2022
Authors
Rodrigues, P; Coelho, H; Melo, M; Bessa, M;
Publication
2022 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GRAPHICS AND INTERACTION (ICGI)
Abstract
Virtual reality applications aimed at worker training to train professionals are more common with the virtual reality advancements observed in this day and age. More companies search for ways to improve the efficiency and efficacy of their training programs, whilst also reducing training costs. There are several training applications found in the literature, but not many focus on the theme of computer assembly, and only a few have options like an observer's menu or a scoring system. With that in mind, a training application for assembling computer towers was designed. This article will focus on the application's functionalities, the results of questionnaires made to evaluate its quality and usability and potential future work. The study realized had good results and a good, varied sample of volunteers, with a score of 93.4% in the custom-made questionnaire, a cyber-sickness (SSQ) score of 26.53%, a usability score (SUS) of 90% and a satisfaction (ASQ) score of 17.67%, being that a higher score is better in custom made and SUS questionnaires, and a lower score is better in the SSQ and ASQ questionnaires. Although this project is just a proof of concept, it focuses on a theme that will certainly be explored soon, with the rise of demand for training applications, the ever-growing gamer market, and workstations for the design of virtual reality applications, like the one described on this paper.
2023
Authors
Melo, M; Gontalves, G; Vasconcelos-Raposo, J; Bessa, M;
Publication
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
Presence is often used to evaluate Virtual Reality (VR) applications. However, the raw scores are hard to interpret and need to be compared to other data to be meaningful. This paper leverages a database of 1909 responses to the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) in different contexts to put forward a scale that qualitatively interprets raw Presence scores for VR experiences. The qualitative grading encompasses the acceptability dimension and analogous academic grading scales ranging from A to F and the adjective of such scores in a scale from Excellent to Unacceptable. Furthermore, the qualitative grading system encompasses Presence and its subscales Spatial Presence, Involvement, and Experienced Realism as defined by the IPQ. Adopting this grading system, supported by a robust dataset of Presence scores, enables practitioners to evaluate and interpret individual IPQ scores, allowing them to gain insights regarding the evaluated applications' effectiveness.
2024
Authors
Narciso, D; Melo, M; Rodrigues, S; Cunha, JP; Vasconcelos-Raposo, J; Bessa, M;
Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Abstract
How we perceive and experience the world around us is inherently multisensory. Most of the Virtual Reality (VR) literature is based on the senses of sight and hearing. However, there is a lot of potential for integrating additional stimuli into Virtual Environments (VEs), especially in a training context. Identifying the relevant stimuli for obtaining a virtual experience that is perceptually equivalent to a real experience will lead users to behave the same across environments, which adds substantial value for several training areas, such as firefighters. In this article, we present an experiment aiming to assess the impact of different sensory stimuli on stress, fatigue, cybersickness, Presence and knowledge transfer of users during a firefighter training VE. The results suggested that the stimulus that significantly impacted the user's response was wearing a firefighter's uniform and combining all sensory stimuli under study: heat, weight, uniform, and mask. The results also showed that the VE did not induce cybersickness and that it was successful in the task of transferring knowledge.
2023
Authors
Goncalves, G; Coelho, H; Monteiro, P; Melo, M; Bessa, M;
Publication
ACM COMPUTING SURVEYS
Abstract
The adoption of immersive virtual experiences (IVEs) opened new research lines where the impact of realism is being studied, allowing developers to focus resources on realism factors proven to improve the user experience the most. We analyzed papers that compared different levels of realism and evaluated their impact on user experience. Exploratorily, we also synthesized the realism terms used by authors. From 1,300 initial documents, 79 met the eligibility criteria. Overall, most of the studies reported that higher realism has a positive impact on user experience. These data allow a better understanding of realism in IVEs, guiding future R&D.
2023
Authors
Peixoto, B; Bessa, LCP; Goncalves, G; Bessa, M; Melo, M;
Publication
IEEE ACCESS
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of different immersive Virtual Reality (iVR) technological approaches in teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Specifically, this paper explores the passive iVR and interactive iVR in a real authentic learning context as didactic possibilities compared to the conventional method of listening, consisting of audio-only listening exercises. The study was conducted using university students of B1 level EFL classes. The dependent variables considered in the study were Knowledge Retention, Presence, User Satisfaction, Cybersickness, and Preferred Technology. Results indicated that users showed significant satisfaction and preference for using this technology for learning, revealing enjoyment and motivation which are vital factors when learning a foreign language. However, no significant differences were found between learning via traditional listening exercises or the virtual system. Correlation tests were conducted between the questionnaire subscales to understand better which elements can influence learning. The study concludes that using iVR-based learning tools to learn a foreign language as an alternative to audio listening can only produce a broader positive impact and greater motivation. The results also suggest that iVR can be a valuable tool in the education field for knowledge transfer and motivation when learning foreign languages.
2023
Authors
Marto, A; Goncalves, A; Melo, M; Bessa, M; Silva, R;
Publication
JOURNAL OF IMAGING
Abstract
The expansion of augmented reality across society, its availability in mobile platforms and the novelty character it embodies by appearing in a growing number of areas, have raised new questions related to people's predisposition to use this technology in their daily life. Acceptance models, which have been updated following technological breakthroughs and society changes, are known to be great tools for predicting the intention to use a new technological system. This paper proposes a new acceptance model aiming to ascertain the intention to use augmented reality technology in heritage sites-the Augmented Reality Acceptance Model (ARAM). ARAM relies on the use of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model (UTAUT) model's constructs, namely performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions, to which the new and adapted constructs of trust expectancy, technological innovation, computer anxiety and hedonic motivation are added. This model was validated with data gathered from 528 participants. Results confirm ARAM as a reliable tool to determine the acceptance of augmented reality technology for usage in cultural heritage sites. The direct impact of performance expectancy, facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation is validated as having a positive influence on behavioural intention. Trust expectancy and technological innovation are demonstrated to have a positive influence on performance expectancy whereas hedonic motivation is negatively influenced by effort expectancy and by computer anxiety. The research, thus, supports ARAM as a suitable model to ascertain the behavioural intention to use augmented reality in new areas of activity.
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