In the ever-evolving world of gaming, controller-based input is quickly becoming obsolete. Various applications, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games, have used motion- and gesture-controlled video game consoles. The current state of the art relies on depth images of the hand that do not utilize color information from the RGB spectrum. In this work, we focus on the development of an interactive VR game that utilizes hand pose recognition from the RGB domain to increase user experience, but also simplify the functionality of the game. To address this challenge, a 3D multi-user VR game themed around a “tennis match” was developed using the Unity engine. We also investigate whether we can estimate the coordinates of colored objects connected to the hand movement of the players and track human gestures to navigate through the game functions in real time using an RGB camera. Statistical analysis showed that the user experience increased concerning engagement and satisfaction using a more natural form of control that allows players to focus on the excitement of the game without worrying about button presses or joystick movements. Such hand pose recognition systems can be implemented to replace the traditional controller-based entry systems used today.
{"title":"A Multi-User Virtual Reality Game Based on Gesture Recognition From RGB Information","authors":"Stefanos Gkoutzios, Michalis Vrigkas","doi":"10.1002/cav.70063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In the ever-evolving world of gaming, controller-based input is quickly becoming obsolete. Various applications, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games, have used motion- and gesture-controlled video game consoles. The current state of the art relies on depth images of the hand that do not utilize color information from the RGB spectrum. In this work, we focus on the development of an interactive VR game that utilizes hand pose recognition from the RGB domain to increase user experience, but also simplify the functionality of the game. To address this challenge, a 3D multi-user VR game themed around a “tennis match” was developed using the Unity engine. We also investigate whether we can estimate the coordinates of colored objects connected to the hand movement of the players and track human gestures to navigate through the game functions in real time using an RGB camera. Statistical analysis showed that the user experience increased concerning engagement and satisfaction using a more natural form of control that allows players to focus on the excitement of the game without worrying about button presses or joystick movements. Such hand pose recognition systems can be implemented to replace the traditional controller-based entry systems used today.</p>","PeriodicalId":50645,"journal":{"name":"Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds","volume":"36 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cav.70063","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145037719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"计算机科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In this paper, we explore the usability of an explainable Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to provide recommendations for architectural improvements aimed at enhancing crowd safety and comfort during emergency situations. We trained an ANN to predict the outcomes of crowd simulations without the need for direct simulation, while also generating recommendations for the studied space. Our dataset comprises approximately 36,000 simulations of diverse crowds evacuating rooms of different sizes, capturing data on room characteristics, crowd composition, evacuation densities, times, and velocities. To identify the most influential environmental factors affecting evacuation performance, we employ Shapley values. Based on these insights, we propose modifications to the architectural design of the space. Our results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively predicts crowd dynamics and provides meaningful recommendations for improving evacuation efficiency and safety.
{"title":"Predicting and Optimizing Crowd Evacuations: An Explainable AI Approach","authors":"Estêvão Smania Testa, Soraia Raupp Musse","doi":"10.1002/cav.70061","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/cav.70061","url":null,"abstract":"<p>In this paper, we explore the usability of an explainable Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to provide recommendations for architectural improvements aimed at enhancing crowd safety and comfort during emergency situations. We trained an ANN to predict the outcomes of crowd simulations without the need for direct simulation, while also generating recommendations for the studied space. Our dataset comprises approximately 36,000 simulations of diverse crowds evacuating rooms of different sizes, capturing data on room characteristics, crowd composition, evacuation densities, times, and velocities. To identify the most influential environmental factors affecting evacuation performance, we employ Shapley values. Based on these insights, we propose modifications to the architectural design of the space. Our results demonstrate that the proposed model effectively predicts crowd dynamics and provides meaningful recommendations for improving evacuation efficiency and safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":50645,"journal":{"name":"Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds","volume":"36 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/cav.70061","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145012576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"计算机科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}