Designing a realistic peer-like embodied conversational agent for supporting children\textquotesingle s storytelling

Advances in artificial intelligence have facilitated the use of large language models (LLMs) and AI-generated synthetic media in education, which may inspire HCI researchers to develop technologies, in particular, embodied conversational agents (ECAs) to simulate the kind of scaffolding children might receive from a human partner. In this paper, we will propose a design prototype of a peer-like ECA named STARie that integrates multiple AI models - GPT-3, Speech Synthesis (Real-time Voice Cloning), VOCA (Voice Operated Character Animation), and FLAME (Faces Learned with an Articulated Model and Expressions) that aims to support narrative production in collaborative storytelling, specifically for children aged 4-8. However, designing a child-centered ECA raises concerns about age appropriateness, children\textquotesingle s privacy, gender choices of ECAs, and the uncanny valley effect. Thus, this paper will also discuss considerations and ethical concerns that must be taken into account when designing such an ECA. This proposal offers insights into the potential use of AI-generated synthetic media in child-centered AI design and how peer-like AI embodiment may support children\textquotesingle s storytelling.Comment: 6 pages with 2 figures. The paper has been peer-reviewed and presented at the "CHI 2023 Workshop on Child-centred AI Design: Definition, Operation and Considerations, April 23, 2023, Hamburg, German

Research on Wellbore Quality Control Technology for Coalbed Methane Deviated Wells

AbstractDeviated well is one of the main well types to develop coalbed methane in China. It's been widely used by various coalbed methane companies in recent years. Compared with traditional oil and gas wells, coalbed methane wells are characterized by shallow depth and strict well spacing, which means higher wellbore quality control technology. Furthermore, coalbed methane wells are apt to produce coal dust during dewatering and coal dust causes serious abrasion of pipe and rod. It's required to improve wellbore quality. This paper analyzes the weakness of current wellbore quality control standard and technology for coalbed methane wells on the basis of the characterization of coaled methane wells and finds out the key factors that control wellbore quality of coalbed methane deviated wells. The technology is developed to improve wellbore quality of coalbed methane wells from trajectory design and real-time control. Through the on-site test in Baode block, Shanxi Province, the technology is further improved and it's confirmed by the test result that this technology can improve the wellbore quality of coalbed methane deviated wells. In addition, this paper also presents some good suggestions for compiling standard about wellbore quality control for coalbed methane deviated wells