Barbara Karpowicz

Stanisław Knapiński, Maciej Grzeszczuk, Barbara Karpowicz et al.

This work aims to establish an end-to-end system for tracking of physical 3D objects for virtual reality (VR) applications. We focus on training applications requiring real-time tracking of the position of small physical objects and their reflection in VR space. Out goal is to perform object tracking in a "plug and play" manner, without using complex systems with quite large tracking devices or manually implementing object tracking. We therefore propose a system for object tracking via fiducial markers alongside a software harness, to enable fast and efficient designation of objects to be tracked and data streaming solution for end-use applications. The system utilizes AruCo, AprilTag and an original Colored Control Points based fiducial system. It allows for easy tag detection and use of object position data, which are crucial for immersive training environments based on VR and eXtended Reality (XR). We evaluate various tag sizes, detection distances, and different camera devices against the theoretical limits. In effect, we create a complete solution for implementing marker-based, real-to-virtual object position mapping for various applications.

Grzegorz Pochwatko, Barbara Karpowicz, Anna Chrzanowska et al.

The rapid development of virtual reality technology has increased its availability and, consequently, increased the number of its possible applications. The interest in the new medium has grown due to the entertainment industry (games, VR experiences and movies). The number of freely available training and therapeutic applications is also increasing. Contrary to popular opinion, new technologies are also adopted by older adults. Creating virtual environments tailored to the needs and capabilities of older adults requires intense research on the behaviour of these participants in the most common situations, towards commonly used elements of the virtual environment, in typical sceneries. Comfortable immersion in a virtual environment is key to achieving the impression of presence. Presence is, in turn, necessary to obtain appropriate training, persuasive and therapeutic effects. A virtual agent (a humanoid representation of an algorithm or artificial intelligence) is often an element of the virtual environment interface. Maintaining an appropriate distance to the agent is, therefore, a key parameter for the creator of the VR experience. Older (65+) participants maintain greater distance towards an agent (a young white male) than younger ones (25-35). It may be caused by differences in the level of arousal, but also cultural norms. As a consequence, VR developers are advised to use algorithms that maintain the agent at the appropriate distance, depending on the user's age.

Rafał Masłyk, Kinga Skorupska, Piotr Gago et al.

The main goal of this paper is to discuss how to integrate the possibilities of crowdsourcing platforms with systems supporting workflow to enable the engagement and interaction with business tasks of a wider group of people. Thus, this work is an attempt to expand the functional capabilities of typical business systems by allowing selected process tasks to be performed by unlimited human resources. Opening business tasks to crowdsourcing, within established Business Process Management Systems (BPMS) will improve the flexibility of company processes and allow for lower work-load and greater specialization among the staff employed on-site. The presented conceptual work is based on the current international standards in this field, promoted by Workflows Management Coalition. To this end, the functioning of business platforms was analysed and their functionality was presented visually, followed by a proposal and a discussion of how to implement crowdsourcing into workflow systems.

Anna Jaskulska, Kinga Skorupska, Barbara Karpowicz et al.

Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) owing to recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), are becoming increasingly intuitive and functional. They are especially promising for older adults, also with special needs, as VUIs remove some barriers related to access to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions. In this pilot study we examine interdisciplinary opportunities in the area of VUIs as assistive technologies, based on an exploratory study with older adults, and a follow-up in-depth pilot study with two participants regarding the needs of people who are gradually losing their sight at a later age.