CS Colloquium Series @ UCY
Department of Computer Science - University of Cyprus
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Cyprus holds research colloquiums and social hours approximately once weekly. All university students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Notifications about new and upcoming events are automatically disseminated to a variety of institutional lists.
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Colloquium Coordinator: Demetris Zeinalipour
Colloquium: Cutting-edge Technologies in the World of Performing Arts: The challenges in digitization and synthesis, Dr. Andreas Aristidou (University of Cyprus, Cyprus), Friday, June 7, 2024, 17.00-18.00 EET.
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Cyprus cordially invites you to the Colloquium entitled:
Cutting-edge Technologies in the World of Performing Arts: The challenges in digitization and synthesis
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Speaker: Dr. Andreas Aristidou |
Abstract:
In this presentation, I will explore the integration of cutting-edge technologies in the performing arts, highlighting the innovative work at the Graphics and Extended Reality Lab. We will focus on data acquisition and motion analysis techniques, showcasing recent advancements in deep learning for multimodal synthesis and generative models for dance creation. These advancements address the limitations and challenges in this field. Additionally, I will discuss various applications developed within our lab, emphasizing the importance of digitizing and visualizing performing arts for accessibility, cultural preservation, and education. The digitization of performing arts is crucial for making art more accessible and preserving cultural heritage, despite challenges like the loss of live experience and technical obstacles in maintaining authenticity. The presentation will delve into the project PREMIERE, which aims to modernize performing arts through advanced digital technologies, supporting the entire lifecycle of performances from production to audience engagement. We will examine data acquisition methods, including the use of motion capture technology and the development of a publicly accessible digital dance library, and address challenges in capturing complex movements, particularly with traditional costumes. The presentation will cover the design of algorithms for motion analysis and style transfer, inspired by the Laban Movement Analysis system, to capture both the content and nuance of human motion. Further, I will discuss the implementation of deep learning algorithms for motion synthesis and analysis, including the use of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks, content-aware music-driven models, and generative models like GANs and diffusion models. These models enable the creation of realistic and dynamic character animations, enhancing the realism and narrative depth of digital performances. Applications in virtual reality (VR) for dance education and entertainment will be presented, showcasing the development of interactive learning platforms and the use of monocular cameras for pose reconstruction and real-time interaction with performances. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on the open challenges and future directions in digitizing performing arts, including the creation of interacting performers, responsive digital audiences, and advancements in XR and hologram technologies.
Short Bio:
Andreas Aristidou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Cyprus, member of the Graphics & Extended Reality Lab, and a Research Fellow at the CYENS Centre of Excellence with special interest in computer graphics and character animation. He completed his PhD as a Cambridge European Trust fellow at the University of Cambridge and holds an MSc in Mobile and Personal Communications from King’s College London, where he graduated with honors. Dr. Aristidou also obtained a BSc in Informatics and Telecommunications from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He previously worked as a research fellow at Shandong University (China), IDC Herzliya (Israel), and the University of Cyprus, and participated in a number of EU funded projects. He is currently on the editorial board of The Visual Computer (TVC) and Heritage journals, and is a guest editor for the Frontiers in Virtual Reality and Advances in Applied Clifford Algebras (AACA) journals. He is a senior member of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM, SM from 2020), the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE, SM from 2019), and Eurographics. He has received numerous fellowships, distinctions, and research grants from highly competitive local, EU, and international agencies. His main research interests lie in the broader field of computer graphics, extended reality, and vision, with a specialization in character animation and virtual humans. He employs various techniques, including motion capture, inverse kinematics, behavioral analysis, and machine learning, encompassing deep learning, generative models, and reinforcement learning. He is also actively involved in research related to digital heritage (intangible cultural creations), VR/AR/XR environments, and applications of conformal geometric algebra in graphics. He has published over 50 articles in top-tier international journals and conferences and has been the principal investigator on various projects funded by the European Union. Additionally, he collaborates with the creative industry and AI companies to design innovative algorithms for motion and character synthesis and analysis.
Note:
This colloquium is part of the speaker's procedure for evaluation and promotion from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor.
