A Table-Top Interface for Real-Time Coaching in Abacus Learning

Numerical calculations using an abacus (also known as Soroban) require understanding numerical representations through beads, and the manipulation of beads in multiple methods and sequences necessitates long-term repetitive learning to master. Traditional abacus instruction involves checking the correctness of answers and observing learners to identify and address mistakes or difficulties in bead manipulation. However, this depends heavily on human resources and requires considerable effort. Therefore, this study proposes a learning support system for abacus learning using a commercially available abacus and a tabletop interface to provide coaching content based on realtime estimation of the abacus input values using a document camera.