Intelligent Systems for Characters, Creatures and Creativity: An Interdisciplinary Approach
By Steve DiPaola
By using parameterization techniques which model the knowledge space of a living
or cognitive systems (eg. the behavior space of whales) it is possible to use
Computational Intelligence techniques such as Neural Networks and Genetic
Programming to create new types of expression systems for use in communication,
learning, interactive games and digital media systems. Steve DiPaola will
discuss and demonstrate his work in this area (see ivizlab.sfu.ca). Best known
for his expertise in 3D facial animation and communication systems, DiPaola will
demonstrate his ASI/NSERC funding iFace research which uses an intelligent
behavior based parameterized approach to synthetic facial communication, and its
application in psychology research, gaming and learning. He will show his lab's
ongoing work with: the Vancouver Aquarium/UBC Zoology to create an Artificial
Life based Virtual Beluga Whale Interactive (ivizlab.sfu.ca/research/vraquarium/),
where visitors can collaboratively interact with a simulated pod of wild beluga
whales to learn more about marine mammal behaviors, a system that allows online
gamers to browse face-space for the EA/Maxis game 'The Sims'
(ivizlab.sfu.ca/research/genface),
as well as more experimental systems that explore computer creativity that
create moving set design by extracting emotion out a music score or
automatically evolving abstract portrait painter programs using Cartesian
Genetic Programming (dipaola.org/evolve)
as a way to enhance automatic computer creativity.
Steve DiPaola is an Associate Professor at Simon Fraser University. There he
directs the iViz research lab (ivizlab.sfu.ca)
which incorporates intelligent parameterized cognitive and living system models
within interactive visualization research. He came to SFU from Stanford
University and before that spent 10 years as a senior researcher at NYIT
Computer Graphics Lab, an early pioneering lab in 3D and interactive techniques.
He has held leadership positions at leading edge companies including Electronic
Arts, and Saatchi Innovation. Active as a new media artist, his work is shown
internationally including the Smithsonian and Whitney Museum of Art.