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The research thrusts of the Animation Research Labs are broad, and
include all areas of computer graphics, computer vision, and
human-computer interface design that are critical for animation, as
well as the artistic and storytelling aspects of animated
production. The list of areas below is intended to be suggestive
rather than comprehensive of the research thrusts to be pursued at the
ARL:
Modeling
Methods for acquiring and representing geometric, reflective, and
refractive properties of 3D objects ("3D photography"). Methods
for modeling the physical, dynamic properties of objects such as
skin or clay. Methods for adding animation controls to
hierarchical models. Methods for modeling realistic human figures. Animation
Methods for motion capture, re-use, and editing. Methods for rigid-
and non-rigid-body physical dynamics simulations. Development of
motion libraries. Methods for synthesizing secondary
motion. Methods for combining physically-plausible animation with
directorial control. Integrating selected classical animation
principles and processes into digital tools for animators. Tool
design and development for the effective teaching of animation. Rendering
Methods for creating artistic, as well as photorealistic, styles of
rendering. Methods for accelerating the rendering of highly
complex scenes. Methods for accurate color reproduction. Methods
for automatic camera control and directing. Methods for texture
synthesis, scratch & wire removal. Methods for digital special
effects, such as smoke and fire. Methods for seamlessly combining
synthetic and captured imagery. Computer Vision
Methods for digital tracking ("match-moving"). Methods for
acquiring shape from shading or from multiple images. Obtaining
structure from motion and motion analysis. Human-computer Interface Design
Interactive controls for real-time animation and games. User
interfaces for animation design and editing. Methods for intuitive
layout, lighting, and camera control. Fine Arts
Experiments in lighting, cinematography, composition, and character
design for computer-animated production. Developing new looks for
animated films. Developing new styles of interactive
computer-augmented performance or immersive
environments. Experiments in telepresence, dance and
interactivity; active space and movement, gesture-based
interfaces, and technologically-mediated spaces. Methods for
storyboarding and interactive story design. Methods for
integrating innovative abstract or representational visual and
auditory cues for narrative moving imagery. Design, development,
and use of animation tools that enhance the process of creating
new forms of sculpture and painting. Music
Methods for algorithmic composition, digital signal processing, and
sound synthesis. Interactive systems for live performance. Creating
virtual sound spaces. Synthetic instrument design.
For in-depth descriptions of ARL-related research initiatives, see the
web pages of our
core and affiliated faculty and
facilities, and in particular, the GRAIL
Research Projects
and
Publications sections.
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