Towards Intelligent Virtual Actors

2009

In this submission we present a first step for an author-centric interface to believable agents. Based on a number of approaches for the description of 3D content, we developed CharanisML, the Character Animation System Meta Language. It is applicable for controlling both 2D and 3D avatars. To demonstrate this, we implemented two different clients in 2D and 3D that are able to interpret CharanisML. Also, they can be adapted as animation engines for interactive digital storytelling engines like Scenejo, that are used in the fields of entertainment as well as game-based learning. Using CharanisML it is possible for an author to control characters independently from both storytelling engines and two- or three-dimensional representation.

1993

This paper discusses the problem of simulating the artificial life of realistic synthetic actors. It first presents the development of the general concept of autonomous actors reacting to their environment and taking decisions based on perception systems, memory and reasoning. An example of vision-based animation with an individualized walking model is detailed. Then, we discuss facial animation techniques for synthetic actors. Finally, we show how to improve the appearance of synthetic actors by dressing them and designing hairstyles for them.

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2007

Computers & Graphics, 2000

Dealing with synthetic actors who move and behave realistically in virtual environments is a task which involves di!erent disciplines like Mechanics, Physics, Robotics, Arti"cial Intelligence, Arti"cial Life, Biology, Cognitive Sciences and so on. In this paper we use the nature of the information required for controlling actors' motion and behaviour to propose a new classi"cation of synthetic actors. A description of the di!erent motion and behaviour techniques is presented. A set of Internet addresses of the most relevant research groups, commercial companies and other related sites in this area is also given.

2020

Animating artificial character on a virtual stage requires an exacting description of all details of the movements of the body and in space and of the actions to be performed, in particular when plausible behaviours are requested. Behavioural AI, i.e. a character animation machinery that automatically adapts to context, helps in reducing efforts but is difficult to develop. This paper discusses a production process for interactive training videos that allows three stakeholders – an instructional designer defining an exercise; a director shooting video clips from virtual reality with artificial characters; and, a development team creating models of behaviour – to efficiently cooperate by means of nested requirement / implementation / testing cycles. Good requirements and appropriate AI technologies (typically a mixture of goal-oriented programming and statistical models) allow the creation of behavioural models that can be used for many exercises, thus greatly reducing costs compared...

2001

Abstract In this paper, we describe a method for implementing intelligent behaviour for artificial actors in the context of interactive storytelling. We have developed a fully implemented prototype based on the Unreal™ game engine and carried experiments with a simple sitcom-like scenario. We discuss the central role of artificial actors in interactive storytelling and how real-time generation of their behaviour participates to the creation of a dynamic storyline.

2001

This paper argues that the development of virtual actor technology must be guided by application and end user needs. Two objectives drive the development of the 'Senet' project described in this paper: to develop a set of design guidelines for the use of virtual actors in Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) for learning, and to inform the development of the underlying virtual actor technology following a user centred approach. The methodological approach followed involves the development of prototype virtual learning environments in a series of distinct phases. These are based on an ancient Egyptian game (senet) and are aimed at children at Key Stage Level 2 of the National Curriculum for education in England. Two-dimensional multimedia technology has been used to develop robust prototypes, which were then observed in use by children. The result of this study derived a set of design guidelines, which were then used to guide the implementation of a 3D CVE using the Deva CVE technology.

The Visual Computer, 1999

In this paper, we present a new system dedicated to the real-time production of multimedia products and TV shows involving multiple virtual actors and presenters. This system, named VHD (Virtual Human Director), may be also used for character animation on high-level systems and interaction with Web based applications. The user can create virtual stories by directing all actions in real-time. It is similar to a movie producer directing actors during filming but with more control given to the director in the sense that everything is decided and controlled by the same person. To make this complicated task possible, in a useable way, we provide a high-level control of the virtual actors. Tools were developed to be able to predefine actions in advance so that during the real-time playing, the producer can concentrate on the main guidelines of the scenario. Only high-level actions can be used with the interface, this allows control of the speech, by typing/selecting simple text-based sentences. The facial animation is controlled by pre-recorded sentences. These facial animations can be mixed in real-time and also mixed with the speech. Control of the body is done through keyframing and motion motors for the walking.

1989

… Third Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital …, 2007