Affective computing is a fascinating new area of research emerging in computer science. It
dwells on problems where computing is related to arises from or deliberately influences
emotions (Picard 1997). Following this new research direction and considering the human element
as crucial in designing and implementing interactive intelligent interfaces affective
computing is now influencing the way we shape design construct and evaluate human-computer
interaction and computer-mediated communcation. This book originates from a workshop devoted to
affective interactions. It presents revised full versions of several papers accepted in
preliminary version for the workshop and various selectively solicited papers by key people as
well as an introductory survey by the volume editor and interview with Rosaling Picard a
pioneer researcher in the field. The book competently assesses the state of the art in this
fascinating new field.
