Temporal resolution capabilities of the mid-frequency heart rate variability-based human-computer interaction evaluation method

Abstract

The mid-frequency component of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is utilized in many studies to measure the level of mental effort in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). However, the temporal resolution that can be achieved using this method is underestimated. For refining the specification of the exact temporal resolution of this method, we employed a visual search task that required elevated levels of mental effort. Participants had to find one difference between pairs of pictures. Each of the twelve pairs was followed by a congratulation screen causing a short period of relief (5-6 seconds). Using our method based on power spectra analysis and windowing functions, we were able to differentiate between the HPV mid-frequency values of the visual search and the relief periods. These results, along with previous findings, seem to suggest that the temporal resolution of 5-6 seconds can be achieved with our method, widening the range of applications.