Other Computer Sciences Commons^™

Breadquest: Enhancing Roguelike Accessibility Through Procedural Generation And Thematic Design, Hahns Pena

Computer Science and Software Engineering

BreadQuest is a top-down roguelike dungeon crawler with a whimsical dessert theme that aims to make the genre more accessible while preserving strategic depth and replayability. Players explore procedurally generated dungeons, fight pastry-themed enemies, and collect bakery-inspired items that support a flavor-elemental combat system, with each run offering unique layouts, encounters, and rewards. Built in Unity with a modular, data-driven architecture, the game uses procedural generation techniques like Binary Space Partitioning, Voronoi diagrams, and Perlin noise to create varied and replayable levels. The project emphasizes approachable gameplay, cultural dessert inspiration, and replayability, with success evaluated through playtesting and player feedback.

Improving Semantic Precision In Text-To-Image Diffusion Models Via Latent-Space Optimization And Semantically-Parsed Evaluation, Mohammad Rouie Miab

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Text-to-image diffusion models can produce visually impressive images from natural-language prompts, but they often fail to satisfy the detailed semantic constraints expressed in compositional prompts. Typical failure modes include omitted objects, merged entities, incorrect quantities, incorrect attribute binding, and leakage of one entity's attributes onto another. This thesis studies the problem of semantic precision in text-to-image generation: how faithfully a generated image satisfies the structured meaning of its prompt.   The thesis makes two linked contributions. First, it presents a training-free inference-time refinement method for diffusion-based image generation. The method operates directly in latent space during denoising and uses noun-phrase-aware cross-attention …

From Physical Correlation To Emotional Connection: The Role Of Passive Haptics On Empathy In Virtual Reality, Jemely Robles

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Virtual reality is increasingly explored as a tool for cultivating empathy, and haptic feedback as a tool for enhancing immersion. This paper investigates the effects of combining the two.  Fifty-two participants experienced a custom-built VR scene in which a character was shown packing up a room. Participants were assigned to either a haptic condition, receiving passive haptic feedback corresponding to the character's actions, or a non-haptic control condition that did not receive any haptic input. Trait empathy was measured beforehand, and state empathy and engagement were measured after the experience. Thematic analysis was conducted on post-study interviews, and headset recordings …

Revolutionizing Digital Privacy Education For Older Adults: Enhanced Interventions And Ai-Assisted Learning Strategies, Heba Aly

All Dissertations

As older adults increasingly engage with digital platforms, they face unique privacy risks stemming from limited digital literacy, reduced trust in AI technologies, and constrained access—especially in rural or underserved communities. While digital tools offer benefits like social connection and information access, current privacy education efforts often neglect the needs of older adults. This dissertation addresses this gap by developing, testing, and refining digital privacy education interventions tailored for older adults, with a focus on trust, personalization, and AI-assisted learning.

Study 1 evaluates multiple instructional modalities across age groups, revealing older adults prefer structured videos and interactive tutorials, while younger …

Full-Stack Web Applications: Infrastructure, Development Pipelines & Devsecops, Yassine Chahid, Patrick Slattery

Publications and Research

This research explores emerging development methodologies and technologies which facilitate the deployment and maintenance of software applications. It evaluates architectural styles for the development of software such as monolithic (legacy) and microservice models, with a focus on their key differences such as scalability or project structure through to the development of an application. By examining methodologies such as Agile and continuous integration/continuous development pipelines along with the deployment tools Docker and Git for version/release control, the study analyzes how these innovations speed up development, improve existing practices, and serve as the foundation for development operations. Cloud solutions for tasks such …

Tellings Of The Pacific Ocean: A Landscape-Based Approach For Multispecies Design And Hci, Maliheh Ghajargar

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Environmental disturbances induced by climate change have caused significant changes in our ecosystems and are threatening the health of our environments. As a response to this issue, a growing body of work has emerged in HCI and design, which seeks to foreground more-than-human stories in support of making more sustainable and just futures. This research contributes to this broad agenda by probing graphic novels as a multispecies storytelling method for design and HCI. Combining ideas from Anna Tsing’s adventures of landscape and from HCI and design’s use of sequential art (e.g., storyboards), we use landscape as the main protagonist of …

Programming A More Efficient Onboarding Process For New Employees, Long H. Pham

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The current onboarding process for new hires in the University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering is inefficient. There is no central location where new hires and administrators can track onboarding progress. Both parties have to manage multiple email chains and write their own reminders to keep track of everything. This leads to delays, missing deadlines, and confusion for both parties. A web-based onboarding application has been developed recently to address these issues and streamline the onboarding process for new hires. However, this application contains several accessibility issues and does not follow all of the standards for effective employee …

Managing Graphical Fidelity With Stylized Shaders For Independent Game Development, Benjamin A. Edens

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper outlines work performed by the author within the Unity3D game engine to gain preliminary experience with technical art implementation and suggests design choices that could be useful to other students or independent game developers to manage complexity within their games while maintaining visual appeal. The final product of the discussed project is a small game consisting of an outdoor urban city environment as well as an interior aquarium environment. This paper begins with the author’s motivations and goals for the project before describing the implementation of specific aspects of technical art, including 3D modeling, rigging, animation, level design, …

Ml Playground: Data Modification/Preprocessing And Model Simulation Tool, Marco D. Cerrato

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

There is a heavy reliance on programming when it comes to learning machine learning (ML). This often creates barriers for students and newcomers unfamiliar with coding. While the lessons you learn in the classroom provide essential foundational understanding, some technical or practical aspects of ML—such as data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model tuning—are best learned through hands-on interaction. ML Playground was developed to act as a proof-of-concept application to address this gap by offering a browser-based, graphical user interface that lets users engage with core ML workflows without writing code. Designed with educational accessibility in mind, the application allows users …

A System And Method For Measuring Spatially Varying Surface Appearances With A Study Of Feathers, Jessica Baron-Lis

All Dissertations

Real-world materials, particularly biological structures such as feathers exhibit complex appearances that vary spatially across their surfaces. The field of computer graphics provides a means of understanding such surfaces through material modeling which uses both analytical models and data acquired from light-surface interactions. There are many efforts within the past decade in measuring materials for graphics, but common limitations in these works include not accounting for spatially varying properties and reliance on neural networks and synthetic datasets.

Feathers from modern birds present diverse appearances due to how light interacts with their unique hierarchical microstructures. Variations in those structures lead to …

Ai-Based Accessibility Widget (Aibaw) Shortcomings For Blind Web Users, Joshua A. Rovira

LSU Master's Theses

With legal, ethical, and financial motivations to make their websites more accessible, many businesses and sites have begun to employ the use of artificial intelligence (AI) based widgets to automatically make necessary modifications to their sites' pages and subdomains. In this work, we conduct a qualitative case study to determine the efficacy of these AI tools as they pertain specifically to blind users. We analyze pages from twelve websites using accessiBe's AI accessibility widget and provide a taxonomy of their violations against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 level AA compliance. We found each website to bear numerous violations …

Simplifying 3d Printing Using Natural Language Processing, Jared E. Rosenberger

Undergraduate Theses

3D printing is a crucial technology with many applications in different fields. To be able to use this technology to its full extent, expertise in computer aided design (CAD) technology and 3D modeling is required. Many people interested in 3D printing do not have this expertise and thus cannot build custom models, and are consequently forced to buy them instead. Natural language processing (NLP) is one tool that can vastly simplify 3D modeling for those lacking CAD experience. Using NLP, someone can simply dictate what they want to be able to print, and a computer can then build a 3D …

Ai Models By Boodlebox: Purpose-Built Intelligence, Kyle Horn

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Generative AI has transformed the way we interact with technology, enabling dynamic and intelligent conversations through AI-driven bots. This project explores my experience with BoodleBox, a platform that hosts AI chatbots, offering users access to leading AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, DALL·E, and DeepSeek. Through the FHSU Generative AI Initiative, I was granted access to experiment with these models and create my own custom AI bot tailored to specific needs. This poster highlights the process of developing a custom bot, including defining instructions, enforcing rules, and sharing the bot for others to use. Additionally, it discusses the background of …

Application Of Graph Neural Networks With Phase Space Graphs, Parker H. Cole, Ryan Benton, Ralf Riedel, David Bourrie

Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Posters

Non-linear phase-space analysis models data represented as a graph transitioning between states in the time domain. By studying data transitions, we can predict the time a particular behavior occurs and classify the events (states) in a system. For example, we could classify neurological sensor data to determine if a person is asleep (state), or predict the direction in which a stock will move (transitions) based on micro trade patterns.

Previous research has demonstrated success in phase-space graphs in classifying malware, detecting network intrusions, and predicting seizures. However, the solutions either require calculating global graph features as inputs to a classifier, …

Topical Text Segmentation For Stream Of Consciousness Writing, Yuwei Lu, Ryan Benton

Shelby Hall Graduate Research Forum Posters

Stream of consciousness writing has a long history, including novelists James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. However, there has been little work done in automated and semi-automated analysis of such writing, which is the focus of this work. We plan to divide real streams of consciousness writing into distinct topical units and then capture different momentary meaningful topics from these units. By doing this, researchers and readers could gain a more nuanced understanding of the narrative structure and thematic elements. In addition, it would also support applications in fields like psychology and linguistics, where understanding thought processes and narrative structures is …

Procedural Terrain Generation: Noise Functions, Modern Methods, And Style Transfer, Hunter Barton

EWU Masters Thesis Collection

Procedural terrain generation, the algorithmic creation of digital terrain, finds use in multiple types of digital media. As the capabilities of modern computation increase, the ability to create more and more realistic terrains fully procedurally at scale improves. Modern methods of procedural generation have also overlapped with these advances, most notably advances in hardware. To account for this, a survey was done of modern methods for procedural terrain generation. Smooth procedural noise functions are one of the backbones of procedural terrain generation. Perlin noise, value noise, and fractal noise were explored in-depth. These noise functions were also tested for capabilities …

Personalized Physics Learning Through Ai: Insights From Problem Generation, Chatbot Dialogues, And Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Atharva Dange

Physics Dissertations - Archive

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform science education, yet questions remain on how best to integrate these technologies into teaching and learning. This dissertation investigates the use of AI-driven tools in university physics courses through three complementary studies. In the first study, a generative language model (ChatGPT) was used to create novel physics homework problems aligned with course objectives. Analysis showed that, after expert vetting, AI-generated questions can foster higher-order problem-solving and reduce student reliance on solution memorization, though careful instructor oversight is required to ensure accuracy. The second study embedded an AI chatbot as a learning aid in …

Real-Time Feedback-Driven Framework For Automated Cybersickness Mitigation, Md Jahirul Islam

Master's Theses

As technologies are becoming more advanced day by day, the embracement of virtual reality (VR) technology among users is also increasing in daily activities for various purposes, and subsequently, the barrier between the real and virtual world is fading. Despite the versatile uses, cybersickness (CS) is a major problem which is induced among users due to the immersive VR experience. There is a plethora of research findings and methods to measure the users’ CS such as virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ), simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ), fast motion scale questionnaire (FMS), and others. Recently, machine learning approaches have also been adopted …

Innovations In Full-Stack Web Development: Front-End To Back-End, Yassine Chahid, Patrick Slattery

Publications and Research

This research explores emerging technologies within full-stack web development and their potential impact on current front-end and back-end solutions. Both areas employ crucial technologies that determine how end-users access information and navigate web services. Front-end solutions include HTML, JavaScript, and CSS which shape user interaction on websites. Back-end solutions use technologies such as SQL and PHP for the foundation of data processing, retrieval, and storage. The research method involves examining official documentation for these technologies to better understand their key components and to understand how their use in cyberspace has changed. The research will observe several high-traffic websites and domains …

Enhancing Place-Based Interaction With Emotion Ai And Augmented Reality, Jake Maier, Ivan Martinez

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project explores the integration of augmented reality (AR) and Emotion AI technologies to enhance user experiences in physical environments. By seamlessly merging virtual elements with real-world contexts, we aim to deepen individuals’ interactions and perceptions of their surroundings. Leveraging AR technology enables users to access contextual information, engage with interactive content, and navigate spaces with heightened immersion and understanding. Additionally, Emotion AI enhances these experiences by detecting and responding to users’ emotional states, fostering personalized and emotionally resonant interactions. We aim to integrate digital content within physical environments using mixed-reality headsets equipped with eye-tracking capabilities and consumer-grade wireless EEG …

Integrating Authentication Schemes In Augmented And Virtual Reality Classrooms, Naheem Noah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technologies are revolutionizing educational experiences, but their widespread adoption hinges on addressing critical security and usability challenges, particularly in the domain of user authentication. This research presents an investigation into the security landscape of AR/VR and explores a graphical authentication scheme called “Things” that enhances both security and usability in immersive learning environments. Through a systematic evaluation of popular AR/VR devices and applications, potential vulnerabilities and limitations were identified, such as high usage of pin/passwords which are susceptible to shoulder-surfing attacks, lack of multi-factor authentication, and unclear data-sharing practices. A review of existing knowledge-based …

Crime Prediction Using Agent-Based Modeling, Yifei Gong

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Crime risk evaluation and crime prediction using agent-based modeling (ABM) have gained popularity in the field of computational criminology in recent years. Traditionally, researchers rely on statistical methods and machine learning models to predict crimes using historical data. ABM generates macro-level crime patterns in a bottom-up fashion by simulating the daily behaviors of autonomous entities, such as citizens and offenders. ABM takes into consideration the non-linear interactions between agents under complex social contexts. Currently, the comprehensive usage of ABM for criminological theory testing and urban policy evaluations calls for a unified software framework. In this research, we introduce CARESim, an …

An Exploration Of Procedural Methods In Game Level Design, Hector Salinas

Computer Science and Computer Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Video games offer players immersive experiences within intricately crafted worlds, and the integration of procedural methods in game level designs extends this potential by introducing dynamic, algorithmically generated content that could stand on par with handcrafted environments. This research highlights the potential to provide players with engaging experiences through procedural level generation, while potentially reducing development time for game developers.

Through a focused exploration on two-dimensional cave generation techniques, this paper aims to provide efficient solutions tailored to this specific environment. This exploration encompasses several procedural generation methods, including Midpoint Displacement, Random Walk, Cellular Automata, Perlin Worms, and Binary Space …

Automated Cinematographer For Vr Viewing Experiences, Zihan Wu

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

As the virtual reality (VR) industry continues to evolve, the question of how to effectively capture VR experiences for an audience remains a challenge. The predominant method of showcasing VR applications through first-person recordings lacks cinematic interest, failing to capture other viewpoints and the essence of the moment. Meanwhile, manually setting up cameras and editing videos requires technical expertise on behalf of the user. In this paper, we propose the use of machine learning (ML) to automatically select the most compelling predefined viewpoint in a VR environment, at any given moment. Our models, trained on actor motion and voice volume, …

Cloud Computing Integration Into Mixed-Reality: Physical To Abstraction, Yassine Chahid, Patrick Slattery

Publications and Research

This research evaluates the progression of cloud computing and mixed-reality technologies, and to identify how these technologies influence advancements in the latter. Both cloud computing and mixed reality have significantly impacted the IT field and the services available to the public and various institutions. Cloud computing provides a valuable way to process information or allocate computational resources on otherwise limited hardware. Augmented or virtual reality hardware would greatly benefit from this by offloading resource-intensive tasks to other machines. The research methodology involves analyzing essential components of both innovations, divided into multiple categories. These components range from physical, hardware-based elements to …

Multi-Script Handwriting Identification By Fragmenting Strokes, Joshua Jude Thomas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

This study tests the effectiveness of Multi-Script Handwriting Identification after simplifying character strokes, by segmenting them into sub-parts. Character simplification is performed through splitting the character by branching-points and end-points, a process called stroke fragmentation in this study. The resulting sub-parts of the character are called stroke fragments and are evaluated individually to identify the writer. This process shares similarities with the concept of stroke decomposition in Optical Character Recognition which attempts to recognize characters through the writing strokes that make them up. The main idea of this study is that the characters of different writing‑scripts (English, Chinese, etc.) may …

Factors Influencing The Perceptions Of Human-Computer Interaction Curriculum Developers In Higher Education Institutions During Curriculum Design And Delivery, Cynthia Augustine, Salah Kabanda

The African Journal of Information Systems

Computer science (CS) and information systems students seeking to work as software developers upon graduating are often required to create software that has a sound user experience (UX) and meets the needs of its users. This includes addressing unique user, context, and infrastructural requirements. This study sought to identify the factors that influence the perceptions of human-computer interaction (HCI) curriculum developers in higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing economies of Africa when it comes to curriculum design and delivery. A qualitative enquiry was conducted and consisted of fourteen interviews with HCI curriculum developers and UX practitioners in four African countries. …

Image De‑Photobombing Benchmark, Vatsa S. Patel, Kunal Agrawal, Samah Baraheem, Amira Yousif, Tam Nguyen

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Removing photobombing elements from images is a challenging task that requires sophisticated image inpainting techniques. Despite the availability of various methods, their effectiveness depends on the complexity of the image and the nature of the distracting element. To address this issue, we conducted a benchmark study to evaluate 10 state-of-the-art photobombing removal methods on a dataset of over 300 images. Our study focused on identifying the most effective image inpainting techniques for removing unwanted regions from images. We annotated the photobombed regions that require removal and evaluated the performance of each method using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index …

Improving Implicit Communication In Remote Collaboration Through Augmented Reality And Digital Twins, Nicholas Levergne

LSU Master's Theses

Large scale digital twinning projects are beginning to emerge across the tech industry. Within these projects is a desire to integrate augmented reality capabilities into industrial workflows. However, research on augmented reality technology for remote collaboration lacks ecologically valid studies of real world scenarios. Additionally, prior remote collaboration literature is focused on white-collar applications instead of blue-collar field work. Prior AR collaboration software is similarly limited, with most software allowing mixed camera views and annotation that requires participants to be stationary. This thesis introduces SpectAR, an augmented reality and desktop remote collaboration software suite developed in Unreal Engine 5.1.1. SpectAR …

Digitizing Delphi: Educating Audiences Through Virtual Reconstruction, Kate Koury

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

Implementing a 3D model into a virtual space allows the general public to engage critically with archaeological processes. There are many unseen decisions that go into reconstructing an ancient temple. Analysis of available materials and techniques, predictions of how objects were used, decisions of what sources to reference, puzzle piecing broken remains together, and even educated guesses used to fill gaps in information often go unobserved by the public. This work will educate users about those choices by allowing the side-by-side comparison of conflicting theories on the reconstruction of the Tholos at Delphi, which is an ideal site because of …