Paola M. Velasco

Assistance System for Rehabilitation and Valuation of Motor Skills

This article proposes a non-invasive system to stimulate the rehabilitation of motor skills, both of the upper limbs and lower limbs. The system contemplates two ambiances for human-computer interaction, depending on the type of motor deficiency that the patient possesses, i.e., for patients with chronic injuries, an augmented reality environment is considered, while virtual reality environments are used in people with minor injuries. In the cases mentioned, the interface allows visualizing both the routine of movements performed by the patient and the actual movement executed by him. This information is relevant for the purpose of (i) stimulating the patient during the execution of rehabilitation, and (ii) evaluation of the movements made so that the therapist can diagnose the progress of the patient’s rehabilitation process. The visual environment developed for this type of rehabilitation provides a systematic application in which the user first analyzes and generates the necessary movements in order to complete the defined task. The results show the efficiency of the system generated by the human-computer interaction oriented to the development of motor skills.

Control Based on Linear Algebra for Mobile Manipulators

This paper presents a control algorithm based on linear algebra for trajectory tracking of mo-bile manipulator robots. The proposed control algorithm considers the kinematics of the robot, which is approximated by the Euler method, the control actions for an optimal operation of the system are obtained solving a system of linear equations. In addition, the stability of the system is analyzed by concepts of linear algebra, where it is shown that the control error tends asymptotically to zero. Simulation results show the good performance of the proposed control system.

Realism in Audiovisual Stimuli for Phobias Treatments Through Virtual Environments

This article proposes a system of perception of the real world through audiovisual stimulation for the treatment of different types of phobias. The proposed system is made up of various virtual environments which will be selected according to the phobia to be treated, i.e., the user-environment integration depends on the type and degree of the phobia. The interface allows visualize the environment where the patient must comply with a predetermined therapy by the psychotherapist, in which the biometric signals of the patient are feed back in real time through wearables devices. This information is processed in order to ingest directly in the algorithm of the user’s behavior; algorithm that controls the audiovisual stimuli related to the phobia during the interaction of the virtual environment with the user. In addition, the parameters of the biometric signals are displayed graphically/numerically in the virtual environment in order for the patient to control their behavior and face their irrational fear-phobia. The results are validated based on the realism of the virtual environments developed, and the audio-visual stimuli applied to the patient based on the change of the parameters of the biometric signals acquired through wearable devices.

Linear Algebra Applied to Kinematic Control of Mobile Manipulators

This paper is focused in linear algebra theory applied to control of mobile manipulator robots. In order to design the control algorithm, the kinematic system is approximated using numerical methods. Then, the optimal control actions are obtained through linear algebra approach. The structure of the controller consists in two solutions; a particular solution that allow following the desired trajectory and a homogeneous solution that allow performing secondary objectives as maximum manipulability and avoid static obstacles. In addition, the stability analysis is demonstrated through linear algebra concepts where it is shown that the tracking error tends asymptotically to zero. Finally, experimental results show the effective of proposed control algorithm over the mobile manipulator robot AKASHA.

Real Time Driver Drowsiness Detection Based on Driver’s Face Image Behavior Using a System of Human Computer Interaction Implemented in a Smartphone

The main reason for motor vehicular accidents is the driver drowsiness. This work shows a surveillance system developed to detect and alert the vehicle driver about the presence of drowsiness. It is used a smartphone like small computer with a mobile application using Android operating system to implement the Human Computer Interaction System. For the detection of drowsiness, the most relevant visual indicators that reflect the driver’s condition are the behavior of the eyes, the lateral and frontal assent of the head and the yawn. The system works adequately under natural lighting conditions and no matter the use of driver accessories like glasses, hearing aids or a cap. Due to a large number of traffic accidents when driver has fallen asleep this proposal was developed in order to prevent them by providing a non-invasive system, easy to use and without the necessity of purchasing specialized devices. The method gets 93.37% of drowsiness detections.

Virtual Training for Industrial Automation Processes Through Pneumatic Controls

This work presents the implementation of virtual environments oriented to managing pneumatic controls applied to industrial processes in order to strengthen training and teaching-learning processes. The implemented application enables the multi-user immersion and interaction with the aim to accomplish predefined tasks to be developed within lab environments and virtualized sceneries for industrial processes. Obtained results show how easy it is to interact with the proposed multi-user environment.

Virtual Reality System for Assistance in Treating Respiratory Disorders

This paper presents a virtual reality app for pulmonary diseases treatment in children through VR game, which consists of visual and auditory stimulation thus the therapy won’t be annoying to the patient. The procedure consists of a previous stage of respiratory training which the patient is asked for a deep inhalation followed by an exhalation, both within a period of 3 to 6 s and requested 3 times. The app will offer the patient different activities in a virtual environment depending on the inhalation and exhalation exercise required by the stages of their therapy, using HTC VIVE virtual reality glasses. Recognition of inhalation and exhalation exercises is performed using a DTW classifier running in real time in MATLAB and with a direct, two-way connection to Unity. Therefore, the app encourages the patient to perform the exercises therapy in an accurate and fun way and as a result respiratory signal graphs are shown for evaluation by the therapist.

Virtual Environments to Stimulate Skills in the Early Childhood Education Stage

This article describes the development of games within virtual reality environments oriented to early childhood education children between 3 and 5 years old. These games are developed according to the Cone of Learning and have been developed with a Unity 3D graphic engine. They are very attractive and allow children’s learning through playing. They also stimulate the skills and abilities required to be developed and strengthened during this learning stage. The proposed games allow the teacher to select several difficulty levels on each game in order to stimulate the child to accomplish more complex tasks during this initial stage. At the end, the areas intended to be covered are presented according to the goals set.

Influence on Significant Learning of the Linear Algebra Subject through Scilab

This paper presents the application of the mathematical software Scilab as a didactic tool for the treatment of some topics of the subject of Linear Algebra, for the subject of first-level at Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE-l. We present algorithms to check the definitions of certain themes considered abstract in their understanding as they are vector spaces, linear dependence, linear independence and linear transformations among which stands out in this document. The results obtained by applying the Scilab software in a group of first level students of engineering, for the validation of the proposal we use the Chi-square criterion that validates the proposed hypothesis.

Teaching-Learning Process through VR Applied to Automotive Engineering

This article proposes the implementation of a virtual tool applied to the field of Automotive Engineering, with the aim of strengthening the processes of teaching-learning, so that the student can achieve meaningful learning. The system consists of the implementation of a virtual automotive laboratory, in which you can take guided classes, specific practices and evaluations in the automotive field, allowing greater immersion and interaction during the teaching-learning process in order to optimize resources, materials, infrastructure, time, among other benefits. The system allows to select the working environment and the level of difficulty during the teaching-learning process. At the end of the article we present the results of a usability test of the proposed tool, applied to teachers and students, in order to feed back the application.