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Research

Agent reasoning and programming
This research theme focuses on generic agent-oriented methods, techniques, and platforms to design and develop multi-agent systems. Agent technology is a key enabler for open systems such as electronic markets, interactive decision support systems and hybrid teams (consisting of human- and artificial actors, and for simulating complex systems. The work of the II staff in this area is widely recognized. II's strategy is to strengthen the group's international position in agent-programming languages, agent-based simulation and organizational modelling.

Computational intelligence
Enhancing user experiences requires intelligent, context-aware systems that learn automatically from the user and the environment. The research on computational intelligence within II focuses on the development of tools and methods that can deal with real life incomplete, uncertain and ambiguous data, obtained unobtrusively from the user. The group is internationally known for its success in applying these techniques to multi-modal sensing and multimodal fission of information. In particular, the tools we developed for automatic recognition of facial expressions and emotions are state-of-the art.

User-centred design
The user-centred design research within II focuses on the development of new methods & techniques, on adaptive interfaces and their personalisation, on emotions and on the engineering of user experiences. The group takes the position that this research is best done within a specific domain for a specific task and user context. Fundamental to our research is the aim to enhance understanding about design factors that could create or control experiences desired by people. The group is internationally acclaimed for its work on cognitive task load models and virtual reality exposure therapy.

Human perception
Vision is an important human perceptual modality. A better understanding of human vision will inspire novel algorithmic options that will exhibit the robustness and flexibility of human capabilities. It will influence visualization design and video rendering methods. We focus on two main themes: the visual perception of geometrical structure, and the assessment of viewing experience, focusing on aspects such as the visibility of artefacts, enhanced video rendering options and 3D. Most research activities are centred on our experience lab. In the area of human perception this group of researchers has a national and international top position. In cooperation with Philips, group members play an important role with respect to the perceived quality of displays.