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Online virtual worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft offer users the chance to participate in potentially limitless virtual worlds, all via a standard desktop pc, mouse and keyboard. This paper addresses some of the interaction barriers and privacy concerns that people with disabilities may encounter when using these worlds, and introduc...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... is only achievable through mouse control. In order to manipulate an existing object then it is selected with a right mouse click, at which point a semi-transparent pie menu appears at the point of click, see bottom right of figure 1. The pie menu offers several options related to the object such as 'Open', 'Edit' and 'Sit Here'. ...
Context 2
... -chatting and generating text (previously not specified by Hand) This is achieved through text generation or speech relay via a microphone. A chat box lies at the bottom left of the screen, see figure 1, and text generated through conversation is displayed. Speech relay allows the voice of the user to be heard by nearby avatars, together with hearing any nearby avatars. ...
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This paper is based on a study conducted largely within an avatar-based three-dimensional virtual environment known as Second Life (http://secondlife.com/). Research on virtual world identities has largely examined how the resources of the virtual world are used to construct alternative or multiple identities for self-expression and/or self-empower...
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Citations
... Opaque buttons, may communicate their functionality more clearly, but they occlude the content behind them. An example of such implementation can be found in Vickers et al.'s evaluation of the use of a gaze-controlled cursor as input for Second Life [84]. Their results show that because of the discrepancy between the locus of control (i.e. the widget) and the locus of attention (i.e. the environment), users would often get distracted and steer the avatar in the wrong direction. ...
As eye trackers become cheaper, smaller, more robust, and more available, they finally leave research labs and enter the home environment. In this context, gaming arises as a promising application domain for eye interaction. The goal of this survey is to categorise the different ways in which the eyes can be incorporated into games and play in general as a resource for future design. We reviewed the literature on the topic, as well as other game prototypes that employ the eyes. We compiled a list of eye-enabled game mechanics and derived a taxonomy that classifies them according to the eye movements they involve, the input type they provide, and the game mechanics that they implement. Based on our findings we articulate the value of gaming for future HCI gaze research and outline a research program around eye interaction in gaming.
... The percentage of Internet users exhibiting a disability or impairment is approximately 14% (Fonseca et al. , 2009(Fonseca et al. , , p. 1155. Despite the fact that Second Life has the potential to improve the quality of life for disabled people (Epstein, 2008), Vickers et al. (2008) believe that accessibility issues such as communication difficulties are due to designed interfaces, and online virtual environments are not intended to aid disabled users. ...
... Avatar customization) and Communication. Vickers's et al. (2008) HCI evaluation framework in comparison with White et al (2008) chooses the use case scenarios at the basic level. They evaluate the HCI based on main control and manipulation areas available in CVEs, such as locomotion and camera movement; object manipulation; application control and communication. ...
... Object manipulation, which is only controllable using mouse. Application control that is accessible via mouse and shortcut keys, and finally communication, achieved through text generation or voice via a microphone (Vickers, Bates, & Istance, 2008). By summarizing those use cases according to control source and their task domain. ...
This paper aims to present the current position of the ongoing research into
developing the requirements and acceptance of a virtual therapeutic community
in Second Life, specifically for people with Borderline Personality Disorder
(BPD). The research has identified this particular user group given that people
with BPD often require high levels of support, which can result in emergency
hospital admissions, in addition to the significant economic cost of treating
people BPD in relation to other mental illnesses (NCCMH, 2009). The research is
also intended to be used as framework for other mental health conditions. This
work is a continuation of the research carried out in exploring the potential
of virtual therapeutic communities based on existing models of therapeutic
hospitals as well as virtual treatments and support, in treating people with
BPD. An interdisciplinary approach to this research features collaboration from
areas in HCI, forensic psychology and psychotherapy.
... The percentage of Internet users exhibiting a disability or impairment is approximately 14% (Fonseca et al., 2009(Fonseca et al., , p. 1155. Despite the fact that Second Life has the potential to improve the quality of life for disabled people (Epstein, 2008), Vickers et al. (2008) believe that accessibility issues such as communication difficulties are due to designed interfaces, and online virtual environments are not intended to aid disabled users. ...
... Avatar customization) and Communication. Vickers's et al. (2008) HCI evaluation framework in comparison with White et al. (2008) chooses the use case scenarios at the basic level. They evaluate the HCI based on main control and manipulation areas available in CVEs, such as locomotion and camera movement; object manipulation; application control and communication. ...
... Object manipulation, which is only controllable using mouse. Application control that is accessible via mouse and shortcut keys, and finally communication, achieved through text generation or voice via a microphone (Vickers, Bates, & Istance, 2008). By summarizing those use cases according to control source and their task domain. ...
The advent of social networking has in recent years, given rise to online support groups for people with mental health problems. A recent survey on healthcare related activities using Second Life shows that patient education and awareness building as the major health related activity undertaken. Mental health groups in Second Life featured the largest number of members at 32% of the total users (Norris, 2009). In terms of categories of groups, 15% of the health support groups in Second Life were dedicated to mental health. There is then potential scope to utilise Second life in providing further
support to individuals, by creating 3D virtual therapeutic communities. Research also shows that therapeutic communities (TCs) have been shown to be a valid contribution into the significant improvement into the patients' ability to cope with their negative behavioral and emotional issues (Norton, K. & Hinshelwood, R. D. (1996) This paper aims to present the current position of the ongoing research into developing the requirements and acceptance of a virtual therapeutic community in Second Life, specifically for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The research has identified this particular user group given that people with BPD often require high
levels of support, which can result in emergency hospital admissions, in addition to the significant economic cost of treating people BPD in relation to other mental illnesses NCCMH, 2009). The research is also intended to be used as framework for other mental health conditions. This work is a continuation of the research carried out in exploring the potential of virtual therapeutic communities based on existing models
of therapeutic hospitals as well as virtual treatments and support, in treating people with BPD. An interdisciplinary approach to this research features collaboration from areas in HCI, forensic psychology and psychotherapy.
... For people with severe motor disabilities, playing games and taking part in virtual communities can be especially important (Vickers, Bates, & Istance, 2008). Participation can be challenging and fun, but in addition, multi-player online games (MOG) give opportunities for social interaction, and the extent of the player's disability need not be apparent to other players. ...
Gaze-controlled computers had already been utilized successfully for well over two decades before the COGAIN project started. However, those actually benefitting from the technology were comparatively few compared to the numbers who needed it. During the five year course of the project, however, systems, software and strategies were developed that made this technology potentially available, given appropriate support and technology, to groups who might not have even considered eye control a possibility. As a result, gaze control technology was opened up to a much wider group of people. In this final chapter, we sum up research presented in this book and close it by presenting some future trends and areas with high potential for applied use of eye tracking and gaze interaction.
... The recent developments in virtual 3D world technologies created a pressing need to develop technologies that could support individuals with activity limitations interact with others in-world. A promising approach involves gaze-driven control of one's avatar [20]. This area is open to innovation and creativity. ...
The Web 3D presents theoretical possibilities to render many physical and mental disabilities disappear. It allows users to
do things they may not be able to do in the real world. This paper examines the requirements regarding accessibility and discusses
the impact that 3D worlds could have on the socialization and integration of people with special needs.
Telecommunication had witnessed a fulfilling
and successful growth in terms of design and technology in
the last few years. The use of Copper wire in cable
communication systems is more or less inept and
undependable. The introduction of fibre optics makes
copper wire out of date. Fibre optics is a cabling technology
used in communicating information in the form of signal
through pulse light of an optic from one place to another.
It is shown that undersea cabling system has increased
rather than diminished in importance as radio
communication has grown up in the last 25 years or so.
Great and progressive changes can be predicted for the next
decade following the extended use of synthetic insulating
materials and the submerged repeater. These modern
developments are described in some detail, and their present
effect and possibilities for the future on communication are
considered.
Furthermore, undersea cable system uses the latest
technology Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) which
multiplexes the number of signals in one single optical fibre.
WDM permits a bi-directional links in one single fibre
optics. This paper will be discussing on the technology and
design of fibre optics, challenges and importance of an
undersea cabling system, also with recommendation.
Due to an increase in affordable, reliable and non-intrusive eye trackers the technology has recently been used by the video game industry. This course offers participants the opportunity to get an update on research and developments in gaze-based interaction techniques in combination with other sensors. The course consists of three parts: (1) a review of eye tracking analysis and interaction in video games and virtual reality applications, (2) possibilities and challenges with gaze-based interaction, and (3) lessons learned from developing a commercial video game application using eye tracking along with alternative virtual reality technologies. This course is relevant for everyone who is interested in developing games that use eye tracking as an interaction device. The content is suitable for beginners or experienced delegates who want to learn more about the state of the art and future possibilities in eye tracking combined with other sensors as interaction devices. We believe that games and virtual reality applications have just started to incorporate these new techniques and further research and developments are needed in order to evaluate novel ways to enhance gameplay.
A key theme in the ArtAbilitation conferences is the relationship between sound, movement, and art, and how these can be used for rehabilitation and/or expression by individuals who may have limited access to conventional communication. The development of VR environments and interactive technology has led to a variety of applications that might broadly be considered as telerehabilitation, including the use of 3D space and interactive feedback for remote assistance of users in the areas of navigation and home living. These technologies can provide access to activities and communication for individuals for whom such affordances are otherwise restricted, and can make the process of rehabilitation more engaging and motivating.
