title: Virtual Partner Interaction (VPI): exploring novel behaviors via coordination dynamics.
abstract: Inspired by the dynamic clamp of cellular neuroscience, this paper introduces VPI -- Virtual Partner Interaction -- a coupled dynamical system for studying real time interaction between a human and a machine. In this proof of concept study, human subjects coordinate hand movements with a virtual partner, an avatar of a hand whose movements are driven by a computerized version of the Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) equations that have been shown to govern basic forms of human coordination. As a surrogate system for human social coordination, VPI allows one to examine regions of the parameter space not typically explored during live interactions. A number of novel behaviors never previously observed are uncovered and accounted for. Having its basis in an empirically derived theory of human coordination, VPI offers a principled approach to human-machine interaction and opens up new ways to understand how humans interact with human-like machines including identification of underlying neural mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Human Brain and Behavior Laboratory, Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA. kelso@ccs.fau.edu
authors.forename: J A Scott
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Kelso
authors.forename: Gonzalo C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: de Guzman
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reveley
authors.forename: Emmanuelle
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tognoli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001519:Behavior; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009068:Movement; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D009488:Neurosciences; D012984:Software; D014584:User-Computer Interface