Can gesture-based computer games use the information embedded in our movements to figure out when and how to adjust the game’s level of difficulty, the course of the game or even lighting and music?
This kind of research falls under the area of human-computer interaction (HCI).
As home to the Interactive Multimedia Group and a master’s program in HCI, Carleton specializes in this area.
Ali Etemad was so taken with HCI-related research opportunities as a master’s student at Carleton that he chose to stay and pursue his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Etemad says his research uses machine learning, pattern recognition, artificial intelligence and computer vision, along with perceptual and psychological methods to model and analyze human motion focusing on stylistic and affective behaviour.
“Our research is intended for character control in animated movies and video games as well as extraction of information from motion patterns,” explains Etemad. “So in addition to multimedia applications, it could also have an impact on surveillance systems to help recognize and track suspects.”
Etemad says he enjoys the freedom of his program: “The Systems and Computer Engineering department and the School of Information Technology aren’t confined to classical definitions of computer engineering. The school is very multidisciplinary and is involved with different fields such as human-computer interaction, networks, photonics and laser.”
The PhD student also applauds his supervisor, Dr. Ali Arya. “He gives me the freedom to experiment with my own ideas and encourages outside-the-box thinking and that’s what has led to many of the breakthroughs in my research.”
Etemad hopes to graduate this year and plans on pursuing either a teaching or research position.
Friday, May 3, 2013 in Grad Student Research, News
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