used to conduct program briefings in HyFlex format.
Monday, April 22convenienceClass (Philosophy)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, April 24convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.

Total 14 times

May 2024(14 times in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Thursday, May 2all-purposeEvent PreparationTo perform the performance event in HyFlex format, we performed operation checks, etc.
Monday, May 6all-purposeEventsThe performance event was conducted in HyFlex format.
Wednesday, May 8convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, May 13convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, May 17all-purposeEvent PreparationIn order to conduct the conference event in HyFlex format, we confirmed with the organizers how to operate the TMS.
Friday, May 17convenienceUniversity ExchangeThe purpose of TMS development and its utilization were introduced at the inter-university exchange meeting.
Friday, May 17all-purposeUniversity ExchangeThe purpose of TMS development and its utilization were introduced at the inter-university exchange meeting.
Sunday, May 19all-purposeConference EventsThe conference event was conducted in HyFlex format.
Monday, May 20convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, May 22convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, May 27convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, May 29convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, May 29all-purposeoperation testWe tested the operation of the TMS universal type delivered to the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia and Africa (ILCAA).
Friday, May 31all-purposeEvent rehearsalConducted a test relaying mock classes to other classrooms using TMS for the open campus.

Total 14 times

June 2024(12 times in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Monday, June 3convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, June 5convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Friday, June 7all-purposeEventsStudy abroad related events were held in HyFlex format.
Monday, June 10convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, June 11convenienceClasses (South Asia)Because one student had to participate online on short notice, the class was taught in HyFlex format using TMS.
Wednesday, June 12convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Monday, June 17convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, June 19convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, June 20all-purposeClasses (Oceania)The class was conducted in HyFlex format with guest speakers online.
Monday, June 24convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, June 26convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, June 27all-purposeClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.

Total 12 times

July 2024(8 times in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
July 1 (Monday)convenienceClasses (Serbian and Croatian)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Wednesday, July 3convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Thursday, July 4all-purposeClasses (Oceania)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
July 8 (Monday)conveniencemeetingHyFlex style meetings were held using TMS.
Wednesday, July 10convenienceClasses (Dutch)TMS was used to teach the HyFlex format.
Tuesday, July 23all-purposeEvents (Study Tour)HyFlex-style events were performed using TMS.
Wednesday, July 24all-purposeEvents (Open Campus)Rehearsals were held for the delivery of mock classes to other classrooms at the open campus.
July 28 (Sunday)all-purposeEvents (Open Campus)Mock classes were distributed to other classrooms at the open campus.

Total 8 times

August 2024(1 time in total)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Tuesday, August 27convenienceMeetings (in collaboration with other universities)A HyFlex-style information exchange meeting was held using TMS.

Total 1 time

September 2024(TOTALING UP)
Datetype (e.g. of machine, goods, etc.)useMain operations
Tuesday, September 3all-purposemeetingThe TMS was used to conduct HyFlex-style meetings, and eight tabletop sound capture microphones were used to make high-quality recordings for the purpose of recording the proceedings. See also:Examples of support (with photos)

in the process of being compiled

Users' Voices

We are collecting user feedback (class members and students) to improve the usability/functionality of the TMS.

32 students responded to the TMS user survey. (as of November 2023)
Below are some of the + - voices, respectively.

Good!

The sound quality was almost as good as in-person classes. The image quality was also good. I had a greater sense of being face-to-face than in other Zoom classes. I think the life-size size of the monitor and the good sound and picture quality helped.

It was nice to feel as if the teacher was there.

Because the teacher can move the camera, the students are aware that they are being watched, and I think this makes the class more tense than online classes. However, I honestly thought that an online class would be fine if this was to be implemented.

→ Certainly, there is the advantage of simplicity if everyone is online. As for the class teacher, he said that since the students had not been able to see each other in Corona for a long time, he decided to use this format because he wanted to make it important for students to learn from each other with their neighbors.

Bad / improvement needed!

I think the problem is that it is difficult for the audio to reach the students, so I think some measures should be taken, such as all students having their own microphones or turning the microphones around.

→ We plan to increase the number of hand microphones.

The connection is sometimes slow and it would be nice if it were smoother without lag.

→ Resolved due to improved PC specs.

The audio and video were out of sync.

→ Resolved due to improved PC specs.

The good comments are encouraging and the harsh comments reveal issues that need to be improved. Thank you for your comments.

Two types of TMS

TMS Simplified Type

By simply placing a simple TMS model in the classroom, the online side can remotely control the camera and actively participate in the class.

With the cooperation of students whose courses overlap, they can be transported from classroom to classroom and participate in classes remotely without preparation by the instructor.

TMS universal type

All the necessary equipment for online meetings/classes is included and operates without the need for a power supply. The system can be used for online meetings/campus tours while on the move, outdoor HyFlex events, remote classes between classrooms and overseas, and many other applications.


User's Manual

TMS University User's Manual in preparation...

Six ways to use TMS at the University

TMS is a system to enhance "presence" (=telepresence) by projecting online participants' faces at near life-size and reproducing their "line of sight" with PTZ cameras, while freeing remote classes and remote meetings from the "room" (=mobile).

The following areas are being considered for use in each of the goals of the University's "Fourth Medium-Term Goals and Plans".

See also.Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Fourth Medium-Term Objectives and Plans

1. student participation in remote classes

The PTZ camera allows students to freely look around the classroom and actively participate in the class by asking questions and making comments.

No preparation for online classes on the part of the faculty is required.

This enables higher quality class participation even under the disadvantageous conditions of remoteness for students, such as when a student becomes a concentrated contact or when an international student is unable to come to Japan.

2. education in collaboration with domestic and overseas universities through distance learning and online classes by instructors

In TMS, a PTZ camera is used to simulate the instructor's "line of sight" to enhance the sense of "telepresence.

Classes conducted by an overseas or remote instructor can be displayed on the classroom screen, while the TMS unit's display shows the instructor's face at near life-size for an intuitive remote classroom experience. (This uses Zoom's "dual display" mode.)

3. use in campus tours, etc.

Young people and adults who cannot come to campus for various reasons, such as living in remote areas such as remote islands or being hospitalized, can participate in trial classes and campus tours.

Remote tours can be conducted with smartphones and other devices, but the use of TMS increases the presence of the participants themselves and provides a more interactive experience.

4. use in exchange activities

For example, at an exchange meeting with an overseas university, by using TMS to guide visitors as they move freely around the campus, it is possible to have a deeper exchange experience than online-only exchanges.

5. utilization of foreign researchers in research participation

Online meetings are usually held in a conference room with equipment set up, but with TMS, you can leave the conference room and move freely. It is also possible to give tours of the laboratory, go outdoors for fieldwork, etc., expanding the range of what can be done in remote research participation.

6. promotion of research combining the humanities and sciences with partner universities

Utilizing the framework of the Four-University Alliance and the West Tokyo Three-University Collaboration, we aim to jointly research, develop, and improve TMS with science and engineering students, and disseminate information to society about new ways of remote teaching and remote meetings.