Borut Batagelj

Dynamic Anamorphosis as a Special, Computer-Generated User Interface

A classical or static anamorphic image requires a specific, usually a highly oblique view direction, from which the observer can see the anamorphosis in its correct form. This paper explains dynamic anamorphosis which adapts itself to the changing position of the observer so that wherever the observer moves, he sees the same undeformed image. This dynamic changing of the anamorphic deformation in concert with the movement of the observer requires from the system to track the 3D position of the observer’s eyes and the re-computation of the anamorphic deformation in real time. This is achieved using computer vision methods which consist of face detection and tracking the 3D position of the selected observer. An application of this system of dynamic anamorphosis in the context of an interactive art installation is described. We show that anamorphic deformation is also useful for improving eye contact in videoconferencing. Other possible applications involve novel user interfaces where the user can freely move and observe perspectively undeformed images.

Art – A Perfect Testbed for Computer Vision Related Research

Contemporary art nowadays tries to exploit modern technology to better address and enlighten specific problems and ideas of our time. Our interest in wider impact of modern technology on society and the interest in contemporary art, brought our attention also to the applicative field of use of computer vision methods in art. This chapter walks us through a few projects, proving that art is definitely a perfect testbed for our research: 15 Seconds of Fame, Dynamic Anamorphosis, Virtual Skiing, Smart Wall, Virtual Dance and Virtual Painter, from face detection, motion following, depth recovery, touchless human-computer interaction to popart, constant eye gaze of a person on the portrait, regardless of where the spectator stands, immersion into different virtual worlds without the need for any special equipment.

System for active video observation over the Internet

We have designed a system with an intuitive user interface for remote camera control and image-based queries over the Internet. While searching for present solutions we realized the importance of a well-designed user interface. We developed a system, which enables remote observation and remote control of the JVC network camera over the Internet. The user interface is based on the combination of live video and a static panoramic view of a remote location. It provides a complete overview of a remote location and significantly simplifies the control over the Internet. By interactively moving a rectangular frame in the panoramic picture, the user locally selects the new direction of the camera. Visual summaries of activities at the observed location can be generated as well as custom queries with a simple user interface over the Internet.

From illustrations to an interactive art installation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set an example of how people with severe learning difficulties could be more integrated into our society. Design/methodology/approach – The installation consists of puzzles in the form of a specially designed table with an integrated touch screen. As the visual templates for the puzzles serve pictures painted by a person with severe learning difficulties. The pieces of the puzzles are manipulated directly by the player on the touch screen presenting an intuitive and easily learned user interface. Findings – The framework for the work was a creation of an interactive art installation in the form of a game where users assemble puzzles on a touch monitor, housed in a specially designed table. Paintings by a person with severe learning difficulty served as visual templates for the puzzles. The pieces of the puzzles can be manipulated directly by the user on a touch screen presenting an intuitive and easily learned user interface, which stimulates the learning of fine ...

Preservation of a Computer-Based Art Installation

In contemporary digital art computer technology plays an integral part not only in the creation of art pieces but also in their functioning as art works. Such digital art works have usually a performative or interactive character and therefore rely on an underlying working computer system. Since computer and information technology advances with such unrelenting pace, hardware and software modules soon become obsolete. How to preserve such digital art works in these circumstances from a art conservation standpoint is much debated but not clear yet. In this article we present and discuss issues in the conservation of digital art works using a case study of a ten years old interactive art installation.

Presence - The Integration of Classical Artistic Media in a Smart Space Prototype

In the mixed reality of the computer installation Presence, which functions as a prototype for a smart space, the visitor is placed in the position of a person in audience with the king. The interaction with a digital avatar is structured according to the rules of social behaviours and following the script of the Shakespeare’s play. The paper explains different aspects of the conceptualisation of an interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and computer engineers.