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Felix G. Hamza-Lup

Publications and source records attributed to Felix G. Hamza-Lup.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Attention Patterns Detection using Brain Computer Interfaces

The human brain provides a range of functions such as expressing emotions, controlling the rate of breathing, etc., and its study has attracted the interest of scientists for many years. As machine learning models become more sophisticated, and bio-metric data becomes more readily available through new non-invasive technologies, it becomes increasingly possible to gain access to interesting biometric data that could revolutionize Human-Computer Interaction. In this research, we propose a method to assess and quantify human attention levels and their effects on learning. In our study, we employ a brain computer interface (BCI) capable of detecting brain wave activity and displaying the corresponding electroencephalograms (EEG). We train recurrent neural networks (RNNS) to identify the type of activity an individual is performing.

cs.HC↗

Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Generation Z's Addiction

As generation Z's big data is flooding the Internet through social nets, neural network based data processing is turning an important cornerstone, showing significant potential for fast extraction of data patterns. Online course delivery and associated tutoring are transforming into customizable, on-demand services driven by the learner. Besides automated grading, strong potential exists for the development and deployment of next generation intelligent tutoring software agents. Self-adaptive, online tutoring agents exhibiting "intelligent-like" behavior, being capable "to learn" from the learner, will become the next educational superstars. Over the past decade, computer-based tutoring agents were deployed in a variety of extended reality environments, from patient rehabilitation to psychological trauma healing. Most of these agents are driven by a set of conditional control statements and a large answers/questions pairs dataset. This article provides a brief introduction on Generation Z's addiction to digital information, highlights important efforts for the development of intelligent dialogue systems, and explains the main components and important design decisions for Intelligent Tutoring System.

cs.HC↗

Adaptive Group-based Zero Knowledge Proof-Authentication Protocol (AGZKP-AP) in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) are a particular subclass of mobile ad hoc networks that raise a number of security challenges, notably from the way users authenticate the network. Authentication technologies based on existing security policies and access control rules in such networks assume full trust on Roadside Unit (RSU) and authentication servers. The disclosure of authentication parameters enables user's trace-ability over the network. VANETs' trusted entities (e.g. RSU) can utilize such information to track a user traveling behavior, violating user privacy and anonymity. In this paper, we proposed a novel, light-weight, Adaptive Group-based Zero Knowledge Proof-Authentication Protocol (AGZKP-AP) for VANETs. The proposed authentication protocol is capable of offering various levels of users' privacy settings based on the type of services available on such networks. Our scheme is based on the Zero-Knowledge-Proof (ZKP) crypto approach with the support of trade-off options. Users have the option to make critical decisions on the level of privacy and the amount of resources usage they prefer such as short system response time versus the number of private information disclosures. Furthermore, AGZKP-AP is incorporated with a distributed privilege control and revoking mechanism that render user's private information to law enforcement in case of a traffic violation.

cs.CR↗

Web-enabled Intelligent System for Continuous Sensor Data Processing and Visualization

A large number of sensors deployed in recent years in various setups and their data is readily available in dedicated databases or in the cloud. Of particular interest is real-time data processing and 3D visualization in web-based user interfaces that facilitate spatial information understanding and sharing, hence helping the decision making process for all the parties involved. In this research, we provide a prototype system for near real-time, continuous X3D-based visualization of processed sensor data for two significant applications: thermal monitoring for residential/commercial buildings and nitrogen cycle monitoring in water beds for aquaponics systems. As sensors are sparsely placed, in each application, where they collect data for large periods (of up to one year), we employ a Finite Differences Method and a Neural Networks model to approximate data distribution in the entire volume.

eess.SP↗

Design of Wireless Sensors for IoT with Energy Storage and Communication Channel Heterogeneity

Autonomous Wireless Sensors (AWSs) are at the core of every Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Current AWS technology allows the development of many IoT-based applications, ranging from military to bioengineering and from industry to education. The energy optimization of AWSs depends mainly on: Structural, functional, and application specifications. The holistic design methodology addresses all the factors mentioned above. In this sense, we propose an original solution based on a novel architecture that duplicates the transceivers and also the power source using a hybrid storage system. By identifying the consumption needs of the transceivers, an appropriate methodology for sizing and controlling the power flow for the power source is proposed. The paper emphasizes the fusion between information, communication, and energy consumption of the AWS in terms of spectrum information through a set of transceiver testing scenarios, identifying the main factors that influence the sensor node design and their inter-dependencies. Optimization of the system considers all these factors obtaining an energy efficient AWS, paving the way towards autonomous sensors by adding an energy harvesting element to them.

cs.NI↗

A Survey of Visuo-Haptic Simulation in Surgical Training

Surgeons must accomplish complex technical and intellectual tasks that can generate unexpected and serious challenges with little or no room for error. In the last decade, computer simulations have played an increasing role in surgical training, pre-operative planning, and biomedical research. Specifically, visuo-haptic simulations have been the focus of research to develop advanced e-Learning systems facilitating surgical training. The cost of haptic hardware was reduced through mass scale production and as haptics gained popularity in the gaming industry. Visuo-haptic simulations combine the tactile sense with visual information and provide training scenarios with a high degree of reality. For surgical training, such scenarios can be used as ways to gain, improve, and assess resident and expert surgeons' skills and knowledge.

cs.HC↗

Haptic User Interfaces and Practice-based Learning for Minimally Invasive Surgical Training

Recent advances in haptic hardware and software technology have generated interest in novel, multimodal interfaces based on the sense of touch. Such interfaces have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about human computer interaction and open new possibilities for simulation and training in a variety of fields. In this paper we review several frameworks, APIs and toolkits for haptic user interface development. We explore these software components focusing on minimally invasive surgical simulation systems. In the area of medical diagnosis, there is a strong need to determine mechanical properties of biological tissue for both histological and pathological considerations. Therefore we focus on the development of affordable visuo-haptic simulators to improve practice-based education in this area. We envision such systems, designed for the next generations of learners that enhance their knowledge in connection with real-life situations while they train in mandatory safety conditions.

cs.HC↗

Feel the Static and Kinetic Friction

Multimodal simulations augment the presentation of abstract concepts facilitating theoretical models understanding and learning. Most simulations only engage two of our five senses: sight and hearing. If we employ additional sensory communication channels in simulations, we may gain a deeper understanding of illustrated concepts by increasing the communication bandwidth and providing alternative perspectives. We implemented the sense of touch in 3D simulations to teach important concepts in introductory physics. Specifically, we developed a visual/haptic simulation for friction. We prove that interactive 3D haptic simulations, if carefully developed and deployed, are useful in engaging students and allowing them to understand concepts faster. We hypothesize that large scale deployment of such haptic-based simulators in science laboratories is now possible due to the advancements in haptic software and hardware technology.

cs.HC↗

Challenges in the Deployment of Visuo-Haptic Virtual Environments on the Internet

Haptic sensory feedback has been shown to complement the visual and auditory senses, improve user performance and provide a greater sense of togetherness in collaborative and interactive virtual environments. However, we are faced with numerous challenges when deploying these systems over the present day Internet. The most significant of these challenges are the network performance limitations of the Wide Area Networks. In this paper, we offer a structured examination of the current challenges in the deployment of haptic-based distributed systems by analyzing the recent advances in the understanding of these challenges and the progress that has been made to overcome them.

cs.HC↗

Extending the Web3D: Design of Conventional GUI Libraries in X3D

Extensible 3D (X3D) modeling language is one of the leading Web3D technologies. Despite the rich functionality, the language does not currently provide tools for rapid development of conventional graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Every X3D author is responsible for building from primitives a purpose specific set of required interface components, often for a single use. We address the challenge of creating consistent, efficient, interactive, and visually appealing GUIs by proposing the X3D User Interface (X3DUI) library. This library includes a wide range of cross-compatible X3D widgets, equipped with configurable appearance and behavior. With this library, we attempt to standardize the GUI construction across various X3D-driven projects, and improve the usability, compatibility, adaptability, readability, and flexibility of many existing applications.

cs.HC↗

Haptic Simulator for Liver Diagnostics through Palpation

Mechanical properties of biological tissue for both histological and pathological considerations are often required in disease diagnostics. Such properties can be simulated and explored with haptic technology. Development of cost effective haptic-based simulators and their introduction in the minimally invasive surgery learning cycle is still in its infancy. Receiving pretraining in a core set of surgical skills can reduce skill acquisition time and risks. We present the development of a visuo-haptic simulator module designed to train internal organs disease diagnostics through palpation. The module is part of a set of tools designed to train and improve basic surgical skills for minimally invasive surgery.

cs.HC↗

Haptics-Augmented Physics Simulation: Coriolis Effect

The teaching of abstract physics concepts can be enhanced by incorporating visual and haptic sensory modalities in the classroom, using the correct perspectives. We have developed virtual reality simulations to assist students in learning the Coriolis effect, an apparent deflection on an object in motion when observed from within a rotating frame of reference. Twenty four undergraduate physics students participated in this study. Students were able to feel the forces through feedback on a Novint Falcon device. The assessment results show an improvement in the learning experience and better content retention as compared with traditional instruction methods. We prove that large scale deployment of visuo-haptic reconfigurable applications is now possible and feasible in a science laboratory setup.

cs.HC↗

Comparative Study of APIs and Frameworks for Haptic Application Development

The simulation of tactile sensation using haptic devices is increasingly investigated in conjunction with simulation and training. In this paper we explore the most popular haptic frameworks and APIs. We provide a comprehensive review and comparison of their features and capabilities, from the perspective of the need to develop a haptic simulator for medical training purposes. In order to compare the studied frameworks and APIs, we identified and applied a set of 11 criteria and we obtained a classification of platforms, from the perspective of our project. According to this classification, we used the best platform to develop a visual-haptic prototype for liver diagnostics.

cs.SE↗

Web-Based 3D and Haptic Interactive Environments for e-Learning, Simulation, and Training

Knowledge creation occurs in the process of social interaction. As our service-based society is evolving into a knowledge-based society there is an acute need for more effective collaboration and knowledge-sharing systems to be used by geographically scattered people. We present the use of Web3D components and standards, such as X3D, in combination with the haptic (tactile) paradigm, for the development of new communication channels for e-Learning and simulation.

cs.HC↗

Liver Pathology Simulation: Algorithm for Haptic Rendering and Force Maps for Palpation Assessment

Preoperative gestures include tactile sampling of the mechanical properties of biological tissue for both histological and pathological considerations. Tactile properties used in conjunction with visual cues can provide useful feedback to the surgeon. Development of novel cost effective haptic-based simulators and their introduction in the minimally invasive surgery learning cycle can absorb the learning curve for your residents. Receiving pre-training in a core set of surgical skills can reduce skill acquisition time and risks. We present the integration of a real-time surface stiffness adjustment algorithm and a novel paradigm -- force maps -- in a visuo-haptic simulator module designed to train internal organs disease diagnostics through palpation.

cs.GR↗

Development of Head-Mounted Projection Displays for Distributed, Collaborative, Augmented Reality Applications

Distributed systems technologies supporting 3D visualization and social collaboration will be increasing in frequency and type over time. An emerging type of head-mounted display referred to as the head-mounted projection display (HMPD) was recently developed that only requires ultralight optics (i.e., less than 8 g per eye) that enables immersive multiuser, mobile augmented reality 3D visualization, as well as remote 3D collaborations. In this paper a review of the development of lightweight HMPD technology is provided, together with insight into what makes this technology timely and so unique. Two novel emerging HMPD-based technologies are then described: a teleportal HMPD(T-HMPD) enabling face-to-face communication and visualization of shared 3D virtual objects, and a mobile HMPD (M-HMPD) designed for outdoor wearable visualization and communication. Finally, the use of HMPD in medical visualization and training, as well as in infospaces, two applications developed in the ODA and MIND labs respectively, are discussed.

cs.HC↗

Simulating Forces - Learning Through Touch, Virtual Laboratories

With the expansion of e-learning course curricula and the affordability of haptic devices, at-home virtual laboratories are emerging as an increasingly viable option for e-learners. We outline three novel haptic simulations for the introductory physics concepts of friction, the Coriolis Effect, and Precession. These simulations provide force feedback through one or more Novint Falcon devices, allowing students to "feel" the forces at work in a controlled learning environment. This multi-modal approach to education (beyond the audiovisual) may lead to increased interest and immersion for e-learners and appeal to the kinesthetic learners who may struggle in a traditional e-learning course setting.

cs.HC↗

X3D in Urban Planning - Savannah in 3D

Urban planning often raises complex issues that are difficult to visualize and challenging to communicate. The increasing availability of 3D modeling standards has provided the opportunity for many developers, engineers, designers, planners, investors, and government officials to effectively collaborate to bring projects to fruition. Because of its real-time interactivity and widespread web-based content players, X3D proves to be a good choice for developing and visualizing 3D city content on the Web for planning purposes. Passenger rail is a viable and cost-effective transportation solution in many areas, especially in view of rising energy costs. The Savannah in 3D (or S3D) project is a multimedia tool for a feasibility study designed to bring passenger rail to Savannah; thereby opening up the historic, tourist-friendly city to a wider audience. The paper outlines the development process of an interactive 3D train model as it journeys from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia - focusing on user interactivity and scene immersion to supplement the city and transportation planning agenda.

cs.GR↗