Colloquium: The Effect of Animation Fidelity and Affective Behaviors of Virtual Humans on Users’ Visual Attention and Non-Verbal Conducts in Dyadic and Crowd Scenarios

The computer science colloquium takes place on Mondays from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

This week's speaker, Matias Volonte (Clemson University), will be giving a talk titled "The Effect of Animation Fidelity and Affective Behaviors of Virtual Humans on Users’ Visual Attention and Non-Verbal Conducts in Dyadic and Crowd Scenarios".

Abstract

Anthropomorphic virtual characters are digital entities that mimic humans’ behavior and appearance. Currently, virtual humans have the potential to revolutionize human-computer interaction since they could be used as interfaces for social or collaborative scenarios. Present technology advancements provide the means to create virtual humans with an animation and an appearance of fidelity that will make them almost indistinguishable from humans. Understanding the emotional impact on users during interaction with digital humans is primordial, specifically in training systems, since emotion influences learning results. 

This presentation describes the result of studies focused on understanding the impact that animation fidelity and affective behaviors of virtual characters have on users’ visual attention and verbal and non-verbal behaviors in dyadic and crowd scenarios.

Biography

Matias Volonte is a Ph.D. candidate in Human Centered Computing at Clemson University, South Carolina. His doctoral research investigates the effect that appearance and affective behavior of virtual humans have on users visual attention and overall behaviors. 

Matias holds a master’s degree in Digital Production Arts oriented to Visual Effects from Clemson University, South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communication from Universidad Blas Pascal, Argentina. Prior to starting her doctorate, Matias worked in the film industry as an artist and technical developer for feature films and television commercials.