Sound and Shape Synthesis Using Tensegrity Particle Systems. Pixar's Toy Story amazed audiences with its computer-generated images, yet the sound was still composed and ?tuned? almost wholly by human hand. In industry, virtual reality systems are increasingly applied to simulation and visualisation but, in general, 'sound? is poorly handled. In this project, we seek to research complex systems that will simulate an object's sound, shape and interaction characteristics in a unified approach. Our ....Sound and Shape Synthesis Using Tensegrity Particle Systems. Pixar's Toy Story amazed audiences with its computer-generated images, yet the sound was still composed and ?tuned? almost wholly by human hand. In industry, virtual reality systems are increasingly applied to simulation and visualisation but, in general, 'sound? is poorly handled. In this project, we seek to research complex systems that will simulate an object's sound, shape and interaction characteristics in a unified approach. Our proposed Tensegrity particle systems generate minimal, stable and robust descriptions of objects in interacting situations. This represents a new and unique approach to the unified representation of multimedia objects with applications in manufacturing and entertainment.Read moreRead less
Producing 3D video sequences from 2D input video. The project will develop new methods for extracting 3D information from existing films so that they may be used with 3D television monitors marketed by the industrial partner, Dynamic Digital Depth. The 3D representation will allow existing video material such as existing films, TV programs and news video to be viewed in 3D on a suitable 3D TV monitor. This will give a boost to the acceptance of 3D television and film as a preferred medium. Ex ....Producing 3D video sequences from 2D input video. The project will develop new methods for extracting 3D information from existing films so that they may be used with 3D television monitors marketed by the industrial partner, Dynamic Digital Depth. The 3D representation will allow existing video material such as existing films, TV programs and news video to be viewed in 3D on a suitable 3D TV monitor. This will give a boost to the acceptance of 3D television and film as a preferred medium. Expected outcome is a software system that will speed the conversion of 2D video to a 3D representation through automatic and interactive analysis techniques.Read moreRead less
A Gesture-Based Interface for Designing in Virtual Reality. Many design professions including architecture, fashion, and engineering can benefit from the outcomes of this project and may return financial benefits to Australia, since they heavily rely on sketching in the conceptual design process. Other areas, such as films, computer games, user interface design that involves storyboarding and visualization may also benefit from sketching in virtual reality. Further research may be carried out us ....A Gesture-Based Interface for Designing in Virtual Reality. Many design professions including architecture, fashion, and engineering can benefit from the outcomes of this project and may return financial benefits to Australia, since they heavily rely on sketching in the conceptual design process. Other areas, such as films, computer games, user interface design that involves storyboarding and visualization may also benefit from sketching in virtual reality. Further research may be carried out using a variety of VR facilities and a responsive workbench (3D interactive table-top display) to allow distributed Virtual Prototyping between geographically separated design teams, to assemble the product drawn using a force feedback device to place Australia in a leading position.Read moreRead less
A clinically valid simulator with tactile sensing to train specialists to perform cochlea implantation. This project aims to create a medical simulation system with tactile sensing for cochlear implant operations. The developed system will provide an opportunity to study cochlear implantation process and examine its effect in a patient before it is carried out. It will be also used to train ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists in cochlear implantation, thus replacing the current costly and no ....A clinically valid simulator with tactile sensing to train specialists to perform cochlea implantation. This project aims to create a medical simulation system with tactile sensing for cochlear implant operations. The developed system will provide an opportunity to study cochlear implantation process and examine its effect in a patient before it is carried out. It will be also used to train ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists in cochlear implantation, thus replacing the current costly and non-effective method of using temporal bones.Read moreRead less
A Framework for Adaptive Extensible Personae for Interactive Toys. This project will be of benefit in that it will facilitate the development of quality toys, based on sound psychological foundations. These toys will have a long life since they can be extended over time, growing with the child. There is also potential to be used for children with psychological difficulties, and applications in health and aged-care. This project will provide opportunities for Australian business, and will also h ....A Framework for Adaptive Extensible Personae for Interactive Toys. This project will be of benefit in that it will facilitate the development of quality toys, based on sound psychological foundations. These toys will have a long life since they can be extended over time, growing with the child. There is also potential to be used for children with psychological difficulties, and applications in health and aged-care. This project will provide opportunities for Australian business, and will also help to keep Australia at the forefront in the area of intelligent agent technology. It is an example of a project that helps create a culture of innovation in Australian industry.Read moreRead less
QUA:Queensland digital Ultra-Atlas. This project aims to design and develop a digital ultra-atlas of Queensland which integrates the capabilities of GIS(geographical information system) with interactive 4D graphical modelling,knowledge extraction and context-based query and retrieval. This ultra-atlas would allow users to discover knowledge on natural resources,cultural characteristics and historical changes,as well as simulating different effects by providing advanced search capabilities and en ....QUA:Queensland digital Ultra-Atlas. This project aims to design and develop a digital ultra-atlas of Queensland which integrates the capabilities of GIS(geographical information system) with interactive 4D graphical modelling,knowledge extraction and context-based query and retrieval. This ultra-atlas would allow users to discover knowledge on natural resources,cultural characteristics and historical changes,as well as simulating different effects by providing advanced search capabilities and engaging display of spatial and thematically-linked data. Such an ultra-atlas would have enormous impact on facilitating strategic planning and performance in many applications(e.g fire control,environment and urban planning).Read moreRead less
Risk Management using Agent-Based Virtual Environments. Since September 11, terrorism and its prevention has been high on the agenda of modern governments. On reflection, there were many signs that could have alerted US government officials to what was about to transpire and saved many lives. But much of the knowledge needed to detect and handle such situations can not be learnt from a book. Many things we need to experience in order to learn. This project combines the investigators' expertise i ....Risk Management using Agent-Based Virtual Environments. Since September 11, terrorism and its prevention has been high on the agenda of modern governments. On reflection, there were many signs that could have alerted US government officials to what was about to transpire and saved many lives. But much of the knowledge needed to detect and handle such situations can not be learnt from a book. Many things we need to experience in order to learn. This project combines the investigators' expertise in knowledge based, agent based and natural language fields to produce an interactive virtual environment for the user to engage with.Read moreRead less
Design after Nature: Generative Models for Digital Media. The outcomes of this project address current problems in digital media design. This research will nurture emerging Australian expertise and scholarship in computational creativity. Creative industries are making an increasingly important contribution to the global economy. Related projects overseas demonstrate the potential for tangible commercial benefits as a direct result of research investment in this field. The practical outcomes of ....Design after Nature: Generative Models for Digital Media. The outcomes of this project address current problems in digital media design. This research will nurture emerging Australian expertise and scholarship in computational creativity. Creative industries are making an increasingly important contribution to the global economy. Related projects overseas demonstrate the potential for tangible commercial benefits as a direct result of research investment in this field. The practical outcomes of this research find application in fields such as computer games, digital animation effects and new media arts. This inter-disciplinary project will enhance collaborative links between the research communities of Computer Science, Art and Design.Read moreRead less
Audio Nomad - A Location-based Handheld Audio Device for Sound-Art Applications. Audio Nomad is a cross-disciplinary project exploring location-aware, mobile audio devices for augmented audio reality systems. A unique and exciting combination of people and research in mobile devices, user interface design, spatial audio and streaming, spatial information systems, and positioning systems with new media arts and sound-art will create a handheld platform and design tools for use in culturally-signi ....Audio Nomad - A Location-based Handheld Audio Device for Sound-Art Applications. Audio Nomad is a cross-disciplinary project exploring location-aware, mobile audio devices for augmented audio reality systems. A unique and exciting combination of people and research in mobile devices, user interface design, spatial audio and streaming, spatial information systems, and positioning systems with new media arts and sound-art will create a handheld platform and design tools for use in culturally-significant applications. User-centred design embracing audio artists and content developers will create design tools for the emerging industry of virtual audio environments. Artists will be energised with new tools to create enriched and unique mobile audio user experiences for entertainment or productivity.Read moreRead less
An Intelligent Software-AGENT: Innovates Adaptive Workplace eTraining Tools. Maintaining well skilled and knowledgeable employees is key to sustaining our competitive advantage through smarter information use of digital technologies. By reviewing current government training practice and IT governance, the Project Team will share valuable insight enabling multi-disciplinary collaboration for effective information systems development. Access to our individual virtual learning space is critical; th ....An Intelligent Software-AGENT: Innovates Adaptive Workplace eTraining Tools. Maintaining well skilled and knowledgeable employees is key to sustaining our competitive advantage through smarter information use of digital technologies. By reviewing current government training practice and IT governance, the Project Team will share valuable insight enabling multi-disciplinary collaboration for effective information systems development. Access to our individual virtual learning space is critical; this Project places Australia at the centre of virtual reality and emerging Web 2.0 technologies in the race to empower the global reach of an individual's access to adaptable eLearning tools and the unyielding intellectual thirst for new learning spaces for the next decade.Read moreRead less