Using fuzzy hidden Markov models for online training evaluation and classification in virtual reality simulators

Abstract

The goal of the training evaluation in a simulation is to provide feedback about the user performance in the training environment. Approaches to online or offline evaluation of training in simulators based on virtual reality have been proposed. An online evaluator must have low complexity algorithm to not compromise the performance of the simulator. A new approach to quality of training online evaluation in virtual reality worlds is proposed in this work. This approach uses fuzzy hidden Markov models (FHMM) for modeling and classification of trainee in pre-defined classes of training.

Keywords:

• Fuzzy hidden Markov models
• online training evaluation
• training classification
• virtual reality simulators
• fuzzy statistics

Notes

Ronei Marcos de Moraes received the degree of statistician from the University of Campinas, Brazil in 1988. He received the M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil in 1992 and the Ph.D. degree in Applied Computing from the National Institute of Space Research, Brazil in 1998. Since 1991, he is a Professor with the Department of Statistics of the Federal University of Paraíba. Nowadays, he is the co-ordinator of LabTEVE (a laboratory of assimilation and development of technologies for distance/virtual learning in Statistics), which develops researches using applied reality to the teaching and training areas. His research interests include image processing, applied statistics, fuzzy logic, distance/virtual learning, geostatistics and mathematical morphology.

Liliane dos Santos Machado received the degree of computer scientist from the State University of São Paulo, Brazil in 1993. She received the M.Sc. degree in Applied Computing from the National Institute of Space Research, Brazil in 1997 and the Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic School at the University of São Paulo, in 2003. Since 1994, she works with researchers in virtual reality and the development of simulators to the training of medical procedures. Recently, she published the book Virtual Reality: Concepts and Applications (Florianópolis: VisualBooks, 2002), in Portuguese. Her research interests include applied virtual reality, computer graphics and distance/virtual learning.

^† E-mail: [email protected]