Japanese 
Contact Ryota NATSUME
- Visiting period
- August 2018 to November 2018
- Visiting university
- University of Southern California
- Visiting country and region
- Los Angeles, America
Content of the study program
Within this program, I pursued research for approximately three months in 3-dimensional reconstruction of the whole body, under Dr. Hao Li at the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT), a laboratory affiliated with the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles, America. The ICT has attained world-class research results in photo-realistic facial reconstruction and generation, and 3-dimensional reconstruction of people. Through lively discussions with ICT members, I was able to lead a life of research that was extremely focused.
Study results
I conducted research relating to the 3-dimensional reconstruction of people, including their clothing, from a single image. The outcomes of this research make it possible for anybody to obtain a 3-dimensional model of themselves, simply. As a result of focusing on this research together with the other researchers in the lab, over a period of around three months, where we barely even had time to sleep, we were eventually able to submit to CVPR, a top conference in the field of CV. However, this does not mean that we managed to use this short period of three months to its full, for this theme. At first, after I came to America, I was working on a completely different subject. However, despite trying various techniques, I earnestly carried out my experiments day after day, without getting good results. While I revised my theme over and over, I eventually found my way to the current theme, about a month before submission. The fact that I was able to change direction numerous times like this over such a short period is thanks to my environment, where I could consult with my very-talented joint researchers at any time. A significant factor was that it was an environment where the researchers within the lab would discuss issues seriously with one another, even when not working on the same research together.
My experience abroad
This was the first time, other than trips abroad, that I have stayed overseas for a long period. Before I set off, I felt much more excited about what would happen, than worried. In fact, when I got to Los Angeles, the weather was good every day, neither hot nor cold, and I was even very comfortable with the food, because there are lots of Japanese supermarkets and stores. Furthermore, the other members of my lab and my homestay family were all wonderful people, and I was able to spend a really enjoyable time, even outside of my research, going to bars, eating ramen and so forth. In terms of English, I still feel that I do not study and practice enough, but I experienced firsthand the fact that it is important to listen closely to the people around you, and to try to communicate even if you cannot speak well. Going forward, I want to fail many times more, and thereby grow.
Influence on my future career
Previously, I thought of overseas as a place for travelling, but through this study abroad, I became able to think about it as a place of research and work. In my mind, I feel that without studying abroad, my values would never have changed, and so I am grateful that I was able to have such a valuable experience. My Master’s course will continue for about a year and a half, but I want to face the things I want to do with all of my strength, without being trapped within the small framework of Japan.
Other comments
Without the support of SGU, I would not have been able to realize this study abroad. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for this. I feel that this was the best study abroad experience thanks to the help of many people. I am truly grateful to Prof. Morishima who informed me about this opportunity and backed me, Mr. Ikeda who supported my study abroad, not only in terms of the procedures, but in a variety of ways, Dr. Hao Li who accepted me into his lab, Mr. Saito who kindly told me how to make progress and shared his knowledge, beyond the technical aspects of research, and everyone else in the laboratory.
