In this paper, we consider the use of wearable sensors for providing affect-based adaptation in Ambient Intelligence (AmI) systems. We begin with discussion of selected issues regarding the applications of affective computing techniques. We describe our experiments for affect change detection with a range of wearable devices, such as wristbands and the BITalino platform, and discuss an original software solution, which we developed for this purpose. Furthermore, as a test-bed application for our work, we selected computer games. We discuss the state-of-the-art in affect-based adaptation in games, described in terms of the so-called affective loop. We present our original proposal of a conceptual design framework for games, called the affective game design patterns. As a proof-of-concept realization of this approach, we discuss some original game prototypes, which we have developed, involving emotion-based control and adaptation. Finally, we comment on a software framework, that we have previously developed, for context-aware systems which uses human emotional contexts. This framework provides means for implementing adaptive systems using mobile devices with wearable sensors.
A relatively new field of research on affective gaming suggests applying affective computing solutions to develop games that can interact with the player on the emotional level. To bring together selected models of affect and affect-driven frameworks developed to date, we propose an approach based on affective design patterns. We build on the assumption that player's emotional reactions to in-game events can be evoked by patterns used early in the design phase. We provide description of experiments conducted to test our hypothesis so far, along with some tentative observations, and opportunities for further studies.
As technologies become more and more pervasive, there is a need for considering the affective dimension of interaction with computer systems to make them more human-like. Current demands for this matter include accurate emotion recognition, reliable emotion modeling, and use of unobtrusive, easily accessible and preferably wearable measurement devices. While AI methods provide many possibilities for better affective information processing, it is not a common scenario for both emotion recognition and modeling to be integrated in the design phase. To address this concern, we propose a new approach based on affective design patterns in the context of video games, together with summary of experiments conducted to test the preliminary hypotheses.