Guidelines for ASP

Abstract

Although emotions are embraced by science, their recognition has not yet reached a satisfying level. Through a concise overview of affect followed by a set of studies, we provided some insight into the problems encountered. In this chapter, we will identify guidelines for successful Affective Signal Processing (ASP). First we will discuss: physical sensing characteristics, temporal construction, normalization, and context. Second and last, guidelines for successful classification of emotions will be presented, which will include validation (e.g., mapping of constructs on signals), triangulation, and user identification. With this concise set of directives for future research in affective computing, I will present important conclusions drawn on my experiences throughout almost a decade of research. I hope that these guidelines may help in the further maturation of the field.

This chapter is an extended version of the fifth and sixth section of:

Broek, E. L. van den, Janssen, J.H., Zwaag, M.D. van der, Westerink, J.H.D.M., & Healey, J.A. Affective Signal Processing (ASP): A user manual. [in preparation]

which already appeared partially as:

Broek, E.L. van den et al. (2009/2010/2011). Prerequisites for Affective Signal Processing (ASP) - Parts I-V. In A. Fred, J. Filipe, and H. Gamboa, Proceedings of BioSTEC 2009/2010/2011: Proceedings of the International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies. January, Porto, Portugal / Valencia, Spain / Rome, Italy.