Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq, Mr. Kamaruzzaman Rusalli, Mr. Fauzee Nasir, Mr. Mazlan Mahadzir, Mr. Mohd Fazidin Jabar, Mr. Badrolhisham Hashim

Researchers: Ms. Wong Chui Yin, Mr. Khong Chee Weng and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohammed Eshaq
Title: Human-Computer Interaction Approach: Enhancing Motion-Based Advertisement for Multimedia Application in the Internet.

Objective:
To enhance the current web advertisement for more flexible usage in e-shopping purpose

To identify the elements and principles of advertisements in different mediums such as television, cinema and World-Wide-Web

To design a more attractive and efficient prototype for motion-based advertisement on the Internet

To identify and categorise the respond and feedback of the audiences in viewing advertisements in different means

Type of Research: Product/Process Development (Design and Engineering)
Beneficiaries of the Project: Advertising and E commerce Agencies, Multimedia Development Corporation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Energy, Telecommunication, & Multimedia and Courses in MMU (Media Innovation)

Products/Services: MSc. degree / Research publication / Template for web-based advertising
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Status of Progress: Survey Targeted Date of Completion: First quarter of year 2002

Abstract:
Advertisement plays an important role for companies or industries to promote their products or services. Using different means to advertise has been immensely changing since decades from traditional broadcasting, such as print, television and cinema to digital era in World-Wide-Web. The Internet is found to be an ttractive, worldwide tool and cost saving for advertisers to promote their products or services. However, according to Neil Barrett, " web users downloading the popular page would be presented with the sponsor's ads in a passive manner: the ads required no interaction or activity from the user." Hence, most of the viewers will simply skip or ignore the presence of advertisement in the web page. In other words, most of the advertisements on the Internet in banners or simple Gif animations are found to lose their attention, persuasiveness and effectiveness to attract attention. As such, this research focuses
n the possibility of enhancing the Internet motion based advertisement for the future usage. An interview will be carried out with a specific age group. It will focus on three different mediums, namely cinema, television and the Internet. This research will also concentrate on the elements of Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI) that encompasses psychology approach, cognitive-perception, behavioural method, user interface design, screen technology and computer-supported-co-operative-work (CSCW).

Researchers: Mr. Che Zulkhairi Abdullah
Title: Interactive Documentary
Objective:
To define a few modelling approaches to animate, while describing the potential mental image created.

To determine the approach to implementing a syllabus based on 'directed-interactive animation' product

To determine the approach to designing directed interactive animation product's portal infrastructure.

Type of Research: Product/ process development (design and engineering)

Beneficiaries of the Project: Film and Animation Course in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, MMU, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC), Film and Animation Industries, 3D content Developers

Products/Services:
· an interactive documentary walkthrough
· a manually-made model - to be controlled via RC device
· linear painting (manually constructed set) to be composited with CG character and live-action footages

Status of Progress: Recording Experiments
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2002

Abstract:
The research intends to define a few models of story telling of interactive documentary based on stimulated-visual theory. These descriptions shall be based on the viewer's pre-defined and developed comprehension, perception, interpretation and meaning. The outcome of the research determines the approach to implement a framework on stimulated-visual product for creative media schools and the industry itself. This research selects knowledge-based learning as part of the experimentation for younger audience. It will be used to explain simple concepts, basic patterns and normal activities of certain subject matters and its immediate effecting elements found in the setting. The new approach to producing documentaries shall include animation strategies that involve analog-to-digital 'intelligent' animating models, to balance the requirements for technical know-how and computing power. The intelligent system that drives 30% of the directive-interactive animation product components will be based on the LEGO Mindstorms technologies and the open intelligent theory.

Researchers: Ms. Mastura Abdul Rahman and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: A study on the process of making an art project using multimedia tools
Objective:
To identify the factors that affect change in the working process of an art project using multimedia.

To understand the related theories or thoughts underpinning the working process of the project.

To postulate a general working methodology suitable for artists working with multimedia

Type of Research: Process Development (Design)

Beneficiaries of the Project: Solutions for the factors that affect change in the process of making and exhibiting a body of artworks using multimedia.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication / Exhibition

Status of Progress: Ongoing
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2003

Abstract:
In the process of making a body of artworks, artists seldom come across the problem of change in approaches, techniques as well as the direction of their artistic styles. The change may strengthened or worsen the quality of the artworks. It is imperative for artists to identify the factors that affect change in his or her working process to ascertain his or her artistic development and direction. Multimedia, as an art making media and technique, offers many possibilities of changes in the working process and styles. The researcher, who is a practicing artist, has taken an interest in making artworks using multimedia and plans to make an art project. She has previously worked with traditional art forms of drawing and painting. She is aware of the change that awaits her and interested to study the factors that effects the change in the appearance and direction of her works. The working process and audience comments during the exhibition will be recorded for analyses and interpretation. The study will be useful for artists wanting to explore multimedia. It will also be beneficial for students and the public to understand the creative process of a contemporary artist.

Researchers: Ms. Elyna Amir Sharji and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: Space Appreciation using Multimedia as a Tool.
Objective:
To select a few categories of building type, do spatial research, transfer data into a report and use 3D-multimedia tool to visualise all data and findings. End users get to view the 3D simulation of the external and internal of buildings studied.

Type of Research: Process Development (Design)

Beneficiaries of the Project: Understanding and appreciation of space contained within and about buildings.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication / 3D Images & Animation, CD Rom on the analysis and synthesis of the meaning space.

Status of Progress: Ongoing
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2003

Abstract:
A building comprises of more than the skin and the structural works. It is the soul that comes in the form of SPACE that is intriguing and provokes the mind. To be able to experience a building relies heavily on the spatial concept and internal lay out. How one is captured right from entering the entrance and through the layering of space, of horizontal and vertical planes and finally the euphoria, or depressed feeling that concludes the tour ( depending on the feeling intended ).
The common norm at present celebrates the outer skin and grandeur of facades. Not many include the hidden grids and fragmentations that can lead to a surprisingly good form AND space. Thus a number of them fail, in the sense of a sensuous building.

The client is only exposed to the workings of architecture for the duration of their project, whereas the architect is constantly developing his own thoughts and ideas on architecture. So the architect requires an independence that is akin to leadership. It is up to him to define the issues.
- Thom Mayne, Morphosis

This study aims to analyse different types of building and their accompanying space. The result will be recorded. A comparison between good, condusive space and vice versa will be tabulated. The usage of 3D multimedia tool will be implemented to give the audience a clearer vision on the journey of internal space. The data recorded will come in handy as a reference tool.

Researchers: Ms. June Jong Sze Joon and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: Techniques in Lip-Sync and Facial Tracking Using MoCap: An Experimentation on the Usage and Effectiveness by Exploring Different Approaches of MoCap in 3D

Objective:
To recommend a creative and effective way of using MoCap for lip-sync and facial-tracking in 3D animation.

To understand MoCap system and study the techniques to improve the quality of motion capture data, and to develop new algorithms to manipulate these data.

To identify the elements and usage of MoCap and its effectiveness in lip-sync and facial-tracking in 3D animation.

To conduct surveys to find out the usage and effectiveness of using MoCap techniques for lip-sync and facial-tracking in 3D animation

To compare the usage and effectiveness of MoCap techniques in various 3D softwares in 3D animation.

To conduct experiments on exploring different techniques of lip-sync and facial- tracking using MoCap for animation.

Type of Research: Process Development (Design and Engineering)
Beneficiaries of the Project: Animation based on MoCap will be able to carry edutainment development courses with the ability to focus on the developing the content and creative abilities of the educators and animators and without reliance upon traditional way of animation or programming-skilled personnel.

By having a standardized guideline edutainment development the facilities will be able to focus their syllabus on skill development instead of spending time having the users to become familiar with various type of 3D animation softwares, hardwares, or technology that could be obselete within months.

Practical concept appropriate for further R&D works and for creative- practical learning syllabus for Faculty of Creative Multimedia. Theory -application learned from the MoCap experiences.

Practical design system, based on application and philosophy. The documented process can be utilized for the syllabus contents appropriate for advance film and animation class.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication / Creative-concious syllabus utilizing MoCap system and other related technology / A basic guideline and a recommendation of a creative and effective way of using MoCap for lip-sync and facial-tracking in 3D animation and film for edutainment purposes.

Status of Progress: Ongoing
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2003

Abstract:
With today's technology given, MoCap (Motion-capture) plays an important role of digital story telling in animation. One of the advantages of MoCap compare to traditional animation is the capability of real-time visualization, and the 'hyper-real' quality of animation. However, there are still a number of problems especially lip-sync and facial tracking.

This research will introduce a literature review on different approaches of lip-sync and facial tracking using MoCap in animation through interviews with local and international filmmakers and animators. A few experiments will be used to analysis different methods in lip-syncs using MoCap and key frame animation using available 3D softwares. This research will recommend the creative way of using MoCap for lip-sync and facial tracking in 3D animation based on various approaches.

Researchers: Mr. Mohd Izani Zainal Abidin and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: A comparative study on the current and potential commercial utilization of motion capture versus keyframe animation

Objective:
To make an extensive comparative study between motion capture and keyframe animation and to expose the alternative methods in computer animation

Collection of survey and data on advantages/disadvantages of these two methods

To assess the most popular method and the reasons behind its selection

To analyse the process of these two methods through the development of prototypical short character animation

Type of Research: Process Development (Design and Engineering)
Beneficiaries of the Project: Local animation industry has grown rapidly in Malaysia. Hence, by providing standard guidelines in certain aspects of production, it is hoed that the industry will focus on the production quality instead of spending time to make a right selection on the facilities to be used.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication / Guideline for investors/industries community in term of techniques, methods and facilities / Providing theoretical and practical solutions for animation production

Status of Progress: Ongoing
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2003

Abstract:
The contribution of technology in the animation industry is inarguable. The increase in animated series/feature film production has given a new impetus to technology development. Traditional cel animation, computer keyframe animation and motion capture all have same objective that is to produce an effective and efficient output. This research will highlight two methods in producing computer animation, keyframe animation and motion capture. The resulting animations produced using motion are extremely realistic compared to keyframe animation. However the two methods have their own adherents.
This study will concentrate on the process of using these methods in producing animation. This research will cover the aspects of process, practicality and implementation. It is hoped that the results of this research will be useful as guidelines for making decisions on the suitable platform for animation production in terms of practical and financial advantages and disadvantages.

Researchers: Ms. Mastura Yunan and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: The Evolution of the Principles of Animation

Objective:
To analyse the emergence of the principle of animation within the wider context of the history of animation.

To examine of the ways that they are put to practical use, the adequacy and limitations of the existing principles will be critically evaluated.

To envision the next stage of the evolutionary process by showing how the principles can be developed further

Type of Research: Process Development (Design)
Beneficiaries of the Project: Studies syllabus in animation

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication

Status of Progress: Initial stage
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: Second quarter of year 2004

Abstract:
Since the beginning of time, human beings have tried to capture a sense of motion in their art and this can be traced back as early as 2000 BC, in an Egyptian wall creation. To this day, animation has developed much more then its predecessors. Although animation has come a long way since then, animators continues to seek perfection in their work, as essence of animation, according to Norman Mclaren, is "not the art of drawings that move, but rather the art of movements that are drawn" (Wells:1998). Because of this, it is essential for animators to have a firm grasp of the principles of animation.

Against this background, the research seeks to explore the evolution of the principles of animation in the course of the last century. For this, it will delve into history of animation to understand the factors, which gave rise to the principles. From there, their usage and adequacy particularly in relation to computer animation will be closely studied.

It is expected that this report will enhance the understanding of the evolution of principles of animation and will provide a strong basis for further relevant research and development in the field.

Researchers: Ms. Forest Lim Yan-Peng and Prof. Peter Charles Wood
Title: A Theoretical Framework for Iconographic Design in GUI in User Interface Development

Objective:
To identify the critical characteristics of icon design.

To test the comprehension and acceptability of icons in purposive situations, for example:colour and navigation.

Type of Research: Process Development (Software Design)
Beneficiaries of the Project: Theoretical framework for effective icon design for Graphic Design (GD) applications.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication

Status of Progress: Early stage
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: 2004

Abstract:
Human-Computer Interface (HCI) is concerned with making computer technology more usable and accessible. To this end Graphical User Interface (GUI) addresses those aspects of visual representation, presentation from the standpoint of user perception and comprehension. This in turn provides Graphic Design (GD) with the necessary theoretical underpinning in the use of methods and technologies for producing and delivering effective visual presentations.

Icons are used increasingly in interfaces because they are compact "universal" pictographic representations of computer functionality and processing. (Ronald Baecker, Ian Small and Richard Mander, ACM, 1991).

…people find images "natural," because the human mind has powerful image memory and processing capabilities, because icons can be easily learned and recognized, and because images "can possess more universality than text," iconic interfaces can "reduce the learning curve in both time and effort, and facilitate user performance while reducing errors." (Ronald Baecker, Ian Small and Richard Mander, ACM, 1991).

The purpose of this research is to investigate the characteristics of appropriate interactive
design of icons within user interface.

Researchers: Mr. Mohd Nazri Md. Saad and Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq
Title: Interactive Multimedia Course Content: The Application of the Interactive Multimedia in the low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Technology.

Objective:
To search for a cost-effective tool which supports interactive multimedia applications in teaching and learning

To understand the technical requirements of the cost-effective learning tools in education

To create a prototype courseware based on the thin client environment

Type of Research: Process Development (Multimedia courseware) Beneficiaries of the Project: Development of Interactive course content that will be used in the Thin Clients environment in order to the TCO in educational institutions.

Products/Services:
MSc. degree / Research publication / Interactive multimedia course content in the Thin Clients environment

Status of Progress: Initial stage
Source of Funding: MMU Internal Funding
Targeted Date of Completion: 2004

Abstract:
Multimedia has, in a very short time, become an essential tool in the communication of information (Elsem-Cook, 2001). In a multimedia-based learning, a high level of interactivity of teamwork is critical (Rosenberg, 2001) whereby the classroom has to be redesigned to take the best advantage of the new delivery technology. Networked computing is needed to support costly to be installed and maintanned. Most schools lack the financial and human resources to support the increasing reliance on networked computers for everyday activities. An Open Source Model with cost-effective network would be one of the solutions to promote and accelerate the application of computers in the classrooms. The multimedia courseware developed for the educational needs must be suitable for the cost-effective network environment so that it could be widely used to enhance the collaborative needs in the teaching and learning. The integration of the multimedia elements has to be properly planned so that the courseware can be fully utilised and able to fulfil the learning objectives in schools.

Researchers: Izuzi Marlia Hj. Khalid, Prof. Peter Woods, Dr. Ahmad Rafi

Title: Multimedia Annotation as Knowledge Sharing Tool Among Peers

Objective:
This research will investigate the use of multimedia annotation in rich media content environment to support collaborative learning and knowledge sharing among peers. On top of that, it is hoped to benefit in managing reusability of multimedia assets to form a meaningful learning experience among peers.

Type of Research:
Technology Development (Applied Research)
Beneficiaries of the project

Beneficiaries of the Project: Multimedia and New Media Design Students, Academicians and Practitioners,
Knowledge Practitioners, Peers-Learners.

Abstract: Asynchronous threaded discussions have been widely used in a variety of university courses [6] demonstrating that it is a powerful medium that provides both the interactive features and reflective qualities that aid collaborative discussion [5]. Studies have also shown that students whom working together can greatly improve their learning by involved in the process of articulation, conflict and co-construction of ideas among peers [3]. One of the important concepts from single-user system that have been adopted to support collaboration system is Annotation [9], which involves a process of marking the content where the original remains unchanged [2]. Annotation systems in collaborative learning can be categorized into two main groups: 1) Document-centered and 2) Discussion-centered [7]. Previous research has shown that annotations made in books are useful to subsequent readers [8] and research in discussion-thread environment revealed that reviewers doing collaborative annotations can greatly benefit from the context-based hierarchical organization of the annotations [5]. However, most digital annotation is still a text-based and ink-based, although some are audio and pictorial [2]. As multimedia becomes the centre of attention and play an important part of rich media content in learning, annotation should be made rich media as well, that allows annotating with text, video, audio, animation or visuals. By allowing annotating from a variety of resources and medias, the collaboration system can be a platform to promote a knowledge sharing culture among members of a community and increase their capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge. This research will investigate the use of multimedia annotation in rich media content environment to support collaborative learning and knowledge sharing among peers. On top of that, it is hoped to benefit in managing reusability of multimedia assets to form a meaningful learning experience among peers.

List of Publication by members
International Journal Articles
Ahmad Rafi, M. E, Peter Karboulonis, Che Zulhairi A. (18-20 April 2002), Interactive Storytelling & Its Role in The Design Process, Proceedings of The 7th International Conference of CAADRIA2002, MMU.

Ahmad Rafi, M. E, Peter Karboulonis. (18-20 April 2002), The Role Of Advanced VR Interfaces In Knowledge Management And Their Relevance To Architecture, Proceedings of The 7th International Conference of CAADRIA2002, MMU.

Rafi, A. and Fazidin, J. (2001). Army War Game (AWAS) System: Utilising Architectural Knowledge In Virtual Environments, Proceedings of The 6th International Conference of Caadria, Sdyney, Australia.

Rafi, A. and Fazidin, J. (2001). Creating a City Administration System (CAS) using Virtual Reality in an Immersive Collaborative Environment (ICE). Proceedings of the 19th International Conference of eCAADe2001, Helsinki, Finland

Rizal Hussain, Ahmad Rafi M. E. (18-20 April 2002), The Impact Of Internet Enabled Computer-Aided Design (iCAD) in Construction Industry, Proceedings of The 7th International Conference of CAADRIA2002, MMU.

Chapter Of Book
Ahmad Rafi, M.E. (2001) Design Creativity in Emerging Technologies. In Ingrid Fisher-Schreiber, Heimo Ranzenbacher, Jutta Schmeiderer (Eds.), Takeover: Who's Doing the Art Tomorrow (pp. 41 - 53). Austria: Springer Publication.

Ahmad Rafi, M.E. (2001). Design Computing: A New Challenge for Creative Synergy. In Kamimura, K. (ed.) COE International Symposium, (pp. 23-27). Keio University Press, Japan.

Conference Papers
Hanafizan, H. and Rafi, A. (2001). The Design Framework for the Edutainment Environment, International Conference of Europia2001.

Juhanita Jiman (2001, 29 - 30 October) entitled Character Animation: A Motivation Factor to Enhance E-Learning. INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-EDUCATION (ICEE 2001).

Juhanita Jiman (2002, April 22 - 26) entitled Virtual Reality: The Technology, Its Impact And The Future Development TOOLS AND METHODS OF COMPETITIVE ENGINEERING (TMCE 2002).

Mohamad Izani, Z.A., Rafi, A. and Hanafizan, H. (2001). An Approach to Multimedia Presentation on Storytelling of Malay Folklore. Proceeding of Multimedia Technology and Applications Conference. University of California, Irvine, USA.

Marlia, I. Woods,P. and Rafi, A. (2006, Feb 21-23). Concept Mapping as Knowledge externalization Tool. International Conference: Knowledge Management in Institute of Higher Learning 2006, Bangkok, Thailand

Khalid, I. Abu Bakar.G and Yuen.M.C (2006, Feb 15-16). Preliminary Research: Multimedia Teaching Audio-Video Media through Music Video. International Conference on Media and Identity in Asia 2006, Miri,Malaysia.

Khalid, I. (2005, Dec 5-6). Interactive art: Beyond 'Point' and 'Click'. International Conference on Creative and Applied Art 200 (ICACA05), Kuching,Malaysia.

Khalid, Izuzi. (2005, July 7-9). Preliminary Research: Multimedia Annotation as Knowledge Sharing Tool in Collaborative Learning Environment. International Conference on Knowledge Management 200 (ICKM’05), Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.