Effects of virtual agents on interaction efficiency and environmental immersion in MR environments

Background Physical entity interactions in mixed reality(MR)environments aim to harness human capabilities in manipulating physical objects,thereby enhancing virtual environment(VEs)functionality.In MR,a common strategy is to use virtual agents as substitutes for physical entities,balancing interaction efficiency with environmental immersion.However,the impact of virtual agent size and form on interaction performance remains unclear.Methods Two experiments were conducted to explore how virtual agent size and form affect interaction performance,immersion,and preference in MR environments.The first experiment assessed five virtual agent sizes(25%,50%,75%,100%,and 125%of physical size).The second experiment tested four types of frames(no frame,consistent frame,half frame,and surrounding frame)across all agent sizes.Participants,utilizing a head mounted display,performed tasks involving moving cups,typing words,and using a mouse.They completed questionnaires assessing aspects such as the virtual environment effects,interaction effects,collision concerns,and preferences.Results Results from the first experiment revealed that agents matching physical object size produced the best overall performance.The second experiment demonstrated that consistent framing notably enhances interaction accuracy and speed but reduces immersion.To balance efficiency and immersion,frameless agents matching physical object sizes were deemed optimal.Conclusions Virtual agents matching physical entity sizes enhance user experience and interaction performance.Conversely,familiar frames from 2D interfaces detrimentally affect interaction and immersion in virtual spaces.This study provides valuable insights for the future development of MR systems.

Influence of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety of preschool-aged children undergoing surgery

BACKGROUND Preschoolers become anxious when they are about to undergo anesthesia and surgery,warranting the development of more appropriate and effective interventions.AIM To explore the effect of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments on preoperative anxiety and anesthesia induction compliance in preschool-aged children undergoing surgery.METHODS One hundred and sixteen preschool-aged children were selected and assigned to the drug(n=37),intervention(n=40),and control(n=39)groups.All the children received routine preoperative checkups and nursing before being transferred to the preoperative preparation room on the day of the operation.The drug group received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam and the intervention group treatment consisting of static cartoons combined with dynamic virtual environments.The control group received no intervention.The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the children’s anxiety level on the day before surgery(T0),before leaving the preoperative preparation room(T1),when entering the operating room(T2),and at anesthesia induction(T3).Compliance during anesthesia induction(T3)was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist(ICC).Changes in mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),and respiratory rate(RR)were also recorded at each time point.RESULTS The anxiety scores of the three groups increased variously at T1 and T2.At T3,both the drug and intervention groups had similar anxiety scores,both of which were lower than those in the control group.At T1 and T2,MAP,HR,and RR of the three groups increased.The drug and control groups had significantly higher MAP and RR than the intervention group at T2.At T3,the MAP,HR,and RR of the drug group decreased and were significantly lower than those in the control group but were comparable to those in the intervention group.Both the drug and intervention groups had similar ICC scores and duration of anesthesia induction(T3),both of which were higher than those of the control group.CONCLUSION Combining static cartoons with dynamic virtual environments as effective as medication,specifically midazolam,in reducing preoperative anxiety and fear in preschool-aged children.This approach also improve their compliance during anesthesia induction and helped maintain their stable vital signs.

SFC placement and dynamic resource allocation based on VNF performance-resource function and service requirement in cloud-edge environment

With the continuous development of network func-tions virtualization(NFV)and software-defined networking(SDN)technologies and the explosive growth of network traffic,the requirement for computing resources in the network has risen sharply.Due to the high cost of edge computing resources,coordinating the cloud and edge computing resources to improve the utilization efficiency of edge computing resources is still a considerable challenge.In this paper,we focus on optimiz-ing the placement of network services in cloud-edge environ-ments to maximize the efficiency.It is first proved that,in cloud-edge environments,placing one service function chain(SFC)integrally in the cloud or at the edge can improve the utilization efficiency of edge resources.Then a virtual network function(VNF)performance-resource(P-R)function is proposed to repre-sent the relationship between the VNF instance computing per-formance and the allocated computing resource.To select the SFCs that are most suitable to deploy at the edge,a VNF place-ment and resource allocation model is built to configure each VNF with its particular P-R function.Moreover,a heuristic recur-sive algorithm is designed called the recursive algorithm for max edge throughput(RMET)to solve the model.Through simula-tions on two scenarios,it is verified that RMET can improve the utilization efficiency of edge computing resources.

The Trade-Off Between Performance and Security of Virtualized Trusted Execution Environment on Android

Nowadays,with the significant growth of the mobile market,security issues on the Android Operation System have also become an urgent matter.Trusted execution environment(TEE)technologies are considered an option for satisfying the inviolable property by taking advantage of hardware security.However,for Android,TEE technologies still contain restrictions and limitations.The first issue is that non-original equipment manufacturer developers have limited access to the functionality of hardware-based TEE.Another issue of hardware-based TEE is the cross-platform problem.Since every mobile device supports different TEE vendors,it becomes an obstacle for developers to migrate their trusted applications to other Android devices.A software-based TEE solution is a potential approach that allows developers to customize,package and deliver the product efficiently.Motivated by that idea,this paper introduces a VTEE model,a software-based TEE solution,on Android devices.This research contributes to the analysis of the feasibility of using a virtualized TEE on Android devices by considering two metrics:computing performance and security.The experiment shows that the VTEE model can host other software-based TEE services and deliver various cryptography TEE functions on theAndroid environment.The security evaluation shows that adding the VTEE model to the existing Android does not addmore security issues to the traditional design.Overall,this paper shows applicable solutions to adjust the balance between computing performance and security.

Stereoscopic Camera-Sensor Model for the Development of Highly Automated Driving Functions within a Virtual Test Environment

The need for efficient and reproducible development processes for sensor and perception systems is growing with their increased use in modern vehicles. Such processes can be achieved by using virtual test environments and virtual sensor models. In the context of this, the present paper documents the development of a sensor model for depth estimation of virtual three-dimensional scenarios. For this purpose, the geometric and algorithmic principles of stereoscopic camera systems are recreated in a virtual form. The model is implemented as a subroutine in the Epic Games Unreal Engine, which is one of the most common Game Engines. Its architecture consists of several independent procedures that enable a local depth estimation, but also a reconstruction of a whole three-dimensional scenery. In addition, a separate programme for calibrating the model is presented. In addition to the basic principles, the architecture and the implementation, this work also documents the evaluation of the model created. It is shown that the model meets specifically defined requirements for real-time capability and the accuracy of the evaluation. Thus, it is suitable for the virtual testing of common algorithms and highly automated driving functions.

Application of Virtual Reality Technology in Constructing Virtual Tourism Environment

Virtual tourism is the application of virtual reality technology in tourism industry,in which the key is to construct lifelike virtual environment.This paper introduces several main methods in producing virtual environment,such as landform formation with the help of height field method,construction of complicated three-dimensional models in virtual environment through 3DS MAX,construction of lifelike tree models using Billboard technique and Cross Billboard technique,and adoption of texture mapping,LOD(level of detail),and collision testing technique to increase sense of reality in virtual environment.Finally a lifelike virtual tourism environment is realized under the context of Visual C++6.0 through OpenGL.

The Use of Virtual Learning Environment in Chinese Higher Education

The paper analyzes the current condition of the use of virtual learning environment(VLE) in Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine. It is indicated that students show a positive attitude toward this technology, but the use of it fails to meet students' perception. In light of this, recommendations are made with a view to enhance the use of VLE.

COLLISION AVOIDANCE DECISION-MAKING MODEL OF MULTI-AGENTS IN VIRTUAL DRIVING ENVIRONMENT WITH ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

Collision avoidance decision-making models of multiple agents in virtual driving environment are studied. Based on the behavioral characteristics and hierarchical structure of the collision avoidance decision-making in real life driving, delphi approach and mathematical statistics method are introduced to construct pair-wise comparison judgment matrix of collision avoidance decision choices to each collision situation. Analytic hierarchy process （AHP） is adopted to establish the agents＇ collision avoidance decision-making model. To simulate drivers＇ characteristics, driver factors are added to categorize driving modes into impatient mode, normal mode, and the cautious mode. The results show that this model can simulate human＇s thinking process, and the agents in the virtual environment can deal with collision situations and make decisions to avoid collisions without intervention. The model can also reflect diversity and uncertainly of real life driving behaviors, and solves the multi-objective, multi-choice ranking priority problem in multi-vehicle collision scenarios. This collision avoidance model of multi-agents model is feasible and effective, and can provide richer and closer-to-life virtual scene for driving simulator, reflecting real-life traffic environment more truly, this model can also promote the practicality of driving simulator.

A Hierarchical Framework for Visualising and Simulating Supply Chains in Virtual Environments

This paper presents research into applying virtual environment (VE) technology to supply chain management (SCM). Our research work has employed virtual manufacturing environments to represent supply chain nodes to simulate processes and activities in supply chain management. This will enable those who are involved in these processes and activities to gain an intuitive understanding of them, so as to design robust supply chains and make correct decisions at the right time. A framework system and its hierarchical structure for visualising and simulating supply chains in virtual environments are reported and detailed in this paper.

Realization of Reconfigurable Virtual Environments for Virtual Testing

This paper presents the design and implementation of reconfigurable virtual environments (VEs) for virtual testing. It proposes a hybrid design approach that is derived from a so-called integration and composition of the reconfiguration strategy. The designing process has thus evolved from binding virtual objects using reconfiguration rules within the context of virtual testing scenarios. Therefore reconfigurable virtual environments are established with improved flexibility and scalability, tailored to a wide range of virtual testing applications. Those virtual environments integrate virtual testing scenarios, data acquisition, databases, rule mapping and application interfaces, which yield modular testing functions and an open-ended system architecture with a set of extensible interface tools to realize data exchange within reconfigurable VEs. This enables virtual testing scenarios to be reconfigured interactively based on real time data and communication between virtual environments and real environments. A virtual testing application has been implemented using reconfigurable VEs. Keywords Virtual environment - virtual testing - reconfigurable virtual reality Wenyan Wu graduated from Dalian University of Technology, China, with BSc and MSc in 1988 and 1991 respectively. She earned her PhD degree from University of Derby, UK, in 2002. She had taught and researched in Harbin Institute of Technology, China and De Montfort University, UK. She is currently a senior lecturer in simulation and virtual reality at Staffordshire University, UK. Her research interests include computer graphics, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality system, advanced interface, modelling and simulation, distribution system.Zhengxu Zhao BSc, MSc, PhD, CEng, CITP, MBCS, full Professor in Applied Computing, Director of Virtual Reality Centre. He is also a Cheng Kong Scholar Project Professor in Virtual Reality Technology and Director of Virtual Reality Research Centre at the Southeast University, P R China. Professor Zhao’s research interests include computing graphics and VR systems, industrial process simulation, CIM and manufacturing management systems.

Generation and Control of Game Virtual Environment

In this paper, we present a framework for the generation and control of an Internet-based 3-dimensional game virtual environment that allows a character to navigate through the environment. Our framework includes 3-dimensional terrain mesh data processing, a map editor, scene processing, collision processing, and walkthrough control. We also define an environment-specific semantic information editor, which can be applied using specific location obtained from the real world. Users can insert text information related to the characters real position in the real world during navigation in the game virtual environment.

Geographical Information Visualization on a Panoramic Sphere in an Immersive Environment

In this paper,we propose a novel approach to visualizing global geographical information:a panoramic sphere in an immersive environment.The whole geographical surface can be observed through the rotating of heads as the viewpoint of the panoramic sphere is inside the sphere.We compared three approaches to visualizing the earth for rendering the geographical information in a virtual reality environment.On the tasks of terrestrial and marine geographical information,we compare the visualization effects on a)a globe,b)a flat map and c)a panoramic sphere.Terrestrial geographical information tasks include the area comparison and direction determination.Marine geographical information tasks contain the visualization of sea surface temperature and sea surface currents.For terrestrial geographical information tasks,the experimental results show that the panoramic sphere outperforms the globe and the flat map,with a higher average accuracy and a shorter time.On marine geographical information task,the panoramic sphere visualization is also superior to the flat map and the globe in an immersive environment for the sea surface temperature data and the sea surface current fields.In all three visualization experiments,the panoramic sphere is most preferred by the participants,particularly for global,transcontinental and transoceanic needs.

An Intelligent Agent Based on Virtual Geographic Environment System

On the basis of previous work, this paper designs an intelligent agent based on virtual geographic environment (VGE) system that is characterized by huge data, rapid computation, multi\|user, multi\|thread and intelligence and issues challenges to traditional GIS models and algorithms. The new advances in software and hardware technology lay a reliable basis for system design, development and application.

Architecture of HLA Based Distributed Virtual Geographic Environment

Integrating the theory of distributed virtual geographic environment (DVGE) and high level architecture(HLA), the architecture of DVGE based on HLA is designed. The data flow and the object models of the architecture are also discussed. The architecture basically meets the need of DVGE in real-time communication, distribution, collaboration, reusing and interoperation, expansion, and standard.

Virtual reality for immersive multi-user firefighter-training scenarios

Background Virtual reality(VR)applications can be used to provide comprehensive training scenarios that are difficult or impossible to represent in physical configurations.This includes team training for emergency services such as firefighting.Creating a high level of immersion is essential for achieving effective virtual training.In this respect,motion-capture systems offer the possibility of creating highly immersive multi-user training experiences,including full-body avatars.Methods This study presents a preliminary prototype that helps extin-guish a virtual fire on a container ship as a VR training scenario.The prototype provides a full-body and multi-user VR experience based on the synthesis of position data provided by the motion-capture system and orientation data from the VR headsets.Moreover,the prototype facilitates an initial evaluation of the results.Results The results confirm the value of using VR for training procedures that are difficult to implement in the real world.Furthermore,the results show that motion-capture-based VR technologies are particularly useful for firefighting training,in which participants can collaborate in difficult-to-access environments.However,this study also indicates that increasing the immersion in such training remains a challenge.Conclusions This study presents a prototypical VR application that enables the multi-user training of maritime firefighters.Future research should evaluate the initial results,provide more extensive training scenarios,and measure the training progress.

Creation and Evaluation of a Multi-sensory Virtual Assembly Environment

The multi-modal information presentation, integrated into the virtual environment （VE）, has potential for stimulating different senses, improving the user＇s impression of immersion, and increasing the amount of information that is accepted and processed by the user＇s perception system. The increase of the useful feedback information may reduce the user＇s cognitive load, thus enhancing the user＇s efficiency and performance while interacting with VEs. This paper presents our creation of a multi-sensory virtual assembly environment （VAE） and the evaluation of the effects of multi-sensory feedback on the usability. The VAE brings together complex technologies such as constraint-based assembly simulation, optical motion tracking technology, and real-time 3D sound generation technology around a virtual reality workbench and a common software platform. The usability evaluation is in terms of its three attributes： efficiency of use, user satisfaction, and reliability. These are addressed by using task completion times （TCTs）, questionnaires, and human performance error rates （HPERs）, respectively. Two assembly tasks have been used to perform the experiments, using sixteen participants. The outcomes showed that the multi-sensory feedback could improve the usability. They also indicated that the integrated feedback offered better usability than either feedback used in isolation. Most participants preferred the integrated feedback to either feedback （visual or auditory） or no feedback. The participants＇ comments demonstrated that nonrealistic or inappropriate feedback had negative effects on the usability, and easily made them feel frustrated. The possible reasons behind the outcomes are also analysed by using a unifying human computer interaction framework. The implications, concluded from the outcomes of this work, can serve as useful guidelines for improving VE system design and implementation.

A Mobile Agent-Based Prototype of HeterogeneousDistributed Virtual Environment Systems

Mobile agents provide a new method for the distributed computation. This paper presents the advantages of using mobile agents in a distributed virtual environment (DVE) system, and describes the architecture of heterogeneous computer's distributed virtual environment system (HCWES) designed to populate some mobile agents as well as stationary agents. Finally, the paper introduces how heterogeneous computer network communication is to be realized.

Using GIS Data to Build Informed Virtual Geographic Environments (IVGE)

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to automatically building Informed Virtual Geographic Environments (IVGE) using data provided by Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The obtained IVGE provides 2D and 3D geographic information for visualization and simulation purposes. Conventional VGE approaches are generally built upon a grid-based representation, raising the well-known problems of the lack of accuracy of the localized data and the difficulty to merge data with multiple semantics. On the contrary, our approach uses a topological model and provides an exact representation of GIS data, allowing an accurate geometrical exploitation. Moreover, our model can merge semantic information, even if spatially overlapping. In addition, the proposed IVGE contains spatial information which can be enhanced thanks to a geometric abstraction method. We illustrate this model with an application which automatically extracts the required data from standard GIS files and allows a user to navigate and retrieve information from the computed IVGE.

Generation of 3D Virtual Geographic Environment Based on Laser Scanning Technique

This paper demonstrates an experiment on the generation of 3D virtual geographic environment on the basis of experimental flight laser scanning data by a set of algorithms and methods that were developed to automatically interpret range images for extracting geo-spatial features and then to reconstruct geo-objects. The algorithms and methods for the interpretation and modeling of laser scanner data include triangulated-irregular-network (TIN)-based range image interpolation; mathematical-morphology (MM)-based range image filtering, feature extraction and range image segmentation, feature generalization and optimization, 3D objects reconstruction and modeling; computer-graphics (CG)-based visualization and animation of geographic virtual reality environment.

Study on the Agile Virtual Enterprise′s Organizing Form and Running Environment

In this paper, we begin with the swift changes in the knowledge economy time,analyze the implication of the agility, and consider the agile virtual enterprise as the mainorganizational form for the manufacturing enterprises to realize agility. We classify the agilevirtual enterprises into products alliance style and knowledge alliance style, and compares theirmain features and profit distribution models. As a result, we give four basic structures for thebuilding and running of the agile virtual enterprises.