Luis Almeida PhD
Project:
Augmented reality framework for socialization between elderly people
This research proposes an augmented reality framework to support
three-dimensional conferencing based on tele-presence with objective
"sense of presence" measures. The goal is to study and develop an
incremental on-line 3D human reconstruction solution useful for
real-time interaction on mixed reality workspaces. The approach
explores virtual view synthesis through motion body estimation and
hybrid sensors composed by video cameras and a depth camera (ex:
structured light). By exploring computers graphics, spatial audio and
artificial vision capturing techniques we intend to induce sensations
of being physical in the presence of other people and by investigating
people's reaction we expect to obtain an objective evaluation of "sense
of presence" on AR environments.
Immersive teleoperation of mobile robots
The research also investigates approaches capable of inducing
sensations of tele-presence in robotic tele-operations. Operator's
control actions are simpler, if he feels being in the remote environment.
The goal is to replicate some conditions of the remote
environment to let operator's perception behaviours approximate
to the natural ones. Since immersion aims at providing stimulus
to trick the sensory system, we pursue a consistency between
outside sensory feedbacks and inside sensory proprioceptive,
vestibular information and cognitive models. Seeking operations
enhancement, we explore the embodiment concept by virtually
place the operator inside the robot. This research develops and
evaluates natural-based interfaces for immersive tele-operation.
The results indicate a decrease in cognitive workload with gains
in task performance.