Matching Items (16)
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- All Subjects: Virtual Reality
- All Subjects: artificial intelligence
Description
This thesis is based on bringing together three different components: non-Euclidean geometric worlds, virtual reality, and environmental puzzles in video games. While all three exist in their own right in the world of video games, as well as combined in pairs, there are virtually no examples of all three together. Non-Euclidean environmental puzzle games have existed for around 10 years in various forms, short environmental puzzle games in virtual reality have come into existence in around the past five years, and non-Euclidean virtual reality exists mainly as non-video game short demos from the past few years. This project seeks to be able to bring these components together to create a proof of concept for how a game like this should function, particularly the integration of non-Euclidean virtual reality in the context of a video game. To do this, a Unity package which uses a custom system for creating worlds in a non-Euclidean way rather than Unity’s built-in components such as for transforms, collisions, and rendering was used. This was used in conjunction with the SteamVR implementation with Unity to create a cohesive and immersive player experience.
ContributorsVerhagen, Daniel William (Author) / Kobayashi, Yoshihiro (Thesis director) / Nelson, Brian (Committee member) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description
This paper will explore what makes ‘good’ virtual reality, that is, what constitutes the virtual reality threshold. It will explain what this has to do with the temporary death of virtual reality, and argue that that threshold has now been crossed and true virtual reality is now possible, as evidenced by the current wave of virtual reality catalyzed by the Oculus Rift. The Rift will be used as a case study for examining specific aspects of the virtual reality threshold.
ContributorsLittle, Rebecca Ann (Author) / Amresh, Ashish (Thesis director) / Ghazarian, Arbi (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
In this project, I investigated the impact of virtual reality on memory retention. The investigative approach to see the impact of virtual reality on memory retention, I utilized the memorization technique called the memory palace in a virtual reality environment. For the experiment, due to Covid-19, I was forced to be the only subject. To get effective data, I tested myself within randomly generated environments with a completely unique set of objects, both outside of a virtual reality environment and within one. First I conducted a set of 10 tests on myself by going through a virtual environment on my laptop and recalling as many objects I could within that environment. I recorded the accuracy of my own recollection as well as how long it took me to get through the data. Next I conducted a set of 10 tests on myself by going through the same virtual environment, but this time with an immersive virtual reality(VR) headset and a completely new set of objects. At the start of the project it was hypothesized that virtual reality would result in a higher memory retention rate versus simply going through the environment in a non-immersive environment. In the end, the results, albeit with a low test rate, leaned more toward showing the hypothesis to be true rather than not.
ContributorsDu, Michael Shan (Author) / Kobayashi, Yoshihiro (Thesis director) / McDaniel, Troy (Committee member) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
While there are many existing systems which take natural language descriptions and use them to generate images or text, few systems exist to generate 3d renderings or environments based on natural language. Most of those systems are very limited in scope and require precise, predefined language to work, or large well tagged datasets for their models. In this project I attempt to apply concepts in NLP and procedural generation to a system which can generate a rough scene estimation of a natural language description in a 3d environment from a free use database of models. The primary objective of this system, rather than a completely accurate representation, is to generate a useful or interesting result. The use of such a system comes in assisting designers who utilize 3d scenes or environments for their work.
ContributorsHann, Jacob R. (Author) / Kobayashi, Yoshihiro (Thesis director) / Srivastava, Siddharth (Committee member) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / Computing and Informatics Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Dale and Edna is a hybrid animated film and videogame experienced in virtual reality with dual storylines that increases in potential meanings through player interaction. Developed and played within Unreal Engine 4 using the HTC Vive, Oculus, or PlayStation VR, Dale and Edna allows for players to passively enjoy the film element of the project or partake in the active videogame portion. Exploration of the virtual story world yields more information about that world, which may or may not alter the audience’s perception of the world. The film portion of the project is a static narrative with a plot that cannot be altered by players within the virtual world. In the static plot, the characters Dale and Edna discover and subsequently combat an alien invasion that appears to have the objective of demolishing Dale’s prize pumpkin. However, the aliens in the film plot are merely projections created by AR headsets that are reflecting Jimmy’s gameplay on his tablet. The audience is thus invited to question their perception of reality through combined use of VR and AR. The game element is a dynamic narrative scaffold that does not unfold as a traditional narrative might. Instead, what a player observes and interacts with within the sandbox level will determine the meaning those players come away from this project with. Both elements of the project feature modular code construction so developers can return to both the film and game portions of the project and make additions. This paper will analyze the chronological development of the project along with the guiding philosophy that was revealed in the result.
Keywords: virtual reality, film, videogame, sandbox
Keywords: virtual reality, film, videogame, sandbox
ContributorsKemp, Adam Lee (Co-author) / Kemp, Bradley (Co-author) / Kemp, Claire (Co-author) / LiKamWa, Robert (Thesis director) / Gilfillan, Daniel (Committee member) / Arts, Media and Engineering Sch T (Contributor) / Thunderbird School of Global Management (Contributor) / School of Film, Dance and Theatre (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
One of the core components of many video games is their artificial intelligence. Through AI, a game can tell stories, generate challenges, and create encounters for the player to overcome. Even though AI has continued to advance through the implementation of neural networks and machine learning, game AI tends to implement a series of states or decisions instead to give the illusion of intelligence. Despite this limitation, games can still generate a wide range of experiences for the player. The Hybrid Game AI Framework is an AI system that combines the benefits of two commonly used approaches to developing game AI: Behavior Trees and Finite State Machines. Developed in the Unity Game Engine and the C# programming language, this AI Framework represents the research that went into studying modern approaches to game AI and my own attempt at implementing the techniques learned. Object-oriented programming concepts such as inheritance, abstraction, and low coupling are utilized with the intent to create game AI that's easy to implement and expand upon. The final goal was to create a flexible yet structured AI data structure while also minimizing drawbacks by combining Behavior Trees and Finite State Machines.
ContributorsRamirez Cordero, Erick Alberto (Author) / Kobayashi, Yoshihiro (Thesis director) / Nelson, Brian (Committee member) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / Computing and Informatics Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
The purpose of the Oculus Exercise research project we conducted was to find a way to entice individuals to attend a gym more often and for longer periods of time. We have found that many activities are being augmented by the increasingly popular virtual reality technology, and within that space "gamifying" the activity seems to attract more users. Given the idea of making activities more entertaining to users through "gamification", we decided to incorporate virtual reality, using the Oculus Rift, to immerse users within a simulated environment to potentially drive the factors previously identified in respect to gym utilization. To start, we surveyed potential users to gauge potential interest in virtual reality and its usage in physical exercise. Based on the initial responses, we saw that there was a definite interest in "gamifying" physical exercises using virtual reality, and proceeded to design a prototype using Unreal Engine 4 -- which is an engine for creating high quality video games with support for virtual reality -- to experiment how it would affect a standard workout routine. After considering several options, we decided to move forward with designing our prototype to augment a spin machine with virtual reality due to its common usage within a gym, and the consistent cardiovascular exercise it entails, as well as the safety intrinsic to it being a mostly stationary device. By analyzing the results of a survey after experimenting upon a user test group, we can begin to correlate the benefits and the drawbacks of using virtual reality in physical exercise, and the feasibility of doing so.
ContributorsCarney, Nicholas (Co-author) / West, Andrew (Co-author) / Dobkins, Jacob (Co-author) / Amresh, Ashish (Thesis director) / Gray, Robert (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
Can a skill taught in a virtual environment be utilized in the physical world? This idea is explored by creating a Virtual Reality game for the HTC Vive to teach users how to play the drums. The game focuses on developing the user's muscle memory, improving the user's ability to play music as they hear it in their head, and refining the user's sense of rhythm. Several different features were included to achieve this such as a score, different levels, a demo feature, and a metronome. The game was tested for its ability to teach and for its overall enjoyability by using a small sample group. Most participants of the sample group noted that they felt as if their sense of rhythm and drumming skill level would improve by playing the game. Through the findings of this project, it can be concluded that while it should not be considered as a complete replacement for traditional instruction, a virtual environment can be successfully used as a learning aid and practicing tool.
ContributorsDinapoli, Allison (Co-author) / Tuznik, Richard (Co-author) / Kobayashi, Yoshihiro (Thesis director) / Nelson, Brian (Committee member) / Computer Science and Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Computing and Informatics Program (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
Description
This project explores the potential of an artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithm, K-Means to augment the connection between two individuals through a game interface. Further implementation of such technology is theorized in the form of a two-way chatbot. The role of bias is extensively reported and researched in order to remain cognizant of these new technological advancements.
ContributorsHatfield, Kacy (Author) / Sha, Xin (Thesis director) / Finn, Ed (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arts, Media and Engineering Sch T (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
Computer-based auditory training programs (CBATPs) are used as an at-home aural rehabilitation solution in individuals with hearing impairment, most commonly in recipients of cochlear implants or hearing aids. However, recent advancements in spatial audio and immersive gameplay have not seen inclusion in these programs. Isle Aliquo, a virtual-reality CBATP, is designed to reformat traditional rehabilitation exercises into virtual 3D space. The program explores how the aural exercise outcomes of detection, discrimination, direction, and identification can be improved with the incorporation of directional spatial audio, as well as how the experience can be made more engaging to improve adherence to training routines. Fundamentals of professional aural rehabilitation and current CBATP design inform the structure of the exercise modules found in Isle Aliquo.
ContributorsVoitek, Julian (Author) / Thorn, Seth (Thesis director) / LiKamWa, Robert (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Arts, Media and Engineering Sch T (Contributor)
Created2022-05