The 6th International Conference on PErvasive Technologies Related to Assistive Environments – PETRA 2013, Rhodes, Greece, May 29 – 31, 2013

 

http://www.petrae.org/

 

Workshop on Interactive Multimedia Technologies to Support Vulnerable People

 

Theme and Goals

 

The VERVE workshop seeks to generate dialogue and debate on the use of interactive multimedia technology to support vulnerable people in everyday environments. The workshop builds on the growing use of serious games in many aspects of modern life such as defence and education, and in particular its increasing use in healthcare settings. The intent of such technology is to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged groups including older people and those with neurological disorders, taking into account cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects of the person. Of particular interest is the use of serious games to help in everyday activities outside the home, for example when shopping or being in crowded situations. We are also interested in understanding the use of interactive multimedia technology to help those at risk of social exclusion, as well as their careers, families, health professionals and relevant support organisations, and to solicit ideas and feedback.

 

Topics of Interest

 

We invite papers about research in and application of interactive multimedia technologies that provide support to elderly or vulnerable people. Such tools could help sufferers from Parkinson's disease, or those suffering from apathy related to cognitive decline and behavioural disturbances, for example due to Alzheimer's disease. Although focusing on these areas initially, the workshop encourages submissions on the use of interactive multimedia technologies in a much wider range of healthcare settings. Topics addressed include:

 

-       Technology acceptance by the elderly and those suffering from anxiety-related disorder

-      Gaming technology as a therapeutic capability

-       The use of virtual agents as assistants in health care and therapy

-      The use of games to provide support and information to carers and family members

-       Human computer confluences applied to health

-       Technologies linked to pervasive computing, health science and human neuroscience

-       Methods for measuring the effects and benefits of serious games in healthcare settings

-       Use of game technology to develop physical and cognitive improvement in patients

-      The use of gaming technology as a means of social inclusion for vulnerable adults

 

 

Important Dates

 

Paper Submission Deadline:      March 01, 2013

 

Acceptance Notice:                        March 15, 2013

 

Workshop Chairs

 

Brian Gannon                                    b.gannon@kainos.com, Kainos and Birkbeck College, University of London

 

Catherine Pelachaud                      catherine.pelachaud@telecom-paristech.fr, CNRS, Institut Mines Telecom - Telecom-ParisTech

 

Isabelle Viaud-Delmon                  isabelle.viaud-delmon@ircam.fr, CNRS, IRCAM

 

Submission Information

 

Submissions should be in ACM style format and will be accepted as either full paper (8 pages) or short paper (4 pages). Please refer also to the conference submission guideline http://www.petrae.org/proceedings.php

 

Submissions are to be done through the workshop's submissions page http://www.petrae.org/submissionlist.php