E-tree: Emotionally driven augmented reality art

In this paper, we describe an Augmented Reality Art installation, which reacts to user behaviour using Multimodal analysis of affective signals. The installation features a virtual tree, whose growth is influenced by the perceived emotional response from spectators. The system implements a 'magic mirror' paradigm (using a large-screen display or projection system) and is based on the ARToolkit with extended representations for scene graphs. The system relies on a PAD dimensional model of affect to support the fusion of different affective modalities, while also supporting the representation of affective responses that relate to aesthetic impressions. The influence of affective input on the visual component is achieved by mapping affective data to an LSystem governing virtual tree behaviour. We have performed an early evaluation of the system, both from the technical perspective and in terms of user experience. Post-hoc questionnaires were generally consistent with data from multimodal affective processing, and users rated the overall experience as positive and enjoyable, regardless of how proactive they were in their interaction with the installation.