1. Can immersion protect us from distraction? : The impact of real-world distractions on learning in augmented realityKlen Čopič Pucihar, Karolina Trajkovska, Anuradhi Maheshya W. Weerasinghe Arachchillage, Ali Waqas, Douglas A. Parry, Daniel B. Le Roux, Matjaž Kljun, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: While many digital distractions can be managed, real-world interruptions, such as phone calls, notifications, and office noise, are harder to control and can harm productivity, well-being, and learning. Mixed reality systems like Augmented Reality (AR) are often described as immersive—a property which might protect users from such disruptions. We tested this assumption by comparing a head-mounted AR interface that overlays digital annotations on physical objects with a traditional flat screen during vocabulary learning under common office distractions. In a user study (n = 32), AR users reported feeling less distracted and recalled less task-irrelevant information, but their learning performance did not improve. Instead, distraction-related performance decline was greater in AR. Physiological and self-report measures showed no reduction in effort or workload, and participants with higher auditory distractibility did not benefit. Overall, AR annotation alone may not sufficiently shield learners from real-world distractions, motivating new design approaches.
Keywords: distractions, auditory distractibility, augmented reality, immersion and presence, learning
Published in RUP: 15.05.2026; Views: 65; Downloads: 2
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3. Real-time gesture transmission with a robotic hand : embodied signals for non-verbal remote communicationLea Pajnič, Matjaž Kljun, Anuradhi Maheshya W. Weerasinghe Arachchillage, Klen Čopič Pucihar, 2025, published scientific conference contribution Abstract: This work explores how computer vision and robotics can support remote, gesture-based embodied signals for expressing presence and emotion in remote communication. We present an initial proof-of-concept in which users interact through robotic hands placed on their desks: one user’s hand gestures are captured in real time by a camera, transmitted over a network, and reproduced by a robotic hand at the remote location. The prototype uses the InMoov robotic hand and MediaPipe Hands for gesture tracking across varied lighting conditions, viewing angles, and backgrounds. Our preliminary tests demonstrate that gestures can be reliably recognised and consistently reproduced through stable network communication. While still at an early stage, this project illustrates the potential of combining affordable robotics with computer vision to create accessible alternatives to voice communication and new forms of remote communication.
Keywords: robotic hand, gesture transmission, embodied signals, non-verbal communication, remote communication, computer vision
Published in RUP: 30.01.2026; Views: 476; Downloads: 3
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4. Enhanced precision in axle configuration inference for bridge weigh-in-motion systems using computer vision and deep learningDomen Šoberl, Jan Kalin, Andrej Anžlin, Maja Kreslin, Klen Čopič Pucihar, Matjaž Kljun, Doron Hekič, Aleš Žnidarič, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have a significant impact on road and bridge infrastructure, with overloaded vehicles accelerating structural deterioration and increasing safety risks. Bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM) systems estimate gross vehicle weight (GVW) using strain measurements, but inaccuracies in axle configuration recognition can reduce reliability. This study presents a low-cost computer vision (CV) extension for existing B-WIM installations that verifies strain-inferred axle configurations using traffic camera images and flags GVW estimates as reliable or unreliable. Experiments on a data set of over 30,000 HGV records show that by combining convolutional neural networks with strain-based heuristics, GVW reliability can improve from 96.7% to 99.89%, effectively excluding nearly all erroneous measurements. The approach operates without interrupting ongoing B-WIM operations and can be applied retrospectively to historical data. Limitations include the inability to detect raised axles (RAs), which the method excludes as unreliable. This method provides a practical, high-precision enhancement for structural health monitoring of bridges.
Keywords: B-WIM, computer vision, deep learning
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 554; Downloads: 5
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7. ImproVisAR : designing augmented reality piano roll for teaching improvisationJordan Aiko Deja, Sandi Štor, Ilonka Pucihar, Anuradhi Maheshya W. Weerasinghe Arachchillage, Rafael Marco Balbin, Klen Čopič Pucihar, Matjaž Kljun, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Improvisation is an important skill in music instrument learning, but remains a less-taught topic in traditional piano education. To improvise effectively, learners must develop musical vocabulary, creative confidence, and comfort in performance. These demands make piano improvisation a complex teaching challenge where technology interventions may offer sup- port. Prior short-term studies on augmented piano roll visualisations have shown promise for teaching sight-reading and motor coordination in novice students. However, how such approaches can support advanced learners in acquisition of improvisational skills remains under-explored. To address this gap, we present ImproVisAR, an interactive piano training system that teaches improvisation through augmented piano roll visualisations. Concepts and tools derived from a co- design process with improvisation experts are integrated as structured learning modes. We validated the system through a four-day controlled study (n = 6) comparing an AR-based condition with a traditional sheet music condition following a mixed-methods approach to data analysis. We collected and analysed subjective ratings of cognitive load, creativity support, user-experience, expert evaluation of performances, interaction logs, and qualitative insights collected from daily post-study interviews. Our findings show that participants experienced reduced cognitive load over time, sustained engage- ment across sessions, and AR participants showed higher expert-rated scores, particularly in rhythm, flow, musicality and overall musical impression. Participants also reported greater immersion, freedom to create musical content and motiva- tion to continue playing. We discuss these findings in relation to user experience and creativity support, and offer design recommendations for AR systems that aim to teach complex, expressive skills such as musical improvisation.
Keywords: augmented reality, projections, piano, jazz, improvisation, training system
Published in RUP: 09.09.2025; Views: 924; Downloads: 12
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