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Publications

Publications by Miguel Correia Melo

2020

A Comparative Study Between Wired and Wireless Virtual Reality Setups

Authors
Goncalves, G; Monteiro, P; Melo, M; Vasconcelos Raposo, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) through head-mounted displays (HMDs) can be delivered via multiple setups such as smartphones, standalone VR or VR Workstations. The VR Workstation setup delivers the best performance of them all; however, as a drawback up until recently, it required cables to power up the VR equipment. The introduction of wireless solutions for VR Workstations came to solve one of the disadvantages of this setup. However, the impact of the wireless solution versus the HMD cables was not yet properly investigated. In this paper, we study the impact of using a wired vs wireless HMD on Presence, Cybersickness, and Game Experience. We conducted a quasi-experimental between-subjects study with 68 participants assigned to the following three groups that were balanced regarding gender and sample size: Cable (participants used a wired HMD), Cable & x002B; Help (a researcher assisted the participants with the HMD cable during the experience to reduce the participants; awareness of it), and Wireless (untethered HMD). Results showed no significant differences in presence and cybersickness. The game experience was significantly different, with Cable & x002B; Help performing better than Cable and Wireless. We conclude that sense of presence using wireless solutions is equated to wired HMD solutions.

2020

The Impact of Olfactory and Wind Stimuli on 360 Videos Using Head-mounted Displays

Authors
Narciso, D; Melo, M; Vasconcelos Raposo, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
ACM TRANSACTIONS ON APPLIED PERCEPTION

Abstract
Consuming 360 audiovisual content using a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) has become a standard feature for Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR). However, most applications rely only on visual and auditory feedback whereas other senses are often disregarded. The main goal of this work was to study the effect of tactile and olfactory stimuli on participants' sense of presence and cybersickness while watching a 360 video using an HMD-based IVR setup. An experiment with 48 participants and three experimental conditions (360 video, 360 video with olfactory stimulus, and 360 video with tactile stimulus) was performed. Presence and cybersickness were reported via post-test questionnaires. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in presence between the control and the olfactory conditions. From the control to the tactile condition, mean values were higher but failed to show statistical significance. Thus, results suggest that adding an olfactory stimulus increases presence significantly while the addition of a tactile stimulus only shows a positive effect. Regarding cybersickness, no significant differences were found across conditions. We conclude that an olfactory stimulus contributes to higher presence and that a tactile stimulus, delivered in the form of cutaneous perception of wind, has no influence in presence. We further conclude that multisensory cues do not affect cybersickness.

2020

Usability and Sense of Presence in Virtual Worlds for Distance Education: A Case Study with Virtual Reality Experts

Authors
Krassmann, AL; Rocha Mazzuco, AEd; Melo, M; Bessa, M; Bercht, M;

Publication
Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, CSEDU 2020, Prague, Czech Republic, May 2-4, 2020, Volume 1.

Abstract
This case study presents a virtual reality experts' evaluation of a desktop-based virtual world developed towards distance education, under the perspectives of usability and sense of presence, which are considered factors that can potentially influence learning outcomes. Among the results, data from usability and sense of presence were positively correlated. The sense of presence was achieved, with participants losing track of time while performing the activity. Experts agreed that the virtual world is easy to use and can prepare students for the real-world task. The findings outline positive and negative points that must be addressed in order to optimize the experience of distance education students. Copyright

2019

Age and level of education impact on expectancy and perceived similarity between virtual and real touristic environments

Authors
Magalhaes, M; Melo, M; Coelho, A; Bessa, M;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GRAPHICS AND INTERACTION (ICGI 2019)

Abstract
This paper focuses on the combination of 360-degree video and virtual reality for improving the touristic experience. Three scenarios were considered in this study: two 360-degree video visualizations, each one related to different touristic places, both presented in an immersive way, followed by an actual visit to those places. By comparing these situations, it was intended to determine the degree of perceived similarity between the virtual and the corresponding real sites, and to analyze if the users' expectancy was fulfilled. This research comprised a qualitative analysis using data collection based on questionnaires, which were applied to a sample consisted of 45 participants. The independent variables of the study were the participants' age and level of education. The results show no statistically significant impact between the two independent variables (users' age and level of education) and perceived similarity and users' expectancy. Our findings suggest that virtual tourism can act as an efficient promotion tool, considering that users' perceived destination image is not compromised regarding their age or level of education.

2020

Collaborative immersive authoring tool for real-time creation of multisensory VR experiences (vol 78, pg 19473, 2020)

Authors
Coelho, H; Melo, M; Martins, J; Bessa, M;

Publication
MULTIMEDIA TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract
In the original publication, Figs. 1 and 2 were interchange and the citation of Fig. 1 in the third paragraph of section 2.2 Authoring tools for multisensory VR experiences should be removed.

2019

Correlation between Game Experience and Presence in immersive virtual reality games

Authors
Goncalves, G; Coelho, H; Monteiro, P; Melo, M; Bessa, M;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GRAPHICS AND INTERACTION (ICGI 2019)

Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have evolved to the point where it is being used in various areas (entertainment, medicine, education, etc.). One of the metrics that allow the evaluation of the virtual experience is Presence. In this work, we conduct an exploratory study that studies which factors of VR games correlate to presence. Various components of games are also shared between other VR applications allowing the results to be applicable not only in VR games. A study with 78 participants divided into 5 groups was conducted where each group played a different VR game. Presence and Game Experience were evaluated. The results indicated multiple positive correlations between subscales of Presence and Game Experience.

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