Personalization of Virtual Coaching Applications Using Procedural Modeling

Abstract: Virtual coaching is an application area that allows individuals to improve existing skills or learn new ones; it ranges from simple textual tutoring tools to fully immersive 3D learning situations. The latter aim at improv-ing the learning experience with realistic 3D environments. In highly individual training scenarios it can be beneficial to provide some level of personalization of the environment. This can be supported using procedural modeling that allows to easily modify shape, look and contents of an environment. We present the applica-tion of personalization using procedural modeling in learning applications in the project V2me. This project combines virtual and social networks to help senior citizens maintain and create meaningful relationships. We present a system that uses a procedurally generated ambient virtual coaching environment that can be adjusted by training subjects themselves or in collaboration. A small user experience study has been executed that gives first insight to the acceptance of such an approach.