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About

About

Associate Professor with Habilitation at University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) and Senior Researcher at INESC TEC.

He earned a doctorate in UTAD in 2002 in Electrical Engineering and held in 2008 the Habilitation in Informatics/Accessibility. I was Associate Professor in December 2012.

He was Pro-Rector for Innovation and Information Management at UTAD, from 23 July 2010 to 29 July 2013.

He produced over 150 scientific papers, including book chapters, journal articles and articles in proceedings of scientific events. He supervised 40 postgraduate students (masters and doctorates).
He was member of the research team in 35 research and development projects.

He was member of several organizing committees of the international scientific meetings. In 2006 he directed the team that created the conference "Software Development and Technologies for Enhancing Accessibility and Fighting Info-exclusion (www.dsai.ws/2016) and in 2016 the conference Technology and Innovation is Sports, Health and Wellbeing (www.tishw.ws/2016).
The main research interests are: Digital Image Processing, Accessibility and Human Computer Interaction.

Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/citations?user=HBVvNYQAAAAJ&hl=en

SCOPUS: http://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.url?authorId=20435746800

Interest
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Details

Details

  • Name

    João Barroso
  • Role

    Research Coordinator
  • Since

    01st October 2012
014
Publications

2026

Machine Learning for Decision Support and Automation in Games: Agent City Navigation

Authors
Penelas, G; Nunes, RR; Barbosa, LF; Reis, AMD; Barroso, JMP; Pinto, T;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Computer Science

Abstract
This paper presents a game-simulated environment that mimics real-world conditions, with a focus on autonomous vehicle navigation. Despite significant advances in the field of games and simulations, there are still a number of challenges to overcome, in particular, the ability to accurately transfer what has been learned in virtual environments to the real world. This project recreates an agent (a motorcycle), modeled with complex physics, navigating autonomously on a detailed map based on the urban geography of Vila Real, Portugal, recreated from real data, implemented in the Unity game engine. In this paper, we provide a detailed overview of the environment and agent creation processes, highlighting the integration of realistic road networks, obstacles, and interaction mechanics that enhance the fidelity of the simulation. The experimental phase demonstrates the motorcycle’s ability to navigate efficiently, adapting to road layouts, avoiding obstacles, and adjusting to dynamic conditions. The insights from this study can be applied and transferred to real-world application scenarios, particularly in optimizing route planning and driving behaviour for electric motorcycles. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

2026

Analysis, Implementation and Demonstration of the Nim Game Mathematical Winning Strategy

Authors
Mendes, T; Borges, D; Lima, D; Silva, A; Reis, AMD; Barroso, JMP; Pinto, T;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Computer Science

Abstract
Nim is a mathematical combinatorial game in which two players take turns removing, or nimming, objects from distinct heaps or piles Although its rules are simple, which makes it extremely easy to play, it requires a solid strategic reasoning in order to win against experienced players. This study presents an optimised strategic approach to the game of Nim, which represents the guaranteed winning strategy for this game for the first player to take action. The proposed approach is a fundamental combinatorial game rooted in Boolean algebra and the XOR operation. Unlike traditional strategies that solely rely on XOR calculations to determine winning and losing positions, this research identifies and analyses anomalous strategic behaviours that challenge conventional Nim theory, revealing previously unexplored patterns in specific game configurations. To validate these findings, a Python-based application has been developed, implementing the proposed strategy to ensure consistent victory. The algorithm systematically applies XOR calculations, executes optimal moves, and dynamically adapts to anomalies, demonstrating how these irregularities can be leveraged for strategic advantage. This computational validation reinforces the theoretical framework and provides new insights into the limitations and extensions of classical Nim strategies. Beyond its implications for Nim, this research highlights the broader potential of AI-driven decision-making in combinatorial games. By demonstrating how algorithmic intelligence can analyse game states, predict outcomes, and refine strategies, this study contributes to advancements in artificial intelligence, optimisation algorithms, and complex strategic decision-making models. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

2026

Adaptive User Interface for Electric Vehicle Route Information in Urban Mobility Services

Authors
Vigário, A; Oliveira, J; Fernandes, R; Pinto, T; Reis, AMD; Rocha, TDJVD; Barroso, JMP;

Publication
Learning and Analytics in Intelligent Systems

Abstract
Growing urbanisation, the development of smart cities, and environmental concerns have driven the implementation of advanced technologies and the modernisation of transport systems. Electric motorcycles have emerged as an effective solution for mobility, but they also present specific challenges, particularly related to the mode of riding, which is more complex than that of other vehicles and requires greater attention, skill, and preparation. Therefore, the interaction between the rider and the support system must be carefully designed, with particular emphasis on the interface and the adaptation of route information. This interface should be intuitive, accessible, and capable of presenting relevant information in a clear and objective manner, minimising distractions while riding. In addition, it must be adaptable to user preferences, allowing for customisation such as colour themes, levels of detail in the information displayed, or specific notifications regarding adverse weather and road conditions. Adapting route information provides a more efficient, safe, and satisfactory user experience. It enables riders to access personalised information, continuously updated in real time and tailored to the situation and their specific needs, including traffic conditions, road surface state, and weather conditions. This optimisation leads to better time management, energy consumption, and overall ride quality, enhancing urgent and non-urgent services. Moreover, integrating clearly and objectively features such as voice commands and compatibility with mobile or wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches) can facilitate real-time interaction without compromising safety. The interface should also offer advanced functionalities in line with technological developments and user needs, adapting to each rider’s specific requirements. This not only improves the individual experience but also promotes efficiency and sustainability, contributing to the advancement of smart cities and innovative mobility solutions. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

2026

Comparative Evaluation of Multimodal Large Language Models for Technical Content Simplification and Visual Interpretation

Authors
Pilarski, L; Luiz, E; Gomes, S; Pinto, T; Filipe, V; Rijo, G; Barroso, JMP;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Abstract
This study highlights the critical role of Large Language Model (LLM) in simplifying technical content and integrating visual data for accessible communication. It compares GPT-4 and Llama-3.2-90b-Vision-Preview, focusing on readability, semantic similarity, and multimodal interpretation using robust metrics like Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning Fog Index, and CLIP Score. GPT-4 retains key information and achieves high semantic and textual integration scores, making it more suitable for complex technical scenarios. Furthermore, LLaMA prioritizes readability and simplicity, outperforming in generating accessible captions. Both models show optimal performance with a temperature setting of 0.5, balancing simplicity and meaning preservation. The research underscores LLM potential to democratize technical knowledge across disciplines but notes precision and multimodal integration limitations. Future directions include fine-tuning for domain-specific applications and expanding input modalities to enhance accessibility and efficiency in real-world technical tasks. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

2026

Trustworthy AI in Design: Introducing Explainable Agent Systems

Authors
Ribeiro, E; Pinto, T; Reis, A; Barroso, J;

Publication
Communications in Computer and Information Science - Computational Intelligence

Abstract