AHCI RESEARCH GROUP

Publications

Papers published in international journals,
proceedings of conferences, workshops and books.

OUR RESEARCH

Scientific Publications

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2025

Chang, K. -Y.; Lee, C. -F.

Enhancing Virtual Restorative Environment with Generative AI: Personalized Immersive Stress-Relief Experiences Proceedings Article

In: V.G., Duffy (Ed.): Lect. Notes Comput. Sci., pp. 132–144, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025, ISBN: 03029743 (ISSN); 978-303193501-5 (ISBN).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Artificial intelligence generated content, Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), Electroencephalography, Electroencephalography (EEG), Generative AI, Immersive, Immersive environment, Mental health, Physical limitations, Restorative environment, Stress relief, Virtual reality exposure therapies, Virtual reality exposure therapy, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), Virtualization

@inproceedings{chang_enhancing_2025,

title = {Enhancing Virtual Restorative Environment with Generative AI: Personalized Immersive Stress-Relief Experiences},

author = {K. -Y. Chang and C. -F. Lee},

editor = {Duffy V.G.},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105007759157&doi=10.1007%2f978-3-031-93502-2_9&partnerID=40&md5=ee620a5da9b65e90ccb1eaa75ec8b724},

doi = {10.1007/978-3-031-93502-2_9},

isbn = {03029743 (ISSN); 978-303193501-5 (ISBN)},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-01-01},

booktitle = {Lect. Notes Comput. Sci.},

volume = {15791 LNCS},

pages = {132–144},

publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},

abstract = {In today’s fast-paced world, stress and mental health challenges are becoming more common. Restorative environments help people relax and recover emotionally, and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) offers a way to experience these benefits beyond physical limitations. However, most VRET applications rely on pre-designed content, limiting their adaptability to individual needs. This study explores how Generative AI can enhance VRET by creating personalized, immersive environments that better match users’ preferences and improve relaxation. To evaluate the impact of AI-generated restorative environments, we combined EEG measurements with user interviews. Thirty university students participated in the study, experiencing two different modes: static mode and walking mode. The EEG results showed an increase in Theta (θ) and High Beta (β) brain waves, suggesting a state of deep immersion accompanied by heightened cognitive engagement and mental effort. While participants found the experience enjoyable and engaging, the AI-generated environments tended to create excitement and focus rather than conventional relaxation. These findings suggest that for AI-generated environments in VRET to be more effective for stress relief, future designs should reduce cognitive load while maintaining immersion. This study provides insights into how AI can enhance relaxation experiences and introduces a new perspective on personalized digital stress-relief solutions. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.},

keywords = {Artificial intelligence generated content, Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), Electroencephalography, Electroencephalography (EEG), Generative AI, Immersive, Immersive environment, Mental health, Physical limitations, Restorative environment, Stress relief, Virtual reality exposure therapies, Virtual reality exposure therapy, Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET), Virtualization},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}

2024

Wong, A.; Zhao, Y.; Baghaei, N.

Effects of Customizable Intelligent VR Shopping Assistant on Shopping for Stress Relief Proceedings Article

In: U., Eck; M., Sra; J., Stefanucci; M., Sugimoto; M., Tatzgern; I., Williams (Ed.): Proc. - IEEE Int. Symp. Mixed Augment. Real. Adjunct, ISMAR-Adjunct, pp. 304–308, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024, ISBN: 979-833150691-9 (ISBN).

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Customisation, Customizable, generative artificial intelligence, Head-mounted-displays, Helmet mounted displays, Immersive, Mental health, mHealth, Realistic rendering, stress, Stress relief, Users' experiences, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality, Virtual shopping, Virtual shopping assistant

@inproceedings{wong_effects_2024,

title = {Effects of Customizable Intelligent VR Shopping Assistant on Shopping for Stress Relief},

author = {A. Wong and Y. Zhao and N. Baghaei},

editor = {Eck U. and Sra M. and Stefanucci J. and Sugimoto M. and Tatzgern M. and Williams I.},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85214427097&doi=10.1109%2fISMAR-Adjunct64951.2024.00069&partnerID=40&md5=1530bc0a2139fb33b1a2917c3eb31296},

doi = {10.1109/ISMAR-Adjunct64951.2024.00069},

isbn = {979-833150691-9 (ISBN)},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

booktitle = {Proc. - IEEE Int. Symp. Mixed Augment. Real. Adjunct, ISMAR-Adjunct},

pages = {304–308},

publisher = {Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.},

abstract = {Shopping has long since been a method of distraction and relieving stress. Virtual Reality (VR) effectively simulates immersive experiences, including shopping through head-mounted displays (HMD), which create an environment through realistic renderings and sounds. Current studies in VR have shown that assistants can support users by reducing stress, indicating their ability to improve mental health within VR. Customization and personalization have also been used to enhance the user experience with users preferring the tailored experience and leading to a greater sense of immersion. There is a gap in knowledge on the effects of customization on a VR assistant's ability to reduce stress within the VR retailing space. This research aims to identify relationships between customization and shopping assistants within VR to better understand its effects on the user experience. Understanding this will help the development of VR assistants for mental health and consumer-ready VR shopping experiences. © 2024 IEEE.},

keywords = {Customisation, Customizable, generative artificial intelligence, Head-mounted-displays, Helmet mounted displays, Immersive, Mental health, mHealth, Realistic rendering, stress, Stress relief, Users' experiences, Virtual environments, Virtual Reality, Virtual shopping, Virtual shopping assistant},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {inproceedings}

}