A framework for motion based bodily enaction with virtual characters

Abstract

We propose a novel methodology for authoring interactive behaviors of virtual characters. Our approach is based on enaction, which means a continuous two-directional loop of bodily interaction. We have implemented the case of two characters, one human and one virtual, who are separated by a glass wall and can interact only through bodily motions. Animations for the virtual character are based on captured motion segments and descriptors for the style of motions that are automatically calculated from the motion data. We also present a rule authoring system that is used for generating behaviors for the virtual character. Preliminary results of an enaction experiment with an interview show that the participants could experience the different interaction rules as different behaviors or attitudes of the virtual character. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.