arXiv subjects

Lucas Plabst

Publications and source records attributed to Lucas Plabst.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Leveraging fNIRS to Evaluate Workload for Adaptive Training in Virtual Reality

Advance in technology offer the potential for future adoption of a combination of virtual reality (VR) and real-time adaptivity to enhance training and education. Providing a valid neuro-ergonomic measure of cognitive load can enable an adaptive training regime to continuously adjust tas difficulty to an optimal level as training progresses. The current study validated the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) measure of cognitive load to reflect the demands of two different forms of lad within Cognitive Load Theory: extraneous and intrinsic to he task to be mastered. Thirty-six participants completed a VR shape assembly training task followed by a test of their skill retention They wore near-full head coverage fNIRS and provided subjective ratings of ther workload. The fNIRS findings largely corroborate intrinsic workload literature with significant activation in cortical regions (dorsolateral and rostral prefrontal cortex and left angular gyrus) associated with working memory, short term memory buffers, multisensory integration, and attention. These fNIRS results were tracked closely by NASA TLS measures of mental workload. The results also revealed far less brain activity associated with extraneous load, namely just the right angular gyrus, deemed irrelevant to the mastery of the task.

cs.HC↗

arXiv2025

The Impact of Simple, Brief, and Adaptive Instructions within Virtual Reality Training: Components of Cognitive Load Theory in an Assembly Task

Objective: The study examined the effects of varying all three core elements of cognitive load on learning efficiency during a shape assembly task in virtual reality (VR). Background: Adaptive training systems aim to improve learning efficiency and retention by dynamically adjusting difficulty. However, design choices can impact the cognitive workload imposed on the learner. The present experiments examined how aspects of cognitive load impact training outcomes. Method: Participants learned step-by-step shape assembly in a VR environment. Cognitive load was manipulated across three dimensions: Intrinsic Load (shape complexity), Extraneous Load (instruction verbosity), and Germane Load (adaptive vs. fixed training). In adaptive training (experiment 1), difficulty increased based on individual performance. In fixed training (experiment 2), difficulty followed a preset schedule from a yoked participant. Results: Higher Intrinsic Load significantly increased training times and subjective workload but did not affect retention test accuracy. Extraneous Load modestly impacted training time, with little impact on workload or retention. Adaptive training shortened overall training time without increasing workload or impairing retention. No interactions were observed between the three types of load. Conclusion: Both Intrinsic and Extraneous Load increased training time, but adaptive training improved efficiency without harming retention. The lack of interaction between the elements suggests training benefits can be worth seeking within any of the components of cognitive load. Application: These findings support the use of VR adaptive systems in domains such as manufacturing and military service, where efficient assembly skill acquisition is critical. Tailoring difficulty in real-time can optimize efficiency without compromising learning.

cs.HC↗

arXiv2024

Ping! Your Food is Ready: Comparing Different Notification Techniques in 3D AR Cooking Environment

Implementing visual and audio notifications on augmented reality devices is a crucial element of intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces. In this paper, we explored creating intuitive interfaces through visual and audio notifications. The study evaluated user performance and preference across three conditions: visual notifications in fixed positions, visual notifications above objects, and no visual notifications with monaural sounds. The users were tasked with cooking and serving customers in an open-source Augmented-Reality sandbox environment called ARtisan Bistro. The results indicated that visual notifications above objects combined with localized audio feedback were the most effective and preferred method by participants. The findings highlight the importance of strategic placement of visual and audio notifications in AR, providing insights for engineers and developers to design intuitive 3D user interfaces.

cs.HC↗