Hands-on: Rapid Interactive Application Prototyping for Media Arts and Stage Performance and Beyond

Summary: This is a hands-on/studio type of course. We explore a rapid prototyping of interactive graphical applications using Jitter/Max and Processing with OpenGL, shaders, and featuring connectivity with various devices such as, Kinect, Wii, iDevice-based controls, and others. Such rapid prototyping environment is ideal for entertainment computing, as well as for artists and real-time performances using interactive graphics. We'd like to share the expertise we developed in connecting the real-time graphics with on-stage performance with the Illimitable Space System (ISS) v2. The course design is modular and flexible and can fit various schedules. It has been previously offered at SIGGRAPH Asia 2015 (Kobe), 2016 (Macau), and Studio 2017 (LA).

Author(s)/Speaker(s):
Moderator: Serguei Mokhov, Concordia University; mDreams Pictures, Inc; CCIFF.ca, Canada
Lecturer(s): Serguei Mokhov, Concordia University; mDreams Pictures, Inc; CCIFF.ca, Canada
Miao Song, Concordia University, Canada
Sudhir Mudur, Concordia University, Canada
Peter Grogono, Concordia University, Canada

Author(s)/Speaker(s) Bio:
Serguei Mokhov had obtained his PhD from Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in CS and InfoSec. Mokhov’s diverse research interests include intensional programming, distributed and autonomic computing, digital forensics, information systems security, AI, software engineering, computer graphics, HCI, computer networks. His PhD had to do with Intensional Cyberforensics. Mokhov taught CG courses to undergraduate students at Concordia. He originally proposed the OpenGL slides framework for simple hair animation in 2003. Song and Mokhov jointly did the stereo 3D plug-in for Maya in 2008. Mokhov later joined Song to work on the ISS.

Serguei Mokhov had obtained his PhD from Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in CS and InfoSec. Mokhov’s diverse research interests include intensional programming, distributed and autonomic computing, digital forensics, information systems security, AI, software engineering, computer graphics, HCI, computer networks. His PhD had to do with Intensional Cyberforensics. Mokhov taught CG courses to undergraduate students at Concordia. He originally proposed the OpenGL slides framework for simple hair animation in 2003. Song and Mokhov jointly did the stereo 3D plug-in for Maya in 2008. Mokhov later joined Song to work on the ISS.

Miao Song completed her first Bachelor's degree in Performance Arts and Direction in China. While in China, she worked in the China Central Television Station (CCTV) as a TV director and journalist. She obtained her second Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada, of Computer Science focusing on interactive real-time softbody simulation. Song completed the SIP PhD program with research involving a mix of interactive environments, cinema and documentaries, 3D computer graphics and realistic physical based simulation, and haptic responsive environments. Her film projects have been screened at international film festivals. She founded CCIFF.ca in 2015.

Sudhir Mudur obtained his Bachelor of Technology (honours) in 1970 from IIT Bombay and his PhD in 1976 from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India. His interest in CG started with his undergraduate thesis project. Since then he has been actively researching the field of CG in 3D modelling, global illumination, virtual environments in CAD/CAM and entertainment. Mudur is currently a professor at Concordia University. He taught CG-related courses at the all levels for 30+ years. He served as the Editorial Board member of several CG journals. Mudur is a member of Eurographics and SIGGRAPH Pioneer Group.

After obtaining B.A. and M.A. degrees in mathematics from Cambridge University, Peter Grogono worked in various fields, including pattern recognition, civil engineering, operating systems and electronic music. In the late 1960s, while at Electronic Music Studios in Putney, England, he implemented MUSYS, a software system for music synthesis on DEC PDP/8. Grogono's research areas include programming languages, expert systems, graphics, and software engineering. He has published seven books and 100+ research articles. He is now Professor Emeritus, having retired from Concordia University in 2014 he pursues hobbies, including photography, music, while continuing to conduct research into programming languages and graphics.