Two- versus three-dimensional connectivity testing of first-order queries to semi-algebraic sets

This paper addresses the question whether one can determine the connectivity of a semi-algebraic set in three dimensions by testing the connectivity of a finite number of two-dimensional ``samples'' of the set, where these samples are defined by first-order queries. The question is answered negatively for two classes of first-order queries: cartesian-product-free, and positive one-pass.Comment: corrected minor confusion in Proof of Theorem

Linking an integrated framework with appropriate methods for measuring QoE

Quality of Experience (QoE) has recently gained recognition for being an important determinant of the success of new technologies. Despite the growing interest in QoE, research into this area is still fragmented. Similar - but separate - efforts are being carried out in technical as well as user oriented research domains, which are rarely communicating with each other. In this paper, we take a multidisciplinary approach and review both user oriented and technical definitions on Quality of Experience (including the related concept of User Experience). We propose a detailed and comprehensive framework that integrates both perspectives. Finally, we take a first step at linking methods for measuring QoE with this framework

Assassins, Gods, and Androids: How Narratives and Game Mechanics Shape Eudaimonic Game Experiences

Emerging research has suggested that digital games can generate entertainment experiences beyond hedonic enjoyment towards eudaimonic experiences: Being emotionally moved, stimulated to reflect on one’s self or a sense of elevation. Studies in this area have mainly focused on individual game characteristics that elicit singular and static eudaimonic game moments. However, such a focus neglects the interplay of multiple game aspects as well as the dynamic nature of eudaimonic experiences. The current study takes a novel approach to eudaimonic game research by conducting a qualitative game analysis of three games (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Detroit: Become Human, and God of War) and taking systematic notes on game experiences shortly after playing. Results reveal that emotionally moving, reflective, and elevating eudaimonic experiences were elicited when gameplay notes suggested a strong involvement with the game’s narrative and characters (i.e., narrative engagement) and, in some cases, narrative-impacting choices. These key aspects, in turn, are enhanced by clean player interfaces, graphically realistic characters, close camera perspectives, tone-appropriate soundtrack scores, and both narrative-enhancing (e.g., God of War’s health mechanic) and choice-enhancing mechanics (e.g., Detroit: Become Human’s flowchart). Eudaimonic experiences were also found to evolve throughout the game, with more powerful experiences occurring near the end of the game and some narrative themes fueling the eudaimonic flow of experiences throughout the overall game narrative. This study adds to academic research studying digital games by suggesting an innovative methodological approach that provides a detailed, integrative, and dynamic perspective on eudaimonic game experiences

Assassins, gods, and androids : how narratives and game mechanics shape eudaimonic game experiences

Emerging research has suggested that digital games can generate entertainment experiences beyond hedonic enjoyment towards eudaimonic experiences: Being emotionally moved, stimulated to reflect on one’s self or a sense of elevation. Studies in this area have mainly focused on individual game characteristics that elicit singular and static eudaimonic game moments. However, such a focus neglects the interplay of multiple game aspects as well as the dynamic nature of eudaimonic experiences. The current study takes a novel approach to eudaimonic game research by conducting a qualitative game analysis of three games (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Detroit: Become Human, and God of War) and taking systematic notes on game experiences shortly after playing. Results reveal that emotionally moving, reflective, and elevating eudaimonic experiences were elicited when gameplay notes suggested a strong involvement with the game’s narrative and characters (i.e., narrative engagement) and, in some cases, narrative-impacting choices. These key aspects, in turn, are enhanced by clean player interfaces, graphically realistic characters, close camera perspectives, tone-appropriate soundtrack scores, and both narrative-enhancing (e.g., God of War’s health mechanic) and choice-enhancing mechanics (e.g., Detroit: Become Human’s flowchart). Eudaimonic experiences were also found to evolve throughout the game, with more powerful experiences occurring near the end of the game and some narrative themes fueling the eudaimonic flow of experiences throughout the overall game narrative. This study adds to academic research studying digital games by suggesting an innovative methodological approach that provides a detailed, integrative, and dynamic perspective on eudaimonic game experiences

Augmented photoframe for interactive smart space

Existing "photoframes" are single application closed proprietary systems. In this paper, we will outline the possibilities that emerge when we expose the control API of the digital "photoframe" to the local network. The "photoframe" is connected to an execution environment that aggregates intelligence in the smart space. We will describe briefly the Execution environment functionalities and then focus on the new interaction with the "photoframe" this enables. We will report our experience to proof that usage of a "photoframe" in this fashion creates real added value for elderly users in an assisted living environment

P-III: A Player-Centered, Iterative, Interdisciplinary and Integrated Framework for Serious Game Design and Development

While reconciling a creative game design process with a complex software engineering process is already a daunting task, serious games add another ingredient to an already volatile mixture: the challenge of crafting an effective learning experience. In order to achieve this strenuous objective, Group T's e-Media Lab and the Centre for User Experience Research, K.U.Leuven, have developed a player-centered, iterative, interdisciplinary and integrated (P-III) framework. This framework has been developed over the course of five years of research on the design and development of serious games. Hence, P-III is built bottom-up, molded and shaped, tested and refined through several research projects [1,9,17,18,19,20,21,22,23]. While P-III also prescribes a specific process, in this paper we limit ourselves to highlighting the four pillars of the P-III framework, and their theoretical underpinnings. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.status: publishe