Eduardo Hideki Tanaka

Web Accessibility Metrics: Effects of Different Computational Approaches

Assessing and monitoring the accessibility of web pages are important challenges for ensuring universal accessibility of the web. In this paper, we analyse the quantitative results of the evaluation of web pages using four different metrics with different approaches to the aggregation of results from accessibility audits. The web pages evaluated are from three different Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). The impact of the different aggregation approaches on the ranges of the values of the resulting metrics and on the ranking of web pages are discussed. We observe that the different approaches may provide different outcomes for comparison purposes, and argue that further investigations on the use of user data to improve the measurement of accessibility should be conducted.

Immersive virtual training for substation electricians

This research demonstration presents an Immersive Virtual Substation for Electricians Training. A substation is one of the most critical facilities of the electrical distribution system, so it is mandatory to keep its normal operation to deliver high standards of service, power quality and avoid blackouts to consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to give an effective training to the electricians who will operate the equipment in the substation and to prepare them to face emergencies on daily basis. The main purpose of the proposed Immersive Virtual Environment is to provide a realistic experience to trainees in a safe environment where they can interact with equipment, explore the facility and, mainly, practice basic and complex maneuvers to recover substation operations. Users can interact with this Immersive Virtual Environment using HMDs, joysticks or even an ordinary keyboard, mouse and monitor. Feedback from trainees and instructors who used the Immersive Virtual Environment was very positive, indicating that the objectives were fully achieved.

User interface design of an immersive virtual reality environment to electricians training

This paper discusses usability problems in immersive virtual reality environments that were identified during the development of a system used to train electricians to perform maintenance and emergency maneuvers in electric distribution substations. Differently from traditional desktop systems, in which graphical interface techniques and standards are already consolidated, immersive virtual reality environments present several new challenges for the creation of user interfaces. A case study was performed with 37 participants and the collected data is helping the development team to improve the system usability.

Development of Immersive Virtual Reality Environment to Train Electricians to Work on Substations

In some situations, electricians are responsible to find and, if it is possible, repair technical problems inside a distribution substation area. For them to be prepared when the call occurs, these professionals must have an effective training, as mistakes can cause electrical grid problems and even put their lives at risk. Thus, this paper presents the development of a training methodology based in an immersive virtual reality environment. 3D models represent the equipment and substation area whereas the substations operation is implemented by discrete event simulation. Additionally, a Head-Mounted Display device is employed to enhance the immersive experience. This virtual environment acts as a real electrical substation and enables electricians to practice maintenance and emergency manoeuvres with safety.