Abstract
Optimization of Virtual Environments (VEs) in the Mental Health field as well as in other application areas depends heavily on the exact knowledge of the technology's impact on mental work load, stress, and behavioral and physiological parameters. Multimodal digital data acquisition strategies do allow the real time application of times series analysis (TSA) by means of digital signal processing (DSP) in order to monitor all relevant psychophysiological parameters, using the signal output for ad hoc alteration of the VEs (automated feedback) as well as for further adaptation of the VEs. A psychological experiment, the "Tower of Hanoi," served as a VE demonstrator. The results of this project strongly indicate the necessity of monitoring user's psychophysiological states while developing, implementing, and reshaping new VEs in order to prevent user discomfort and enhance cognitive functionality and procedural skills relevant to the task at hand. TSA seems to be a powerful tool in that respect.
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