Research Areas

Interactive Narrative Systems

The key research focus of this area is the exploration of interactive narrative systems that provide the viewer with the ability to select and edit interaction with a set of visual streams. The main theoretical and practical problem posed by this area is how to conceptualise and develop an interactive narrative system that allows the viewer to access, edit and view cinematic scale multi-temporal video streams simultaneously. The resolution to this problem provides the basis for greater experiential and imaginative immersion by the viewer in their interaction with multiple narrative fields that can be accessed and displayed simultaneously. This resolution will have applicability in the fields of, amongst others, cinema, interactive video, television and multi-media presentations.

Immersive Visualisation Systems

The key issues explored in this area are immersive Artificially Intelligent environments that provide for the collection, integration and display of visual, audio and kinaesthetic data. The central theoretical and practical problem posed by this area is how to conceptualise and develop smart three dimensional visualisation systems which combine display systems such as head mounted displays, data such as line of sight algorithms, motion/gesture tracking and integration of these into a simulation unit for recreation, planning and training. The resolution of this problem provides the basis for maximizing the multi-dimensional information available to the user and the user’s ability to utilize this information for specific operational tasks. This resolution will have applicability in the fields of, amongst others, mine training, design prototyping, atmospheric process modeling and virtual heritage.

Distributed Interface Systems

The key focus in this area is the integration of interface systems with the experience of distributed spatial visualisation environments. The key theoretical and practical problem posed by this area is how to conceptualize and develop Internet interfaces that maximize the seamless integration of interface design and user input. The resolution to this problem will provide the basis for the development of interfaces with a greater multi-sensorial responsiveness to the specific user. This resolution will have applicability in the fields of, amongst others, online television, home cinema, serious gaming and defence archives.